About Chapin Theater

The Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is a 2,643 seat, state-of-the-art venue nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s premiere convention and exhibition facility. Its excellent acoustic control, digitally controlled audio and lighting systems and large inventory of in-house lighting and audio support equipment maintains the “plug-and-play” flexibility to support a wide variety of presentations.

This document is intended to supply most technical information needed to pre-plan events in the Chapin Theater. This is a dynamic document. The information contained herein is correct at time of publication but may have changed in our constant efforts to enhance the capabilities of the space for the variety of presentations we support.  As we identify other helpful information, this document will be modified.  Please consult the “Technical Supervisor” listed below for any updates.

Although the Chapin Theater is a stand-alone space, it can be linked through audio, RF and fiber optic infrastructure to any other area of the Orange County Convention Center with ease. Please consult the “Technical Supervisor” listed below or your “Event Coordinator” for information regarding these features.

House Technical Staff       ^back to top

The House Technical Staff will be pleased to provide answers to any technical questions you may have about the Chapin Theater and its systems.  Click here to Contact the House Technical Staff.  For rate and availability information, please contact the Marketing Department of the Orange County Convention Center at (407) 685-9800.

Theater “House Telephone” Extensions

• Balcony Control Deck - 55985
• Projection Booth – 51216
• Sound Booth - 51217
• Backstage Left (Dress. Rm. Corr.) - 52144
• Backstage Right (Shop/Load-in) - 52139
• Dimmer Room - 51155
• Amplifier Room - 55946

All above extensions are “in-house only” and not available for show related assignment. Other telephone locations with a wide variety of features are available as ordered by the client.

Theater Seating Specifications      ^back to top

The seating area of the Chapin Theater is carpeted in aisle and traffic areas with the actual seating area floor covered in linoleum tile for durability. All areas are divided into 3 discrete sections by aisles left center and right center. The Orchestra section is on the “main” floor of the space (OCCC's level 3). The Loge section is accessible from the OCCC's level 3 lobby and the Orchestra seating area. The Balcony is accessible from the OCCC's 4th level and via stairs from the main lobby level. All sections of the house seating area are raked. Seating is not removable.

General Accessibility Information        ^back to top

The Chapin Theater of the Orange County Convention Center was designed to be fully compliant with ADA requirements at time of completion (April 1996). As the facility is on the 3rd level of the Orange County Convention Center, it is necessary for all wheelchair occupants to utilize elevators for entrance into the space. There are passenger elevators located in the Convention Center lobby directly adjacent to the escalators. These provide access to both Orchestra/Loge and Balcony level entries of the Theater. There are “scalloped” tunnel ramps from the Level 3 lobby to the front aisle of the house along both left and right sides of the Orchestra seating area. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible, both front of house and backstage.

Wheelchair Seating           ^back to top

11 pairs of spaces along rear row of orchestra section

1 individual space on rear row of orchestra section

2 pairs of spaces in balcony section (1 pair at each entry, HL & HR)

13 seats on the inside aisle of both left and right Orchestra sections maintain “swinging” armrests to allow mobility challenged patrons ease of access. There is no wheelchair storage adjacent to these seats. (Total 26 seats)

Removable seats, identical to the regular auditorium seats, are available for installation in wheelchair spaces at client request.

Total Wheelchair Spaces - 27
Total Handicap Capacity - 53

Theater "House Rules"      ^back to top

1) General Rules:

* NO SMOKING, FOOD OR BEVERAGES IN THE THEATER SEATING OR STAGE AREAS (water pitcher at lecterns and/or head tables during events and liquids that are part of the show are acceptable). Food and beverage is allowed in the stage right shop area and the dressing room area stage left.

* DO NOT DRAG ANYTHING ACROSS THE STAGE FLOOR; IT SCRATCHES  EASILY.

