Around 150 shows covering a wide array of performance genres are staged annually, an eclectic mix ranging from rock 'n' roll to choral music, shows to drama, musicals, stand-up comedy and dance - a massive cross section involving a host of one-nighters to much longer runs of two or three weeks.
Last year, the CTC invested in its first moving lights - which were Robe.
These were specified by head of lighting Andrew Tweedie and delivered by Canberra entertainment rental and production specialist, Elite Sound and Lighting.
Andrew has worked at CTC for six years, and the lighting upgrade with the generous support of the ACT Government, has been ongoing almost since he joined. In 2015 the time came to address the need for moving lights.
Elite's Darren Russell had seen Robe's powerful and elegant DL4X Spot at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt earlier in the year, and thought it would be an ideal solution for the Theatre Centre.
As part of the evaluation process, there was a shoot-out at the theatre - with the Robe options a clear winner, so Elite then won the contract to supply the moving lights, and delivered the eight DL4Xs plus 16 of Robe's LEDWash 800s which are moved between the three primary theatre spaces. The LEDWashes and DL4Xs proved a more attractive package than all the competition, and shortly after the decision was made, CTC had them delivered and up and running.
Elite has enjoyed a long and solid working relationship with the theatre explains Darren, but this was actually the first sale that they had completed with the CTC organisation. It was also the first LED lighting investment for CTC.
"I based the specs on what I was seeing with the touring shows bringing in their own rigs or specials," explained Andrew, "It was absolutely the right time to go for LEDs and all the advantages they offer in lower maintenance and running costs" as well as improving their overall carbon footprint, an aspect under frequent scrutiny."
Also important in the context of occupational health & safety at CTC is Robe's commitment to building lighter fixtures. One person can comfortably and safely lift a DL4X and a LEDWash 800, all stacking the odds towards the final decision.
The Robe fixtures were supplied to Elite by Australian distributor, the ULA Group.
Lighting control - across all venues - is ETC. Andrews works with an efficient crew set up of two full time technicians plus a select pool of regular freelancers who also light most of the shows.
(Jim Evans)
