Theaters

Theater Lighting

“Theatre design is one of the most complex and challenging tasks faced by contemporary architects. It combines the need to create a technically perfect space with the necessity of allowing fantasy and dreams to unfold.” Theatre Builders by James Steele, Academy Press; 1 edition (September 12, 1996)

Barbizon understands the unique needs of a theater facility we know it’s not just a big space in a building. From the Lighting console to the Cyclorama, we have vast knowledge and resources through numerous manufacturers and our talented staff in Product and Expendables, System Integrators, Project Managers and Technicians. We can provide Conventional and Automated Fixtures and Accessories. We also are certified ETCP riggers that can install Grand Drapes, Track, Travelers, Cycloramas as well as motorized and manual rigging systems. At Barbizon we don’t just sell equipment we understand it, insuring it’s the right product for the right application.

Symphony Hall - Boston, MA

Portfolio

Symphony Hall - Boston, MA

Project Overview: Boston Symphony Hall

Barbizon has been serving Boston Symphony Hall for 20 years. So when it came time for a comprehensive renovation of the Hall's performance lighting system, Barbizon' s Systems team was the logical choice.

The Solution: Boston Symphony Hall

Barbizon's role in the project was to provide technical information, suggestions, and product information for the selection of products and device locations, and then design a working Performance Lighting System based on those choices. Barbizon then installed all permanent components of the system to meet national and local electrical codes.

There are three separate dimming systems within the design, each with separate power feeds, but all controlled under the same control system. The control system has the potential to interface with a separate Vari*Lite system, also installed by Barbizon concurrently with the conventional lighting system. Custom circuit distribution fed by automatic cable reels hangs beneath the suspended plaster ceiling, with additional circuits available in the attic space. Conductor and soloist specials can be remotely focused using ellipsoidals mounted on DMX-controlled motorized yokes. A complete DMX distribution network allows the patching of DMX from different sources to various locations around the building. An extensive Ethernet wiring system extends two networks to all control locations, to provide advanced control functions and additional expansion capabilities for the future. For simple houselight, worklight, and rehearsal lighting control, an ETC Unison system has multiple permanent stations and a portable LCD station. In the Technical office, a receptacle station allows remote monitoring and editing of all feedback and control systems.

Technical Details

Dimming

Six ETC Sensor Advanced Features Dimmer Racks
Concert Lighting System: 186 - 20 Ampere 500 microsec dimmers
Ambient Lighting System: 84 - 20 Ampere 500 microsec dimmers
Special Events Lighting System: 228 - 20 Ampere 500 microsec dimmers
4 - 50 Ampere 500 microsec dimmers
Performance Lighting Control
ETC Obsession - control console
Three Control Stations, each with:
3 DMX inputs
1 DMX output
2 Ethernet network ports
1 Remote Focus receptacle
1 ETCLink receptacle
1 Unison( Portable LCD receptacle
ETC Unison - ER4 Rack-mount External Processor
Multiple DMX, RFU, and Ethernet Plugging Stations
Miscellaneous Rack-mount Ethernet equipment
DMX Patch Panel with three five-way splitters

Fixtures

134 ETC Source Four PAR luminaires (custom color), with concentric ring top hats
114 ETC Source Four 19 ellipsoidal luminaires (custom color), 25% with top hats
20 ETC Source Four 10 ellipsoidal luminaires (custom color)
3 Compulite Yoke EP DMX-controlled motorized yokes (modified for use with ETC Source Four ellipsoidals)
24 ProCan miniature ellipsoidal luminaires

Distribution

26 Custom fabricated connector strips (custom color)
17 Custom fabricated 12-circuit cable reels
12 Custom fabricated stage wall pocket receptacles (custom color)
Multiple multi-circuit receptacle plugging boxes

Project Team

Peter Wexler, Inc.: Project Theatrical Consultant
Russ Costa: Symphony Hall Technical Supervisor
Tom Caulfield: BSO Project Manager
Bob Gleason: Symphony Hall Facilities Manager
Barbizon Light of New England (Tim Bachman): Lighting Systems Contractor
JR Clancy (Mike Coomey): Rigging Systems Contractor
Cosentini Associates (Tom Svirsky): Electrical Engineer
Zaldastani Associates, Inc. (Brian Eaton): Structural Engineer