University Theatres, who manage the performing arts venues at the University of Western Australia, have upgraded their lighting equipment with the purchase of two Jands Vista S3s and M1 controls.
University Theatres had to choose a flexible application for they attract a broad cross section of hirers to its seven venues. The 758 seat Octagon theatre in particular is a multipurpose venue, presenting theatre, concerts, comedy, conferences and dance school productions.
According to John Doyle, the Technical Manager, the Vistas were ideal because they can be used as a manual board for dance productions where lack of rehearsal time often demands spontaneous lighting design. Another advantage of the Vista is that it is used at the WA Academy of Performing Arts so all the graduating technical students are familiar with the board.
According to Clint Balfour, Head Technician, University Theatres, Split mode allowed them to control up to 50 clips, and faders and buttons can be programmed to be groups, presets and clips. The desk also has super playback controls. These buttons and faders are used like the ‘GO’ buttons of other boards and the faders give real-time control of playbacks.
One Vista S3 and M1 will be permanently located in the Octagon theatre, while the second unit will be used either at the Dolphin theatre, New Fortune theatre, Winthrop Hall or Sunken Garden outdoor auditorium, depending on the demands of the various productions.