Wales Update

From Cardiff to Newtown, from regional theatres to universities, Stage Technologies has been working on some exciting projects in Wales.

Early in the summer of 2011 Stage Technologies was awarded the contract for power flying at the new regional theatre in Llanelli. This is just one of a variety of Wales-based activities in which the company has engaged recently.  The projects range from the installation of winches and control system in a refurbished landmark (Gwyn Hall) to a Nomad control desk for training purposes at a new higher learning venue (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama) to the first installation in the UK of a BTLite winch System at Theatre Hafren in Newtown.

Stage Technologies was invited by main contractor J&C Joel to install a Nomad control desk with eChameleon interface for students from Cardiff's Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to use in their automation studies.  The Concert Hall of the school was fitted with a four axis control system for the operation of some lighting bars. Such a system would normally not require the Nomad desk to operate as it is unlikely that the system will be used during performances, but the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama needed a proven, market leading system on which the students could practice their automation skills. The project was completed in June 2011.

When Capita Symonds was designing a new fly tower at Theatr Hafren, a small regional theatre in Newtown, the architecture firm contacted Stage Technologies to supply an affordable stage automation system.  The theatre's old counterweight system needed replacing to accommodate the needs of 21st century touring shows. The Stage Technologies system, which was completed in August 2011, consists of 19 BT Lite winches, a system hub and an Illusionist console.

Another Welsh theatre utilizing Stage Technologies expertise and skills is Gwyn Hall in Neath. The building is being rebuilt for the second time after a 2007 fire gutted the nearly completed refurbishment of the original iconic 1880s structure. The 393 seat capacity auditorium will be fitted with a simple system to utilize when bringing in lights and during show set up. Stage Technologies is providing the control system for the Delstar designed and supplied Pile Wind winches, as well as their stage lift, cross stage manual hoist bars and a projection screen.  

The largest  automated system to be installed in Wales will however be the full power flying system for the Y Ffwrmes project at Llanelli Theatre. The project, led by ACT Consultants Services is utilizing a Stage Technologies system comprising 34 Big Tow winches, Nomad, Solo and PC Wing control desks, and a Preset Station and is due for completion in October 2012.

_{Photo: BT250LT winches installed in Theatr Hafren, photo by Tom Campbell, Stage Technologies}