Rigging / Staging

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14 March 2016

Damon Albarn (musical score) and Gorillaz partner Jamie Hewlett (visuals, stage & costume design) present this innovative performance work fusing Chinese opera and circus with animated video cartoons and live performance.

Summit won a competitive tender to supply rigging services and equipment to the show which is staged by AEG Promotions UK. Summit's team is project managed by Chris Walker who is working closely with AEG's site production manager Tom Armstrong and Monkey Journey 2008 (the touring company) production manager, Jim Leaver.

The show's flown infrastructure is based around a 22.4m wide by 20.5m deep ground support system that was installed into the tent by Star Events Group.

From this, Summit

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14 March 2016

Stage One were brought in by Top Gear Live production manager, Simon Aldridge and were responsible for the construction of both the set and Swampy, along with the associated automation. Designed by Paul Bonomini, the set both framed and became part of the live action.

Stage One built a replica oil tanker, which split open to reveal Swampy - an 8m high, automated, fire-breathing monster. Swampy was constructed with a steel frame, a moulded head and four metre long arms with over sized sculptured hands. He was scenically dressed in camouflage netting

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14 March 2016

The Wired Remote VAC, designed for the Pro Series, allows technicians to move hoists, set or modify cues from a variety of onstage positions. The walk around, full-function work station (along with up to 100ft of cable) gives the technician freedom to see the hoists clearly during movement.

"Theatrical rigging requires precise movements, in close proximity, at very high speeds. You need to be able to see the equipment moving," said Ted Paget, Vortek central region sales manager. "The Wired Remote VAC allows for a clear line of sight between the technician and the equipment when it is moving."

Other features for the

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14 March 2016

LD Mark Payne supplied two different plots for the tour - one for the outdoor shows in Durban's Absa Stadium and Cape Town's Newlands Cricket Ground and one for the indoor show at the Dome in Johannesburg, where the tour concluded in two sold out nights.

The Dome show consisted of three trusses, with a total of 24 Martin Professional MAC 2K Profiles and 24 MAC 2K wash fixtures spread between them, plus four Robe 700w fixtures on the floor for band illumination. The front truss also featured seven 4-lite Molefays for audience lighting.

Gearhouse supplied a total of 10 follow spots - eight front-of-house (new 2K Supertroupers) and two on the upstage truss. Three scenic trusses

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14 March 2016

At a meeting with the ABTT held on the 3 December, the HSE explained that research that they have carried out indicated there were potential occasions when such a practice could cause the Tallescope to topple and thereby seriously injure the technician in the cage or those on the stage. This research follows on from similar, but not exactly the same, research, carried out on behalf of the ABTT. Therefore, the HSE considered that they would not change their position or advice until such time that it could be shown that their research had produced an erroneous conclusion or the statistical risk of an accident could be reassessed.

Having seen the confidential report, the ABTT is content that

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14 March 2016

"For Litestructures Studios, 2008 has been year of growth and development." says the Studio's general manager Brent Woods. "Increasingly we are becoming the rehearsal facility of choice amongst the biggest touring productions. We have been honoured to work this year with the most innovative and ambitious tours. We have exciting plans for developing the Studio further and are looking forward to a fantastic 2009."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Litestructures was approached by Brighton based design and development experts Millimetre to produce an outdoor system that would create a visual delight both externally and internally. Litestructures technical sales manager Paul Hadfield discussed the Wishing Well concept with Millimetre's Marc Thomas and Ivan Clarke to gain a greater understanding of what was required of the final installation and the Litestructures design and manufacturing team swung into action to provide the structure.

The main support structure is 7.2m high with 6m spans between each tower and consists of Litestructures high performance Lit

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14 March 2016

The mobile stage was designed as a multi-level stage to enable him to have optimum contact with his audience. Beside the visual aspect, the technical specifications also played an important role. Due to a tight touring schedule, production time to build the stage was limited. Prolyte advised to use the Easy frame C system, as support frame for the entire staging area, which assembles rapidly and without the need for extra tooling of forklifts.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The show included performances by several high profile artists including headliner Loyiso Bala, supported by Loading Zone, Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, Denim and Dozi, all MC'd by comedian Wayne McKay. The event was project managed on site for Gearhouse by Zane Carim.