* A “PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR” IS A REQUIRED POSITION FOR ALL THEATER ACTIVITIES. Although it is possible to have an event in the Theater without using Tech Operators, all activity in the Theater must have at least one representative (liaison) from Technical Services.

* There must be a representative from OCCC Technical Services on duty whenever there is client or contractor activity on stage or house technical systems are in use.

* The Fire Curtain cannot have anything in the path of its’ decent that would impede its’ ability to close fully.

• Lessee is responsible for all damage.  Repair costs will be invoiced.

• All atmospheric and pyrotechnic effects are subject to approval/permitting as required by building policy and Orange County Fire Marshal.

• Only water-based atmospheric effects (haze/fog) shall be allowed.

• At no time shall doors into stairwells or other egress paths be blocked open for use as cable paths.

2) Move In/Move Out:          ^back to top

* Freight elevators are operated by Orange County Employees and arrangements for Operators is accomplished via the Event Coordinator.

* All equipment that is to be set up on the stage must be moved via the stage right move in area.  No equipment that is to be placed in the seating area(s) can be moved via the stage. In other words, no equipment shall be moved from the stage to the seating area. Equipment to be placed in the seating areas must be moved in via the Theater Lobby.

* Personnel access during event hours is via the Level 3 Stage Right Personnel Door unless otherwise specified by the client.

3) Audio:      ^back to top

* House Audio System is operated only by Orange County Employees. This policy can be waived, if it is deemed necessary, due to the complexity of the event.  In such a case, a County Employee must be hired by the client to shadow the client's Audio Operator to ensure proper use of the Audio System.

* No client-supplied processing equipment may be interfaced to the system past the front of house patch bay. All house system routing, crossovers, equalizers and limiting shall remain in line when house system is in use.

4) Lighting:      ^back to top

* House Lighting System (including theatrical lighting) is operated only by Orange County Employees. This policy may be waived, if it is deemed necessary due to the complexity of the event. In such a case, a County Employee must be hired by the client to shadow the clients Lighting Operator, to insure proper use of the Lighting System. The Lighting System can be operated similar to any meeting room, if the client wishes, and they allow time for programming. The Lighting System can be accessed via a preset control panel similar to meeting rooms, and be operated by the client. The Production Supervisor would program up to 6 presets or lighting looks.

* Depending on complexity of an event it may be possible to have one Operator for both Audio and Lighting at the discretion of the Technical Services Supervisor.

All County owned Follow Spotlights are operated by County Employees only.

5) Rigging:           ^back to top

* House Counterweight Rigging System and motorized rigging is only operated by qualified Orange County Employees. 

* Operation of all hand lines for the soft goods is done by County Employees.

* All rigging (any attachment to the facility) is performed by County Employees only.

* All OCCC lifts must be operated by County Employees.

6) Labor and Equipment:      ^back to top

* Requests for labor and equipment should be received at least 2 weeks prior to move in. There is a price break for labor if ordered more than 21 days in advance (see Rate Sheet).

7) Dressing Rooms:     ^back to top

* Lock changes for dressing rooms can be arranged through the Event Coordinator.

8)  Translation System:      ^back to top

* We do not provide personnel for the actual translation of language.The facility owns eighteen (18) receivers for the Translation System. The facility can provide the required equipment for four simultaneous translations of language.

THIS DOCUMENT DOES NOT SUPERSEDE CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS.

Stage Measurements and Physical Specifications     ^back to top

All measurements reference plaster line @ center stage when reference datum is required.

