During the project's design phase, the school's electrical consultant, Phil Whiffin from Engineering Co Partnership, contacted White Light for advice as to how to equip the venue. Roger Hennigan and David Howe from White Light's projects team devised a comprehensive, flexible lighting system that suited both the school's needs and its budget.
The theatre's new dimming system uses four 12-way ETC SmartPack rackswith RCD protection controlled by a Strand 300-series lighting console. An internally-wired lighting grid includes both dimmer and DMX outlets, and there are also dimmer and DMX outlets at stage level. An ETC Unison architectural control system runs the house- and work-lights.
The lighting rig is based largely on Selecon's 650W Acclaim range, including12 Fresnels, eight PCs, eight 18/34 Profiles and four 24/44 Profiles as well as four Selecon 3-circuit 500W cyc floods. Two Robert Juliat Buxie followspots complete the rig. The electrical contractors were Power Installations and the installation was overseen by Gary Doherty.
As well as supplying and commissioning the lighting system, White Light will supply the school with training on the use of the rig through its Training Initiative education scheme.
(Lee Baldock)
