Venues · Rigging and LED
James L. Knight Center: stage, rigging and event recording
For a production at the James L. Knight Center, identify the theater and its setup plan. The address is 400 SE 2nd Avenue, City of Miami, Miami-Dade. City of Miami owns the facilities and the published manager is Legends Global. Riverfront Hall, Ashe Auditorium and Hyatt Regency Miami meeting rooms require their own scope.
Which room and capacity apply to the setup
The complex plan places the theater on the third level. Confirm that the contract identifies the theater, support areas and date; connection to the hotel does not extend its services or approvals to other spaces.
Do not select the largest capacity figure. Obtain a revised plan deducting positions occupied by FOH, cameras, screens, technical aisles and obstructed views. If stage or production changes, recheck seating and egress before finalizing sales.
| Published reference | Listed seats | Planning use |
|---|---|---|
| Facilities, third-level plans and seating chart | 4569 | Compare with the proposed layout; do not treat as approved event capacity. |
| Sales Kit 02.24, rates and room drawing | 4605 | Keep the discrepancy open and ask the venue for the applicable plan. |
| Venue homepage | 4609 | General reference; does not replace the seating plan. |
| FAQ, complex description | 4650 | General description with a different capacity; do not add or average figures. |
The auditorium floor is not all usable stage area
Capacity plans describe 16000 ft² for the auditorium; the seating diagram labels 13000 ft². Do not use either area as usable stage deck. Sales Kit 02.24 describes a maximum stage of 64 × 40 ft in the standard setup: have the offered configuration identified for your event.
The same kit lists Stage-Right modules of 4 × 8 ft at heights of 36–54 in. Confirm inventory, final height, stairs, ramps, rails and allowable loads before placing a ground-supported screen. Submit base reactions and ballast; module area or height does not certify structural capacity.
Overlay stage, PA, monitors and LED on the seating plan. Check side views and the stage front. If a base or screen obstructs circulation, move it and resubmit the plan; do not remove barriers or safety features to resolve the conflict.
What to confirm for suspended equipment and power
Request the theater’s current rigging plan with identified points, accepted loads and handling restrictions. Submit screen, motor, truss, cable and accessory weights with distribution and expected reactions. Keep suspension pending until that review is received.
The floor, elevator and electrical specifications headed Riverfront Exhibition Hall apply to that space. Do not apply them to the theater or hotel. For the theater, request assigned supply, voltage, phases, protection, connectors and those responsible for connection, testing and disconnection.
| Proposal | Check to perform | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Suspended LED | Match plan points to accepted weights and distribution. | If a point is missing or a load is not accepted, redesign and resubmit. |
| Ground-supported LED or truss | Review bases, concentrated loads, ballast and floor or deck protection. | Use supports only with accepted capacity and location; do not replace suspension with ground support without review. |
| Temporary power | Compare loads and diagram with the supply actually assigned. | Resolve incompatibilities with the electrical lead before connection. |
Checking that equipment can reach the third level
The seating chart marks a freight elevator behind the stage. Its drawn location does not confirm usable dimensions, capacity or availability. Submit each package’s dimensions and weight and request the route from vehicle to final position, including doors, turns and level changes.
The kit describes dressing-room access by passenger elevator on another level; do not treat this as permission to transport equipment. Agree freight elevator use, operator, schedules, unloading sequence and empty-case storage. The audience’s accessible entrance does not define a freight route either.
Compare the confirmed route with actual packages before dispatch. If they do not fit, split assemblies or change packaging within manufacturer limits and revise the plan. Include packaging, lumber and bulky waste in load-out: the kit provides for charges when removal is left to the venue.
Separating equipment, house labor and recording
Sales Kit 02.24 describes an exclusive labor agreement with IATSE Local 500 for productions in the theater, charged separately from rental. Confirm its current scope for unloading, rigging, setup, operation and removal. The audiovisual section routes requirements through the Center; bringing your own equipment does not itself determine who may operate it.
If broadcasting or recording for reproduction is planned, declare it before finalizing the quote. The kit states an Origination Fee of USD 3000 per show and television “B” rates for stagehands. This is a reference from document 02.24, not a confirmed current price: request the applicable charge and scope in writing.
The spectator camera policy does not authorize a production recording. Separate venue acceptance, content rights and credentials. Test the signal path to recorder or encoder before the show, with agreed destinations and backups. A working signal does not demonstrate permission to broadcast.
Effects, insurance and changes to the accepted version
A Diffusion Hazer listing in the rate sheet does not authorize haze. Submit equipment, fluid, position and sequence, and request detection and fire-protection conditions. The spectator laser-pointer prohibition does not determine acceptance of a show laser system either: that requires specific review and any applicable permits.
The 02.24 kit mentions insurance coverage of USD 1000000 per occurrence and refers to the contract. Confirm current requirements, additional insureds and endorsements; obtain acceptance for the event. Also request security, medical coverage and inspections for the proposed setup and audience.
Preparation worksheet: not a permit, reservation, structural calculation or setup approval. Record every acceptance with date, scope and plan revision.
| Condition type | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Competent authority | Structural, electrical, fire and effects permits and inspections according to the work. |
| Venue | Room, plan capacity, loads, access, power and accepted technical test. |
| Organizer | Program, rights, audience, recording and supplier coordination. |
| Contractual or exclusive service | Labor, AV, insurance, schedules, current rates and surcharges. |
| Technical recommendation | Plan, signal list, loads and change log. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I quote a screen using the Riverfront Hall plan?
Not for the theater. Request the theater plan with proposed points or supports; do not transfer loads, power or elevators between spaces. If the design moves to another room, review those conditions before retaining equipment and pricing.
Which capacity do I use when 4569 and 4605 seats appear?
Request the accepted layout for your event. Place FOH, cameras, LED and aisles, then confirm available seats. Do not select the larger number or sell affected seats while the plan is pending.
Does 64 × 40 ft guarantee that my entire production fits?
No. It is the maximum stage configuration described in kit 02.24. Overlay bases, PA, access and equipment, then confirm height and loads for the proposed stage. If accepted circulation is not maintained, reduce or relocate elements and submit another version.
If I bring my LED, may any crew set it up and operate it?
The kit describes exclusive IATSE Local 500 labor in the theater. Agree in writing which tasks belong to house staff and which are accepted for your supplier, with schedules and charges. Do not schedule handling on the assumption that equipment ownership decides labor access.
Can an internal recording change the event cost?
Declare it and request the applicable terms. The kit includes recording for reproduction under the Origination Fee clause, as well as transmission and television. Confirm scope, rights and current charges before including it as a free service.
What if weight, effect or position changes after approval?
Identify affected acceptances, issue a revised plan and request another review before executing the change. Keep the previously accepted configuration as a reference; do not revert to it if physical or operating conditions have since changed.
Official documentation
Kit 02.24 retains ASM Global references; the currently published manager is Legends Global. Confirm the current contractual revision, loads, assigned power, labor and charges for your date. Plans contain different area and seating figures; none certifies the proposed setup.