The new performing arts centre at the University of Plymouth's Exmouth campus.
Stagetec (UK) Ltd has just completed the design, supply and installation of a sound, communications and lighting system for the new performing arts centre at the University of Plymouth's Exmouth campus. This major new GBP2.5 million teaching complex incorporates a performing arts area housing a large lecture theatre, a performance area and seminar rooms. Stagetec’s design was based on an outline specification from University staff. The lighting system features an internally-wired grid over the auditorium and stage areas, connected to eight LSC iPRO 12-channel digital installation dimmer packs. A Compulite Spark 4D console was chosen for its quick and easy programming facilities, its power and expedient size.

Stagetec supplied a selection of luminaires from the Selecon range, including 1.2kW fresnels, 600W Pacific profiles, Aurora cyclorama floods and a Performer followspot. Stagetec also provided a separate house lighting control system, utilising a two-channel Leax Scenemaster 8000 controller and dimming system.

The sound installation is based on facility panels mounted all around the building, and wired back to a central audio/video patch system. Four Martin Audio EM76 speakers are mounted both sides of the theatre's stage, driven from Crown CE series amplifiers and mixed via an Allen & Heath Mix Wizard 14:4:2 mixer. Ancillary equipment includes Denon CD and cassette machines and Shure and Audio Technica microphones.

The communications side of the install includes a Tec Pro intercom system, backstage and front of house paging, a show relay and a Sennheiser Infra Red hard-of-hearing system. Stagetec also supplied all necessary curtain tracks and curtains for the stage area. The technical installation was managed by Stagetec's in-house projects team. Their remit included the production of working drawings, liaising with other contractors on site, providing comprehensive operation and maintenance manuals, and training staff on the new equipment.

(Lee Baldock)


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