AV Case Study: Rigging Renewal at Geelong Arts Centre’s Play House Theatre
New Theatrequip front-loading counterweight system replaces a side-loading system.
11 March 2025
The Geelong Arts Centre’s Play House Theatre has undergone a significant technical upgrade, with a complete overhaul of its stage rigging system. Supplied and installed by The P.A. People, the new TheatreQuip front-loading counterweight system replaces a side-loading system that was part of the original theatre build in the early ’80s. The transition has not only improved safety but also increased the system’s capacity and efficiency.
Ben Van Dillen, Technical Operations Manager at Geelong Arts Centre, outlines the motivation behind the upgrade: “The original system had a few gaps, and the counterweights were large, heavy, and cumbersome to use. We wanted something safer and more user-friendly that would futureproof the theatre.”
The new TheatreQuip front-loading system consists of four compartments in each cradle, each of which can be loaded independently. “Regardless of where the cradle is in the grid at the time, you can load the closest cradleshelf,” Van Dillen explains. “The locking door prevents the counterweights from shifting or falling out, and the cradles shelves tilt back, pushing the weights securely into place.”
MAKING MAGIC HAPPEN
Andrew Nicol, Founding Director of A.E.N. Advisory and Design Services, was the project manager and client advocate on the project. According to Nicol, this upgrade brings the Play House Theatre into line with modern rigging practices. “Rigging is one of the hidden elements of theatre that audiences rarely notice, but it’s what makes the magic happen on stage,” he says. “The new system not only makes operations smoother for technicians but also enhances what can be achieved creatively.”
The overhaul also includes an expansion of the counterweight fly system, increasing its overall capacity and filling in the missing fly lines from the original installation. “We took the opportunity to optimise the line positions and eliminate inefficiencies,” says Nicol. “By re-engineering the roof structure, we were able to increase the fly line capacity from 350kg to around 500kg per line.”
Van Dillen emphasises the impact of these changes on day-to-day operations. “Our crew love it. It’s easy to use and has been working smoothly since installation. The P.A. People were incredibly supportive throughout the process.”
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This project wasn’t just about replacing old equipment – it was about making the theatre more functional and adaptable for the future
NEW PA. NEW RIGGING
Alongside the stage rigging upgrade, the Play House Theatre has also seen a revamp of its PA rigging. Previously, the theatre’s sound system lacked the robustness required for high-energy productions, often necessitating temporary hire systems.
The new Martin Audio system was specified by Hanson Associates as part of the electroacoustic design, and supplied/installed by MultiTek Solutions. “One of the biggest challenges was integrating a centre cluster while maintaining sightlines,” says Nicol. “We worked hard to position the system as high as possible without compromising performance.”
The PA rigging was installed within the constraints of the existing structure, requiring a customised approach. “We didn’t have the luxury of designing from scratch, like in a new theatre,” says Nicol. “The P.A. People excelled in making the system work within these constraints.”
In fact, The P.A. People enjoys a good wrap from Nicol after completing a project that certainly wasn’t without its challenges.
“The P.A. People were great listeners and great collaborators. They are super knowledgeable about the tools they sell. They don’t come from a ‘we sit behind a desk’ perspective, they actually come from a place where they know what they’re talking about. That gave us confidence. It wasn’t a straightforward project but they did an amazing job.”
NEXT GENERATION
From rigging, to audio infrastructure, comms and dimmers, The Play House Theatre’s technical overhaul represents a significant step forward in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality productions for years to come. As Nicol puts it, “This project wasn’t just about replacing old equipment – it was about making the theatre more functional and adaptable for the future.”
The P.A. People (TheatreQuip): papeople.com.au
A.E.N. Advisory and Design Services: [email protected]
MultiTek Solutions: multiteksolutions.com.au
Hanson Associates: hansonassociates.com.au
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