When it comes to outfitting your school hall or theatre, the question of whether to buy or hire lighting equipment is often the first hurdle. It’s a decision that not only affects your budget but also impacts the flexibility and functionality of your performance spaces. Here’s a no-nonsense breakdown to help you figure out what’s best for your needs.
The Case for Buying Theatre Lighting
If your space is regularly used—think annual productions, frequent assemblies, and regular drama lessons—owning your lighting equipment might be a wise investment. Here’s why:
- Cost Efficiency: For schools with consistent use, buying pays off over time. The initial outlay might sting, but you save in the long run on hire costs.
- Customisation: Ownership lets you configure the setup to suit your space perfectly, without the hassle of taking down, packing up and returning the kit after every event.
- Control and Maintenance: If you buy from a trusted supplier you know the history of your equipment and can ensure it is safe, up to date, and regularly maintained. Plus, you always know it’s available when you need it
That said, buying isn’t without its challenges. Your budget has to stretch beyond just the purchase—it needs to cover repairs, maintenance, regular inspections, and staff training to use the equipment effectively. If you’ve got a fancy lighting rig and desk, but no-one who can operate it, you might as well have not bothered!
The Case for Hiring Theatre Lighting
If your productions are less frequent or your needs vary greatly, renting can be a lifesaver. Here’s why:
- Cost Flexibility: Renting allows you to pay only when you need the kit. Perfect if you only put on a couple of productions a year.
- Access to the Latest Tech: Hire companies stock the latest lighting gear, giving your production the wow factor without the commitment of buying.
- Expert Support: With rental comes the option of wet hire—where we not only provide the kit but also send our technicians to handle setup and operation. This is ideal for schools without in-house expertise.
But, bear in mind, rental can become costly if you’re frequently hiring. And while it offers variety, it might not always perfectly suit your space or your team’s expertise.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Before making your decision, ask:
- How often do we use the space?
Regular productions may justify buying; sporadic use makes hiring more logical. - What’s our budget?
Consider both upfront and ongoing costs for buying, versus one-off hire fees. - Do we have in-house expertise?
Without trained staff, hiring with operator support might save a lot of headaches. - What’s the long-term plan?
If you envision scaling your productions, owning could future-proof your ambitions.
So, what’ll it be?
Hire or buy?
Or maybe a bit of both?
There’s no right or wrong answer here!
If you’re still unsure, let’s chat! Our friendly experts can guide you through the pros and cons specific to your school’s needs.
