Hub Director
Andrew Knight-Hill
Lead - Centre for Sound and Image
This flexible multi-functional performance space with 360º immersive projection, surround-sound audio, and digital lighting, motorised rigging and infrastructure, has been designed to enable flexible realisation of a diverse array of performance possibilities.
The space contains two rectangular truss structures at either end, equipped with motorised trussing to enable simplified rigging and de rigging. These can be curtained off to operate as separate ‘pods’ with their own ambisonic sound array and lighting.
In the centre of the space is a 9m circular truss ring which hosts 8 Genelec loudspeakers and serves as a curtain rail for the 360-degree cyclorama screen. The central screen can be derigged and pulled out of the way within 10 minutes, allowing swift transformations between setups.
The entire theatre infrastructure can operate as a unified array or as three distinct zones, making it ideal for performances that utilise varied audio environments, such as promenade theatre or audience-immersive experiences.
“The vision for this space was to create a flexible environment that fosters possibility—allowing people to realise whatever they can dream, breaking the concept of a traditional stage, and dissolving the boundary between stage and audience in an accessible, user-friendly way. Our research is about creative practice, pushing art forms forward through innovation and creativity. How do you enable people to explore immersive tools and technology without letting the technology hold them back? We are, first and foremost, creatives working with technology, not engineers. So, it’s essential that the learning curve isn’t too steep; it should feel seamless. This is where Stage Electrics’ work on the infrastructure really shines, creating that seamless flow. People can focus on their creativity without getting bogged down by the tech.”