Project Highlights
Services Provided
Feasibility Study
Theatre Planning
Stage Machinery
Lighting
Communications
Audio Visual
Build Type
Upgrade
Seating Capacity
1500
The iconic Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973, is home to Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet, as well as a range of visiting companies staging productions across five venues.
Theatreplan has had an ongoing relationship with Sydney Opera House since 2010 when we first reviewed the Joan Sutherland Theatre's stage systems resulting in a plan for the first major upgrade in theatre machinery since the Opera House opened.
Theatreplan developed schemes for upgrading all the over-stage and under-stage machinery for the Drama Theatre, including two mission-critical scenery transport elevators and a full upgrade of the flying system. We also specified new lighting and audio-visual infrastructure, redesigned the follow-spot room and specified a new portal lighting bridge. The works have given greater flexibility, decreased changeover times, significantly lessened the need for manual handling and increased safety. The project was completed to budget during a six month closure period.
In 2020, Theatreplan became the stage engineers working on the scheme to upgrade the Concert Hall. Additionally, we led the design of new production lighting, dimming and control, work and house light installations and retractable moving heads, and also the audio video infrastructure and sound system.
With Theatreplan's assistance, the acoustics of the room have been massively improved, and the Concert Hall has received huge critical acclaim for its new sound, both for audiences and performers.
Photographs by Daniel Boud
