In the Pretoria CBD, the South African State Theatre is doing phenomenal work as it produces successful shows which play to full houses. It can be described as a theatre that keeps up with the times. In 2012, it not only appointed a new and passionate CEO, but it was also the start of implementing LED technology to the venue.
When DR Quinton W Simpson was assigned CEO in May 2012, he was open to new ideas to further enhance the theatre including the request to transform the theatre to LED. "I asked if we could start changing to LED due to the power, gel and weight of conventional fixtures," said Simon King, senior lighting technician at the State Theatre.
Soon thereafter, the work began with the two smaller venues first. Robin DLX fixtures and LED parcans were purchased. "We realised that we could not buy LED fixtures alone, we also had to change FOH," explained King. "It has made our lives ten times easier, especially when doing big productions. We have a saturated rig, with washes and sides pre-programmed.... lighting is now fun." Each of the smaller venues is further equipped with a MA2 on PC Wing.
The main stage has, what King describes as 'Kick ass MMXs'. "It's weird because I had to get new spots because the LEDs were outperforming the existing moving lights," said King. The theatre now has 12 units and is 'loving them'.
Aubrey Ndaba from Muthine Trading was also part of supplying some of the equipment to the theatre, as were DWR Distribution. "We really appreciate the business received from the State Theatre and we will continue to service and support Simon King and his team," ended Duncan Riley of DWR.
