Rigging / Staging

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14 March 2016

Equipment provided by Tomcat included two truss MD circles: one 35' OD and one 18' OD. The circles were spilt in two separate sections creating a unique appearance while allowing adjustment to one side of the grid and access to one side as needed. Six 6' sections and two 5' sections of MD truss provide additional support and panel points for hanging the fixtures.

Another important part of the equipment list was a complete motor package including twelve CM Model L, 1-tonne hoists with 60' of lift, a Skjonberg control unit and a cable management system fabricated by Tomcat. This system allowed all power and control cables for the hoists and light

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14 March 2016

CableNet was initially specified by the project architects John McAslan and Partners as the safest and most flexible way of providing access to the high level technical space. This contains rigging, lighting and audio equipment above the stage and auditorium.

Slingco was initially consulted in 2002, and CableNet was an integral part of the rebuilding plans very early in the design process. They liaised with other civil and engineering contractors to co-ordinate the design, and ensure a smooth and efficient installation.

Circular tension wire grids are rare. Slingco's first UK model was complet

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14 March 2016

All proceeds from the one-day outdoor concert in Horam will go to Cancer Research UK. Gary, who recently released the album Old New Ballads Blues, will be joined by a host of other famous names including fellow guitarist Ray Russell, Mo Foster on bass, and drummer Gary Husband of Level 42.

The line-up for the day also includes percussionist Pete Lockett, who has played with Peter Gabriel and Robert Plant; John Helliwell, sax player from Supertramp; Leee John, lead singer of Imagination. Other guests include the Led Zeppelin tribute ba

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14 March 2016

The four safety training courses will be held at the Birmingham Hippodrome from the 3 - 6 July and will include: Basic Health and Safety, Pyrotechnics Safety Awareness, Electricity At Work - The Entertainment Environment and Working At Height Regulations/Tallescopes & Ladders.

Stage Electrics is committed to raising standards in Health & Safety across our industry and is working closely with many other agencies to establish a recognised series of training courses that will improve standards, increase safety and promote the health of all those working in the industry.

Successful completion of the Pyrotechnics Safety awareness entitles free membership to the Association of Stage Pyrotechnicians (ASP).

Courses cost from £120 + VAT

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14 March 2016

Stage Electrics worked with Matt Prentice and colleagues at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to present the tradeshow in the Vanbrugh Theatre.The event attracted a 60% increase in visitor numbers compared to the company's open day at its branch in Long Lane in May 2005.

Stage Electrics' major suppliers were on hand to demonstrate their latest products. Exhibiting at the show were Martin, Rosco, Zero88, Strand, ETC, Selecon, Mackie, Sennheiser, Le Maitre & Pulsar. The new Limelight XS-2000 Xenonspot together with Prolyte, Teclumen and Apollo products were presented by Stage Electrics business development managers Andy Elsegood and Ed Gamble.

Matt Prentice Head of Lighting Design at RADA says:&qu

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14 March 2016

Last held in 2002, the Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference brings together the many practitioners involved in creating successful performance spaces, from initial brief and financial planning right through to completion of the facility and opening it on time. Over two days, the conference will hold discussions on everything from designing a proscenium arch zone that will satisfy lighting designers, sound designers, directors, performers and the audience to the changes in culture that new arts buildings can bring.

White Light's involvement with the Conference reflects its continuing expansi

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14 March 2016

One of the dominant themes of the first few Forums has been that of manufacturers feeling the squeeze with legislation getting ever more complex and price competition intensifying. The twin directives of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulation) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Regulations) - two new Environmental Regulations about to be implemented into UK law - are likely to have a major impact on manufacturers.

As part of its strategy for the next 12 months, PLASA is

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14 March 2016

The jury eventually selected Prolyte on several grounds, recognising Prolyte's capacity for innovation, their continuous growth and their worldwide recognition as a manufacturer of high quality and reliable products. For both Anne and Fokko Smeding it was an unexpected surprise, as Fokko says: "We were flattered to have been nominated, but didn't really expect to win. We are very proud of all the people at Prolyte who are the heart and soul of our company, and who bear this success."

(Lee Baldock)

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14 March 2016

Summit won a competitive tender for the work which is being project managed for them by Jay Call. Coincidentally, Fuerzabruta production manager Jonathan Bartlett, knew Call from Summit's work at the Royal Albert Hall and Call is also acquainted with The Roundhouse's technical director, John McKinnon.

Call and the Summit team worked closely with Fuerzabruta technical director Ale Garcia throughout. The show contains a myriad of aerial stunts, lots of water, and plenty of audience interaction.

The mother grid - measuring 22 metres at its longest point - is suspended on nineteen static points and tensioned off to the external ring of roof bea

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14 March 2016

The Fairfield Halls in Croydon offers excellent facilities with easy links from London, Brighton and Gatwick Airport. Safety Solutions (UK) Ltd are an accredited centre for City and Guilds, NEBOSH qualification programmes and provide short courses regulated by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

Summer Safety Week at Fairfield (7-11 August) will consist of a series of updates on legislation and stimulants for compliance and the application of best practice. Special events will also be held to assist small- and medium-sized comp

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14 March 2016

Guest speaker, Alasdair Jeffrey, has some strong views about business and anyone that has seen him in action in the BBC's The Ferocious Mr Fixit will know that he delivers as a business trouble-shooter.

If you would like to join us at the Hurlingham Club on Tuesday 6 June, get in touch with PLASA today on 01323 410335 or via the e-mail address below.

(Chris Henry)

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14 March 2016

Both new staff members are responsible for developing and managing the hire and sales of Blackout products including starcloth, drapes and rigging, working closely with Blackout's project management team, headed by Chris Brain and Kevin Monks.