• Height of Proscenium - 26’
• Width of Proscenium - 60’ 8”
• Depth of Stage 42’ 10” from Plaster Line
• Width of Stage - 145’ 5” (upstage from Plaster Line, not including arbor pit stage left)
• Height of Gridiron - (deck to top of walking grid) - 59’ 5”
  Height of Gridiron - (deck to bottom of structure) - 58’ 6”
• Stage Floor Construction - Irregularly sprung 3/8” plastic sheet flooring over ¾” plywood. Performance area covered with 1/4” Plywood and Marley. No trap doors, turntables or elevators are installed onstage. Stage floor does not conform to American Dance Federation or Actor's Equity Dance Specifications.
• Stage Floor Load Capacity - 175 pounds per square foot
• Stage Personnel Access - DSL & DSR from wings, USL & USR from backstage crossover.
• Stage Loading Access - Manual rolling door, 14’ wide by 21” high, SR.
• Freight Loading - via elevator to SR shop. Dimensions - 10H X 12W X 20D. Please see “Loading Access to Stage” below.
• Projection Ledge - (upstage - behind upstage wall) - 10’ above deck, 6’ deep, width of stage access via intermediate galleries SL & SR (pin rails) and removable rail at shell lift (USR).
• Backstage Crossover - behind upstage wall - access at shop, dressing rm. corr., USL, USR
• Apron - (Orchestra Pit cover in place) 16’ 10” center, 11’ SL & SR
              (Orchestra pit open) 6’ 8”  typical
• Orchestra Pit - 14’ 5” center, 10’ SL & SR, 53’ 6” wide, 7’ 10” deep from deck. The rear 5’ of pit is overhung by the stage.
• Orchestra Pit access - From backstage, SL & SR.
• Orchestra Pit Cover - Stage Right sectional structure. Can be removed in sections. Sections are irregular due to arc of apron. Please consult with the Center regarding removal of pit cover.
• Projection Screen - 2’ 1” DS of plaster line, 22’ X 30’ front projection surface.

Lecterns - 2 each - Van San Presidential type with light, clock, elevator. Cherry finish.

Loading Access to Stage      ^back to top

The primary route for loading into the Stage area is via elevator stage right. Truck load/unload is accomplished at either Dock 7 (slips 66 & 67) or, if available, Hall D1 on level 2 of the Center. From Dock 7, take elevator #12 to level 4, push along the North Valencia Room service corridor to the stage elevator (approximately 400’). This is a concrete floor which provides the greatest ease of rolling heavy freight.

From Hall D1, push to elevator 40’ outside the hall doors. This path is carpeted and is not recommended for heavy or potentially destructive materials (broken casters, un-castered materials, etc.). The client is responsible for protection of the carpet when using this move-in path. Load-in to the Theater stage via the house is not allowed at any time.

Loading Access to House      ^back to top

Load materials into the stage right “shop” area then proceed down corridor to “roll-up” cargo door. Move into the parking lot access corridor and through the first set of double doors on left.  Proceed through the lobby to the house.

Load in of house from stage is not allowed at any time.

Dressing Room Specifications     ^back to top

All dressing rooms contain ClearCom wall stations, telephone and fiber optic connections, and overhead speaker system for Program or Paging purposes. Speakers are assignable through house audio system. Lighting is fluorescent for general area lighting and incandescent frosted lamps around each makeup mirror. All dressing rooms are located SL.

• Dressing room #1 - Headliner Room - 2 makeup stations, 1 basin, full toilet with shower
• Dressing room #2 - Chorus Room - 14 makeup stations, 2 basins, full toilet with shower
• Dressing room #3 - Chorus Room -16 makeup stations, 3 basins, full toilet with shower
• Dressing room #4 - Ensemble Room -12 makeup stations, 3 basins, full toilet with shower

The following spaces are not “Dressing Rooms”:

Restroom - gender neutral 3 makeup stations, 1 basin, toilet with shower, no ClearCom, telephone or fiber optic connections

Green Room - 1 basin, no makeup stations, restroom facilities (see above), Metal Halide discharge lighting overhead (high output lighting)

Rehearsal Space Availability      ^back to top

Although there is no rehearsal space in the Chapin Theater proper, there are many spaces in the Orange County Convention Center that would suit the purpose quite well. Please contact the Orange County Convention Center Marketing Department (407) 685-9800 for booking information on these rooms. Technical support for these spaces is available through the Center or your A/V contractor. Please contact your “Event Coordinator” for inventory and equipment availability.

