Theatre Power and Data Infrastructure

The Problem

The auditorium at the Watersmeet is used as a black box theatre space as well as a cinema for the local community. The power installation for the lighting system dated back to the 60’s and 70’s, there was an incomplete DMX infrastructure; the fixtures were mostly incandescent and beginning to fail. A small investment into LED fixtures had been made over the previous 8 years but overall, the system was not very cost effective to run. As well as increased energy consumption, the venue found themselves spending more and more money on consumables and sub hires.

Creative Spark’s Solution

The technical manager at the Watersmeet had a very clear idea of what they wanted the new system to do. The plan was to deliver a new power and data infrastructure which provided greater flexibility throughout the venue. The new installation would offer a safe solution which future proofed the venue for years to come. We met a precise specification which was led by the client to deliver exactly what they had in mind within the two-week period of work as set out by the venue. In this two-week period, we completed the following improvements:

• Removal of all old wiring for the DMX and power infrastructure
• Removal and replacement of three IWB’s located front of house
• Installation of new custom-built outlets in line with BS7671 wiring regulations to house both power and data points throughout the performance space
• Installation of new distribution equipment with dedicated switching for each power outlet
• Installation of new DMX patch rack with separated tie lines for each outlet
• Full testing and NICEIC accredited certification for new electrical installation
• Sale of new Lighting Control Desk, LED fixtures, haze machine and extensive stock of cabling
• Disposal of all old installation components

Benefits for our client

The Watersmeet theatre now have a safer and futureproofed lighting installation. It offers them ultimate flexibility throughout the auditorium with the inclusion of multiple power and data points meaning they are no longer restricted to placing intelligent fixtures at certain lighting positions. The new LED fixtures will give greater lighting options as they feature colour mixing, and will also make the system more cost effective to run with reduced energy consumption compared to incandescent fixtures. As with all our installations the team at Watersmeet also benefit from ongoing support from the team at Creative Spark.

Ben Terry, Building and Technical Manager quoted,

“The site visit was the most thorough we had received and we were left feeling confident that the quote and specification would cover exactly what the venue required and that no additional costs would be incurred at a later date due to things being missed off or forgotten about. From awarding the contract through to arriving at site we were not left in the dark at any point. Both Dan and Claire were reachable at all times should we have any questions or ideas and any potential problems were discussed with solutions and options offered every time. We felt like nothing was an issue for them. The paper work and RAMS provided were to a high standard and were just as we expected. On the teams arrival for the first day on site it was apparent that the work would be completed to a high standard and undertaken by likeminded and passionate people. All of the work was completed efficiently and the venue was left tidier than it was when work started. I would not hesitate to recommend Creative Spark to any venue looking for technical services, sales or installations; from big theatres to small community theatres and everything in between – they will definitely be in safe hands.”