Clear-Com streamlines communication at National Memorial Theater
Published: ASIA
AUSTRALIA: Clear-Com’s Tempest2400 and Encore intercoms, supplied by Jands, were recently installed at Australia’s 783-seat National Memorial Theater.
The majority of the events that take place at the venue are amateur productions, requiring a more hands-on approach by the professional staff. At the same time, the theatre typically runs skeleton crews to keep costs down for its clients.
The Tempest2400 BaseStation and Encore partyline main stations are installed at the stage manager’s desk. There is also an Encore speaker station in the stage office, which lets the theatre’s supervisor or technician on duty to monitor crew communications for any issues with a particular production. The theatre has also run a dual communications loop through the stage and auditorium, so wired beltpacks can plug into either loop from almost anywhere.
‘For any production, I might have the person running the lighting console during the show and then serve as the rigger after the performance,’ said Mick Crozier, production manager and head technician at the National Theater.
‘Similarly, the stage manager may also act as the flyman, while the floor electrician may also be a stagehand, among other double duties. It’s important that we remain in contact wherever we may be so that we can stay abreast of any upcoming cues. I can’t tell you how much easier it is with Clear-Com because we’re able to move freely and talk with the production crew. The audio quality of the Clear-Com systems is astounding – they’re much clearer than our previous system and are great when a performance gets loud. Clear-Com has a reputation for high-quality, reliable and long-lasting products, so I know these systems will be able to support the different performances that take place here.’
Previously, on the larger shows, the single production channel was so cluttered with conversations that it was difficult for people to understand each other. The two-channel Tempest system provides two isolated communication paths to minimise the number of conversations on each channel.
Lighting effects, followspots and floor electrics or audio, mic tech and the musical director speak on Channel A while all others are assigned to Channel B, whilst the menu-lock function on the beltpacks prevents non-professional crew members from accidently changing the settings during a performance.
‘In a live production environment communication is critical to keep productions at a professional level,’ commented Peter Giddings, Clear-Com’s senior vice president, Global Events. ‘The Tempest and Encore systems provide the crew with the right capabilities to make that happen.’