Rigging       ^back to top

All attachments to the building structure, motorized linesets and counterweight rigging systems MUST be made by Orange County Convention Center personnel. All house rigging equipment must be operated by qualified Orange County Convention Center personnel.

All counterweight linesets are single-purchase, hand operated linesets operated from stage left. There are two operating rails, one at the stage deck level and one at the intermediate gallery. Operating lines are 3/4” polyester rope and load lines are 3/8” wire rope terminated at both ends in Flemish eyes with hydraulically swaged sleeves. Battens are attached to load lines by means of chain and shackle with safety bolt. All battens are schedule 80, 1.5” black iron pipe sleeved and bolted. Marriage of battens to increase capacity is NOT recommended. All motorized linesets are fixed-speed and can contain full stage width single-depth truss (ladder truss) at no additional charge. As drive motors are not synchronized, marriage of motorized battens is not allowed.

All attachment hardware must be manufactured by a vendor legally liable in the United States of America, rated by the manufacturer for “WLL” or “SWL” (working load rating), approved for overhead suspension applications by the manufacturer and in proper working order. The OCCC maintains a large variety of standard attachment and load handling devices available for rental. Please contact the “Technical Supervisor” above for further information.

• Number of Linesets: 62
• Batten Length: 90’
• Batten Material: 1.5” Schedule 80 iron pipe
• Max. Trim: 56’ from deck
• Min. Trim: 3’ 8” from deck
• Capacity per Lineset: 2,000 pounds each
• Total Grid Capacity: 124,000 pounds
• Walking Grid Capacity – Point Load: - 200 psf
• Walking Grid Capacity – Distributed Load: - 1000 pounds per panel
• Motorized Lineset Capacity: 2,000 pounds each
• Intermediate Gallery Height (Spot Rail): 29’ SL & SR
• Loading Gallery Height: 44’ SL
• Bull Winch Capacity: 2000 pounds

• Download “Rigging Data” spreadsheet

• Download “Stage Section” drawing (AutoCad format)

• Download “Front House Section” drawing (AutoCad format)

• Download "Stage Lineset" drawing (AutoCad format)

Lighting      ^back to top

House Hang

There are a total of 348 instruments of assorted formats in the house hang. Other equipment is available dependent upon previous client order and activity in other supported spaces such as the Lecture Hall (Room W300) or the Valencia Room (Room W415). Please see the “Lighting Inventory” sheet of the Lighting Equipment spreadsheet for full inventory.

Focus Overview     

The house focus of the Chapin Theater is designed with support of many different applications in mind. The following describes the various concepts incorporated in the design of the focus.

3-color, 9-zone wash – This Blue, Red, Amber wash allows zoned control of color in areas of the stage. Elements of the video lighting described below can be added to this focus to enable 4-color capability. Full 3-color back lighting is included in this focus.

Clear, 9-zone wash – This is designed specifically for video applications. There are long throw, low angle instruments to reduce shadows and establish a smooth light level preferred in video applications. Full clear backlighting is included in this focus. Elements of this focus can be used to provide a 4th color wash.

Specials – There are specials available in each zone on stage, each with backlight. There are also downstage specials with low angle support and an assortment of instruments set for gobo applications on the cyclorama. We also have 4 specials from AP cove #2 to support logos and other gobos on the side walls of the seating area. The first 5 rows of section 102 (lower orchestra, center section) are also covered with independent specials for VIP and award recognition.

Although we have attempted to provide support for most applications in the design of our house focus, many productions require specialized focuses. All hanging instruments have the ability to be re-focused at client expense. All refocused instruments must be restored to the original house focus at the end of production, also at client expense. All installed instruments that are removed from the “house hang” and used in other applications will be invoiced as additional equipment.