The main stage was a 22m wide by 14 deep Layher construction, with a Slick Dome roof giving 12m of headroom.

Upstage of this was a Lighthouse high-resolution LED screen. Most of the artists performed before dusk, but it was dark by the time the main ceremony swung into action. This plus three del

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14 March 2016

The building is under new management of the Sabatini Group and home to the Virtus Bologna A Series basketball team, who play all their home games there. The Sabatini Group also plans to expand the general use of the venue - which can hold up to 13000 people using mobile grandstands - to host major concerts, shows, conferences and other live sporting events. This necessitated the need for a flexible all-purpose trussing system from which to hang sound, lighting and AV equipment.

As this was such a high profile project, Bologna-based Decima Italia designed, supplied and installed the three trussing grids themselves. The main one measures 22 x 20m and has a weight loading of 40 tons, while the two side grids each measure 12 by 4

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14 March 2016

This follows the confirmation by Royal Parks that Live Nation successfully retained the contract which extends their 10-year history there. Over the years Showsec has supplied a range of event security services for live events including the Wireless and Hard Rock Calling series of festivals.

Showsec operations director Simon Battersby comments: "We are delighted to be returning to Hyde Park. It is the jewel in the crown of London's outdoor event spaces, attracting prestigious events with high profile artists and visitors. I enjoy the challenge of delivering a consistent high standard security service at a range of very different events, working alongside the best production teams in our industry."

Live Nation's festival director

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14 March 2016

Working with the producers of the show, Channel 4, and production designer, Nick King, Stage One was responsible for providing Countdown with its most expansive and stylish set to date, demonstrating Channel 4's commitment to the continuing success of the show, which has been running since 1982.

Stage One provided new presenter and contestant desks and built the large set backing panels. These panels were mounted on to trucks in order to enable a smooth transition between shows as they are moved in and out of the studio.

The company also provided a central floor motif for the set that consisted of a backlit polycarbonate graphic, along with incorporating further backli

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14 March 2016

Simon Edwards, 5 Star's head of technical design says: "The current economic climate means we have to be as flexible as possible, offering a good range of options that won't break the bank whilst also not compromising on basic fundamental principals like quality."

Featuring a durable ply carcass with smart High Pressure Laminate (HPL) finishing, the Arena range is constructed using 5 Star's regular glue-and-pin method and finished with the usual Penn-Elcom hardware.

Arena is available from stock in black, or to order in any of 5 Star's standard range of colours. Three standard sizes are available, the Arena 600, 900 and 1200. Each size coming complete with divider rails and partitions.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The 28,500sq.m multifunction hall, which has a seating capacity of 12,000, has been equipped with chain hoists and a chain-hoist controller from ChainMaster.

For the Spaladium Arena, ChainMaster delivered four 6,000 kg BGV-C1 JumboLifts with absolute value encoders and load cells in VarioLift versions, along with a computerized controller and a switching cabinet for the positioning of the central video cube.

The ChainMaster computerised controller for the arena in Split boasts a number of additional features. Among them is an emergency lowering system operated by a key switch that ca

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14 March 2016

In an effort to attract the right people to fill these many roles, the company is hosting a recruitment event in London on Tuesday, 3 February 2009. This 'Red Curtain Recruitment Event' will provide an opportunity for those interested in working with Cirque du Soleil to meet its recruiters and managers, have a drink and a quick bite to eat with current employees, and generally learn more about the company and its many career opportunities.

Anyone wishing to attend can r

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14 March 2016

A.C. Rigging was appointed based on its track record and long standing relationship with Staging Systems Europe (SSE), manufacturer of the Tomcat and Litec truss brands. The agreement compliments A.C. Rigging's exclusive UK distribution of Litec, offering customers substantial UK stocks of two of SSE's leading truss brands.

