Wenger Corporation and J.R. Clancy | HOAC | Serapid | Visual Act | Harlequin Floors and Black Cat Music & Acoustics | PHILIPS | J&C Joel
Geoffrey Wheel of the Dubai Opera
Oliver Leigers, BGVC1 Accredited International Safety Inspector
Challenges of opening Opera House’s
in the Middle East
The Technical challenges working alongside consultants, clients and contractors and the integration of ‘theatre practices’ into the region in realizing the building and operations of the Royal Opera House Muscat, Oman and Dubai Opera, UAE
Geoffrey Wheel is the Technical Director of the Dubai Opera, one of the latest Opera House’s in the world and the first one of its kind as a multi-form venue in the UAE.
Geoffrey started out in theatre by training for 3-years at Croydon College of Art in Lighting Design and Production Management. Following this he moved to a role of Chief Electrician at the Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne, UK. After this he was asked to move to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, UK to work in the lighting department. Whilst there he toured with the Sadler’s Well’s Royal Ballet (Birmingham Royal Ballet) before successfully moving to Assistant Production Manager, promoted to Production Manager and then Assistant Technical Director. Prior to the GBP 250 million redevelopment of the Royal Opera House in 1997, he became Head of Technical Departments, leading the technical departments through two years of redevelopment and being responsible for all Technical support for the Royal Opera, Royal Ballet, Linbury Studio and ROH productions and corporate events in the UK and touring abroad.
In June 2010 he took the brave move to leave the ROH after being asked to move to Muscat, Oman, to start afresh as the Technical Director and then Director of Operations, in creating a technical team for the opening of the new Royal Opera House Muscat in Oman. This was to be the first opera house in the Arabian Peninsula which opened to world acclaim in October 2011.
Following this in May 2015, he was asked to move to Dubai, UAE to open the new Dubai Opera creating another new technical team and all the challenges this brought with it. He and his team successfully opened the World class Dubai Opera in August 2016 where he currently resides looking after all Technical and Facilities management roles on behalf of DO.
Stage Machinery Inspections - duties for manufacturers and operators
The field of stage engineering and machinery is a complex area with often tailored and custom-built equipment. The client’s demands include high expectations for both - availability as well as for safety aspects, while sometimes both seem to be competing. This session is introducing responsibilities for the manufacturers as well as for the users and operators of stage machinery and engineering systems.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry Oliver has been working with clients, manufacturers, and theatre consultants before he became an accredited BGV C1 expert and inspector in 2006. He joined Theatre Projects Consultants from 2004 - 2011 with responsibilities for developing and integrating theatre engineering systems in various projects.
Since 2011 he is solely working with theateringenieur.de, that he found back in 2001. Oliver's activities are demanded internationally and include BGV C1 inspections as well as advising and consulting on the design, development and integration of engineering systems for venues, shows and productions.
Oliver is also lecturing at the technical theatre academy in Baden-Baden, Germany, as well as for international events and conferences.
Virtual Acoustics – How technology is changing rehearsal and performance spaces.
Wenger Corporation and J.R. Clancy are Your Performance Partners. In 2011, Wenger and J.R. Clancy brought together almost 200 years of experience to provide complete solutions for Performing Arts Centers and Theatres. We design, manufacture and install leading theatrical equipment worldwide from Complete Rigging Solutions and Controls to Acoustical Shell Enclosures and Orchestra Pit Fillers as well as a full-line of quality furnishings.
Wenger Corporation provides innovative, high-quality products and solutions for performing arts and music and theatre education. For more than 70 years Wenger has been listening to what our customers need and then designing and manufacturing innovative, durable and functional products to meet those needs.
Wenger pioneered sound isolation in practice rooms and now offers modular rooms with virtual acoustic technology (VAE) and built-in digital recording/playback. Products for music and theatre spaces include: pre-engineered acoustical doors, sound-isolating music practice rooms, acoustical shells, acoustical wall and ceiling treatment, instrument and equipment storage cabinets, fixed and portable audience seating, portable stage platforms and staging systems, music posture and portable audience chairs, orchestra pit fillers, makeup stations, tiered risers and music furniture.
