New lighting system makes Irish theater sing

Equipment from Electronic Theatre Controls lights up Wexford Opera House.

By Consulting Specifying Engineer Staff November 17, 2008

Specialty contractor Northern Light has outfitted the Wexford (Ireland) Opera House with a range of equipment from Electronic Theatre Controls , a Middleton, Wis.-based lighting, sound, and communication firm specializing in theatrical installations.

The company installed more than 200 Source Four lighting fixtures, an Eos and two Ion lighting control consoles, about 500 channels of Sensor+ dimming in the main auditorium, and another 100 channels in the smaller performance space. The theater control the lights via a DMX and Ethernet network, and the manufacturer’s Unison house-lighting control system is integrated into the networked system.

The theater will serve as the new home for the Wexford Festival Opera company, which just concluded its 57th season in November. Wexford will offer live performances and international works year round, and host resident arts groups and organizations. The Opera House also will offer two theater spaces and meeting rooms available for rental.