An initial donation was made by the French lantern manufacturers of 1000W RJ Lutin Fresnels with interchangeable PC and pebble lenses, 2000/2500W tungsten RJ329 PC units, and some 1000W RJ 600 Series and 2000W RJ 700 Series profile lanterns. This was then followed by an additional purchase by the Academy itself of 10 RJ 710 SX2 2500W zoom 10° - 25°profiles and 40 RJ 329 HF 2500W Fresnels. All were delivered to the educational establishment by Robert Juliat's Hong Kong distributor, Pacific Lighting (HK).
Hugh Chinnick, director of Pacific Lighting (HK) says, "As a previous senior lecturer and head of theatre lighting for 11 years at the Academy, I fully appreciate the need for students to be exposed to the widest possible variety of lighting products from different manufactures. This donation of fixtures by Robert Juliat will certainly enrich the students' experience, and better prepare them for their future in the industry."
Since its establishment in 1984, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts has become one of the leading institutes of higher arts education in Asia with a reputation for producing well-trained, highly experienced graduates, well-prepared for an active career in the arts.
"Robert Juliat's generous donation has provided a wonderful opportunity for lighting students to experience a range of Robert Juliat's equipment, both in teaching and production situations," says John A. Williams, lighting designer and Dean of the School of Theatre & Entertainment Arts.
"It's extremely valuable for the School to have access to a comprehensive range of high-end lighting products for students' use and training, providing them with the opportunity to experience the optical quality and excellence in fixture design for which the ompany is so renowned. Given exposure to such a range enhances design applications thereby enriching a student's knowledge and better preparing them for their chosen careers."
This is a philosophy very close to the heart of Robert Juliat which has also supported Academies across France and other parts of Europe, providing equipment to schools including De Theaterschool in Amsterdam and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.
(Jim Evans)
