Ongoing Operations During Renovation

The Deutsche Oper Berlin is the largest opera house in Berlin. The opera stages numerous new productions and can draw on a huge repertoire of successful pieces. To ensure that the opera house runs smoothly, the stage technology must also be state-of-the-art.

In recent years, we have planned and supervised various stage-technology upgrades at the Deutsche Oper, all carried out during performance breaks or extended seasonal pauses. This approach allowed the opera house to continue running with only minimal necessary interruption despite the construction work.

III Orchestra Platforms and Lifting Systems

The orchestra platforms were replaced in two construction phases during the 2021 and 2022 performance breaks. Additionally, the large stage freight elevator was completely replaced as part of the measure.

The following services were included:

• Dismantling of stage machinery
• Installation of stage machinery with stage control and stage flooring: two orchestra platforms and two fixed platforms
• Performance lighting in the platform decks
• Audio, video, and media technology
• Lifting systems: replacement of the freight elevator with a 10 t load capacity, 17.5 m travel, and an 8.30 m high cabin

The construction phases were planned and executed so that a fully operational system was handed over at the end of each performance break. Concrete repairs to the orchestra pit floor were also carried out as part of the project. Our office coordinated the entire measure.

II Turntable Wagon

The Deutsche Oper Berlin operates a large turntable wagon that can be moved from the rear stage to the main stage. The existing wagon, however, was worn and prone to malfunctions. Our office was commissioned to design an optimized new turntable wagon and to manage its installation during the regular performance break through tendering and site supervision.

The new turntable wagon not only increases the load capacity from 2.5 kN/m² to 3.5 kN/m² but also significantly enhances the functionality of stage lighting and media technology. The new design includes a slip ring system with 40 circuits and a fiber-optic rotary transmitter with 20 fibers. Power supply to the wagon is provided via four energy chains, ensuring full functionality even when the wagon is moved while the turntable is rotating. For device connections and signal transmission, a total of 26 connection points on the turntable are available.

To ensure manufacturing quality and dimensional accuracy, a preliminary acceptance of the steel construction was carried out at the manufacturer’s facility. This also allowed optimization of assembly procedures for a short installation period.

After completion of the installation, the new turntable wagon was integrated into the stage machinery control system for the under-stage machinery. Comparative noise measurements between the existing and new wagons confirmed an improvement in acoustic performance.

Technical Data (Excerpt)

• Dimensions: 18 m × 18 m × 0.5 m
• Area: 324 m²
• Turntable diameter: 17 m
• Travel distance: 19 m
• Load capacity turntable (static/dynamic): 150 kN / 3.5 kN/m²
• Elevator openings: 4 units
• Number of turntable drives: 8 units at the circumference
• Number of connection points: 26 units
• Slip ring system: 40 circuits
• Fiber-optic transmitter: 20 fibers

I Fly System (Over-Stage Machinery)

Theatre Engineering GmbH was given the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities on very short notice.

Due to the departure of the previous planning and site management office, TE assumed specialist site supervision and overall coordination in May 2015, approximately three weeks before the start of the construction work, for the third and most extensive phase of the fly system renovation at the Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Schedule Reliability

Within only six months, approximately 200 t of steel and system components were dismantled, 190 t of steel were installed, and 184 electromechanical drives with associated control systems were implemented. Additionally, the connection boxes for the stage lighting system were rewired, and audio/video technology was supplemented.

Through concentrated and focused site management, TE contributed to the successful on-time completion. The Nutcracker premiered punctually on 27 November 2014 on one of Europe’s most modern stages.

Special Services – Overall Coordination of Building Services and Construction Site

Theatre Engineering acted as the lead site manager and was responsible for coordinating all trades in the stage tower.

Stage Machinery

• Renovation of the fly system
• Installation of 72 main curtain lines (prospect lines)
• Panorama lines
• Gallery lines and zero-gas lines
• 20 point hoists
• 4 heavy-duty point hoists
• 15 lighting lines
• 53 special lines
• 20 rear-stage lines
• Stage machinery control for all lines, including control panels and stage elevator
• Fixed steel structure
• Installation on the stage with five gallery levels and stair system
• Movable technical portal with curtain system
• Rope and roller floor

Performance Lighting

• Expansion of stage lighting distributions
• New connection points (dimmable and fixed) with cabling and complete lighting control

Audio/Video Technology

• Rewiring and reconnection of connection points
• Signal lights and loudspeakers