Albert O'Neil, manager of conservatory support at Mount Royal oversaw the rigging renovation that included the installation of eight variable speed PowerLifts and a SceneControl 500 console at the school, which always needs to balance creating a strong teaching environment and budget concerns.
"Staying on top of technology is critical for technical theatre students," explains O'Neil, "Broadening the scope of available, viewable technologies ensures that students are not brought up only in the past and are open to developing technologies and trends. Yet, we are mindful that we must teach students equipment that they will find in the field and not every theatre can afford only the latest or the best.
"I believe that this system married with our existing counterweight rigging, and with the arena style chain motor and truss rig in our lighting lab keeps our students' minds and their options for future learning open."
(Jim Evans)
