The Theatrical Lighting Upgrade Process, From Start to Finish

We’ve had many schools, churches, auditoriums, and theatres ask us about upgrading their aging incandescent lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting. This can be a daunting process, but Knight Sound and Lighting strives to make it as easy as possible for you to switch to a modern and easy to use system. In this post, I would like to walk you through the steps in the process, from when you first reach out, to many of the benefits you’ll see post-installation.

1. The Reach Out

The process begins with your team reaching out to us at Knight Sound and Lighting, whether it be by phone (866-457-5937), email or online request form. We will work with you to identify your facility type (school auditorium, church, community theatre etc.), your location, and your basic needs (that is, what you’re generally looking for in your lighting system upgrade).

2. The Site Examination

Once we have your basic information, our team will work with you to gather information about your existing lighting system (both the lighting controls and the fixtures). Depending on your facility’s location we could either visit the site in-person or request detailed photos. We usually need the following information to provide an accurate quote:

• -Dimmer pack or racks (or relay panels)
• -Wall control stations (architectural stations)
• -Lighting control console (theatrical console)
• -Any peripherals (converters, splitters, etc.)
• -Lighting fixtures

3. The Estimate

Armed with this information, our technician and our quotations team will generate an estimate for your lighting upgrade. Typically, this estimate will go through several revision phases as we work with you, your team, and any administration involved in the approval process. Depending on the system design, upgrades may sometimes be split into “phases” in order to meet budgetary requirements.

4. The Logistics Begin

Once all parties have come to an agreement, we will typically accept a deposit from your facility and begin the process of ordering all of your new equipment. Depending on supply chain status at the time of your order, the time for delivery of your equipment could range anywhere between a few weeks and several months.

After an estimated arrival date for all of your ordered gear has been established, we will work with your team to schedule a time for equipment delivery and installation.

5. The Installation

Depending on your budget and skill set, you may choose to install the new equipment with your team, or you may choose to have our trained technicians install your new lighting system.

If you are installing the new equipment with your team, we will provide you with recommendations on where and how to install each new piece of gear and connect it all together to form the new lighting system.

If Knight Sound and Lighting technicians will be installing your equipment, we will arrive at your facility on the scheduled dates, and will take care of installing, connecting, and programming your new lighting system. We will usually request as much uninterrupted access to the space as possible.

Depending on the size of your facility and the number and complexity of controls in your new lighting system, the installation stage could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

6. The Startup and Training

No matter whether your team or our technicians have installed your new lighting system, a Knight Sound and Lighting technician will come to your site to inspect, test, program, and provide training on your new lighting system.

The typical training session can last up to 8 hours in length, depending on the wants and needs of your team attending the session. All training sessions are performed by a Knight Sound and Lighting technician who is factory-certified for your specific system.

7. The Follow-up Support

While you may be all set immediately after our training session on your new system, we typically find that many of our clients need time to take in all of the information and really “play” with their new lights. Rest assured; we are happy to support you throughout your transition process. You can always reach our technicians via email or cell phone while you are learning about your new lighting system.

Additionally, if something happens to your new lighting system down the line, we will always be happy to help. Phone, email, and Zoom conference support is always free for the life of your system.

8. The Savings

Customers with newly installed systems have all come to enjoy the energy savings provided by LED fixtures. This can commonly be attributed to the fact that LED lighting has a lower power draw and puts out lower heat. There are other savings factors as well, including lower maintenance costs. You can learn more about the cost savings of LEDs at the following links:

• -Cost savings of LEDs over traditional light bulbs
• -Important issues to consider when upgrading to LED stage lighting

9. The Excitement

There is much more to LED’s than just cost savings! They tend to feel “brighter” even at the same wattage and color temperature. Many fixtures provide almost limitless options for color-mixing (no gel sheets required!). Certain system configurations allow for wireless and/or remote control. Tech-savvy customers will enjoy options like programming from a laptop (where the screen shows a map of the fixtures and stage layout) or utilizing app control from a phone or tablet. You will “wow” your audience with your system’s new capabilities (and will secretly be pleased by the ease of operation and control)!

In Closing

We would love to work with you on your theatrical lighting upgrade, from planning through execution. Our team will be happy to answer any additional questions that you have. To get the process started, please contact us at 866-457-5937 or info@goknight.com.