UK - Entourage Pro is an initiative in production industry crew resources. This free-to-join global networking platform “bridges the gap between artists and the production world and is set to revolutionise how production personnel are sourced, accredited and availed to the wider production and music industries”. The scheme has the backing of industry names including Avolites, d&b audiotechnik, ChainMaster, MDG, Neutrik, Robe and Yamaha.
Entourage Pro draws on director Joel Perry’s 20 year-plus association with live music production, as well as its partnership with Showcase Music, which has 52 years of industry heritage to add to the platform’s offering.
“With the global events sector starting to re-emerge, we knew the time was right to launch a service that has real relevance for the live music industry,” says Perry. “It’s an idea that has been in the making for some time and it took considerable resources to define, but that’s because we wanted to make sure we got it absolutely right.”
Entourage Pro has to be as comprehensive as possible and relevant to the industry, both now and in the future,” adds fellow director, Showcase Music’s James Stanbridge. “We are in a critical window of opportunity, and we want this to be our way of helping the industry get back on its feet and bringing it closer together.”
Entourage Pro covers 140 professional freelance roles, from front of house engineer, backline tech, lighting designer and rigger to video content creator, LED technician and more. It has been designed to be a qu

UK - BroadWeigh’s SensorSpace Remote Monitoring from Mantracourt has been awarded the Best Innovation Runner Up in the 2021 Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Awards. SensorSpace, was selected as one of eight finalists for the industry awards’ Innovation category and on Saturday 5 November at a gala event at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, was recognised as ‘a product that is truly innovative, providing a unique value proposition and tangible benefits to the lifting equipment industry’.
The awards are open to LEEA members who have done the most to raise standards, allowing them to be recognised as among the best companies in the industry by their peers and their customers. The entries were judged by a panel of industry experts, with the 2021 Best Innovation Award entries needing to demonstrate how they address a need, solve a problem, seize an opportunity or create a new market.
Speaking after the ceremony, Robert Wilmington Badcock, Mantracourt’s managing director, comments: “We are thrilled to be taking home the runner up award for Innovation at this year’s LEEA Awards. When the COVID-19 pandemic all but shut down the entertainment industry, we were keen as a company to really invest in our R&D in order to bring some innovative and exciting new products and services to our customers.”
SensorSpace is an ‘add-on’ service for users of BroadWeigh load shackles. A rentable service, it combines hardware and software to collect, visualise and store data from load/ force and wind speed sensors which can be accessed via a

Germany - Prolight + Sound Frankfurt is set to return from 26 to 29 April 2022, with emphasis on sustainability.
With the Green Event Day on 27 April, the fair is offering for the first time a theme day all about the responsible use of natural resources. Companies and associations will present their green initiatives and underline that commitment to sustainability can also pay off economically.
Among the players who have already declared their participation in PL+S 2022 are ADJ, Area Four Industries, Ayrton, B. & C. Speakers, Bosch Rexroth, Bütec, Cast, Chainmaster, Chauvet, Clay Paky, ComputerWorks, dBTechnologies, DTS, Elation, ETC, Eurotruss, FBT Elettronica, GLP, Highlite International, HOF Alutec, InEar, JB-Lighting, Kling & Freitag, König & Meyer, KS Audio, Kvant, L-Acoustics, Lawo, Layher, LEDitgo, Lightpower, Link, MA Lighting, Meyer Sound, Movecat, nivtec-flexibel, Robe, SBS Bühnentechnik, SGM, TAIT, TMB, Tüchler, Ultralite and Waagner-Bir.
“The event industry is ready and hungry for a reunion. This is a clear signal we have received from companies and professionals. The positive overall mood creates a promising framework: not only for presentation and business, but also for talent acquisition and for the high-profile presentation of industry-relevant topics,” says Kerstin Horaczek, vice president technology shows at Messe Frankfurt.
Mira Wölfel, director Prolight + Sound, adds: “In this context, I would like to express my respect to the industry, which has managed to further expand its commitment to more sustai

UK - PLASA and #WeMakeEvents have launched a survey to investigate how the live events sector is recovering with the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey aims to draw a detailed picture of the events, entertainment and installations industries following 18 months of disruption. The results are hoped to provide an insight into the challenges still facing the industry and will be used as an evidence base to better inform lobbying.
The surve contains questions about the supply of components and finished goods, the availability of skilled workers, and the year-on-year changes in terms of revenue and income.
Once all the data is collated and analysed, a full report will be published on both the PLASA and #WeMakeEvents websites.
From freelancers and sole traders to manufacturing companies and venues, all types of industry professionals are invited to take part. The deadline for completion is Friday, 3 December.
Follow this link to take the survey: plasa.me/recoverysurvey

