Although actors and performers typically command the attention of most of the audience in a theatrical show, and rightly so, no one will be able to see them unless the lights are on. It’s fair to say, then, that effective power distribution is vital to the success of most any modern performance. If the show is interrupted due to a loss of power, even temporarily, it can severely compromise a theatre company’s reputation and finances. It’s just one more resoundingly valid reason why an efficient, potent power setup is vital in contemporary productions.
Theatres have some of the heaviest power demands that can only be compared to that of a hospital by some industry experts. It’s no secret that most full-scale theatre buildings are absolutely massive, yet almost every bit of space needs to be accounted for. Areas closest to the stage, for example, are utilized for performers’ dressing rooms, and technician workspaces. Noisy machinery – such as generators, for example – should be kept at a far enough distance from the performance area to avoid disturbing the show. In addition, the auditorium and stage carves a huge space into the building, and all cables should be routed as neatly, efficiently, and as out-of-sight as possible.
Theatres are high-traffic areas, and that means that even with cables tied down and systems contained, electrical equipment is still vulnerable to a bit of a literal kicking every now and then; it’s why durability in theatre equipment is a major requirement.
When designing power setups for theatres, theatre professionals may need to account for production lighting, sound, video, broadcast, stage machinery and even special effects. There’s also got to be a large amount of flexibility built into the system so that the theatre environment can rapidly adapt to different acts. You might have a large-scale musical production on one night, and a lone stand-up comedian the next. Obviously, in each case the power demands are going to differ drastically, so the power distribution system needs to be able to rise to the occasion.
Those who have ever attended a theatrical performance will know that stage lighting is by far the largest electrical workload, with stage machinery usually coming in at a close second. Large power reserves must be put in place in order to meet the maximum demand of each of these, but in nearly every case the average electrical demand is much lower. As an example, it’s rare that absolutely every light is going to be on full blast at once, but the system must be able to handle that type of load if it needs to. Dimmer rooms, audio rack rooms and motor rooms act as hubs for electrical activity and central control.
Enter Quantum Energy Devices.
QED produces fully customizable power distribution systems and combines actual engineering knowledge with the practicality of seasoned road warriors. Their equipment is so rugged, well engineered, and well constructed that they work reliably day after day in the adverse environment that is our industry.
We had a chance to get up-close and personal with one of their custom power pagodas – here are its specs:
Call us at 888-567-8243 to set up a consultation and we’ll help curate your own custom power distribution system that fits your every need!
