Sorenson Center Audiovisual Equipment and Labor Rate Guide
Gregory Brewster, Technical Director, Sorenson Center for the Arts
gbrewster@babson.edu (781) 239-5681 There is no charge for the basic usage of the audio and lighting package installed in the theatre. Concerts, theatrical performances, dance shows and variety events may be subjected to additional costs, depending on complexity, at the discretion of the Technical Director.
The Technical Director must be contacted a minimum one month prior to the event to allow time for planning and if necessary, the rental of additional equipment and hiring of additional technical staff, at cost to the client.
Additions to your order less than 48 hours from the event will be subject to a 50% increase from the normal rental rate. Additions day of show will be subject to a 100% increase from the normal rate.
Audio
Basic Audio includes up to 8 wired microphones, 12 channels of control.
Sound system, more than 12 channels $150.00/flat
Wired microphone (each) $10.00/day
Wireless microphone (each) $50.00/day
Lighting
Basic Lighting includes up to 24 channels of lighting control.
Lighting system, more than 24 channels $200.00/flat
Follow spot $30.00/day
Projection
LCD 4000 lumen video projector $200.00/day
Note: Projector is meant to be viewed with a darkened stage. Images will be washed out if there is stage lighting on in addition to the projected images or video.
Laptop computer $50.00/day
Communication
Motorola Walkie Talkie (each) $10.00/day
Wireless Intercom Headset system $100.00/day
Facilities
Chair removal for orchestra pit:
Small pit (11 chairs off to one side) $100.00
Large pit (27 chairs, center rows) $250.00
Dance floor installation $150.00
Stage risers - 4' x 6' x 16" high (each $20.00)
Rectangular table 72” x 30” (each) $10.00
Round table 60” diameter (each) $10.00
Folding chair (each) $1.50
Special Circumstances Concerts
The sound system in the Sorenson Theatre is not a concert sound system. It cannot provide enough volume to enable vocal performers to be heard over the instrumentation under most circumstances. An outside audio company must be hired to provide a more appropriate sound system, unless discussion with the Technical Director has warranted this unnecessary.
The Technical Director must be given all information about concert events as soon as possible so communication with the performers can be established to discuss the logistics and technical needs. All equipment rental fees involved will be paid by the rental client.
Catered Dinners
Seated dinner is ONLY allowed in the Rehearsal Studio and designated space in the Upper Lobby. No tables may be set with chairs in any of the hallway spaces or the Main Lobby of the theatre. These are primary exit routes from the theatre in the event of fire or other emergency.
Tables in the Main Lobby may be used for booths, displays and buffet style serving only. Chairs may be set up along the sides of the lobby and along the hallway windows if they do not interfere with exiting the theatre.
The maximum number of table seating in the Rehearsal Studio is 80 (8 chairs per table), without catering. With catering, the maximum is 64.
The maximum number of table seating in the Upper Lobby area is 32 (8 chairs per table)
*75 plastic stacking chairs and 6 rectangular tables are available at no cost.
Additional tables and chairs are subject to availability based on other events on campus. During the academic year, larger numbers of tables and chairs may not be available. Outside rentals may be necessary.
Video Recording
There is no in house video recording capability in the Sorenson Theatre. All video recording is done by outside production companies.
Foggers/Haze
Foggers, haze and other atmospheric effects are not allowed in the theatre unless arrangements have been made to have fire marshals on hand. The fire detectors in the theatre itself are heat sensitive. However, the fire detectors directly outside the hallways in the lobby areas are particulate sensors and will go off if fog effects exit the theatre. As there is no way to guarantee this will not happen, fire marshals are required to be on site. Hourly rates range from $40-50/hr. A minimum of two is required, one to watch the fire panel in the adjoining buildings and one to stay in the theatre.
Technical Labor / Labor Rates
There is no permanent technical staff at the Sorenson Center for the Arts other than the Technical Director. If you do not have technical staff to run your show, you will be required to hire freelance technicians to run the technical aspects of your event. The Technical Director is not responsible for hiring or paying extra technical staff, but, if needed, can direct you towards several freelancers and production companies that provide audio and lighting services. Labor rates in the Boston area can be $20-50/hr for theatrical technicians, so be prepared for this cost. Many technicians work based on daily rates or have 4 hour minimums.
The following is a list of audio and lighting companies that have worked in the Sorenson Theatre before and may be able to provide additional equipment and staff if necessary.
Audio
High Voltage Sound (508) 460-0680
Boston Soundworks (617) 484-6983
Concert Sound and Lighting (978) 635-1144
Lighting
High Output (800) 787-4747
ALPS (866) 961-3066
Port Lighting (800) 982-7678
