Technical Requirements

• We don't need much room. A 15'x15' stage is enough, but we've done it in smaller places, including wedged between a lab bench and the edge of a stage.
• Control over the lights. The best, of course, is a theatre with a light board, but we've made do in a room with only switch control. We need to be able to turn the lights off and on, and it's nice to keep the audience lights dark while the performance is going.
• A modest sound system. It should be stereo, and able to accept three (mono) inputs: one radio mic and two channels from a mini-disc player (I bring the mic and disc player). "Stereo" does not simply mean two speakers. There should be two independent channels, with pan controls for each input. Note that two of the sound sources are on stage, so there needs to be cabling to run to wherever the sound system is. This seems to be the part of this list that gives people the most trouble. If there's anything you don't understand about this item (or other parts of this list), call me or drop me a note. I have a mixer I can bring, which can ease some of the above requirements, but please consult with me if your venue can't provide the above.
• A person to run said lights and sound. The cues are few, simple, and can be readily learned by an alert chimpanzee.

It takes about two hours to set everything up for the show. But we prefer to set up a few hours in advance, so that, when one of those infrequent occasions arises that Judy throws a tantrum and demands better flavor diodes, there is time to run to the local electronics emporium for something to calm her with. That is, the two hours cannot be the two hours immediately before the show.

If you know that we're flying to your show, I probably won't be able to bring the following, so we'll also need:

• A table big enough for a laptop and a chess set, but not much bigger.
• A tall chair. It should be barstool height, and must have four legs and a back. A tall canvas-seat director's chair is perfect.
• A carousel slide projector and small free-standing screen. ("small" = easily manageable by one person). Note that we still need the screen even if there is a wall-mounted projection screen permanently installed in the room where the performance will be.

• A permit for explosives.
• A masseuse.
• Special insurance.