Visual Focus was engaged through Hutchinson Builders to work on both the audio-visual infrastructure and equipment installation in the new $10.5 million performing arts centre at Centenary Heights State High School.

The facilities boast state-of-the-art audio-visual features for students to learn technical stills in theatre lighting, audio mixing and amplification, a recording room, media editing annexe and learning practice areas.  Working to the specifications from Design Stage, Visual Focus provided infrastructure and equipment to provide flexibility from technical learning, performance to operating in theatre equipment.

Construction of the new Performing Arts Centre supports the expansion of the school’s performing arts curriculum meeting a growing demand expected over the next decade.  The auditorium has a capacity for 400 seated and the ability to segment the space into four separate classrooms separated by acoustic walls.  Adjacent learning areas are fitted with interactive projection facilities while the bio-box has ample space for teaching technical theatre operation skills.

Projection & Screens

Five Epson EB-G7200 projectors with 4K enhancement are paired with Screen Technics 120″ motorised projection screens in positions to suit viewing from multiple positions within the auditorium.  Their placement allows for multiple screen viewing or projection can be divided and separately controlled in each of the four separate class spaces when the acoustic walls in place.  The room-centre projectors are mounted on motorised cages that descend from ceiling points into their projection position.

Speakers

The auditorium PA system is the QSC KLA 12 Line arrays coupled with KLA181 Subwoofers providing excellent coverage and sound reinforcement suited to the acoustic of the room.  A Midas M32 Live digital audio mixing desk provides 40 input channels, 32 microphone preamplifiers and 25 mix buses. Analog inputs are distributed across the entire venue on 40 custom-made wall plates, allowing audio to be patched from anywhere in the building.

Lighting

The 5 motorised lighting bars are fitted with a selection of stage lighting fixtures including Martin MH series wash and profiles, Robe ParFect 100 & 150’s, ShowPro LED profiles, Cyc lights.  Control and lighting programming is through the LSC Mantra Lite Console with extension wings.

Control

A Crestron control system has been programmed for easy day-to-day use of the room capabilities.  It provides the option to have press button control of lighting, audio and projection facilities while giving the flexibility for theatrical operation by student technicians.

The facilities provides the arts curriculum with purpose-built classroom areas for music and drama, dance studio space with sprung timber flooring, dressing rooms, film, TV and media teaching and blue endless wall cyclorama spaces and front-of-house foyer facilities with ticketing and kitchen areas.