Moss Center Black Box: loading, grid, audio and lighting

Which space, capacity and schedule must be confirmed?

The Black Box is on the east side of the main building at 10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay, Florida 33189, Miami-Dade. It is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. It is distinct from the Lab Theater and Main Stage: identify the space on plans, services and the contract.

Rental requests require at least 45 days’ notice and contracting at least 30 days. The policy also mentions sending contracts no less than 180 days ahead: obtain a written schedule resolving that difference before fixing setup and ticket sales. A hold lasts 7 days and the public calendar does not show every booking.

Prepare the layout including stage, audience, FOH, cameras, accessible routes and exits. Interior dimensions in the specification are not equipment-free floor area. The venue does not permit rental for private parties and banquets; confirm that the proposed program fits the accepted use.

Check the complete package and protect the floor

The specification allows access from the plaza or scheduled use of the Main Stage dock to the west. It lists two 10 ft × 12 ft bays with levelers, but the Black Box doorway is stated as 6 ft high × 6 ft wide. Confirm those dimensions along the actual route before dispatch: measure the case, wheels, handles and assembled equipment, not only the chassis.

Mark doors, turns and holding space without occupying exits. If a package does not fit, redesign packaging or a manufacturer-permitted equipment split; do not improvise tilting or remove building elements. Reschedule delivery if no route is accepted.

The sprung floor uses rubber sleepers, two ¾ in plywood layers and a black Masonite surface. Request allowable concentrated loads, supports and protection for carts, risers and ballast. Screwing or drilling incurs additional charges under the specification; that charge does not authorize the work.

What the grid figure means and what it cannot establish

The grid uses Schedule 40 pipe in 4 ft × 4 ft squares. The specification states 200 lb/ft² and requires prior rigging approval by the Moss Center Production Manager. That figure does not identify allowable load for a point, span or clamp, or residual capacity with installed equipment.

Do not multiply area by that figure to allocate motors, truss or LED. Submit positions, weights, center of gravity, reactions and attachment method; request authorized loads and structural review for the specific proposal. Confirm clearance, obstructions, installed equipment and who may access and work on the grid.

If the proposal is not accepted, remove the suspension or prepare a ground-supported alternative with reviewed loads and circulation. Retain the accepted plan to restore that configuration. A freestanding solution also requires support and stability review.

ETC Ion: reconcile inventory, patch and house restoration

The July 2026 specification identifies ETC Ion and the inventory below. The linked plot dates from 2023: it identifies COLORado 1 Tour while the specification says COLORado Tour 2; COLORado and LoneStar quantities also differ. Check actual model, quantity, mode, address and universe before importing a patch.

Ask the operator for the house file and software version. Check each circuit or fixture with a limited selection and safe level, without changing multiple destinations together. If another fixture responds, review patch and address; if none responds, separate power from DMX signal checks before editing cues.

The plot reserves Channel 6, Pipe 12 U#3, as a run light outside design use. Keep it out of show cues until its current role is confirmed. Fixture and power positions are approximate; do not use the plot as an engineering drawing. Rehanging or repositioning may incur additional labor and requires restoration to house positions.

Power, effects and separate approvals

The specification lists 110 V outlets around the room and a 100 A three-phase company switch with cam-loc connections in the lighting/sound booth on the second level. It does not state the voltage of that three-phase supply: do not infer that it matches the outlets. Obtain distribution, voltage, protection, available capacity and authorized connection responsibility before choosing cabling.

The plot places LED breakers in a technical room beside the booth. Coordinate checks with the operator; do not cut power to diagnose DMX or interfere with circuits serving other systems. If the allocation is insufficient, reduce demand or submit another distribution for review.

The fee schedule includes haze and fog rentals, but a price does not authorize an effect. For smoke, haze, lasers or pyrotechnics, identify equipment, manual, position and operation, and obtain venue and competent-authority reviews. Do not alter detection or assume City of Miami permits apply because the venue is in Miami-Dade.

Separate legal permits or authority review, venue technical acceptance, organizer conditions, contract or exclusivities, and technical checks. Confirm who installs, connects, operates, inspects and removes; approval by one party does not replace the others.

Yamaha QL1: separate audio, remote control and public Wi-Fi

The specification identifies Yamaha QL1 operated over network and iPad, 4 d&b Yi7p and 2 d&b Bi6 fixed to the grid; monitoring lists 2 d&b E8 and a D-6 amplifier, with possible rental charges. The older plot labels EAW: confirm the installed system and patch before reusing settings or presets.

County public Wi-Fi does not establish access to the control network. Yamaha describes QL StageMix as remote control of QL series through an access point connected to the console. Obtain the authorized app, versions and network; do not change IP, DHCP, firmware or presets during the show to try to restore a connection.

Agree on the initial state with the operator and save the necessary files before changes. If a check worsens the result, remove the change and restore the accepted state. At completion, restore patch, lighting positions and audio configuration, remove additions and check inventory and floor. Also define who receives the room and the final plan revision.