Theater Erfurt

Refurbishment of stage control system

The existing stage control system at Theater Erfurt no longer met the operational requirements. This was due to the age of the system: reliability and availability of spare parts for the stage control were no longer guaranteed.

Our task was to develop the planning for a new, safe, and fully functional stage control system. Based on detailed coordination with the user, precise measurements, and our prior experience, we were able to create an accurate planning and scope of services in a short period of time. As a result, the refurbishment of the stage control system was completed within the specified time and budget during two performance breaks.

Our specialist planning was carried out as part of the ATI Joint Venture – Joint Venture Theatre Engineers.

Stage Control in the Spotlight

Upper Machinery with Proscenium and Point Hoists

For the existing 48 proscenium hoists and 12 point hoists, new control axes were installed. Additionally, all existing brakes were replaced with air-gap monitored brakes, and load measuring devices were added.

Replacement: Motorized Hoists instead of Manual Counter Hoists

As a replacement for four manual counter hoists in the rear stage area, four motorized hoists were installed.

Lighting Hoists with New Power Supply

The overhead lighting hoists were equipped with a new energy supply.

Chain Hoists as Forestage Hoists

The forestage also received new hoisting equipment: eight new chain hoists were installed for lifting loads. These were fully integrated into the new control system.

Under Machinery with Lift Platforms

The platform drives were also fitted with new control axes. In total, two double-deck platforms, two single platforms, and the associated balancing platforms received new control components.

Shaft Hoist in the Platform Deck

The decks of the double-deck platforms are now equipped with four additional shaft hoists as assembly aids.

Stage Wagons

The Theater Erfurt has three stage wagons and a three-part revolving wagon. The wagons are lowered via balancing platforms.

Stage Control and Operator Consoles

The core of the refurbishment is the renewal of the stage control system. High demands are placed on the system in terms of functionality and reliability. The control system meets the relevant safety requirements according to SIL 3.

The system controls 65 axes of the upper machinery and 14 axes of the under machinery.

A total of 12 new operator consoles were provided: 4 main control consoles and 8 additional consoles (offset console, test panel, etc.).

Execution in Construction Phases During Recess Periods

The refurbishment of the stage control system and the upgrade of the upper machinery were carried out in two construction phases during theater recess periods. The ongoing theater operations did not need to be interrupted for this work.

Secure Use of Funding

The project was financed with ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) support. To ensure proper use of the funds, high standards were applied to both planning and execution. Our work was reviewed by an independent expert and was fully validated, allowing the funding to be fully utilized.