Rigging / Staging

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14 March 2016

The 57 cases in the latest order were to house Clay Paky's Alpha 300 and new 700 range of Spot, Wash and Beam moving light fixtures - both the 300 and 700 fixtures fit into the same case.

The Tour Grade trunks each house two luminaires and provide storage space for the removable hook clamps. The latest set of cases featured modifications to include a larger allowance for the bracket of the Alpha 700s.

The Arpege cases were made from 12mm birch plywood, with a high pressure laminate bonded exterior in a smart black finish. They also feature heavy-duty casters rated up to 180Kg, more than double the rating of the standard ones.

The project was handled for 5 Star by Andy Harford, who explai

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14 March 2016

The system is equally useful for both international and UK customers, who can visualise with ease each of the seven Triple E tracks that are sold on an individual parts basis. Simply select the shape or effect that best matches your facility, and an animated movie then demonstrates your chosen effect. Once you know the effect you want, fill in the details of size, preferred suspension type and drive where used, and the Quote Tool will quickly and obligingly compile your shopping list, plus give the total cost in pounds sterling.

The new site gives details of all Triple E products, including the other track systems, Chaintrack and Chainbeam, Variable Acoustic ban

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14 March 2016

As demonstrated at PLASA09, the XMOS Ethernet AVB solution consists of XCore event-driven processors, open source AVB software, application notes, prototyping board schematics, gerber files and documentation with general availability planned for Q4 2009. XMOS AVB systems are programmed in C using freely available development tools, providing unmatched design flexibility.

XMOS provides a cost-effective way for designers to implement Ethernet AVB with professional levels of quality of service. Applications that are enabled with XMOS AVB products range from consumer audio equipment such as home theatr

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14 March 2016

For the first time, the Proms finale was screened via satellite to cinemas on every continent of the world. The BBC said the two-month classical music festival had been the most successful yet with a 32% increase in under-16s attending. Proms director Roger Wright said the event had included "outstanding and inspiring music-making".

Goodnight Vienna - The tribute conce

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14 March 2016

Receiving its worldwide launch at PLASA09 (13-16 September, Earls Court), SANE (Synchronous Audio Network plus Ethernet), is a new digital audio networking protocol using ring network topology: it claims to offer the first fully-synchronous Cat5 network solution for streaming uninterrupted media in real time.

This new low cost and high efficiency system, based on proven Optocore technology, has evolved from the German company's new AD/DA X6R and V3R converters launched earlier this year; these offer split AES-EBU ports, sample rate conversion up to 192kHz, and five different card options.

SANE offers a unique solution, the company says: it transports recognise

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14 March 2016

The unobtrusive iDMX7 can be mounted virtually unnoticed in a ceiling or room corner and operated with the infrared remote from distances of up to 32.8ft. The only thing visible to the eye is the little 'red eye' of the infrared sensor.

Designed for entertainment venues, special events and architectural applications, the iDMX7 can control up to 512 DMX channels. It can record and playback programmes from any universal DMX-512 controller, such as Elation's Show Designer or Compu DMX control software. The iDMX7's memory can store up to seven minutes of 512 continuously-changing channels - or an even longer time frame if fewer than 512 channels are used.

With its a

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14 March 2016

In addition to all the regular products, there is also information about four new products: LitePro520 - the heavy duty truss line giving an unrivalled combination of load capacity and versatility; MidiStage Climbing Roof - the 8m x 6m stage roof ideal for outdoor productions of medium audience size; MaxiStage Climbing Roof - the 10m x 8m stage roof also available as a 12m x 10m combination, and MegaStage Climbing Roof - uses either LitePro520 or 520Pro trussing system, the 14mx10m or 16mx12m combinations are designed specifically to cater for larger event productions.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

Since 2001, Sensation's 35,000-per-night crowd has followed an all-white dress code, originally a tribute by organiser Duncan Sutterheim to his late brother Miles, who was given an all-white funeral in 2000. The tradition has continued, and this year's human snowscape was reflected in specially commissioned white aerial décor, props and lighting effects.

