The smartStage 45 is a mobile stage trailer with a characteristic lean-to roof and a set up time of only 30 minutes. It offers a tandem axle and overrunning brakes and the roof is lifted using an electro-hydraulic system with remote control. The stage conforms to the temporary demountable guidelines of 5kN/sq.m and was launched by Stage Electrics at the Showman's Show in Newbury in October 2007.
Stage Electrics has supplied the lighting and sound equipment for the Exeter event for the last three years, previously the official switch-on team performed from a traditional modular stage system, ground support truss and a tarpaulin roof.
Project manager for the event, Simon Foster explained: "Access into the area is very limited, narrow streets that would simply be too small to safely unload a large truck and the actual space for the stage is just too tight for some of the other stage solutions we supply. The smartStage was delivered to site by a LT46 Van and arrived at 07.30, once we had unhitched it, we could adjust the final placement using just man power, which worked really well. Our team of five, of which four were smartStage novices, completed the install, including lighting and sound in under four hours."
Other equipment supplied for the event included lighting of Par64s, MAC250s, MAC500s and audio including radio mics, an EAW KF730 line array system and a Yamaha LS9 32-channel digital desk.
"We have had excellent feedback" concluded Foster. "The smartStage 45 is a very useful piece of equipment which is easy to use. Already we have had enquiries about the stage from people in the audience, I can see the future demand is going to be high.".
(Jim Evans)
