It’s been another live event roller coaster ride to start 2022. StageTech worked through these challenges, focusing on the technical requirements for two innovative productions that showcased our ability to provide soundscapes that enhance theatrical storytelling. 

The Wooster Group, a pioneer of experimental theater, presented The B-Side: “Negro Folklore from Texas State Prisons” A Record Album Interpretation at Texas Performing Arts/UT’s McCullough Theatre. The actors performed to an on-stage audience immersed by multiple speaker zones.  In coordination with TPA staff, StageTech planned and prefabricated elements to fulfill Wooster’s signal flow. Our crew deployed hardware/rigging, cabling, power distribution, passive and active speakers as well as the wireless microphone system, in-ear monitors and video monitors. StageTech successfully achieved Wooster’s immersive soundscape using our Alcons LR7s and VR8s as the main speaker zones and twenty Meyer UPM-1 for delay, overhead, and surround speaker zones. In all, 36 flown speakers and five video monitors were deployed flawlessly and trouble-free in less than the allocated set-up time. StageTech appreciates the shared experience and accolades from both TPA staff and the Wooster Group.   

Austin Opera, a longtime client, presented a new production and Grammy award winning music of The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs at the Long Center. The production was designed to be highly technical in order to tell the story of the most hi-tech icon of our time. Composer Mason Bates’ “sound-world” for Steve Jobs included samples from actual Macintosh computers woven into the electronica framework with orchestra.  Bill Mester and the StageTech team integrated the specifications of visiting designers between rental equipment and various venue audio and video systems.  The sound design called for a flown line array, subs, electronica reinforcement, pit and stage monitors as well as wireless mics for the singers. StageTech provided most of the rental equipment. We used 18-unit Shure Axient digital wireless system with DPA 4061 microphones for principles and (masked) chorus. Thanks to Charles Mester and Chris Braudt who coordinated and monitored the wireless set up and safely and neatly helped the performers with their beltpacks and microphones. StageTech also provided the solution when the orchestra struggled at times hearing the dynamic levels of the electronica. Chris, armed with trusty remote iPad, adjusted monitor levels in the pit much to the appreciation of Maestro Timothy Myers and the orchestra. Pristine audio and stunning visuals made for a memorable evening of theatre.  

StageTech is grateful for the flexibility of our crew and the resolve of the leaders of local performing arts centers and arts companies to bring live entertainment to the community. We’re looking forward to many more live events this spring.