Pioneer Theatre Company Uses Look Solutions’ Unique2 Hazers

Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC), a professional regional theatre in residence at the University of Utah, has purchased a Unique2 hazer from Look Solutions.

“We had been using a hazer that was on its last legs. It performed very inconsistently for us, and we wanted newer technology that could create a good effect in our size space,” explains Alex Weisman, master electrician for PTC. “I had used one of the original Unique hazers in college and tried a free demo of the Unique2. Our people really liked it.”

PTC, which is known for its Broadway-quality productions, has a seven-show season from September to May. Musicals comprise two of the productions each season. This year PTC is mounting Chicago and Les Miserables. PTC is the first regional theater in the US to be awarded rights to the latter.

“We’re using the Unique2 primarily for Les Mis and will employ them for future shows,” says Weisman. “For Les Mis, they’re being used for general atmospheric effects such as gun smoke in the big battle scene and a smoky environment for the tavern scene.”

The Unique2s have a number of people-pleasing features, he points out. “We like the amount of haze the Unique2 can put out in a short amount of time, and its fluid consumption is surprisingly good. We put the Unique right into service for Les Mis and are getting much more consistent haze effects than with our old units.”

In addition, the Unique2 are “relatively small and light compared to other units,” Weisman says. “And the onboard DMX interface is also a great bonus for us. It means one less piece of equipment to buy. The Unique is easy to operate right at the onboard controls which is how we’ve been using it for Les Mis.”