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The P.A. People has shared details of its audio, AV, communications and theatre systems installations for the refurbishment of the historic Rathmines Theatre on behalf of Lake Macquarie City Council.

Located on the former RAAF Station Rathmines, Rathmines Theatre, previously known as the Rathmines Community Hall, is locally heritage-significant. Constructed in the 1940s and was used as a cinema and gymnasium, it provided a recreational outlet for hundreds of men who spent time at the RAAF Station.

In the 1960s, Council took over the management of the former base and used the building as a community hall catering to the needs of the community.

Explaining how the project has given the historic building a new lease of life, Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser advised “the refreshed facility will help to reinvigorate the cultural scene in western Lake Macquarie and will deliver significant economic benefits to the area.

“This state-of-the-art facility offers a place for performers to take centre stage and share their talents with the community.

“It is also home to the Heritage Centre, a place where our community can visit to learn about the history of Rathmines and Lake Macquarie City.”

Since its early history and more recent community use, the venue had not had significant investment until the current project.

As Chris Dodds, Managing Director for The P.A. People, explained “the historic nature of the project is something that interested our team - given our experience with heritage and culturally-significant venues over the years.

“The end result is a credit to all involved and the new systems will support the Council’s plan for a wide range of uses” said Chris.

To enable the broad range of uses the Council intended, the technical task involved providing the capability to perform theatre productions, presentations, functions and community activity.

Ross Ford, Project Manager for The P.A. People noted “we believe an excellent systems and technically functional outcome has been achieved which will allow varying groups to produce and enjoy a range of programs with the equipment provided.”

Venue functionality has been provided in terms of comms capability for ‘Green Room’ cast member instruction, a comprehensive talk-back system to allow production staff to direct cast members on stage, ‘bells’ for audience recall to the venue and a user-friendly system capability for user-groups with varying levels of knowledge.

The new systems capability includes:

• Audio is provided in two modes.Basic mode is controlled from a touch panel side-of-stage and this is duplicated in the BIO box (main control) location, this gives the user control of 3 radio mics, video control & lighting control. Advanced mode includes a Yamaha sound desk with up to 32 inputs to the mixer, varying patch points throughout the venue, 4 radio mics. Four paging ‘zones’ - allowing paging and routing of audio via main hall, back-of-house/Green Room, verandah and terrace area and ticketing box.

• Lighting is also in two modes which link in with the dual audio modes; Basic mode uses pre-sets for lectern and overhead - all controlled from a touch-panel while Advanced mode includes 12 moving lights and 4 profile lights to provide varied lighting design. New lighting bars have been installed and 36 patchable outlets

• Projection systems in Basic & Advanced modes and Full Curtaining includes a full back curtain, side ‘legs’, a proscenium arch system and a front curtain with manual draw rope.

Click here to contact The P.A. People via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.

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