"We're delighted with the two appointments. Both staff members are very enthusiastic and have settled in well in their new roles," says Steve Tuck, managing director at Blackout Ltd. "At Blackout, every member of our team is passionate about delivering the very best in products and services."

(Chris Henry)

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14 March 2016

Working for Greek television company ERT, Stage One was asked to build the entire set for Eurovision 2006, which was held at the Olympic indoor arena, Athens. Designed by Ilias Ledakis, the set combined high technology with elements of Greek Theatre and comprised the main stage, the surrounding moveable stepped elements, along with aerial engineering.

The circular stage was 13m diameter, with a black laminated facia and a seamless plexiglass floor, beneath which were thousands of Bahco LED panels which could be lit in a myriad o

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14 March 2016

(Lee Baldock)

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14 March 2016

During the show, four video modules will move back and forth along parallel I-Beams that run along the bottom of the truss. Since these panels weigh approximately 4,000lbs (1.8 tonnes) apiece, special design concerns had to be taken into consideration. In addition to the truss, Tomcat manufactured six custom pick-up bars designed to attach in-line with the truss spigots in the top face, as well as dolly frames that will be utilized to transport the truss section from venue to venue.

The tour kicked off in May including a surprise show at New York City's Irving Plaza then moving on to schedul

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14 March 2016

Solstice, the result of a 13.5 million Euro project, is owned and operated by Meath County Council. It is designed by Shelly McNamara of award-winning Grafton Architects and the space includes a 320-seat theatre, three visual-arts areas and a café/bar. It's the County's first major cultural centre, and is heralded a glowing symbol for the belief, pride and commitment to cultural and artistic life in Meath. Solstice is already being hailed as one of the finest arts centre outside Dublin.

J&C Joel was invi

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14 March 2016

"Working with the team at Mossbourne, we have created a lighting and sound system which is equal to that of many professional theatres. The lighting is rigged onto a flown truss to give the school complete flexibility and we have installed a variety of lanterns to ensure that every angle of the stage is covered. Likewise, the sound system includes sound desks which give direct access and control of the CD/DVD players, the mics and radio mics, to allow students to move around the theatre without losing sound quality,"

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14 March 2016

Billed as the 'spring leg' of the tour, Robbie's three South African shows and one in Dubai, with his 'B rig' have been and gone. L&SI met up with the brains behind the scenes, and asked what treats lie in store on the main show, and how on earth do you top KnebworthΩ

Wob Roberts, production manager "It's been diff

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14 March 2016

The exhibition comprised three individual sector shows, Install, Event 360 and MUSAC. Install unsurprisingly focussed on the installation market, Event 360 targeted those with event and production needs, and MUSAC catered for the musical instrument market. PALME's well-developed seminar programme ran alongside.

A slinky dancer projected on a FogScreen lured visitors to the company's stand. CEO Mika Koivula indicated that FogScreen were "open to options" of an office or distributors in the region.

Vicky Fairall, formerly of DHA, was the friendly face of Goboland who were launching their brand new steel gobo collection

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14 March 2016

LTM offers a range of lifting and rigging equipment including the Lodestar and Prostar electric chain hoists, which are being highlighted at the show. The Lodestar is now the entertainment industry standard hoist and these products can be found on most tours, events and in many venues around the world. High integrity hoisting systems are also available including equipment to BGV C1 German safety standard. Special features include double brakes, load sensing and multiple limit switches. Variable speed units and manual or computerised controllers are available to monitor safety features and drive the equipment.

LTM offers a comprehensive range of spare parts for Lode

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14 March 2016

The transition allows key members of staff to take on both leadership and ownership of Theatre Projects Consultants and provides for ownership to extend to other members of the firm in the future, the company says.

The UK team will be led by David Staples, Alan Russell, Jerry Godden, Mark Stroomer, Marion Daehms and Andrew De Rosa. Staples comments: "Theatre Projects has been at the leading edge of theatre planning for almost 50 years. This transition allows us to build on that wealt

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14 March 2016

The exclusive new style 2-day corporate event with music - headlined by The Who as part of their Teenage Cancer Trust work - describes itself as a 'festival of networking' for the Hedge Fund Industry - with the adage "because conventions don't have to be conventional".

Serious was asked onboard by production manager Nick Fisher with whom they've worked on several projects. Fisher was brought in by organisers Albourne Partners to co-ordinate the supply of all the technical production and infrastructure, which also included Entec (sound) and PRG (lighting).

The Serious team of 20 crew and riggers was led by Aleksis Zarins. The site build started 14 days in advance and was com

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14 March 2016

Under this multi-year agreement, Fantasy Sound International will sell and co-promote all of the various Proel product lines: stage equipment and accessories, sound reinforcement, lighting, trussing, Die-Hard cables and Tamburo drums.

Also included in the distributor's portfolio, is Proel Installation division, featuring audio, trussing and lighting products for large fixed installations and conferences.

Luigi Paoloni, the Proel International export manager says: "We are very excited about this new agreement. Fantasy is a highly dynamic and professional company and we strongly believe that they are the right choice as p

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14 March 2016

Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, AVW, a bronze sponsor of the Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference, launched its new Pegasus power flying system at ABTT 2006. Designed for AVW by respected mechanical design engineer Mike Barnett, the Pegasus power flying hoist combines Barnett's engineering skills with readily available, off-the-shelf components to offer safety, reliability and fast delivery times at the lowest possible price, say AVW.

Intended primarily for lifting scenery, lighting bars and curtain tracks, the system is designed to offer clients a range of options to fit any and every possible requirement. Control is via AVW's own Impress