UK - The Science Museum in South Kensington, alongside London-based event caterer Tonic and live event AV company Matrix UK Solutions, last week welcomed 300 event professionals to an evening of spectacle and discovery to launch its new spaces including Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery and Mathematics: The Winton Gallery.

Guests attending the exclusive event were able to experience three of the museum's stunning spaces- the Media Gallery, Mathematics gallery and Wonderlab, all in one evening. The event also saw the launch of Tonic's new brand and its experiential catering and service concept.

The event journey began for guests in the Media Gallery where they were able to discover the very latest event production technologies courtesy of Matrix UK Solutions. This included a small, but very impressive selection of the leading edge technology they own. This ranged from their Me

USA - Founded in Houston in 1912, Rice University is Texas's most prestigious institution of higher education, a veritable ivy of the southern coastal plains! Although football has always been a big deal at Rice - much more so than at the traditional ivies - its importance has grown as the Rice University Owls have earned five bowl game appearances within in the last decade (the most recent appearance before that was 1961!).

To accommodate and even accelerate that momentum, the university recently invested $31.5m in the new 60,000sq.ft Brian Patterson Sports Performance Centre, which includes offices, locker rooms, student athlete lounges, a sports medicine centre, an auditorium, and a strength and conditioning centre. In keeping with the new centre's state-of-the-art facilities, Baton Rouge-based AV integrator Technical Services Group (TSG) installed Danley Sound Labs loudspe

UK - Middlesex University in London boasts a strong performing arts department and was eager to upgrade both its Ravensfield Theatre and Dance Studio space. Whilst state-of-the-art equipment was a necessity, so was the need to be environmentally-friendly, with the university determined to be as green as possible and change their previous lighting equipment to LED only. As a result, they approached White Light to purchase the perfect set-up.

Bruce Allen is technical production manager at Middlesex University and oversaw the upgrade of both spaces. He comments, "As this was quite a significant investment, we needed to ensure that the equipment we purchased not only fulfilled our immediate aims but would also be sustainable for the long-term.

"The main priority of the upgrade was to ensure that all of the equipment purchased was as environmentally-friendly as possible. We are

USA - The Observatory North Park in San Diego has quickly gained recognition for both the eclectic assortment of well-known and up-and-coming bands that it hosts as well as the quality of their sound reinforcement. The new Adamson S10 line array system was recently designed and installed by Sound Image, located in nearby Escondido, CA.

The Observatory North Park is located in a building that opened as a movie theatre in 1929 and has continued to be an entertainment venue since then. The current owners took over the 1200-capacity space in 2015.

"The previous owners had a similar idea with the room but failed," explains Garrett Wysocki, audio manager at The Observatory. "The sound system they had in here was seriously under powered. Customers and bands were constantly complaining. One of the first things we did was start checking out reputable systems that would provide the

USA - Five dedicated families founded Stony Point Reformed Presbyterian Church in the Bon Air suburb of Richmond, Virginia in 1969. A big part of its steady growth and support has been its strong commitment to motivating and punctuating services with music in an ever-changing variety of contemporary and classical styles.

In short, music is a big deal at Stony Point. Different bands play each week with a lot of reliance on the congregation's many musically talented individuals. When the church built a new 500-seat sanctuary, everyone wanted a new sound reinforcement system that could help elevate the impact and emotion of its services. In consultation with the Richmond-based AV integration firm RTW Media, Stony Point installed a robust LCR system composed of Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers, subwoofers, and DSP-enabled amplifiers.

"Despite all the incredible musical talent at

UK - Following a competitive tender, Adlib was recently appointed by Glasgow City Council to supply a new loudspeaker system to the Royal Scottish National Symphony Orchestra's new home, the RSNO centre.

The impressive new venue forms part of the Royal Concert Hall complex in the heart of Glasgow's vibrant city centre.

The new auditorium was developed by the Council's in-house design team led by architect Kerr Robertson. It is adjacent to the main Concert Hall (home of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra) which opened in 1990 as part of the city's year as European Capital of Culture.

The overall complex features a 600-seater auditorium, a rehearsal space and learning centre, a recital hall and performance space that will be also used for classical and choral recording as well as for folk and other amplified music events.

Following a detailed site survey and subse

USA - Originally constructed in the late 1960s, the Abilene Civic Centre is a spacious, multi-purpose venue with a live performance theatre, an exhibit hall and a large conference centre that can be subdivided to accommodate as many as four simultaneous events.

In part because of its age, the conference centre's audio system did not meet the voice intelligibility or audio quality expectations of its many banquets, meetings, press conferences and other events, especially those that involved modern presentations or musical performances. Thus, in 2015, the city decided to upgrade the audio system. And, they wanted a system that would provide both highly intelligible voice reinforcement and high-quality music production.

The city contacted Jerrold Stevens, of consulting firm Marsh PMK, who designed a highly flexible system with wireless iPad setup and control. Simple events ca

USA - With the start of the spring semester at Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Connecticut, students in the University's theatre, music, and visual arts programmes are settling into their new Fine Arts Instructional Centre.

