Scharoun Theater, Wolfsburg

The Latest Technology
and Historic Preservation

The Scharoun Theatre Wolfsburg is one of the architectural highlights of the city. The municipal theatre was built in the early 1970s based on plans by Hans Scharoun and is listed as a historic monument.

The city decided to carry out a renovation to improve the appearance, energy efficiency, fire safety, and the outdated building and stage technology. Theater Engineering GmbH was responsible for the planning and site supervision of the stage machinery, performance lighting, and audio/video technology.

Sustainable Preservation of Existing Systems

The planning task was complex and the expectations were high. Existing systems were to be preserved wherever possible while meeting operational requirements and historic preservation standards. The aim was to enhance operational workflows while complying with preservation regulations. The planning included a detailed survey of the existing systems, taking storage needs and operational requirements into account.

As a result, Theater Engineering GmbH developed a plan that both sustainably preserves the existing systems and, through targeted upgrades and renewals, brings the stage technology up to the latest technical standards.

Detailed Planning – Cost-Effective Renovation

The renovation of the stage technology included stage machinery, stage lighting, audio/video systems, and lifting/transport systems. The detailed planning enabled a balanced and cost-efficient refurbishment of the stage technology while achieving optimal results.

Stage Machinery (Fly and Under-Stage Systems)

Renovation of fly and under-stage machinery: refurbishment of 25 manual counterweight lines, replacement of 36 motorized lines, refurbishment of two stage wagons (4 × 12 m), installation of a new flyable prospekt lift, installation of a stage lift for personnel, refurbishment of an adjustable inclined stage platform (12 × 8 m), installation of a removable turntable, refurbishment of two orchestra pits, refurbishment of fixed steel structures and galleries, replacement of curtains, renewal of the stage control system for all axes.

Stage Lighting

Renewal of the stage lighting system: dimmable and fixed circuits, new data network, distribution panels and connection boxes, control units.

In the foyer, connections and distribution panels were installed to accommodate a wide variety of events. In collaboration with the architect and heritage authorities, a truss system was developed that integrates seamlessly into the ceiling design and can be removed if needed.

Audio/Video Technology

Renewal of audio/video systems: fixed and mobile sound reinforcement, stage management system, renewal of video technology, connection system in the foyer.