USA/Europe - An open comment period on the International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging has launched.
The International Code of Practice for Entertainment Rigging (ICOPER) was drafted by industry professionals from around the globe to promote awareness and safety worldwide by providing a model code of practice with a focus on arena rigging but applicable to all event production rigging disciplines.
The practices described in ICOPER are intended to provide a universal foundation for those engaged in planning, managing and executing entertainment rigging. ICOPER also provides guidelines for those who wish to develop policy, design training content or help establish certification criteria.
ICOPER was published in 2017 and has been downloaded by over 1100 people located in 59 different countries. It has been translated into Traditional Chinese and Polish, with additional translations underway in Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Romanian, and Russian.
The authors determined ICOPER should undergo a comment and review cycle every four years as a response to changing work practices, technology and terminology, and are now requesting detailed comments from the rigging industry.
Copies of the current version of ICOPER and the Excel form for submitting comments can be downloaded from www.esta.org/icoper. You can also email icoper@esta.org to request a form be emailed to you.
Completed comment forms should be emailed to icoper@esta.org and must be recei

Denmark - Motor Stage Automation is a new automation specialist based in Denmark with a strategy to deliver custom and off-the-shelf solutions for entertainment industry clients wanting safe and innovative ways in which to move any element of their shows.
The new start-up launched with an investment of Kinesys Apex 500kg and 1250kg hoists, Kinesys Vector consoles, Mentor controllers and all associated infrastructure, and is a joint venture between Christian Vigsø of Vejen-based rental and dry-hire company, Vigsø, and Blake McNally, who has been involved with numerous creative automation projects, together with Kasper Sønberg who is the venture’s commercial manager.
The two met - initially via LinkedIn - during the lockdown, when both were keen to use the extra time and headspace that this challenging period offered, to enact some positive and productive results. An in-person meeting followed in Amsterdam, they hit it off and realised they had similar visions and could see the potential for automation to become a key technical discipline over the next decade. So, Motor Stage Automation was born.
Christian started Vigsø six years ago, and in a short time it has grown to be a significant industry player in Denmark, his goals include wanting “to do something that’s truly ‘next level’ for the Danish entertainment industry and internationally”.
While Blake has had a lot of experience working with Kinesys, they considered several different options before choosing an automation brand to be at the base of the company.
They chos

UK - Industry charity Backup's Pumpkin Challenge is back for 2021. The competition aims to help raise awareness of the charity in a fun and creative way, encouraging interested parties to carve the most creative pumpkin.
“To enter, all that’s need is a pumpkin, your design and any props or tech you want to incorporate to bring your design to life. If you want to use the opportunity to fundraise too (though not a requirement) that would be welcome,” says Backup.
Competition categories are: Best overall design (judged by panel); Best use of tech (judged by panel); Most money raised (via Backup Pumpkin Challenge Fundraising Page); and Most overall likes (on Instagram, using the hashtag: #BackupPumpkinChallenge).
For 2021 long-time Backup supporter Lightpower Collection has generously donated a prize of one of their photographic books to the winner of the best overall design category.
Due to competition being open to anyone, anywhere, the charity is only able to send prizes to UK-based prize winners due to costs of shipping. All winners will be promoted on Backup’s social media pages, in marketing material and in industry press. “Plus,” adds Backup, “you get the prize of industry bragging rights!”
“Entries may be uploaded onto your Instagram by 31 October 2021 using the hashtag #BackupPumpkinChallenge along with your name or team name. Please make sure your Instagram privacy settings allow us to view your entry when you enter #BackupPumpkinChallenge. You can also email info@backuptech.uk when you post, that way we can doubl

Australia - Slovakian stage controllers production company SRS Group has appointed its new exclusive distributor for Australia and New Zealand - Showtools International.
Being an established player on Australian market, Showtools is already distributing a number of top industry brands. The two companies have collaborated on the design of touring and installation distros customised for Australasian market, which will help strengthen the presence of Slovakian firm in the region. Showtools will be representing SRS Power and Lighting sections.

