Projects & Installations

Roy Thomson Hall Enhancement Project

Scenework was proud to be a part of the renovation of Roy Thomson Hall in 2002. Home to the Toronto Symphony, the hall is widely regarded as elegant, intimate and aesthetically pleasing.

Scenework Russell Johnson of Artec Consultants, one of the world's foremost acousticians and Tom Payne of the architectural firm of Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (KPMB) were invited to update the acoustic design of the building.

Enhancements to update all of the lighting technology that would be integrated into the extensive renovations included the addition of Strand Lighting status reporting dimming, Ethernet network capability, moving light technology, custom electrical distribution and new lighting control platforms.

The lighting control system was designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the Hall. The Strand Lighting 520 consoles provide rapid focusing and programming for the new moving lights quickly regardless of their trim height which varies with the position of the canopy and the type of performance on stage. All lighting information is distributed over a Strand Showcase network using SN110 dual port nodes. The nodes can be configured as DMX inputs or outputs allowing the operators to connect and manage touring consoles or add more automated lighting or colour scrollers.

Adding to the system flexibility was a new Strand wireless remote based on the personal digital assistants. The new remote allows operators to access all of the functions of the lighting consoles and set up 45 SN110 nodes in the system from anywhere in the building.

The system also support stage managers to direct access over the network to a dozen lighting set up by simple pushbutton stations.

The Roy Thomson Hall Enhancement Project was completed on time and within the $20 million dollar budget set for the work.