Theatre Design & Technology - Summer 2017 - 30

As alluded to earlier, skepticism that surrounds a
novel product is not exclusive to theatre. New and novel
ideas are often rejected in science, art, and all areas of
life. Novelty has always been met with suspicion, and
creative persons who generate innovative ideas must
persuade others and validate novel ideas outside the
status quo (Kaufman 2015, 37). To put it another way,
skepticism about new sustainable products or methods
in theatre is both common and healthy. Those who assume the challenge can expect reasonable resistance and
should anticipate ways to persuade end user acceptance
by fostering creativity and a bit of risk taking over time.
During the case study, research and effective communication enabled Ranseen to overcome concerns
about novelty and persuade IU theatre to make positive long-term progress through the introduction of rechargeable batteries in wireless microphones. Each year,
IU Theatre uses between 800 and 1,000 AA alkaline
batteries to power wireless microphones. Ranseen spoke
with Andrew Hopson, associate professor of Sound Design for IU Theatre, to obtain estimates on battery use
and possible solutions. Hopson had previously pondered
replacing alkaline batteries with rechargeables but, con-

cerned about charge time, compatibility, reliability, and
price, did not pursue the idea. With Hopson's concerns
in mind, Ranseen contacted the microphone manufacturer, Shure Inc., asking for a recommendation for
rechargeables based on IU's particular wireless mics. A
viable solution was found in rechargeable batteries, and
IU Theatre purchased 24 rechargeable lithium batteries, discontinuing its use of alkaline batteries. In particular, iPower LI-PO (lithium polymer) 2600 mWa
(2166mAh) 1.5 volt rechargeable AA batteries have
performed well for several productions, and Hopson
plans to replace half of the rechargeable batteries each
year while reducing annual expenses for batteries by 75
percent. This was a low-cost high-impact sustainable
solution.
While rechargeable batteries were new to IU Theatre, they were not necessarily novel to theatre production, which eased the transition. The 2008 Broadway
production of Wicked conducted research into rechargeable batteries and fully embraced them the same year.
Today, it is common practice on Broadway and West
End productions to use rechargeables in the high stakes
commercial theatre world (www.juliesbicycle.com).

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