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Robe T1 Profile Luminaires make Capitole in Ghent

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March 8, 2022

Robe T1 Profile LED luminaireshave been installed at the 1700 capacity Capitole Theatre in Ghent, Belgium, wherethey are deployed on the front lighting bridge for key lighting and specials,replacing the previous tungsten fixtures. The T1 Profile investment was part ofa drive to update the remaining elements of the house lighting system to LED, makingit better, more contemporary and more sustainable.

The T1 Profile purchase wasoverseen by the venue’s technical manager Rui Pinto who takes a distinctly no-nonsenseapproach to technical production.

After discussions with Bart Weytsfrom rental specialist L&L Stage Services, the venue’s regular technicalpartner, Rui assessed the various suitable options available for front / keylighting replacement, contacted a selection of manufacturers and evaluated hischoices.

The T1 Profile popped up many times.He was recommended it by other professionals and as he researched the fixtures,liked what he heard, then saw them in action on site at a demo set up byBenelux distributor, Controllux.

After that, he placed the order.

“Colour mixing was the first ofmany features that impressed me,” stated Rui with characteristic enthusiasm. “Thecolour of the lamp itself is perfect for front lighting.”

He is delighted with the T1Profiles which are now used for 95% of the shows happening at the Capitole. Thefixture is also “great” for producing a range of effects and ideal for when theauditorium is being used for parties and other events. Recently for Bose, the T1Profiles were used to create light pathways and backgrounds.

Part of the Sportpaleis Group,the Capitole Ghent – which has a distinctive neoclassical façade and originallyopened in 1932 as one of the largest cinema halls in Belgium – stages a mix oflive shows, from leading bands and music artists to dance, ballet, theatricaland musical productions. A normal (i.e., non-Covid) month will see between 12and 25 productions onstage, so it’s a busy environment.

Some shows use the 200 plus houselighting fixtures which are controlled by an MA dot2 console. Others will use thattogether with elements of their own production, and some will bring in theirfull production rigs. Many of them are in and out in a day.

A series of different houseproduction packages offer a variety of options within that, but the FOHlighting bridge is included in all of them, so it was essential to havereliable fixtures.

“I know Robe is reliable,” saidRui, who has been in the technical manager role at the Capitole for 6 years.Before that he worked as a PM for concerts, tours, music shows and festivals,and it was there he first appreciated the increasing popularity of Robe as itappeared on specs and lighting plots. “There was a general level of chatter inour community about the T1 series right from the start, people were saying goodthings,” he confirmed.

“In addition to that, I also knowI’d get great service and backup from Controllux,” he stated.

The T1 purchase completed the venue’sconversion to LED stage lighting, so more reduction in running costs andmaintenance is an added benefit to the self-funded venture that must becommercially viable.

Like everyone, Rui and his teamare looking forward to moving into the post-pandemic phase and re-startingregular shows.

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