The purchase of 19 LEDWash 800s currently sees 10 installed in the 500 capacity main house, with nine in the smaller 100 capacity studio space. The Stadsteater is located in a large facility - together with the culture centre and library - built in 1976 and featuring some classic 1970s retro architecture and décor.
They wanted to replace some of their colour scrollers explains Lighting Technician and house LD Michael Dimle - and are absolutely delighted with the results of the LEDWashes. The Stadsteater had some previous experience with Robe ColorSpot 700E ATs bought in 2008, and the reliability of these was one of the reasons they looked to Robe again.
Michael also works for a selection of rental companies on other projects, and so has plenty of wider experience using Robe's latest fixtures - including LEDWash 600s and Pointes: "All the Robe fixtures I have worked with have been incredibly robust and well-engineered," he confirmed, adding that it's not unusual to see Robe products that are 10 or 12 years old still going strong. He likes the 8-63° zoom on the LEDWash and the additional power for the same sized fixture as the best-selling LEDWash 600s.
A lively range of productions are staged by the Stadsteater - drama, some concerts and guest artists as well as corporate events - and the venue is well attended. Approximately 35 different shows a month is an average production schedule.
The LEDWash 800s have made a "massive" difference to the levels of lighting production that the venue can offer. They are considerably more flexible than the scrollers they replaced and are very easy and quick to work with and programme - ideal for the shows which are pushed for rehearsal and tech time. The new fixtures are also considerably more cost-effective to run - there's no scroll string or bulb replacement, and of course the low power consumption.
"The external LDs all love them," says Michael, "And we have even impressed some directors when they have realised what can be achieved with them - and how quiet they are." Silent running is essential for theatre, concert and operatic environments, and it is something that Robe has prioritised specifically in its LEDWash and DL series fixtures.
The lights were delivered via the Goteborg office of Robe's Swedish distributor, Bellalite and they work every day and in every show that is staged at the Stadsteater.
Over the years, the Stadsteater has steadily purchased lighting equipment from Bellalite, a company which always offers "excellent and very quick service" concludes Michael.
(Jim Evans)
