Münchner Volkstheater
Photo: © Roland Halbe
Planning and Site Supervision of Fly Systems and Stage Control across Multiple Performance Venues
The City of Munich has a new theater: the Volkstheater München. The new building comprises several performance venues and was designed by LRO Architekten. The design successfully integrates a modern theater building into the existing ensemble on the site, providing a cultural stimulus for the entire district.
All performance venues are equipped with state-of-the-art stage technology. As a subcontractor to itv – Ingenieurgesellschaft für Theater- und Veranstaltungstechnik, our office was responsible for planning the fly systems and stage control for all venues and supervising the installation of these systems.
Client: City of Munich
General Contractor: Georg Reisch GmbH & Co. KK
itv (prime contractor for stage technology planning)
Architects: LRO Architekten
Project period: 11/2017 – 2021
Scope of services: New construction of the Münchner Volkstheater
- Stage machinery – fly systems in all performance venues and rehearsal stages
- Control systems for all stage technology installations across all venues, HOAI service phases: 1–2 and 5–8
Stage Technology: Short Planning and Installation Periods
The project was completed within a very short timeframe. From the start of planning to final handover, only three and a half years elapsed—a record for a project of this scale.
Stage Technology Planning under a Design-Build Contract
The entire project was executed under a design-build (general contractor) model, meaning a single construction company planned and built the entire theater. The general contractor was Reisch GmbH, enabling the City of Munich to take over the completed theater on a turnkey basis.
Functional Specification
As the basis for planning and execution, the City of Munich provided a detailed functional specification. Based on these requirements, we planned the stage machinery and defined specifications for the executing contractor.
Scope
Main Stage: Overhead Machinery with Line Sets and Point Hoists
A total of 82 line sets and 10 point hoists are installed on the main stage. The hoists for the overhead machinery are housed in separate machine rooms, improving accessibility for maintenance and isolating operational noise.
The point hoists can be positioned flexibly anywhere on the fly gallery as needed, allowing scenery to be moved freely across the stage.
Technical Portal with Lighting Bridge
The stage is designed as a proscenium theater. The portal opening is adjustable, with a technical portal installed that can open up to 16 meters.
Working Galleries and Fly Gallery
Multiple working galleries are installed around the stage tower. These catwalks are primarily used as lighting positions.
Second Venue: Overhead Machinery with Line Sets and Point Hoists
The second venue is also equipped with high-performance overhead machinery. It features 11 motorized line sets and 5 hand counterweight sets. Two movable lighting bridges ensure full rigging of fixtures. The stage technology enables performances at the highest level even in the smaller venue.
Stage Control for Overhead and Understage Machinery
A modern stage control system forms the core of the new stage technology. It meets high requirements for functionality and reliability, fulfilling all relevant SIL 3 safety standards.
The control system in the main venue operates 103 axes of overhead machinery and 41 axes of understage machinery. In the second venue, the stage control system manages 13 axes of overhead machinery and 10 axes of understage machinery.