Have you considered a professional dimmer pack? They're a bit more expensive but they're designed for what you're using them for, and can be controlled remotely more easily.
Remember a par36 will probably run via a transformer so will be an inductive load.
DJ and Stage Lighting Dimmers/ Switching packs - Buy online
I do want to buy pro dimmer packs, it's just that I'm not sure about the specs given.
This is the one I think is appropriate for me: thomann.de/es/thomann_ns_2003_handdimmer_2000w_ohm
Stairville NS 2003 - high-power single dimmer for up to 2000W resistive load.
Output: 10-230V, fuse: F 10A, thomann includes safety socket output plug.
Cable length: 1.5m
This is another, very similar but is inductive: thomann.de/es/stairville_ns_2002_handdimmer_2000w_indu
Stairville NS 2002 highpower-single dimmer for charge up to 2000 W inductive laod (500 W resistive load, because of thomann EMC Directive),
output 10 - 230 V, fuse F 10A, cable 1,5m, output via safety sockets plug.
I think that the first option (the resistive dimmer) correct choice for my needs.
The way my tents work is that we can mount and connect any number of individual tipis. (they're about 8 meters high, 10 meters in diameter and accommodate about 60 people seated each.). So each tent has it's own lighting rig, complete. We build flexibility in for the client by offering a few different color gel filters. (we know what works really well)
and we need to have dimming since some folks want a lot of light whilst others want low intimate light levels. I've been working with a lighting designer and we agree that the best quality light comes from incandescent luminaries that are dimmed down. There is a huge difference between using 12, 100 watt fixtures dimmed down 50% and say 6 of the same fixtures undimmed. Same wattage, completely different atmosphere.
And as I've said in another post, LED's seemed the way to go but after trying them I wasn't happy with the results.
Thanks much for all of the insight and information. Very informative.