The aerial pieces were animated, along with video screens and lighting pods, by a 58-motor XLNT CyberHoist motion control system, controlled by a complex four-zoned Ethernet system using XLNT Advanced Technologies

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14 March 2016

The ninth annual Tech Track 100 league table was published in The Sunday Times on 20 September 2009. It ranks Britain's fastest-growing privately-owned technology companies, based on sales growth over the latest three years, from 2005-2008, or 2006-2009. Growth among these companies ranged from 38% pa to 189% pa, with sales typically between £5m and £30m.

Stage Technologies, founded in 1995 by managing director Mark Ager and operations director John Hastie, has grown its sales 55% a year from £4.2m in 2005 to £15.5m in 2008, according to The Times. In 2009 it received the Queen's Award for Enterprise 2009 in the categor

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14 March 2016

The show, set in 1959 in the city of New York, is a mix of swing music, acrobatics and dancing. It transports the audience back in time to the 'Rat Pack' era. Three large roller projection screen systems are used in the show. At the left and right side of the stage, Gerriets installed two Tube top roller screen systems, each equipped with a 36ft (11m) wide x 26ft (8m) high Opera white front projection surface. In the centre of the stage, Gerriets installed a 39ft (12m) wide bottom roller Megascreen projection screen system. Here the carbon tube rolls up and down with the screen surface. When unrolled the screen is fully open and the carbon tube is

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14 March 2016

The lift is designed for those requiring a quick set-up for their line array. The PA is loaded directly on to the forks of the lift, cranked up and in a matter of minutes the system is suspended from the lift and ready to play. The lift has a transport weight/height of just 95kg/1.7m so is easy to transport.

The TL-A220 incorporates the ALS (Auto Lock Security) a system patented by VMB 12 years ago, and now a standard in most of its lifts. The ALS automatically locks the lift in place, releases all the pressure from the cable and guarantees the load will not fall.

Says VMB: "With any other conventional frontal load lift the further along the forks the load is placed the

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14 March 2016

"NCsoft really wanted the launch of Aion to make an impact and this was certainly achieved," said Simon Wood, sales and marketing director, Stage One. He continued, "by integrating fantasy elements of the game into the set and bringing two of the games characters to life, including the flying of them using Qtrack, our fly track system, we were able to engage the public in the story and deliver a real theatrical punch."

Each part of the vivid set, created by Mike Woodage, was designed to reflect the fantasy world in which

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14 March 2016

The show will feature the latest industry technology and exhibits from leading lighting and sound suppliers. Avolites, Doughty, ETC, Le Maitre, Lee, MA Lighting, Martin, Panasonic, Pulsar, RCF, RSS by Roland, Rosco, Philips Selecon, Yamaha and Zero 88 will be exhibiting their latest products, offering demonstrations and providing product advice.

Stage Electrics will be exhibiting and demonstrating a wealth of new products including: LED screens, QMAXZ QME700P moving lights, Prolyte truss, Arkaos A-Series Media Servers, Flamejettt and the Altair WBS200 Wireless Intercom System. Throughout the day website demonstrations

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14 March 2016

They were keen to create "a unique live experience for their fans" and, for the first time, contracted Stageco to design, manufacture and install the Viva La Vida touring stage.

Development began at the end of 2008. Project director Hedwig de Meyer led in-depth consultation between Stageco's in-house design and CAD engineers and the band's management and production teams. An extensive creative process followed to finalise a design led staging solution, following the concept of a giant eyelid, which was practical and safe to tour.

The

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14 March 2016

Rope Assemblies Ltd will be offering the C-Clip at a special introductory price of £2.00 each (RRP £2.50), while complete system prices and full specifications are available on request. To take advantage of this offer please quote CClip when placing orders before 23 December 2009 (offer applies to orders dispatched before 23 December 2009, offer

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14 March 2016

Thurlbeck chose Steeldeck because of its durability, safe in the knowledge that these sturdy decks have been supporting performers and production teams for a very long time. "It has literally been used for everything from rock to classics to corporate sets and all points in between," he says.