Europe - Prolight Concepts is the first distributor to receive stock of the new all black H-Connect from PCE Austria. Working closely with the manufacturer, Prolight have been able to secure bulk stock of the splitters ready for the busy period of events as customers begin to rig light trails, Halloween specials and soon, onwards events for the festive period.
This H-Connect splitter provides one power inlet and three power outputs simplifying power distribution. The narrow design allows the splitter to sit within the width of standard 290mm type truss, and also features a receiver slot for a cable tie or Velcro strap allowing the splitter to be secured to truss, lighting bars or scaffold.
Manufactured from Polyamide 6, the splitters chassis offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance, IP44 rating and receiver slot for a cable tie or Velcro strap.

Australia - To set the scene for the QLD Junior State Gymnastics Championships, Theatre Safe Australia (TSA) supplied over 2000sq.m of wool drapes across the complex, which became a striking backdrop for the sporting event. In addition, TSA supplied 13 EXE chain hoists (250kg) with 250m of hoisting chain, 780m of control cables, 99m of Tri-Truss, Admiral Strong Boy dollys and an Atlas System Controller.
Audio visual & technology officer, Nat Thornton comments: “TSA has provided top quality products over the years, including truss, chain hoists and drapes. I know by choosing TSA as a supplier we receive our products on schedule and quality is second to none.”
TSA has supplied 36 drapes, 3.5m wide with a 11.5m drop, over a two-year period for use in the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. The drapes were manufactured in Australia by TSA utilising high quality fabric with IFR (Inherently Fire Retardant) technology.
The woollen fabric used for the drape is made from a pre-treated yarn which is fire retardant and will remain that way for the life of the drape.

Australia - Theatre Safe Australia (TSA) created the set for the University of Adelaide’s production of Mamma Mia!. It was the major production for the graduating 2021 music theatre students, performed in the university’s own Scott Theatre.
Head of music theatre at the university, George Torbay, was pleased to have the TSA Workshop on board to help create this performance. With other productions throughout the year, Torbay wanted this one to showcase the graduating students and provide them with a stage brimming with scenery to recreate the theatrical experience of the romantic comedy.
Torbay says: “The TSA Workshop undoubtedly helped create a complete theatre experience for the 2021 graduate students. The buildings, painted platforms and flooring bought the musical to life, allowing the students to immerse themselves in professional theatre surroundings.”
After building the set of Cabaret for the university, the TSA Workshop was looking forward to this project, whist keeping in mind future productions. By designing the set to be adaptable whist maintaining the design specifics unique to the production, allows them to re-work the scenery.
They supplied a painted floor, a curved, stepped rostra, a low wall curving around the stage following a winding rostra and masking flats both stage left and stage right. The team at the workshop installed the scenery for the production and disassembled following completion of the series of shows. With the structure purpose built for the Scott Theatre, it is now can be adapted and refre

Germany - A HOF moving light truss has won the Innovation Award for Crafts of the Federal State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The prize was awarded on the 4 October in a ceremony at the K21 Ständehaus in Düsseldorf by NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Prof. Dr. Andreas Pinkwart.
The MLT² Pre Rig Truss from HOF was awarded the prize because it enables shorter set-up and dismantling times and, thanks to the dolly with its telescopic legs, requires less manpower than its predecessor, the MLT. Likewise, the rotatable steel fork connectors allow vertical and horizontal circles to be created, offering new possibilities for stage design and light shows.
The dolly is foldable and can be stacked, which in turn saves an enormous amount of space at the event storage location. In addition to this, compared to its predecessor, the MLT² has received further features such as a forklift adapter, a toolbox, a rain cover, a spacer and a measuring tool for easy and precise adjustment of the circles, which make the users' work extremely easy.
The development of the MLT² took place in close cooperation with customers and partner companies, and at the end of the development process, 90% of the customer's wishes were put into practice. The award is also a signal to the event industry that things are looking up again after a long period of standstill due to the pandemic and that our industry is being heard and seen in a certain wa, says HOF.

