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Stage inspection finds rigging and curtain sound; lighting upgrade now estimated at $400k–$500k
Summary
A recent stage inspection at Upper Adams reduced prior worst‑case replacement estimates; rigging and curtains passed, but the aging dimmer system likely requires replacement and a lighting upgrade is estimated at $400,000–$500,000 and likely deferred to next summer.
An inspection of the high school auditorium stage presented to the Upper Adams board’s Business & Operations Committee on June 1 found the curtain and rigging in generally acceptable condition and lowered previously discussed worst‑case replacement estimates.
Mr. Graham, who presented the inspection, said the curtain is nylon and inherently flame‑retardant and the rigging passed a technical review. Earlier, more alarming estimates (discussed in March) had suggested curtain/rigging replacement and a full $800k–$850k project. The inspection clarified that many of those items were either serviceable or repairable.
The remaining primary concern is the nearly 30‑year‑old dimmer rack and the stage lighting. Mr. Graham explained that current dimmers operate on a 600‑amp legacy system that is incompatible with many LED retrofit drivers; replacing the dimmer infrastructure and migrating to programmable LED fixtures would reduce long‑term maintenance but requires a substantial up‑front investment. He gave a working estimate of $400,000–$500,000 for the lighting upgrade alone and recommended scoping and pricing the project for next summer rather than rushing work into the current season.
Board members asked whether partial fixes (replacing dimmer cartridges only) were feasible; presenters said the electrical and dimmer system architecture means a retrofit would require reconfiguring the amp system and a broader upgrade. Members requested a comparative cost analysis showing the expense of keeping current fixtures versus a full replacement before the board commits capital funds.