Since 1885, J.R. Clancy has been a leading designer and supplier of theatrical rigging systems, accessories and services to the theatre and entertainment industries around the world. Our team of experienced mechanical and electrical engineers, project managers, and installers provides expert technical assistance and information to architects, general contractors, theatre consultants, end users, and dealers.
With a combination of innovative designs, outstanding quality, and a century of experience, J.R. Clancy has become the leading manufacturer of theatrical stage equipment in the United States. We provide everything from the simplest hemp sets and rigging hardware to complete, highly sophisticated motorized rigging systems-for use just about anywhere.
Tom Carman is Vice President of International Sales for the Wenger Corporation. Tom received his BA degree and MA degree from the University of Minnesota in the United States. He has lived, travelled, and worked extensively in many parts of the world during his career. Tom’s role with the Wenger Corporation combines his passion for International work with a Corporation that is passionate about helping students, educators, administrators, architects, and consultants enhance performance - by assisting in the design of their performance spaces and by providing innovative, high-quality products and solutions for music and theatre education, performing arts and athletic spaces.
Mobile staging -
can it be easier, faster, functional?
The more sufficient the stage system functions the sooner it has become amortised and works profitably. With a smart stage system less manpower is needed and more possibilities for different usage opens your scope of application.
HOAC Schweisstechnik GmbH, founded in 1985, family owned, located near Duesseldorf, NRW, Germany, manufactures innovative aluminum systems and constructions for theatre, event and stage technology. All of HOAC® systems are built with the modular concept in mind to allow for greater flexibility, sustainability and mobility. The following product range is achieved by a sophisticated HOAC standard: Platforms and Staging, Turntables, Stage wagons, Grandstands, Stage design, Fly Bar Systems, Track Systems, Truss systems. The quality system is certified according to EN 1090-1-3 and ISO 3834-2. HOAC delivers worldwide, has offices in China and the Netherlands and has references in almost all European countries, including many distinguished theatre and opera house overseas.
Dr. Hoegg is co-owner and authorized manager of company HOAC® Schweisstechnik GmbH, a German family owned production company for stage technology and as international welding engineer amongst other things responsible for quality assurance at HOAC. She is active member of the German standardization committee DIN and CENTC433 for event industry and is active in the ETTE project, a new education concept for stage technicians in Europe.
She finished her PHD as analytical chemist and worked in the chemical industry before starting her career in the theater industry in the year 2000.
Can investment in under
stage equipment be justified?
SERAPID has established itself as a world leader in the supply of innovative equipment and solutions for theatres, auditoriums, conference centres and multipurpose venues across the world. SERAPID’s theatre technology centres around the patented LinkLift vertical lifting chain, now recognised as the leading technology for theatre lifts, and the silent rigid horizontal chain used for scenery moves and special show effects.
The SERAPID LinkLift is offered in a wide range of product sizes and specifications covering all lifting applications from choral risers to large stage and goods elevators. The rigid horizontal chain systems have been used widely for scenery movement. SERAPID’s equipment has earned an unrivalled reputation for reliability, smooth and silent operation and a very low maintenance requirement.
Creative horizontal movement
for the entertainment industry
Visual Act (Artistic Computer Technology) is a private limited liability company registered in Sweden. The company develops and manufactures advanced performance technology, including computerized control systems for all types of venues. Visual act has developed several products. The basis for these is the Visual act Stage Control System that is designed to control all types of mobile machinery on, over or under a stage. The system is used to control Visual acts other product offerings such as Visual act Wagon, Visual act Fly and Visual act 3D.
Visual act Fly is designed to control fly bars, to program motion (position, velocity and acceleration /deceleration) of individual axles or combine and synchronize the movements of several axes. The development of the fly system has led to Visual act 3D which is a system that by linking three or more winches can fly an item (eg. decorative, persons or camera) three-dimensional in the air.
Creating a safe environment
in performing arts.
This presentation will highlight important requirements for safe rehearsal and performance environments with focus on the musician or performer including the biomechanics of what happens when a performer impacts the floor or stage and recommended exposure levels to excessive noise.
Using case studies combined with the latest research, this presentation will be of interest to all who plan or equip performing arts spaces.
Mark is a familiar and friendly face, presenting to architects, consultants and technicians all over the world about providing safe and effective environments for all kinds of performing arts including music, dance, drama and musical theatre. These presentations bring together Harlequin Floors’ and Black Cat Music’s collaborations with performing arts medicine associations, medical practitioners, acousticians and educators.