A collaboration between Theatre Projects, design architect William Rawn Associates, executive architect The S/L/A/M Collaborative, and acoustician Kirkegaard Associates, the 118,000sq.ft arts centre features a 400-seat concert hall, 250-seat courtyard theatre, and a 120-seat studio theatre, as well as support spaces including rehearsal rooms, scene and costume shops, dressing rooms, and a green room.

"Theatre Projects and William Rawn have a long history of successful collaborations," Scott Crossfield, Theatre Projects' theatre designer, said. "We're excited to add ECSU's beautiful new arts centre to that list and we look forward to

UK - PLASA members enjoyed a unique opportunity to take part in an informative and fun day backstage at the recently refurbished Sadler's Wells theatre last week.

The venue - one of the most respected and important receiving and co-producing dance houses in the world - recently underwent a major refurbishment, as detailed in the June 2015 issue of LSi.

Emma Wilson and Christian Wallace from Sadler's Wells, plus the specialist teams from Stage Electrics, Stage Technologies, Carr and Angier and GDS led the tours from the impressive auditorium up to the dizzying heights of the grid and flying system. Members then reconvened for a lively networking lunch before taking the opportunity to further explore areas of specific interest. The busy and insightful day finished with tea and cake.

Look out for details of the next PLASA B

Norway Oslo Opera House frequently hosts events that need sound reinforcement - and it needs a loudspeaker system that's up to the task. To deliver the best possible listening experience for discerning audiences, the venue has installed a flexible solution from d&b audiotechnik.

With regard to acoustic excellence, buildings don't come much more impressive than the Oslo Opera House, home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The acoustics at this stunning, waterside building are so good that no amplification at all is required for opera performances. Here, the design is literally all about sound, from the interior spaces and the shapes of the walls and stage, to the materials used for construction.

Although the acoustics at the opera house are world class, there are plenty of occasions when a loudspeaker system is needed. Often, recorded music is used in ballet produc

UK - The Theatres Trust has welcomed changes to the Permitted Development Order (England) as developers now need to address noise impacts before undertaking an office to residential conversion near an existing theatre or live music venue.

From 06 April 2016 local planning authorities will have to consider noise impacts on new residents from existing businesses, under an amended permitted development right that allows offices to be converted to residential use, without the need to obtain planning permission.

The amended Order means developers will now need to seek prior approval from the local planning authority that any noise mitigation measures proposed are suitable to ensure that nearby theatres are protected before a change of use from an office to residential building can be carried out.

Theatres Trust said, "The Trust welcomes the changes to the Permitted Developm

USA - Chapman University students and faculty and the Orange, California community can look forward to a new era of cultural and educational opportunities with the 19 March opening of the 88,000sq.ft Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Centre for the Arts.

Located at the gateway to the university, the new $82m arts centre - designed by architect Pfeiffer Partners in collaboration with Theatre Projects, acoustician Nagata Acoustics, and AV consultant Sonitus - gives Chapman University a characteristic architectural icon designed to meet the needs of their award-winning Conservatory of Music, and the Departments of Music and Theatre.

The building features the 1,044-seat Julianne Argyros Orchestra Hall, a remarkable and versatile multipurpose theatre. Theatre Projects worked with the design team to create an intimate auditorium - with a mezzanine, side boxes, and two levels of b

USA - Built in 1971, the John Lance Arena at Pittsburg State University (PSU) in Kansas is home to the Pitt State Gorillas basketball team. The University recently received significant contributions, led by Alan and Roberta Whetzel, for renovations to the 6,500-seat capacity arena. Included in the improvements was a wall-to-wall maple hardwood floor covering the main court and two practice courts, new seating, new shooting standards and a VUE Audiotechnik sound system designed and installed by Reliant Media Systems.

The new VUE sound system in the John Lance Arena consists of four arrays and two zones of fill speakers. The two arrays that face the North and South sides of the arena each are made up of four VUE al-4 Subcompact Line Array systems and one al-4SB Flying Subwoofer System. Each of the two arrays facing the East and West ends of the arena are comprised of six al-4s a

UK - The Theatres Trust responds has responded to the Culture White Paper published by the DCMS on 23 March 2016.

Says the Trust, "We are pleased that the Culture White Paper recognises the absolute importance of the arts and culture in people's lives - in education and the economy; within local communities and internationally. Whilst the ambition of the White Paper shares much with Jennie Lee's paper of 50 years ago, in our own 40th Anniversary year we agree that the economic challenges faced today are very different.

"So we welcome initiatives to promote the role of culture in place making through the new Great Place scheme; improve access to the arts through the new Cultural Citizens programme; and support the development of the historic built environment through the establishment of new Heritage Action Zones.

"We look forward to playing a full and active role in th

UK - Music and design company GAS Music composed & produced the music and visuals behind the spectacular New Beginnings show of Ashton-Under-Lyne Old Swimming Baths. On 19 in the swim at March a live show revealed the history of the public swimming baths originally opened in 1870 with 11 original pieces of music plus a backdrop of CGI historical images created by GAS.

