Multi-award-winning arts and performance venue, Reading Rep Theatre, has benefited from an energy and space efficient, high impact lighting solution by choosing to invest in a plethora of the latest Acclaim LED FRESNELS from Strand, a Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) entertainment lighting brand.
The fixtures were originally specified by theater consultancy, Drama by Design, the company responsible for the entire £1m conversion from Salvation Army Hall to 170 seat, technically adaptable, multi-purpose venue.
The fixtures have been well received by both the technical department and incoming designers. Head of production for Reading Rep Theatre, Jordan Harris, says: “The project went well, and the theater is now a creatively welcoming space to work and visit. We love the Strand Acclaims, the dimming curve is great, and the light quality is excellent. In addition, the fixtures are lightweight, small and easy to set up and program. With community at the heart of Reading Rep’s artistic vision, everything in our theater needs to be accessible, easy to understand and operate. It also needs to be energy efficient, work hard, provide good return on investment plus be easy to maintain and store.”
The second production in Reading Rep Theatre’s inaugural season, and the first using the all-new equipment was local born Beth Flintoff’s adaptation of family friendly classic A Christmas Carol. Lighting designer for the show, Simeon Miller, first to use the new Strand lighting equipment said: “The new Strand Acclaim LED FRESNELS at the Reading Rep made my time working on A Christmas Carol a breeze. Being able to be flexible with bright and saturated colors, as well as subtle tones and pastels allowed me to make and remake the world of the play as needed. Despite needing to rapidly move from location to location and through time, I always felt like I had another card to play while using the wide array of LED kit available to make memorable and good-looking lighting states.”
Andrew Stone, managing director of Drama by Design, describes why he specified the Strand Acclaim LED FRESNELS: “Sustainability was a key consideration throughout this project. Wherever possible we ensured the most energy efficient, robust, and versatile equipment was purchased. The Strand Acclaim LED FRESNELS were an ideal choice. Energy efficient, great optics and excellent color rendering. They also offer the saturated colors required for backlight, the pastels and softer colors for front and side light and the natural daylight colors for atmospherics. These fixtures are easy to program and rig, so will make really- useful workhorses for all productions.”
Equipment was supplied by Strand and Vari-Lite partner Henley Theatre Services, Henley on Thames: “I always value working with the team at Henley Theatre Services,” adds Stone. “They are an appreciated partner from initial concept and design discussions through to final installation, training and support.”
In addition to the Strand Acclaim LED FRESNEL, Signify brands Strand and Vari-Lite have donated a number of Vari-Lite 800 EVENTPAR and Strand PL1 PROFILE MKII fixtures. Grant Bales Smith, EMEA & APAC Regional Sales Leader, Entertainment Lighting for Signify comments: “Reading Rep Theatre’s mission is to put community at the heart of its artistic vision and to provide access to the arts for Reading’s most vulnerable communities. These are important values that resonate with the Signify entertainment brands, which is why we feel it’s important to support. What might be a relatively small donation by us will make a big impact on the technical and production values of Reading Rep’s upcoming shows and we are delighted and proud to be able to support that.”
Reading Rep Theatre has been, and remains, the beloved playground for many of the UK’s leading theater makers. It has always welcomed regular collaborations and co-productions with leading regional and London theater, and this looks set to continue, ensuring this new venue sits at the heart of the national theater landscape.
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Photo: © Harry Elletson