Road Show Transfer Panel       ^back to top

DSR there is a 20 amp, breaker protected, stage pin breakout for a large portion of the “AP” lighting circuits. This may be utilized free of charge by those that may wish to supply their own dimming hardware. The following circuits are available: 3-74, 89-96, 107-110, 115-118, 123-126, 139-142, 147-150, 155-158. Please download the “Lighting Information” spreadsheet for precise locations of these circuits.

Followspots      ^back to top

2 ea. Strong 1.6kw Xenon Super Trouper with 6 color Boomerang. There is space and power available in the existing spot booths to support up to a total of four of these followspots simultaneously.

Lighting Control Equipment      ^back to top

• 1 ea. – Flying Pig Whole Hog II with focus remote
• 1 ea. - Strand Mini Light Palette 90 with focus remote
• 1 ea. - Strand LBX with focus remote
• 1 ea. - Strand GSX with focus remote

Effect Lighting Equipment (not included as part of “house hang”)

 
• Download “Lighting Data” spreadsheet for inventory, distances, circuit location & power avail.

• Download “House Focus Magic Sheets” spreadsheet

House Audio Systems       ^back to top

The audio system in the Chapin Theater is designed to provide support for a wide variety of events. Seminars and General Sessions often utilize the system’s excellent articulation and low fatigue levels for extended programs while specialty performances use the high power, low distortion capabilities for many types of entertainment. The staff of the Chapin Theater is dedicated to providing the quality signal control and level of reinforcement required by our clients.

Equipment included in the rental of the Theater varies in relation to which rate is contracted. Please contact the Marketing Department (407)685-9800 for details on which equipment is included in your “Rental Package”.

All rental packages include the Basic House system of the following: 4 channel automatic microphone mixer, center and delay house clusters and up to 4 wired microphones.  Line level inputs, more than 4 microphone inputs or need for manual mixing requires an Orange County Convention Center Technician for operation.

Other processing and control equipment may be available depending upon requirements.  All equipment is subject to availability. Please notify the OCCC as to specific requirements at the soonest opportunity to ensure availability.  Please see the “Audio Equipment” spreadsheet for full inventory.

House System Speakers       ^back to top

House System Speaker Distribution       ^back to top

The above speakers are arrayed in the following configurations:

• Front Overhead Clusters (X3) - 2 EV DML 2118a, 3 EV DML 1152A (1 down focused), 1 EV HP420
• Delay Overhead Clusters (X3) - 2 EV DML 2118A, 2 EV DML 1152A, 1 EV HP420
• Front Fill (X8) – installed along top edge of stage - EAW JF-80
• Proscenium Stacks - (X4) - 2 cross focused @ 45 deg, 2 front focused) 1 EV MTH4, 1 EV MTL4
• Under-Balcony Speakers (X17) - Delay fills - 8” JBL Coaxial
• Dressing Room Ceiling Speakers - (X6) - Program or Paging monitors - 8” JBL Coaxial

Intercom System       ^back to top

The facility maintains a large inventory of “Clear Com” power supplies, headsets and belt packs. Two channels of intercom are available through the house infrastructure. Additional channels can be made available via use of discrete lines or freestanding audio snakes. Due to the grounding scheme of the house audio system, additional channels may NOT be directed through the house audio system’s lines. Channels A & B of the house system appear at each intercom location including fixed wall stations.

Dressing Room Paging/Cueing      ^back to top

Program and paging are available in each dressing room, Green Room and backstage shop area via the house audio system. Depending on show requirements, it may be necessary for these signals to be fed from additional level control equipment.  Paging mics and additional mixers, if required, shall be charged at the prevailing rate. The above areas are fed via a single 70v loop and can not be addressed individually.

Recall/Lobby Paging       ^back to top

Lobby areas can be directly addressed from the house main console. Pre-function areas outside the lobby can be operated from the console but require remote patching and level adjustment so advance notice is required to supply signal to this area. There is no additional charge for including these areas in the system.