Harlequin is the world leader in advanced technology floors and stage systems for the performing arts.
Established in the UK over 40 years ago, Harlequin remains the industry choice for the world’s most prestigious dance and performing arts companies, theatres, venues and schools.
Harlequin’s experience and reputation are founded on the manufacture and supply of a range of high quality sprung and vinyl floors and, working with leading stage engineers and theatre consultants, the building and refurbishment of bespoke stage systems in venues around the world.
Theatre professionals demand hard-wearing stages able to withstand fit ups, get outs and the rigging required for every performance. Harlequin stage systems deliver on strength, flexibility and meeting the technical requirements such as dip traps, trap doors, ballet wagons and orchestra pit fillers.
Harlequin is the global leader in its field with offices in Europe, The Americas and Asia Pacific.
Black Cat Music & Acoustics is the sister company of Harlequin Floors and is a Master Distributor for Wenger Corporation providing local advice and support to consultants, acousticians, architects and theatre technicians alongside our Harlequin colleagues.
As well as providing local stock for “everyday” Wenger products, Black Cat are experts in acoustic assessment, treatments and sound-proofing for venues and rehearsal spaces ranging from the installation of simple sound absorption panels to full-stage Wenger acoustic shells for theatres and concert halls.
Iconic brands shared excellence.
Create great experiences.
Charbel’s presentation will focus on the world within our company of entertainment lighting, our brands, the solutions and how we can cooperate with potential clients within the Middle East and North Africa.
Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Malta – Entertainment Lighting
Charbel manages the sales network of Entertainment Lighting for the above indicated regions. He has been part of the entertainment technology industry for 14 years and has worked as an integral part of the Entertainment Lighting sales team for the past 6 years.
Working with Vari*Lite, Strand Lighting, Showline and Selecon Lighting.
Charbel has a wealth of experience within the entertainment lighting industry and has previously held additional high-profile roles within several companies in the region.
Iconic brands shared excellence.
Complete entertainment lighting solutions.
An overview of Entertainment Lighting solutions and services from Vari*Lite, Strand. Iain will discuss how Entertainment Lighting has formed a journey to inspire, create and innovate; Creating some of most inspirational systems to support entertainment and create new experiences for all.
Project Manager – EMEA Entertainment Lighting
Iain is a Project Manager within Entertainment Lighting with extensive experience of design, manufacture, installation and maintenance. Iain works primarily within the UK and Middle Eastern markets to develop and re-establish the Strand and Vari*Lite projects support.
Iain is in constant communication with dealers and customers alongside the sales teams, whilst working internally to establish product and process requirements.
With a BA (Hons) in Theatre Studies (Design - Lighting and Sound) Iain has an extensive background within the entertainment lighting industry.
We are a leading provider of professional entertainment luminaires, control and dimming for theatre, television, events and concert touring.
Our innovative products can be found on everything from the biggest global spectaculars to the smallest school stages.
Entertainment Lighting are dedicated to delivering end user driven products and solutions. From lighting fixtures to control and intelligent distributed networks, our thorough understanding of our customers' needs inspire every product.
We strive to provide powerful yet discrete products that enhance, and never upstage the creative vision. Our industry-leading brands and product lines are entirely compatible, offering complete creative solutions across all sectors, design requirements and budgets.
New lighting technologies such as LED, energy efficiency and sustainable manufacturing are at the forefront of our mission. Drawing on the heritage and expertise of our brands, our promise is to continue shaping and protecting the future of Entertainment Lighting.
The Importance of flame retardant
fabrics and systems integration.
J&C Joel is one of the world's leading manufacturers and integrators of flame retardant fabrics, flooring and stage engineering for the entertainment and event industries. The British company has achieved global reach through an international network of offices and is currently celebrating 40 years of continued success. The business now exports to more than 80 countries from its offices in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia.
From flame retardant fabrics and drapery and truss and track to complete stage engineering solutions, J&C Joel’s dedicated sales representatives, designers and project managers combine their knowledge with more than 200 years industry experience to provide the best turnkey solution to the highest standards. Above all the J&C Joel family puts its customers at the heart of everything they do. And they are proud their clients continue to be the inspiration behind their performance.
