Stonex helps in the refurbishment of the Soho Theatre

In order to elevate the theatrical experience of Malaga, Stonex has helped to carry out a complete modernization of the stage box by implementing innovative rigging and stage mechanics solutions.

The transformation of the Soho Theatre It has been a challenge led by the technical director of the theater, Francisco Manuel Rubio López with the collaboration of Stonex and their brands ETC and Movecat.

The iconic Soho Theatre, formerly known as Alameda Theater, is a cultural and artistic treasure located in the heart of Malaga. Since its renaming in 2019, has continued to captivate the city with its history and its ability to host 840 Spectators. With a scenario of 14,30 meters wide by 10 meters deep, This space offers a high-quality theatrical experience thanks to its acoustics and design of the main area and amphitheatre.

According to Francisco Manuel Rubio López, “The needs in terms of rigging and stage mechanics were fundamental. We needed a complete refurbishment of the theatre”. Following this perspective, the Stonex team took decisive action by carrying out a complete modernization of the stage box. This involved replacing the previous wooden comb with a metal one that offered greater cleanliness and functionality. As a result, Optimal utilization of available space was achieved.

An innovative series of improvements has redefined the functionality of the theatre. A pulley system was introduced for motorized rods under the comb, facilitating access to lighting elements and improving fluidity in the connection between different parts of the space. A firewall curtain, composed of a double-leaf system suspended on the comb of the stage box, Provides not only security, but also a touch of additional sophistication. This fire curtain is designed with a counterbalanced system and a hydraulic cylinder to drive its movement.

For the operation of the rods, The space has been equipped with 19 engines Vortek of 500 kilos of ETC Rigging along with a Vortek motor of 900 Kilos, which are located in the gallery of the right shoulder of the theater vertically, leaving the space clean for proper operation and maintenance.

These ETC motors, thanks to their adaptability to non-standard drawings, make them ideal for both new and renovated installations, even on projects that require counterbalanced beam systems and motorized beams in a single scenario. In the case of the Soho Theatre, they chose to motorize all the rods.

In the words of Francis, ''We decided to use these variable speed ETC Rigging motors because of the versatility they offer when moving scenery. You never know where you're going to ride the rod, I mean, suddenly a montage is on the rod 6 or suddenly on the rod 7, so the more versatility you have and that they are all variable speed, it allows you to assemble where you need it''.

With its adaptability, Versatility when programming capacity and speed options, offer a unique combination of features and to meet the needs of a wide variety of facilities.

Additionally, have been incorporated 14 engines Movecat Plus Lite of 500 kilos and 14 Movecat Plus-C of 320 kilos that have been used for the front of the stage and its corresponding grill. These engines have added a layer of safety and efficiency. The control systems for each engine, together with the robustness of the motors, they give you an extra layer of safety when working.

More than 400 Linear Meters of Brand Truss Sixty82 of different models, counting grille and front. These trusses are known for their exceptional robustness and load capacity, which makes them the ideal choice to ensure maximum safety throughout the space. In addition, to maintain order and organization in the area, The cable collector has been used Snake type and the storage cabinets from Admiral, thus guaranteeing an environment in perfect order and functionality.

Full yet intuitive control

The space has had ETC Rigging's Foundation motor control system, that provides more complete control with the ability to handle more engines, recover pre-recorded settings in use and configuration applications and meet the demands of multipurpose stages such as the Soho Theatre.

It also offers users a maximum degree of flexibility that allows them to create cues based on time or speed. Your portable complement, Foundation Remote Control (FHHR), It can be moved virtually anywhere in the venue to ensure an unobstructed view of the stage and ensure uninterrupted control.

ETC's Foundation HD control, in the words of Francis, "It's more intuitive, visual and simple to use and program than the rest of the market, being a system very similar to that of the brand's light consoles''.

This similarity to ETC's light consoles has made it easier to program and use the motors, maximizing its potential and allowing a quick and efficient response to any adversity.