In 1972 a fire destroyed a large part of the backstage of the Victorian theatre and the refurbishment provided an opportunity to re-design the theatre to provide greater accessibility for all theatregoers. One of the key areas to be developed was the lighting and sound systems and thus Stagecraft supplied a range of technical equipment, including Martin intelligent lighting, Selecon Pacific luminaires, Compulite Luna moving yolks, Zero88 lighting control and dimming, and a range of audio equipment, including Tannoy speakers, Shure microphones, QSC amplification and Allen & Heath control.
Grant Bales-Smith of Stagecraft worked closely with the New Theatre Royal to develop the accessibility of the Theatre. "We have a strong relationship with the team at the theatre and have worked with them through installation and initial training. We are on hand to offer technical support and advice and look forward to holding the disabled workshops where we’ll be able to see the real flexibility and accessibility of the equipment."
The workshops are aimed specifically at those with learning difficulties and those who are mentally or physically disabled. The team at Stagecraft will be teaching those who take part in the workshops about the benefits of using the equipment, demonstrating its capabilities and offering them a unique educational experience.
(Lee Baldock)
