"Basically we redeveloped the theatre from a multi-functional venue to a permanent theatre capable of handling large scale, long running quality theatre productions," said JP de Vernon, entertainment technical manager at Emperors.
After consulting with Dream Sets and Effective Events, a decision was made by Emperors Palace to build a stage out of stage decks that would fit into the venue perfectly and come within a reasonable budget.
"We have proper comfortable theatre/cinema seating, the theatre is warm and inviting and the team itself is very passionate about what we do," said JP. "Importantly we wanted a reliable system with complete back up where we would not have to worry about a desk crashing and where any outside operator would feel comfortable to run a big show. The biggest thing we also had to consider was the support. Whatever products we've purchased from DWR in the past has always included incredible back-up."
DWR Distribution supplied the solution. "A critical requirement was to have a full tracking auto back-up solution. On larger shows this is becoming a critical component," said Robert Izzett from DWR.
Kevin Stannett Head of Lighting for Emperors Palace, visited DWR and spent time with Nick Britz. Kevin wanted faders, so Nick suggested a grandMA2 system with a motorised fader wing.
"For a back-up scenario, we included an eight-port node that sits on the stage and a grandMA PC Command Wing as a second control interface," said Robert. "We ran new Ethernet lines into the venue from FOH to the stage. Both the FOH control desk and the 8 Port Node on stage each run on their own dedicated UPS, a back up for power failures."
Additionally, a wireless remote grandMA was supplied, enabling the plotting and focussing of fixtures prior to a show. The scenario means they have a full trekking back up for large shows, but the current set up also means they could have three different control systems to run three separate smaller shows in three separate venues with a MA Lighting in one Venue, an 8 Port Node in the other and lastly a Command Wing.
(Jim Evans)