UK - Based in South Kirby on Production Park, XPLOR is a £9m research, development and innovation centre that aims to support SMEs across the creative industries from music, film and TV to sports, theatre, corporate events and the arts. The scheme secured grant funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Circlesphere is Tschida’s first exhibition in Europe and is being hosted at Neon Workshops Project Space: 7A and The Art House in Wakefield from 29 September – 28 November.
Fred Tschida, retired Professor at Alfred University, New York, was one of the first generation of artists and professors to explore and teach neon for nearly 40 years, since the 1970’s, and - until now - his artworks have not been exhibited in Europe.
The exhibition was the brainchild of artist Richard William Wheater, a former student of Tschida’s and founder of Neon Workshops in Wakefield, a company that develops and manufactures neon lighting for the creative industry.
Richard was determined to bring Tschida’s neon creations to the UK and using his own expertise in the neon industry coupled with the technical know-how of engineers at XPLOR, as well as financial support from The art House and Arts Council England, he was able to bring the 23ft structure to life.
After being approached by Richard, engineers at XPLOR took the project from initial concept through to the final design of the impressive rotating neon-clad ‘SPHERE’.
Matthew Glynn, product and concept

UK - #WeMakeEvents has launched a supporter scheme to bring more useful resources and services to campaign backers.
Members of #WeMakeEvents Supporters get free access to webinars hosted by the campaign and PLASA in the past - including on topics such a Brexit, HR, IP, and various technical sessions – as well as credit checks for UK-based companies. Other benefits include free entry passes to the PLASA Show and PLASA Focus Leeds and an invite to #WeMakeEvents’ Zoom calls.
“Launched at PLASA Show 2021 in London last month, #WeMakeEvents Supporters has already seen a large uptake, demonstrating the ongoing high level of engagement to protect and promote live events and entertainment,” says the campaign in a statement. “Supporters can opt in to be listed on the webpage to add strength to the global movement which continues to amplify the voice of the industry at government level and across the public domain.”
The new scheme will be signposted to several industry resources, including Curtain Call’s new recruitment platform (more on which here), and members will receive the weekly #WeMakeEvents newsletter and the online editions of Light & Sound International (LSi) and Lighting & Sound America (LSA) magazines.
Andy Dockerty, MD for Adlib and member of the #WeMakeEvents steering committee, comments: “We’re pleased to offer this new way of supporting #WeMakeEvents, specially for our industry’s large populati

UK - The recruitment network for creatives and freelancers Curtain Call has re-launched an improved membership platform to help link up freelancers with employers - and PLASA members benefit from reduced subscription fees.
The network, which is free to join by freelancers, has a search and match algorithm that makes it easy for employers to find skilled available freelance technicians and creatives for project-based or long-term positions.
Businesses looking to recruit need to subscribe to search the database, with PLASA members able to get 15% off for 12 months by signing up through the Pioneers programme. For every PLASA member company that signs up, Curtain Call will donate £15 to #WeMakeEvents, and for every month of membership, the network will plant a tree. Early adopters include the Ambassador Theatre Group, Donmar Warehouse, Sonia Friedman Productions and White Light.
Peter Heath, managing director of PLASA, comments: “Curtain Call is a fantastic platform which brings employers together with skilled workers while also creating accessible pathways for newcomers into our industry. We couldn’t be more pleased to bring this service to our members, particularly after the prolonged period of industry closure and loss of personnel to other sectors. This partnership will certainly help to connect up and regenerate our sector’s workforce.”
Matt Humphrey, founder of Curtain Call, adds: “We are thrilled to partner with PLASA and lau

UK - Following three years of project management and two years of site attendance, Unusual Rigging is delighted to unveil its role on the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The beautiful Grade 1 listed Georgian venue has been reimagined as an all-day stylish destination with one of London’s greatest auditoriums at its heart. Unusual Rigging was brought on board by LW Theatres and contracted for the ‘Behind the Iron’ works.
Mike Goodwin, senior project manager at Unusual Rigging explains: “This was a major project for Unusual, which we knew from the outset would require the considerable focus of a dedicated team: from design concepts through approvals with the LW Theatres Project Design Team, decanting 42ndStreet; transitioning The Lane from venue to construction site, co-ordination with the Principal Contractors (Gardner & Theobalds Ltd) and the diverse sub-contractors under their auspices during the construction period, all the way through to handover, then straight into the Frozen production installation; an unrelenting workload spanning three years for some of the URL team.”
With the design process ongoing, and in conjunction with Dorothea Restorations and David Willmore of Theatre Research we commenced site works with the removal of the historic stage machinery, a project with national significance. The theatre is listed by Historic England as grade I, with the stage machinery being a key part of that listing, and as such the project had to carefully planned and executed in a manner that satisfied all concern

