General FAQs
I'm putting on a show for my church or organization. What kind of lights do I need?
I have a burned out lamp. Do you have one in stock?
I would like to establish terms/set up an account with Grand Stage. How do I do so?
Why do you require a signature if I am paying by credit card?
I'd like to project an image I made on my computer. Can I do that?
My school has some drapes in the Auditorium that still look good but the tag says they were last flameproofed in 1987. Is that still valid?
Why do you only quote list prices? Don't I get a discount?
Rental FAQs
When thinking about a rental, where do I start?
What kind of lighting do I need for my event?
Where can I pick up my rental order?
Can you deliver/pack up my rental?
Do I need to make a deposit?
What happens if I need my rental order for longer/shorter than originally intended?
Is there a fixed rate for rentals?
General FAQs
Click here to view our blog post about choosing the right light fixtures for your production.
Click here to view our blog post about choosing the right lamp for your light fixture.
Grand Stage accepts signed purchase orders with billing information printed on the order from all government institutions without prior account. Other organizations may apply for terms by filling out a credit application and faxing it to our office. Applications may take up to three weeks for consideration depending on response times from your credit references.
Our credit card transaction service prefers that we obtain signatures on all transactions, regardless of whether it is an in-store purchase or an order over the phone/fax/email. Our credit card authorization form is good only for the invoice which is listed on it and cannot be held on file for future purposes. We have implemented these procedures to protect you from unwanted charges and fees.
Sure! We have lots of ideas to help you get the image you want. We can supply custom gobos, film loops, and Rosco ImagePro slides. You are limited only by your imagination. Most of the projection options require a next generation Ellipsoidal spotlight such as the Strand SL, Altman Shakespeare, Selecon Pacific, or ETC Source4. A custom gobo can be created from a fax or emailed drawing. Steel gobos are limited to only light and shadow. Glass gobos increase in price and can be as simple as one color to Hi-Resolution images. Rosco's new ImagePro allows for anyone to print images off of a standard inkjet printer, insert it into the ImagePro kit, and the kit into the unit. Call for more information.
Unfortunately every municipality and school district decides which Fire Codes they choose to follow. Many Fire Marshals recommend testing your drapes at least once every two years. Draperies that fail to pass a match test will need to be retreated. Grand Stage recommends having the drapes retreated by immersion rather than spray on products. Immersion guarantees that the entire drape is evenly treated. Companies that specialize in this type work will issue a new certificate that the drapes are in compliance with standards. Although we do not do this kind of work, we would be happy to recommend companies in your area that do.
Rental FAQs
Think about the size of the area you are looking to cover. Larger spaces will require more lighting. What kind of lighting are you looking for? Accent lighting for an event? General area lighting for a conference? Special effects for a specific performance?
How much power is in the space you are working in, and where are the power outlets within that space? Most LED packages will easily work within given spaces, but when working with conventional lighting where power needs are greater, some form of distribution from a box may be required.
Do you need to dim and control the lighting, or can you leave it on? Do you need the lighting to change color? Do you need assistance in using the equipment? If you are unfamiliar with LED lighting or lighting in general, schedule a time in the shop for us to teach you. An educated client is a more creative client, and we would be happy to show you tricks and tips to get the most out of any package you rent.
When putting a lighting package together, consider the event you are holding and the space you will be in. Weddings usually require uplighting, pinspotting for floral décor, and a gobo with the monogram of the bride and groom highlighting the dance floor.
Small theatrical performances in school gymnasiums can use lighting trees, LED Pars, and a simple controller. Mid-Size theatrical performances can have added rental lighting that works with existing house control, and hangs from an existing grid. Large dance performances can have sidelight and cyc lighting to highlight the lines of the performers and set the mood of the performance.
A meeting or conference can have uplighting to color the walls, and a lighting tree to put light on speakers. A full concert performance can have a full moving light rig.
In all cases, talk to us about your design goals. We can help you assemble a package that is right for your needs and within your budget.
The Rental Warehouse is based out of the Knox Avenue location. All Rentals must be picked up and returned to the Knox Avenue location, unless other arrangements have been made. Our Grand Avenue location has a limited supply of Rental equipment, but always call to ensure availability.
Our Rental Department is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. We are closed all major holidays. When picking up a rental, please allow a minimum of a half hour before closing time to process paperwork and load your order. Pick-ups or returns on days and times other than those specified on your rental contract must be agreed upon in advance. This may result in additional charges.
All Rentals are “Will Call” unless other prior arrangements have been made. When picking up equipment, consider what type of vehicle to bring to ensure everything will fit safely. A small followspot will fit in just about any car, while larger lighting packages will require a van or larger. Let us know what kind of vehicle you will be bringing for pickup, and we can provide roadcases for ease of transport. Staging decks always require a Cargo van or box truck. When in doubt, please ask and we can provide a recommendation. We can provide packing blankets and ratchet straps as needed, but these are considered loaner items. They will be marked on your contract and will be billed if not returned.
We offer delivery and recovery services. Delivery charges are based on a number of factors, including destination, day and time. Please call for pricing. Our delivery and recovery schedule is on a first come, first serve basis, and our busiest days are Monday and Friday.
When you receive your rental contract, the days and times of delivery and pickup will be noted in the body of the contract. Make a note of these times. Ensure there will be someone present on site who can receive and sign for the equipment, as well as assist with loading and unloading.
Deliveries and recoveries are to the loading dock only. Deliveries will not be carried up stairs, up freight elevators or into locations within the building.
We also offer setup and strike services for our lighting packages. Labor rates for normal business hours are $45 per hour, with a four hour minimum call. Weekend and after hours rates differ. Call for details and scheduling.
All cash account rentals require a $100 deposit, which is refundable once the equipment is returned in good condition. Deposits can be made via Credit Card Authorization, Company Check or Cash. If making your deposit via Company Check, please provide a separate check for the Deposit Amount.
When you reserve a rental, you will receive a copy of your rental contract via email. Review this contract carefully and note the dates of pick up and return. Delays in picking up the equipment will not lower rental rates, and delays in returning the equipment will result in additional charges. If you need to extend the rental period, call as soon as possible as to avoid conflicts with other renters.
A product's weekly rental rate is intended as a guide. Always call with your pickup and return date to receive an accurate quote for longer runs. Our minimum Rental Charge is $25.00.
When inquiring about a stage rental, think about how large you need your stage to be. Please consider the following:
How many people will be on the stage at once? A Folk Dance group will need more space than a DJ at his mix station.
What will people be doing on the stage? A Speaker at a podium will require less space than a school performance.
Do you need skirting? Step units? Railings? We are happy to help you with small details to help make your event a success.