Audio Systems – Virginia Wimberly Theatre

The audio system in the Virginia Wimberly Theatre is being re-constructed for stability and expansion of the Dante signal and control network. The console and overall control system have the same philosophy, but with a considerable number of upgrades that greatly improve stability and usability. We are adding an additional Rio 1608 to be used on-stage wherever a large number of inputs are required in a concentrated space. To compliment the addition of this Rio, an EtherCon infrastructure is being added to the Wimberly Stage house with 2 ports in each corner of the room. A new rack downstage right will be the hub of this new system where the wireless microphone receives are housed, and the network distribution for the new EtherCon infrastructure will originate. All signal cables and switches are being replaced with 10G capability for the fastest speed possible at the time of publication.

Audio Systems – Roberts Studio Theatre

The analog sound system in the Roberts is being completely redeveloped to be a digital system. The

largest visible change is a new console, replacing the analog mixer with a Behringer X32. We chose the X32 system because of the ubiquitous and capable nature of this equipment. Behringer’s X32 line has proven to become an industry standard for venues of our size. This digital system will have recall abilities to make setting up for a new production considerably faster. The 1⁄4” patch bay has been removed and will be replaced with a Behringer S16 Digital Snake that can be re-patched digitally from the console. We will also be implementing an additional S16 Digital Snake to be used on stage in any configuration where a large number of inputs is required in a small area, like an orchestra pit or for a band. To compliment this, we are adding EtherCon ports along the North wall for use with this system. We have also updated the wired communications system for use in additional locations with permanent installations including the backstage light lock, green room, and wardrobe room. With the alteration of the in-wall infrastructure, we will also be able to use any mic port in the space for comm successfully. We hope that these changes provide a more straightforward way to make patch adjustments and allow users of the venue to be more confident in implementing their sound designs.

We are replacing all of the borders, legs, cycs, scrims, and all other softgoods in the theatre as they have aged out of their fire treatment ratings. We have done a 1-for-1 replacement of most goods, with a few additions to the inventories in both the Wimberly and the Roberts. Please check the inventory pages for each venue for the updates. At the time of publication, these new softgoods have not been delivered and are expected in early September.

We are very pleased to be welcoming in a brand new ETC Paradigm house lighting control system to the Calderwood Pavilion. As a part of this system upgrade, we are installing new control and management systems for the Wimberly, Roberts, and the rest of the facility. This new control system will provide lighting system users with more versatility, speed, and most importantly, reliability, when controlling the work lights and house lights outside of technical rehearsals and performances. New 18" touch screens are being installed to replace the outdated AMX panels in the Wimberly and Roberts. We began this update in July 2022, and as new parts roll in, will continue through Summer 2023 without interrupting production.

To make Sing Street possible in the Wimberly in August 2022, we made a few crucial modifications to the space to fit this large-scale Broadway-ready musical. There are now cable pass-thrus from the first floor booth to the DSR point of the stage that is easy to access for technicians and capable of holding a significant amount of cable to support lighting, sound, and projections power and data. 

In June 2022, our poster lighting in the Box Office Lobby was replaced with new fixtures that more evenly and brightly light our upcoming and current production materials. The old fixtures were beginning to stop working, and these new fixtures are more energy efficient and modern!

For the 21-22 season, we introduced this website with 360º tours of the venue to provide prospective rental clients and users of the space the ability to see inside all of our spaces to get a sense of what is possible. We are proud to offer this view into the building we are so proud of - check them out on the 360º Images page!

In Summer of 2019, the Calderwood Pavilion upgraded the large majority of the work and lobby lights in the facility from fluorescent and compact fluorescent to high-efficiency LED. This has resulted in a dramatic decrease in energy costs to have the lobby lights on, and a greener building.