Robe on the money at Theatre Royal of the Mint
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The theatre has just made a new lighting investment comprising Robe T2 Fresnels plus Robe Tetra1 and Tetra2 moving LED battens, which join its existing Robe T1 Profiles, two RoboSpot Systems running with T2 Profiles and 16 x Robe DL7S Profiles which were the first Robe purchases back in 2016.
Head of lighting Koen Raes explains that the main house will typically stage eight opera productions per year in their 1200-capacity main house, of which around seven are usually new works plus one revival. This programme is original and exclusive to the Theatre Royal, whose house crew works with different external creative teams, but all the production elements are sourced where possible from in-house resources.
When the initial Robe investment in 2016 was made, they had the foresight to start converting the stage lighting to LED light sources. When the budget became available for this most recent purchase, Koen and his department - which includes 11 full time technicians and programmers - were fully focused on furthering this mission.
Several scenarios led them to the T2. “First, we were getting requests for T2s from LDs,” explained Koen, “and secondly we are really happy with the quality of the Robe fixtures we already have, so it made sense to stay with the brand.”
Referring to the two T2 Profiles acquires with the two RoboSpot systems, he noted that the quality of the colour ranges and colour mixing were a major factor, together with the accuracy of the framing shutters, the general output and the low noise.
RoboSpots have changed how the follow system can work in the venue. They now have the flexibility of being able to utilise different positions for their T2 Profile follow fixtures, choosing the optimal for each individual production, although taking advantage of the height and angle of the fourth balcony has become a favourite.
Before, using conventional follow spots, the positions were higher up. It was more challenging to contain the light spillage onstage, it involved seat kills and they were noisy, so RoboSpots immediately eliminated all of those issues.
It also allows other elements of the Robe lighting rig to be used with them if desired.
The operators are positioned in the left and right side technical loges, a preferred position as they can feel the sound and atmosphere of the show right there beside them.
Six of their existing T1 Profiles are rigged off the highest balcony, where they have the power, the throw and all the features to look great onstage.
Koen mentions the importance of good support and back-up from the local distributor, and they are very happy with Benelux distributor Controllux and also with Robe direct.
