Located in the Dallas Arts District, the first phase of the venue opened in September 2012 and includes a 750-seat multi-purpose proscenium theatre, public lobby, and support space.
GDS was asked by Texas Scenic Company (TSC) to supply a zoned, DMX-controlled, working light system to be used across the stage galleries, auditorium catwalks and followspot booth to allow technicians access to technical areas under dark performance conditions without drawing audience attention.
Working in conjunction with Schuler Shook Theatre Planners, TSC installed GDS' award winning, industry-standard BluesSystem. Fundamental to its selection was BluesSystem's ease of installation, mounting directly to electrical conduit; its low power demands and compact size; DMX control and zoning capabilities.
A testament to its high-powered quality was that it was initially found to be too bright in the catwalk areas, casting light onto adjacent surfaces, says the company. The issue was resolved by reducing the maximum intensity through the control system and creating custom beam shaping on the fixtures using BluesSystem 'cowls' and 'eyelids' for optimum working levels. In all, some 64 BluesSystem components were employed in the installation.
Kimberly Corbett, ASTC, theatre consultant with Schuler Shook succinctly observed that the system 'packed a lot of punch'.
As GDS celebrates its ninth year, the award winning UK manufacturer has become a truly global company, having established an international sales and distribution network in over 40 countries.
(Claire Beeson)
