This starts its UK tour at Manchester Opera House in November, following a lengthy and successful stint in the US. Kinesys initially supplied the production two years ago at the start of its US tour - providing six Elevation 1+ variable speed chain hoist controllers, an Array PD-ES power and Emergency Stop distribution unit plus a computer system, complete with proprietary Vector software. This was used to move the lighting trusses quickly and safely during the show, greatly enhancing the visual dynamics and flexibility of the touring rig.
Kinesys supplied the kit via Tomcat US, who provided the accompanying customized high speed Lodestar JJ Motors to US production company Troika. Tomcat also undertook to maintain the system whilst on the road. As it turned out, the very robust build ensured that little maintenance work was needed despite a punishing schedule. However Kinesys did perform a full service before the UK tour, and also supplied a transformer to allow the US system to operate on the higher European voltage.
The flying system was designed from the outset for fast rigging - fusing the chain hoist mentality of rock 'n' roll with a theatrical environment - complete with SwingWing lighting trusses housing all the lanterns and moving lights. It was always planned to bring Starlight to the UK, and just before this happened, Kinesys was contacted again - this time by lighting designer Howard Eaton. Eaton wanted a control system for two tracking and lifting projection screens that were an addition to the UK show. The system had to be DMX controlled so the lighting operator could run it. It also needed an interlock facility to provide programmable 'dead zones' where the screens could not travel, ensuring they will only track offstage fully once high enough to clear the fly floors.
Kinesys achieved this brief by adding some software to supplement the positioning system that was already integrated with the customized Velocity drives. Each pair of drives associated with a screen (one lifting, one tracking) monitors the position of its partner. The range of permitted travel is then calculated based on the positions of both drives together with preset co-ordinates that define the forbidden areas. The result is a straightforward but effective 'collision avoidance' system. It also features hard limits to protect the extremes of travel, and with 'Show' and 'Rigging' modes selectable from the lighting desk, a safe and flexible positioning system is created.
Kinesys added a "dead man's handle" facility, which must be held down before anything physically moves onstage. The tracking screens control is also linked into the show-wide Emergency Stop system.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