UK - The PLASA Show returned to Olympia London from 5-7 September, receiving high acclaim and marking a return to normality following the 18-month closure of the live events sector.
As the first entertainment technology tradeshow in two years, the PLASA Show 2021 co-located with the ABTT Theatre Show and succeeded in reuniting the industry for three high-spirited and productive days in Olympia’s Grand Hall.
Even though the number of attendees was reduced this year, they remained top quality and similar to previous years: 2/10 were company owners or directors and half were specifiers or final decision-makers. Theatre and touring were most prominent with one third of those attending working in production or venues.
Anticipation was high as the doors opened, with a steady stream of visitors keen to check out the next generation of products and catch up with colleagues. Lee House, marketing manager for Ambersphere, comments: “When the doors opened on Sunday it was great to see so many people coming through them. This show certainly exceeded all expectations we had. Yes, the show floor was smaller this year, but the atmosphere was bigger than ever.”
Nick Boggon, marketing manager for Sound Technology, adds: “We probably weren’t alone going into the show not knowing what to expect, but those concerns didn’t last long. Understandably stands were smaller than previous years but it still felt like the PLASA Show. There was networking of course, but also a genuine desire to see new products and technology trends.”
The ABTT Theatre S

South Korea - Blumano, entertainment industry consultants in safety and machinery design, is expanding into the Asian market with the announcement of Blumano East Asia. The new operation will work closely with Blumano's network of offices in Ireland, the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Laurent Ste-Marie joins this organisation and brings with him 25-years’ experience and vast knowledge of the acrobatic rigging world
''Seeing how the entertainment industry is bouncing back from an unfortunate dip, the timing seemed right to take on a new and exciting challenge by joining yet another industry leader,” says Laurent. “Through our exchanges we realised that our passion for the industry, vision, and dedication for the promotion of a safe work environment would make a partnership between us a perfect fit.”

UK - Industry charity Backup has long recognised the technical entertainment industry as an exciting, but challenging place to work and is committed to helping those who face the pressure and stress involved by providing further help and support.
Now, the charity has launched a free helpline that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide a centralised access point for both urgent and non-urgent well-being support.
The helpline offers a number of options, from a dedicated Backup counsellor, to direct transfer to other industry charities, including the Music Support Helpline, Theatre Helpline and the Samaritans. Upon selecting one of the above options, you will be transferred directly to the support you require.
The Backup Counsellor option is a free, independent and confidential phone service with a certified counsellor who has a broad experience of the industry and will provide initial support or signposting on mental health and well-being to people working in the live technical entertainment industry. If further sessions are needed, The Backup certified counsellor is available to offer support and to assist with Backup grants.
“Whilst we already have information about a number of resources that can be accessed on the wellbeing section of our website, we understand that it’s never easy asking for help, so we wanted to make it as simple as possible for people to get the direct help they need,” says Backup chairman, John Simpson. “Our hope is that the addition our dedicated helpline will encourage more people to take adv

UK - The programme for PLASA Show 2021 has been unveiled, bringing a rich line-up of seminars and training sessions to the trade event that takes place on 5-7 September at Olympia London.
Sponsored by Vectorworks, the programme is set to deliver in-depth content on the future of live production, immersive product experiences and plenty of practical training, bringing skills and knowledge to the forefront of the show experience.
All sessions are free for pre-registered attendees (you can get your free entry pass by 31 August - find out more here), with details of the schedule available on the show website. More content will be added over the coming weeks, say the organisers.
Vectorworks are delivering two technical sessions based on their software products, firstly looking at Concert Design and Pre-Visualisation with Vectorworks Spotlight and MVR Export, which follows a complete concert design workflow, from creating detailed drawings and rigging plots to exporting a fully functioning pre-visualisation model. Their second session, Schematic and Rack Layout Design in Vectorworks ConnectCAD, details the complete schematic workflow from creation of signal flow diagrams to designing rack layouts with ConnectCAD.
In addition to the Theatre Show Hub, the ABTT will be running a session on their Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment, whi

