Jack Kannenberg, “Automation in Entertainment & Theatrical Settings”
Mentor: Steve White, Theater
Poster #82

Since their inception, theaters have evolved from simple outdoor playing spaces to some of the most technologically advanced buildings constructed. Most theatres have fly systems, a series of ropes, cables, and pipes, used for hanging anything from scenery to lighting equipment. Automating fly systems allows for greater precision and safety while removing the need for heavy weights, and stagehands pulling on ropes. Since these hoists are usually large and powerful yet must be extremely safe. Most control systems have a daunting learning curve yet as these systems become more commonplace and accessible to smaller theaters and event spaces, a greater number of people may have access to them with just basic training on how to use the most basic functions.  Electronic Theater Controls (ETC), a leading manufacturer of entertainment equipment, has designed their own line of automation control software labeled Foundation. This proprietary software runs on various handheld, wall mount, and console-based devices built specifically for rigging control. The Foundation software was the main point of focus for this project, with a goal of recording and analyzing a new users experience in learning how to operate the software, and the time it took to complete various tasks within the software. This data was used to identify pain points within the software and how approachable it is to someone who may come across it in a live environment. It was found that the software was quite approachable and that users of other ETC products should be able to understand the workflow of the Foundation software.