058 REPORT
GLYNDEBOURNE EBERT ROOM
Company: Charcoalblue Location: Lewes, UK
Image © Leigh Simpson
Theatre consultancy Charcoalblue has hit a high note at internationally acclaimed Glyndebourne. In just over a year Jon Stevens, former Head of Sound at Glynde- bourne and now Charcoalblue’s Creative Director, has orchestrated the transforma- tion of the Ebert Room, an existing rehearsal room, into a multi-use performance- ready space.
Charcoalblue - dubbed ‘the most exciting and innovative theatre consultancy in the UK’ - began work on the scheme last year. The project was inspired by Glyndebourne’s Executive Chairman Gus Christie’s vision to create a modern, well- equipped and highly flexible venue that reflects the classic Glyndebourne style. With a £1 million budget, Stevens worked alongside Glyndebourne’s Technical Director Dave Locker to investigate ways in which the 200 sq metre Ebert Room - originally constructed in 1959 as a scenic rehearsal space - could be better adapted to accommodate its burgeoning range of events, pre-show talks and education projects.
Assisted by his colleagues at Charcoalblue, Stevens devised a flexible scheme with seating for up to 130, a retractable stage, sophisticated stage lighting and audiovi- sual systems, new energy-efficient air-conditioning and greatly improved access for wheelchair users.
“After 50 years of continuous use, the Ebert Room was showing its age,” explained Stevens. “But stripping it back to the bare walls enabled us to expose its history - including part of the old 1930s opera house - and celebrate its past. We wanted to make sure that the sense of it being a working space was not lost, so a lot of effort went into concealing the complexity of the new technical installations. “As lead consultants on the project, we were able to control every aspect of the design, which helped us to shoehorn the requirements of a demanding brief into a relatively small space. We’re delighted with the result - and we’re thrilled that Glyn- debourne are so pleased with their new venue.”
“The Ebert Room is no longer simply part of the old Glyndebourne but a vital part of its future,” explained Christie during a presentation to the projects sponsors. “Through a schedule of pre-performance talks, education projects and events, the Ebert Room will help Glyndebourne to attract a new generation of music-lovers while adding real value to what we can offer our existing audiences.” He went on to say: “I want to thank Jon Stevens and his team for doing such a wonderful job and delivering such a wonderful transformation.” The refurbished Ebert Room was officially launched in April 2011. The event com-
www.mondodr.com
prised talks and film clips as well as recital performances from Glyndebourne’s own up-and-coming, young opera singers. Each aspect emphasised the flexibility of the stunning acoustics, lighting, sound and video systems. Northern Light worked directly for main contractor, Pilbeam, to deliver the technical aspects of the installation, which were specified by Charcoalblue. Northen Light’s Lois Ferguson described the brief: “Northern Light was asked to provide a simple, intuitive control system for day to day use (opera rehearsals, educational seminars, etc), which could also be used for larger, more complex events with the involvement of technical staff.”
Stage engineering includes four Astralite Flylite motorised trusses, each with a 150kg winch, a Metalworx static truss set-up and elements, custom designed by Northern Light. An ETC Sensor 96-way dimming system controls the lighting volume. Lighting control comes from an ETC Element desk. The video system comprises a Sanyo PLC-XF71 projector, Harkness Major Pro C MAJ1-1010 screen, Kramer distribution and Numark monitoring. The assisted listening system is by Sennheiser. As part of the refurbishment Duran Audio UK supplied two AXYS Scope T-2115 units to provide transparent sound reinforcement within the space. An AMX control interface simplifies the user experience, as Ferguson explained: “AMX is an integrated control system which provides a basic user interface for the day to day running of the space. The installation also includes a sound desk and lighting console which integrate with the AMX system for more complex produc- tions.”
Jon Stevens commented: “Going back to Glyndebourne as a consultant was a wonderful experience. In addition I had the good fortune to work alongside old col- leagues from my days as Head of Sound at Glyndebourne. Colin Cuthbert and Nick Read from the specialist entertainment technology installers on the project, Northern Light, both worked at Glyndebourne at the same time as I did - so the team felt very much back together.” Dave Locker concluded: “We are delighted with the results. The Ebert Room will quickly become a creative launch pad for new and educational work. Its flexible design and technical facilities mean that the space can accommodate every sort of activity from simple rehearsals to staged performances: we are immensely proud of what it can offer.”
www.charcoalblue.com
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