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The Alhambra's Theatre's technical electrics manager wanted to improve safety at the theatre where they were using a tallescope for working at height. "We chose the Star 10 because it is driveable at full height, carries two people and is about 1 tonne lighter than other machines we looked at suitable for our stage floor. Haulotte also changed the speed setting on the machine to enable us to drive it slower so that we have greater control in difficult areas like the edge of the orchestra pit."

The Star

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14 March 2016

The 360° viewing facility will remain active all year round while being removed for the duration of the Championships. Tennis enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a full insight into the main features of Wimbledon and Centre Court. Venturing out to the viewing platform on Centre Court itself places them just steps away from the world famous turf.

In conjunction with concept designers Mather and Company, Arena Structures designed and installed the elegant viewing platform and temporary corridor which connects it to the rest of the gallery.

Project mana

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14 March 2016

"It's great to be back at Showman's," says national sales manager, John Phillips who will be one of the team on hand throughout the show. "Crowd management at an event is an extremely important element to ensure both the safety and enjoyment of those attending.

"At A.P., we pride ourselves on looking at each job on an individual basis to ensure the best results. Because of this, we have great relationships with our current clients and we're looking forward to developing some new ones during the show."

(Jim Evans)

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14 March 2016

The announcement comes on the back of long-term strategic reviews conducted by both Associations who believe that uniting as one body will lead to a stronger voice for members, the enhancement of existing initiatives and an expansion of the range of benefits and services.

The proposed merger has the full backing of both the ESTA Board of Directors and the PLASA Executive Committee who voted on the proposal this Summer and who will formally recommend the move to their respective memberships, subject to due diligence being completed successfully, during the Spring/Summer of 2010. If both memberships vote to go ahead, the first stage of t

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14 March 2016

The fan-shaped screen was located behind the stage covering the back seating tiers, and reached right up to the full height of the top of the venue. Its total surface area was an impressive 2,160sq.m.

Fondazione Arena di Verona is a Roman amphitheatre dating back to 30 AD. The task of designing, supplying and installing the projection screen into this performance space was trusted to rigging and trussing rental company Decima Italia from Padova.

One of the many challenges they faced was ensuring that the installation had minimal impact on the natural architecture. The screen also had to be positioned milli

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14 March 2016

Founded in 1961, the ABTT was started by a small group of enthusiastic professionals, whose main objective was to raise technical standards in the theatre, through the collation and distribution of information on working methods, theatre planning, stage machinery, lighting and sound equipment, acoustics, scenery construction, stage management and all aspects of live performance.

Starting from a membership of under 100 almost 50 years ago, the ABTT currently enjoys a membership approaching 1800, drawn from theatre consultants, architects, engineers, designer

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14 March 2016

The announcement comes on the back of long-term strategic reviews conducted by both Associations who believe that uniting as one body will lead to a stronger voice for members, the enhancement of existing initiatives and an expansion of the range of benefits and services.

The proposed merger has the full backing of both the ESTA Board of Directors and the PLASA Executive Committee who voted on the proposal this Summer and who will formally recommend the move to their respective memberships, subject to due diligence being completed successfully, during the Spring/Summer of 2010. If both memberships vote to go ahead, the first stage of t

Details

14 March 2016

These events offer young people aged 13 and above a taste of the job roles available behind the scenes and offstage in technical theatre and live music events.

Pupils from local schools will meet and experience the work of a number of professionals including lighting and sound technicians, marketing and stage managers and designers, in venues from the New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth, up to the SAGE in Gateshead. Behind the scenes staff will share the tricks of their trade and experiences, working out of the 'spotlight'.

Offstage is produced by The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills (NSA), a network of industry speciali