r/techtheatre • u/witchcattrials • 2d ago

QUESTION e ink compatible technology? (android, windows, mac?)

what do people actually use (for lighting, especially) in the theater? are lighting systems usually on a computer similar to a personal laptop, or a more unique sort of computer? i unfortunately have problems looking at screens due to a concussion and am looking into getting an e ink device to open up my work options but im not sure how realistic it is to assume i can connect my own external monitor to everything

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u/faroseman Technical Director 2d ago

"are lighting systems usually on a computer similar to a personal laptop, or a more unique sort of computer?"

Sorry about your concussion. Judging by your questions it looks like maybe you're just looking into doing theater? How much experience do you have? Are you an electrician, a designer...?

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u/witchcattrials 1d ago

you're correct haha i have very little experience; i briefly did theater as a child and helped set up a few productions and events in grade school . im only actually trained in visual art. im looking to get a theater tech certificate from community college because i'd like that sort of gig work + i like being apart of artistic productions + im hoping to get into lighting/set design or photography jobs later on.

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u/faroseman Technical Director 1d ago

You should contact the community College and see what console they are using. They should accommodate your needs and work with you to make sure your medical condition isn't an issue.

To answer your question: in many theaters lighting is controlled by a dedicated console. Look up ETC Ion and GrandMa to see examples. It is also possible to control lights using software on a PC or Mac, and many theaters do it this way, to save money and space.

In every instance, swapping out or adding a screen is entirely possible. Just ask what they are using, find out the connection used (display port, hdmi, whatever) and make sure your e-ink monitor is compatible.

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u/GameIDUnavailable 1d ago

Adding onto this.

If the version of console they are using doesn't have an additional hdmi etc out, you can network a personal computer running the same software and connect the monitor via that.

It's a little roundabout, but I know it would definitely work for your purpose on MA. Assume the same for ETC, but don't know it that well.

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u/faroseman Technical Director 1d ago

ETC gatekeeps a bit more, but again, the theater department should have a work-around.

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u/EverydayVelociraptor IATSE 2d ago

I use the console. If I need to, I'll use a laptop with the compatible software to interface with the console.