Drama Classroom Lighting

The Problem

In order to enhance learning within drama lessons the Head of Drama wanted to install a simple lighting system in two of their drama classrooms. They were looking for something which was cost effective and simple to use for both teachers and students and were particularly keen for it to be app driven.

One classroom already featured rigging from a previous installation, with the other having been recently converted from two languages classrooms so required a full installation. The height of the rooms needed careful consideration to provide ample coverage from the lighting installation without being overly obtrusive in the space

Creative Spark’s Solution

Having worked at Springwood High School previously, we had a good understanding of the layout and location of the classrooms but needed the full dimensions in order to design the lighting systems. To minimise costs and avoid a site visit, the Head of Drama emailed these over enabling us to specify equipment that would best suit the two spaces.

The design includes six intelligent fixtures for each classroom, all working from an app-based controller which allows both teachers and students to operate the lighting directly from an iPad. We also installed an eight button controller onto the wall in each classroom, giving quick and easy recall of a selection of preset lighting states.

It was specified by the school that all works needed to be completed out of school hours as well as working around external hires for the rooms involved. We were able to complete the install over one weekend starting after hours on the Friday and completing by Sunday afternoon. We then went back into the school on Monday to offer full training on all equipment to the Drama Department staff. The final solution consisted of the following being installed:

• Installation of six intelligent fixtures in both classrooms, delivering highly efficient static LED’s.
• The lighting fixtures included a combination of colour mixing and white light models to provide a multitude of options when creating lighting states. Both types of fixture featured COB technology and the colour version included a red, green, blue and amber chip, with the white fixtures using a warm and cool white chip.
• Installation and load testing of a lighting bar in the newly converted drama classroom.
• All lighting is operable via an app-based controller and iPad providing ease of use for both teachers and students.
• Eight button controller fixed to the wall for quick and easy recall of preset lighting states.
• Full training provided with continued ongoing support.

Benefits for our client

Springwood High School now have two classrooms with enhanced learning options for students throughout their time at secondary school but particularly those studying for GCSE and A Level. We have provided a hands on system for the students with easy to use technology and lighting which will do any small stage production justice. The installation provides a very cost-effective solution for them, which will last for many years to come.

Robinson Ellin, Head of Drama oversaw the whole project and provided the following feedback,

“We recently had two of our drama classrooms fitted with lighting and wireless controls that connect to iPads. Each step of the install, from initial consultation to final fit, was extremely easy due to very effective communication and was completed as expected and to a very high standard.

Our students will now be able to understand and operate lighting on a regular basis. This will be extremely beneficial in preparing them for their GCSE’s and A levels, as well as allowing us to turn former classrooms into a more purposeful and atmospheric environment for learning and performance.”