Background/Walk-in Music <     ^back to top

The OCCC does not maintain a library of background music for event use. The OCCC can, upon request, route one of its leased background music channels through the system for “ambiance” at the client’s request. Please contact the “Technical Supervisor” for a list of channel formats available. There is no additional charge for this service.

Assisted Listening System       ^back to top

The Chapin Theater maintains an Assisted Listening system for the hearing impaired. This system is available at no charge by prior arrangement with the Event Coordinator. There are a limited number of receivers for this system (eighteen) and, should additional receivers be required, the Center will require in excess of one month advance notice to acquire them. Receivers above the limits of the inventory shall be an additional cost (to be determined at time of rental). The OCCC can not guarantee availability of additional receivers for this system.

The Simultaneous Translation system utilizes the same receivers as the Assisted Listening system so this should be taken into consideration when planning use of either of these systems.  If the needs will exceed the inventory, it will be necessary for the OCCC to acquire any additional receivers.

Simultaneous Translation System       ^back to top

The Simultaneous Translation system consists of four “DIS” model IS 8000 interpreter stations interfaced with one model CA 8000, 4 channel controller/amplifier. This system allows the interpreter to switch between the main audio signal and any one of the other interpreted channels for maximum flexibility. Each station has an AKG model K-18 headset for input, listening volume and tone control, a “cough” button and technician alert button.

Translation distribution is via “Phonic Ear” model PE 550T transmitters and up to twenty model PE 350FSR receivers with a selection of earpieces (stetoclip, bi & monaural earbuds). The distribution system is a frequency modulated “RF” system that operates on up to 5 separate channels. All receivers have the ability to receive all 5 channels. The frequencies of these transmitters ranges from 75.475 MHz to 75.975 MHz.

Use of the Simultaneous Translation system requires an Orange County Convention Center Audio Technician operator.

• Download “Audio Data” spreadsheet for Microphone, Processing & Speaker information

Temporary Installation of Production Equipment       ^back to top

Many non-entertainment productions in the Chapin Theater utilize production equipment not supplied by Orange County Convention Center for video support and effects. When cabling these temporary elements, there are specified paths provided to ensure compliance with Life Safety and Fire Marshal requirements.

Most cabling from the stage to the house for cameras and other production elements can be routed across the plaster line via the stage floor, down the apron escape steps and along the walls. Cables less than 1” in diameter may take this path as they fit under the Fire Curtain’s conformal base. These routes, both house left and house right, provide the most direct cable path with the least amount of installation labor.

There is also a 4” dry conduit from the Orchestra Pit to center rear of the Orchestra seating section (Section 102, row T). Additional labor and equipment charges apply to use of this path.

No flown cables may cross the plaster line as they could prevent the decent of the Fire Curtain.

Cables greater than 1” in diameter and those that access the catwalks can access these areas through “mouse holes” into the stage right and stage left stairwells. These stairwells provide vertical access to the catwalk level of the Theater and to the motorized battens over the house seating. After cables are run through these holes, the fire safe bags located in these holes MUST be reinstalled to maintain the fire rating of these walls. Cables routed through stairwells MUST NOT impede travel through these areas or create obstacles to egress.

At no time will doors into stairwells or other egress paths be blocked open for use as cable paths.

Cables may be routed from backstage to the front of house control platform (balcony location) and balcony projection locations via the catwalks. These cables drop into the house at the front of the balcony behind the house left third acoustic baffle (a cable sock is located at this location for masking), following the front wall of the balcony to the control platform.

Cable access to the projection booth and interpretation booths also follows the balcony cable path then is pulled through a 4” conduit down into the sound booth. Cables can be routed from the sound booth into all other booths through the use of mouse holes.

Dependent on cable type, amplification may be required.  Actual cable length requirements for each of the above routes are the responsibility of the provider.