Esplanade Theatres on the Bay goes wireless
Published: ASIA
SINGAPORE: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay has gone wireless with its intercoms, upgrading to Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak and Tempest2400 systems for its four major performance spaces.
The Marina Bay venue was using a legacy Clear-Com partyline system, but its technical production department wanted an intercom solution that offered additional freedom to roam, particularly in the large theatre. Due to its previous experience with the wired system, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay turned to the manufacturer again for its wireless communications needs.
‘Communications is a critical element for all the events we host, especially those in the theatre, because it is a very large room,’ said Robin Shuttleworth, technical manager of sound at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. ‘A hardwire intercom was limiting for the highly mobile crew. The VHF system and UHF systems we tried were also receiving too much frequency interference,’ he explained. ‘FreeSpeak was the most sensible wireless option for us. It is a reliable technology, ensuring that all crew members are able to communicate throughout the venue without fear of losing signal while still providing immense flexibility to make changes on the fly.’
Due to the large area that needed to be covered in the theatre, multiple antennas were allocated to all the key areas, with up to 20 antennas in use to safeguard against signal loss. This gives the Theatres on the Bay coverage at front of house, in the auditorium, below the stage and upstage. Also included in the coverage areas are the backstage passageways for each of the venues, allowing technicians to walk in dressing rooms and hallways without losing signal. A total of 40 beltpacks are available for use between the venues.
‘The system works just as dependable as hardwire,’ stated Mr Shuttleworth. ‘We are so satisfied with the reliability of the wireless system that we can relax knowing that it is taking care of all our communication needs.’
Along with FreeSpeak, a two-channel Tempest2400 system is employed in the outdoor theatre. It is also used to bolster another system when there is a temporary requirement for more communicators.
‘The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay are some of the premiere performing spaces in Singapore and as such, the best technologies need to be available to help these events shine,’ said Edmund Song, regional sales manager, South East Asia for Clear-Com. ‘We are honoured the Esplanade has continued with Clear-Com for remarkable communications capability during every performance.’