UK - Following its recent re-location to a larger premises, Stevenage based film, television and event rigging specialists Rigging Team has expanded its footprint, not only to accommodate a growing inventory, but to also provide space for a much needed, industry specific, training centre.
Rigging Team managing director, Adam Searle explains, “Training is something that we have been passionate about for many years – although there is no substitute for real-world experience, everyone can benefit from gaining additional knowledge or skills. The courses are designed specifically to suit our industry - whether it’s a specific discipline, or a bespoke combination of courses,”.
The new 2,600sq.ft Rigging Team Training Centre, located just 20 minutes from London by train, features a generous classroom and presentation space, along with a practical training area where trainees get ‘hands-on’ with equipment. A custom built, multi-level structure has been installed with flexibility in mind, enabling safe practice in rigging and work at height.
Adam continues, “Our trainees benefit greatly from the scope of this purpose-built facility, where multiple scenarios can be encountered in a safe environment under the watchful eye of experienced trainers. The versatility of the set-up allows us to create an almost infinite combination of situations, which, in turn, encourages candidates to think away from their ‘standard’ solutions.”
The initial phase of the development is open for business, with the first release of courses already receivin

Denmark - Copenhagen’s Østre Gasværk Theatre is staging a revival of the 2017 Danish production of Green Day’s iconic American Idiot sung-through drama directed and choreographed by Tim Zimmerman, which is proving to be every bit as popular as the original show.
Once again, the technical discipline of automation is crucial to Benjamin la Cour’s dramatic, stark scenography and production design, and a Kinesys Apex automation system - a combination of 1,250kg and 500kg Apex motors with Vector control - is at the heart of delivering the elegant millimetre-perfect movement control, advanced safety requirements plus other cool features like silent braking that are essential for the delivery of this captivating show. The hoists are moving three large scenery pieces making up a concrete-look scenic floor, which also transforms into separate ceiling pieces that work together and individually to evoke different locations and environments as the action and music unfold below. Moving these set pieces, which lift, tilt, and pitch to change the architecture of the performance area throughout the performance, maximises the dynamic setting of the charismatic old gas holder turned contemporary venue, helping unlock the dramaturgy and narrative flow.
Additionally, the Kinesys Vector control system is controlling two Kinesys Elevation drives linked to two travelators that traverse the stage - upstage and downstage - and is used extensively by actors and for props throughout the show. Last time these were DMX controlled from the lighting desk, but with the ad

UK - The live events sector is set to get a boost with a government-backed insurance scheme worth over £750m, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday (5 August).
The news comes after many months of campaigning by the events sector and the wider music industry for the introduction of such a scheme. However, it comes too late for many, with over fifty per cent of scheduled festivals – both large and small – cancelled or postponed.
The government has partnered with Lloyd’s to deliver the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme as part of the Plan for Jobs. The scheme will see the government act as a ‘reinsurer’ – stepping in with a guarantee to make sure insurers can offer the products events companies need.
This scheme will support live events across the UK that are open to the general public - such as music festivals and business events. It will cover costs incurred in the event of cancellation due to the event being legally unable to happen due to Government Covid restrictions.
A number of prominent insurers in the Lloyd’s market, including Arch, Beazley, Dale, Hiscox and Munich Re are supporting the scheme which will provide events companies with the option of purchasing cover from next month, alongside standard commercial events insurance.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “The events sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, and I know organisers are raring to go now that restrictions have been lifted. But the lack of the right kind of insurance is proving a problem, so as the econo

UK - Doughty Engineering and PSI have teamed up to deliver the design and installation of specialist infrastructure at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.
PSI were contracted by Tracey Brothers to facilitate the design and installation on the project which included a complete rewire of the production lighting and control, dimmers, audio, comms, stage management desks, show relay, foyer paging as well as providing a new house lighting system and additional elements to the in-house stage engineering system. All packages were specified by Charcoalblue.
PSI, who are dealers for Doughty in both Northern Ireland and Ireland, brought Doughty on board very early on in the project. David Mckeown, project manager explained: “Work commenced on site in January 2020 and then the pandemic hit in March. Initially the programme was ten months to hand over at the end of October 2020, but this was then extended to March 21.”
He continued: “Then, in January 2021, Brexit, along with the NI Protocol made the project even more difficult to manage than the pandemic and hence the programme was extended yet again to accommodate for this. Everything from delivery of goods to the wearing of additional PPE, a one-way system around the theatre and having to separate trades into designated areas proved difficult at first but like most, it became normalised.”
Working with Doughty, PSI specified a range of bespoke kit as well as a huge number of standard clamps and brackets, over 100 facility panels, standard clamps, truss brackets, boom arms and internally wired bars.