Texas Scenic Company (TSC) has completed installation of stage equipment for the new Performing and Fine Arts Center for the Tomball, Texas campus of the Lone Star College System. This facility replaces a black box theatre, giving students multiple spaces for performances.
The new facility was designed by Morris Architects of Houston and constructed by Turner Construction also of Houston.
Working with theatre consultant Schuler Shook of Dallas and acousticians JaffeHolden of Norwalk, Conn., TSC supplied the stage equipment. The main theatre was outfitted with 16 Inline ® counterweight sets and seven Inline® lineshaft motorized rigging sets with Deck Boss® Touch Remote controller. All motorized systems have a Deck Boss® pushbutton control back-up. The system is expandable to accommodate future upgrades. The curtain package provided by TSC included both stage and acoustical elements.
Kimberly Corbett of Schuler Shook describes the flexible portal system designed for the theatre, and implemented and installed by TSC:
“The portal frame is mounted on industrial grade track to vary the proscenium opening. The opening is sized to work with the concert shell for music productions,” she explained. “The panels, which compliment the architectural features of the space, can then be closed up to 10 feet to allow for smaller drama productions.”
TSC also installed a Wenger Diva® acoustical shell system and Strata® pit filler. A custom LED EdgelyteTM system from Future Light was installed into the edge of the stage and the edges of the pit filler. Corbett explains that the lights are visible to the performers to delineate the stage edge but are invisible to the audience. An extensive ETC dimming and lighting control system, plus SSRC distribution, was provided to the electrical contractor.
Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest growing community college system in Texas. The Tomball campus is one of six colleges that have a total enrollment of 90,000.