The Maynard School
Our Solutions
Otago Blue Ltd was approached by The Maynard School in Exeter to provide a design and build package for the conversion of their existing gymnasium into a performing arts venue. From the onset, the client had high demands but we needed to keep within a strict budget. To achieve this refurbishment we had to provide all the technical services including a theatre lighting system, audio system with video projection and a curtaining system to create a backstage area and wing space as well to improve the acoustic properties of the building.
The theatre lighting system consisted of a Chilli Pro Bypass 24-10i power distribution cabinet providing selectable dimming for conventional lighting fixtures or direct through power for LED and intelligent lights. Within the venue four high level, internally wired lighting bars and a low-level backstage socket box provided the required distribution. Lighting fixtures included a range of Selecon tungsten lanterns, Prolights Studio Cob LED Pars and a pair of Martin MH6 LED moving wash lights. The system was completed with a Jester ML24 Lighting control desk from Zero88.
After investigating various manufacturers for the audio system the equipment that best suited the venue was provided by Tannoy. We selected the VX range including flown VX12, VX8 and low-level VX 15DR subs. Amplification was provided by Lab Gruppen E series amplifiers located in an amplifier rack in the adjacent storeroom with room set up being provided by an Extron audio DSP.
The projection system included a huge 5m wide electric roller screen and an Epson 8000 Lumen EBL1300U video projector. Both the screen and projector are controlled remotely from an SY button control panel.
Within the venue, there is a wall mount AV control rack housing a local Cloud Mixer for source selection, a Tascam CD & Bluetooth player, local input panel for additional audio & video sources and the SY button control panel for the video system.
A complex single wipe curtain track with four 90 degree bends was ceiling suspended to create wing space stage left, stage right and rear stage. An additional straight track was provided at the rear of the room to create masking for the projection screen, hide the stored equipment and also creating a backstage area for performances.
Work started at the end of the summer term and needed to be completed by the end of August. It was a tight turn around as other building works were taking place at the same time creating new doorways, removing the old gymnasium equipment, additional electrical works as well as our works. Working with the client and their subcontractors we overcame challenges on the way and completed the work on time and on budget.