GAS worked closely with Tameside Council, choreographer Stacey Maurice who directed almost 200 dancers for the performance and creative producers Stone Soup who led the multi partnership project.

The opening event attracted over 10,000 people to celebrate the rebirth of this iconic piece of English history. The large brick Italianate building fell out of use 40 years ago and was on the at English Heritage at risk register but until funding of £3 million from Tameside Council, Heritage Lottery Fun

India - International theatre consultancy practice, Theatreplan, has been selected to provide auditorium, conference centre and technology design services for Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir (VCM), the world's tallest temple under construction in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Vrindavan is the birthplace of Krishna and the spiritual capital of India. The project is the result of 30 years of work and investment by ISCKON (The International Society for Krishna Consciousness) who are managing the design and construction process.

ISCKON has built a design team with some of the world's leading design firms. Theatreplan was selected for its "world class pedigree, collaborative and creative approach" to auditorium planning and technology design.

According to Theatreplan's project director for VCM, Brad Maiden, "This project presents a unique opportunity for Theatreplan to emba

UK - The Theatres Trust, the national advisory public body for theatres, has announced a renewed commitment to the protection of theatres with a new strategy and visual identity and the launch of our Theatres Trust 40 programme of events.

Says the Trust, "As the voice for theatres we use our knowledge of policy and practice to promote the value and benefits of theatres in use. We want live theatre to have a place in everyone's lives.

"We are committed to delivering a more powerful campaigning voice. Our expert advice will be more visible and more influential in the planning system and within the theatre industry. We will create new opportunities to discover more about theatres, and we will increase the levels of capital grants and funding we provide."

Chair of the Theatres Trust, Tim Eyles, says, "Our new strategy and visual identity mark the start of an exciting next

UK - The Theatres Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2016 with a new strategy and visual identity that sets us on a new chapter - championing the past, present and future of live theatre by protecting the buildings and what goes on inside.

At PLASA Focus Leeds, the organisation will be holding a seminar Theatres Trust 40 on 11 May at 2.15pm, where show visitors are invited to join discuss "what we need to be doing today to protect theatres for live theatre tomorrow". The Trust explains, "Throughout PLASA you will also be able to find out how we can help you with advice on planning and development, resources to make theatres sustainable, and financial assistance through grants, and hear about our latest work with theatres at risk."

The discussion and debate from Theatres Trust 40 will be developed at Conference 16: Protecting Theatres on the 21 June at the New London

Belgium - Due to renovations, the Royal Munt Theatre in Brussels needed temporary accommodation elsewhere at short notice. Veldeman provided a quick, qualitative solution and built the Munt Palace on the site of Tour & Taxi's, an opera house which was made to measure with a capacity of welcoming up to 1,100 people. An imposing TFS (Tension Fabric Structure) tent of 3,200sq.m will accommodate the opera productions until at least the end of 2016.

A storey tent of 25m by 40m serves as an entrance hall and VIP room. A true eye-catcher is the facade which has been personalised in a beautiful way, referring to the Munt's pediment in the heart of Brussels. The entrance and covered terrace were luxuriously decorated with wooden walls, wooden ceiling and a beautiful new bankirai floor. This highly qualitative decoration was maintained on the inside as well. The cloakroom was walled by

UK - The Theatres Trust has announced that booking is now open for its tenth annual conference: Conference 16: Protecting Theatres, to be staged at the New London Theatre.

Says the Trust, "In this milestone year in the history of the Trust we will examine the state of our nation's theatres and discuss their future. We will consider the past and present influences on theatre architecture and design; the provision of existing and new theatres in response to city and government devolution; changing demographics; housing delivery and community and audience demand.

"We will then look to the future, and the potential for the next 40 years, and ask: What kinds of theatres will we need to build, and how will we find the resources to do so? How should we be asking existing buildings to adapt and change? What impact will the popularity of digital distribution of live theatre have? H

UK - The Shaftesbury Theatre in London prides itself on being the largest independent theatre in the West End. For over a century it has played host to many high quality, large scale productions, and in order to ensure its long term ability to do this, the theatre recently extended its fly tower, increasing both the height and loading capacity.

This valuable addition to the Grade II listed theatre has made the venue more capable than ever of accommodating large scale productions, particularly musicals, and indeed earlier this month opened Motown The Musical to critical and audience acclaim. The theatre now also provides additional dressing room accommodation and increased on-site office space. To help facilitate the refurbishment, Unusual Rigging was engaged on each of the three phases of the construction process, the last of which was completed in February 2016.

Ja

UK - The Theatres Trust has announced the recipients of the Theatres Protection Fund's Small Grants Scheme. Successful theatres in this round are: the Theatre Royal Winchester; Friargate Theatre in York; Tron Theatre in Glasgow; Bridgwater Arts Centre and the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis.

In Round Eight, the Theatres Trust has awarded the following projects:

Theatre Royal Winchester receives £5,000 towards its 'Tower Street elevation - urgent fabric and structural repairs' project, to restore the weather-damaged Tower Street fa

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