A complete lighting package consisting of Vari-Lite and ETC fixtures was installed at the Theatrette venue, newly launched by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) in Canberra.

Located in the NFSA's heritage-listed art deco building, the 114-seat Theatrette is an intimate option for screenings, live performances, conferences, lectures, and break-out sessions.

Fredon was called upon to install a performance lighting system, the rigging of which was a major challenge. However, the result was absolutely spectacular, according to Allan Wade, Fredon’s ACT Manager for Audio Visual Solutions, who explained they sought an LED solution that offered long-life operation after considering the challenging conditions, which would have made it very difficult to get to the lighting rig once it was installed.

Fredon also installed more than the usual number of lights so that it would not be necessary to re-rig the lights. Keeping fixture reliability in mind, Fredon turned to a combined Vari-Lite and ETC solution supplied by Jands.

The Jands Technical Resource Group was on hand to provide detailed production information and design guidance. Allan described the project as a success story of today’s contracting; a consultant, integrator and vendor all working together to achieve a solution to meet the client’s requirements.

The lighting package comprised of ten ETC Desire D40, fourteen ETC Source Four CE LED Lustr+, four 42-inch ETC Selador Lustr and four Vari-Lite VLX LED washlights.

The ETC fixtures were supplied with a number of different zooms so that the angle could be changed easily. The Vari-lite VLX fixtures were chosen to light up live performances providing as much flexibility as possible.

Trevor Anderson, Theatre Technical/Facilities Manager at NFSA, commented that the Vari-Lite VLX fixtures were also chosen to match the ETC fixtures in terms of colour functionality and add movement to the room.

The ETC Desire D40 fixtures were chosen to supply a broad colour wash to the stage and also to light the room. While a couple of fixtures have been used to light the ceiling, the rest are in the rig to downlight the stage. 

The ETC Source Four CE LED Lustr+ fixtures were chosen not only to provide a real theatrical light but also to meet the lighting requirements for video production and video conferencing.

The Selador Lustr fixtures were basically used for wall wash eye candy and mood setting in the room.

An ETC SmartFade 24/48 with an excellent interface was chosen for lighting control.

Additionally, a Jands DD8 DMX distribution unit runs individual feeds to each of the bar locations and stage.