The electrical and illuminating equipment of the Eastman Theatre and School of Music

Abstract

The Eastman Theatre and School of Music was designed and given to the people of Rochester by Mr. George Eastman for the purpose of teaching and presenting music in its best form and under ideal conditions, using motion pictures as a part of the educational scheme. A great deal of preliminary work was done in planning the auditorium and the lighting to be used during the exhibition of motion pictures so as to eliminate all possibility of visual fatigue. Illumination and Brightness Measurements. From preliminary investigations on a small scale, it was found that fairly high illumination levels can be obtained in the motion picture theatre without any detrimental effect upon the quality of the projected picture. In planning the lighting system of this theatre, an attempt was made to obtain illuminations of fairly high values distributed so as not to cause loss of quality in the picture. Equipment. The electrical installation of a modern theatre, of the size and scope of the Eastman, together with a School of Music embraces a variety of equipment and apparatus. Alternating current is used for the lights and constant speed motors, and direct current for the variable speed motors. The chandelier is equipped with a system of indirect lights, decorative candles, direct lights, and lights for scintillating the crystals. The picture booth is equipped with two sources of direct current one source from the street main, and another from a motor generator set driven by alternating current. The outside illumination consists of a flood lighting system for the entire facade of the building, marquise lights and display and attraction signs. There are six separate telephone systems in this installation — the outside bell system, automatic inside system, a production phone system in the Theatre and another in Kilbourn Hall, the ushers and ticket office system and the dressing room system. Time clocks are installed throughout the institution and a program clock operates buzzers in all studios. There is an employees' and a watchman's time recorder and time stamp system for keeping account of the time spent in the piano and organ practice rooms. A set of chimes in the corridors notify the audience when the intermissions are over. A complete local fire alarm system is installed and also boxes on the Theatre and Kilbourn Hall stages in connection with the city system. Speed indicators at the stage directors stand, music directors stand and organ console indicate the speed of the film and telegraph indicators similar to a marine engine room telegraph provide means for signalling the projectionist. A magnetic douser or system of magnetically controlled shutters provides means of instantaneously changing from one picture machine to another as the end of the reel is reached. Finally, a radio broadcasting station is installed for distributing the musical productions throughout the country and thus fulfilling the aim of this institution which is to promote the education in and appreciation of good music.