Tech Crew provides a variety of services to support events held on the RIT campus. We operate out of the Student-Alumni Union (located in the A-Level backstage of Ingle Auditorium) and support on average 600+ events annually. The events can be anything from a small meeting or luncheon to a large-scale concert. We provide or can arrange for, including set up and operation:
Staging – We have over 2,500 square feet of stage risers ranging from 16” to 24” high, and can arrange through vendors for stage risers 16” to 72” in height.
Sound Systems – Our sound systems range from simple speakers on aluminum support stands for simple events such as a podium/microphone for a lecture in a medium size room to an array of concert grade high powered 4-way system used for concerts or public address for 7,000 persons in the Field House. Our inventory of mixing consoles (from a 4-channel mike mixers to a state-of-the-art digital 48-channel desk), microphones, stands, signal processing equipment and stage monitors can provide for several events operating on campus simultaneously or can be used to support just about any type of gig.
Stage Lighting – Equipment includes several small (6 to 12) channel dimmers to a 48 channel unit as well as several control consoles that can operate anywhere from 24 to several hundred dimmer channels. Lighting fixtures include Fresnel, Ellipsoidal, PAR56 and PAR64; over 400 fixtures to meet concert or theatrical requirements.
Rigging Equipment/Services – The sound and lighting systems used in all smaller venues are ground supported using industry standard utility lifts. In the large venues (Gym and Ice Arena), some lighting may be flown (hung) from the ceiling, and in the Field House, these systems as well as sound loudspeaker arrays are typically flown rather than ground supported due to the larger audience capacity. Equipment includes industry standard ground support lifts, chain motors, lighting trussing (both triangular and box), cabling, hardware, etc. We also have scaffold sections that can be used for constructing sets, rigging projection screens; or placing loudspeakers, projectors, etc. where they need to be elevated. Please note that all rigging hang points in the Gordon Field House are done by local union certified riggers.
Electrical Power Distribution – In several venues we have electrical services installed where we connect portable electrical distribution panels to provide multiple circuits for expositions, LAN parties, support for catering or other departments working the event that is in need of electrical power.
Dance Floor – The portable dance floor is comprised of 3’x3’ oak parquet interlocking sections and can provide up to 900 square feet of dance area. It is only available in the SAU or Clark Gym.
Theatrical Support – In Ingle Auditorium we have the use of all the equipment mentioned above, plus a carpenter shop, soft goods, additional lighting, intercom systems, etc. necessary for a theatrical production.
Backline Equipment – Through outside vendors, we can arrange for backline equipment (drum sets, keyboards, pianos, guitar amplifiers or other large instruments that generally are not carried on flights) for performers.
Stagehands – Our crew of 50 experienced employees can provide necessary support for events even if an outside production company is used.
Note: We also manage and operate Ingle Auditorium. Services in Ingle include all of the above plus video projection.
Facilities we typically operate in:
- Student-Alumni Union (all areas)
- Gordon Field House
- Clark Gymnasium
- Ritter Ice Arena
- Interfaith Center
- Watson Dining Hall
- CIMS
- Outside Programming Areas
Type of events supported:
- Banquets
- Conferences
- Lectures
- Presentations
- Expositions
- Concerts
- Social Functions
- Theatre
Note: We do not rent or loan equipment out for set up or operation by others. We do not provide video projection or production as that is provided by ETC (Educational Technology Center), x5-2551, located in the basement of the Wallace Library; but do work with and support them in providing any necessary rigging, electrical or audio interface that may be needed. Typically, we do not support instructional (class room) needs as they are also provided by ETC.
Estimates
Our costs are based on hours worked. Many typical smaller jobs have a ‘set’ cost that is based on average labor worked for that type of set up. Most all of the larger events (ones that will take over 40 or 50 employee hours will be estimated, but charged on the actual hours assigned to the job. In order for us to be able to provide an accurate estimate, there is a lot of information (there is never too much information that you can provide) we will need, including:
- Event name and a good description of what it is about if not obvious
- Contact info
- Date
- Facility
- Times of event
- Times of room reservations (to allow for our set up and tear down)
- Type of event (lecture, movie, concert, etc.)
- Name of artist, speaker, etc., and a copy of the contract with technical rider and/or artist’s agent name and phone number
- A schedule or a “marching order” of events to take place on stage
- Equipment needs in addition to any contract rider
Making Reservations
Although we can generally provide services for multiple events at the same time, it does depend on what staffing is available (remember, our crew has classes too), equipment that is reserved for another event, and adequate time for us to plan the job and assign a crew; we recommend contacting us as early as possible, minimally we recommend two weeks but can be several months. We do operate on a first come – first served basis.
We are located in the A-Level of the Student-Alumni Union, Room A220 (follow the signs once inside the area). Our business hours generally are Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, except during breaks and holidays. We can be reached via email at techcrew@rit.edu or telephone 585.475.2257.
All student organization events supported by Tech Crew must adhere to the Event Registration guidelines/policies.