Paolo Dozzo, sales director, Staging Systems Europe, commented: "I'm delighted to have A.C. Entertainment Technologies on board for the Tomcat Classic range. Their experience and focus on trussing and rigging is unquestionable, and this ensures

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14 March 2016

The stage measures 15m(w) x 10m(deep) and 8ft tall - made to fit on 60ft x 40ft house stage. The main feature includes three sets of staircase - all custom-built. Steps made of a small aluminium frame with a makrolon top. The other main feature of the stage includes five scissor lifts all from Litestructures' hire stock. The top of the decks on the lifts had to have special fixings to accept on stage motorbikes and dancing poles.

The production spent six days in the Litestructures Studios for full production rehearsal. Production manager Bryan 'Froggy' Cross comments, "When it comes to set fabrication and rehearsal space for a full production, Litestructures is the only place I trust with all of my artis

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14 March 2016

Featuring DMX-512 protocol, the TW-RGB9 can create thousands of colours, produce colour changes, and perform colour fades with 0-100% electronic dimming. It's also equipped with pre-programmed colour macros and a built-in microphone for sound-active operation, allowing it to be used without a controller.

The TW-RGB9 apart is that it was designed from the inside out to serve the function of a truss warmer. Compact in size yet p

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14 March 2016

Gatekeeper is a smart turnstile system with proprietary software, designed to improve crowd safety at events. By counting the number of people entering and leaving a controlled event area through multiple exits, it monitors and automatically controls the capacity in real time.

"Gatekeeper meets a longstanding demand of promoters and public event organisers everywhere in the world," said Patrick Jordan, managing director of Mojo Barriers. "Until now, there has been no way of measuring the exact size of a crowd entering or leaving a public space through many different gates. Gatekeeper can keep track of the number of people in any controlled space, allowing organisers to prevent overcrowding even

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14 March 2016

From temporary harbours, to canoeing and miniature sail-boat pools, the division supplied the supporting structures which allowed nautical clients to let their imaginations run wild.

Working with Johnstone Events' Andy Johnstone, Arena Seating helped implement a new concept, the Suzuki Indoor Harbour, for Suzuki GB. This consisted of an indoor harbour built at London's ExCel to exhibit a range of motor launches and outboard engines. Arena Seating provided the substructure on which the exhibitors mounted their own branding and display. Special features added by the company included a ramp and several staircases, handrails plus the main, squar

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14 March 2016

Working with theatre consultant Encore Design Group and Dallas installing dealer StageLight, Clancy supplied a total of 24 PowerLift Automated Hoists: nine with 0-180 fpm variable speed and eight with 0-120 fpm variable speed, all with 1,250-pound capacity, for use with scenery, travellers and a portal tormentor; and seven with 2,000-pound capacity and a fixed speed of 20 fpm, for electrics and the orchestra shell.

In addition, Clancy provided a Zetex Plus fire safety curtain with a motorised line shaft hoist, for easy opening and closing during normal use. The line shaft is equipped with a hydraulic speed control to allow regulation of speed during an emergency descent. Zetex Plus fabric me

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14 March 2016

The features of the new touring racks include automatic phase and rotating field detection and switching, Up and Down master runs with only one switch, illuminated display of all operating conditions (such as faults and run directions), and the possibility of connecting external enabling ('dead-man') switches.

Up to 256 drives can be linked in one network, which represents a considerably more affordable solution than the corresponding number of individual controllers, says the company. The M-Link system is also compatible with the Movecat MPC 4ED8 and 4ID8 controllers and can therefore be integrated with existing controllers from the 'smaller' series.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The old saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' has never been good enough for Sunbaba, whom during 11 years of providing high quality branding solutions to the event industry, has been passionate about developing greener branding solutions. Their commitment to research and development is evident as they launch their first ever fully recyclable product.

Jonathan Booth, marketing director at Sunbaba explains: "Polyethylene is our first fully recyclable product and offers the perfect replacement to traditional banner PVC. It can be printed using UV inks which further reduces the environmental impact. It is a solid fabric making it ideal for perimeter branding, building wraps and large format advertising."

As

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14 March 2016

Sessions will be held at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bowie MD, and will be conducted by Morgan Neff of Mine Safety Appliances (MSA), a Fall Protection and Rescue Trainer, and Rocky Paulson, an ETCP Certified Rigger and ETCP Recognized Trainer.

(Jim Evans)