Volksbühne Berlin

Numerous Planning and Execution Projects

For the Volksbühne Berlin, we have planned and supervised a wide range of projects. All stage technology modifications at the Volksbühne Berlin over the past 20 years have been designed by Theater Engineering and monitored during execution.

Individual Modernization Steps During Performance Breaks

The venue at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz holds a prominent position in the theater landscape. To meet its own high standards, the stage technology must be continuously modernized. In recent years, we have contributed with planning for a new stage machinery, front-stage podiums, installation of a new revolving stage, and the renovation of the control system. All measures were executed on schedule during performance breaks or extended breaks.

Refurbishment of Under-Stage and Under-Stage Machinery

Following the renovation of the front-stage platforms, the front-stage upper machinery, and the entire upper stage machinery including the portal area and dome point hoists, the under-stage machinery was renewed in 2009.

The existing revolving stage with integrated platforms was no longer safe and required replacement. TE designed a new 18 m diameter revolving stage with five integrated platforms. As a key operational improvement, mechanically movable trap floors were integrated within the platforms. These trap floors allow barrier-free access to the lower platform level from both the stage and the under-stage area.

This significantly increases the functionality of the new platforms compared to the old ones.

Scope

• Demolition of revolving stage with five platforms
• Construction of a new 18 m diameter revolving stage with five platforms and separately movable trap floors (total area 10 m × 10 m)
• Personnel lift
• New auditorium lighting hoist
• New SIL 3-compliant stage control system for under-stage machinery (including front-stage platforms)

Refurbishment of Upper-Stage Control System

The existing upper-stage machinery control system was prone to failure and needed replacement. Theater Engineering Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH was commissioned to plan the technical equipment for the refurbishment of the upper-stage control system at Volksbühne Berlin.

The existing stage control at Volksbühne Berlin no longer met operational requirements. We developed the planning for a new, safe, and functional stage control system. The upper-stage machinery received new brakes with air-gap monitoring, new load measurement devices, and entirely new control electronics. Furthermore, the existing under-stage control system and the new upper-stage control system were integrated into a single system.

All new switchgear components were prefabricated in the factory, and the existing cabinets were reused. This enabled a faster installation on-site.

The project was executed during an extended performance break.

Planning Scope

KG 479 – Use-specific installations, refurbishment of upper-stage control system

Replacement of control components for the following upper-stage machinery systems:

• 1 smoke hood
• 1 iron curtain
• 1 main curtain
• 1 zero-gas hoist
• 1 acoustic ceiling hoist
• 1 portal bridge
• 15 front-stage hoists
• 32 point hoists – stage
• 2 lighting hoists – stage
• 2 panorama hoists
• 6 electrician bar hoists
• 3 flying systems
• 3 front-stage front hoists
• 6 point hoists – front-stage
• 2 proscenium hoists
• 2 lighting hoists – front-stage / auditorium
• 1 loudspeaker hoist
• 14 point hoists – dome horizon
• 1 lighting hoist – dome horizon
• 1 horizon hoist
• 3 reserve axes

Additional Services: Revision and enhancement of 7 flying systems