Stonex with ETC Rigging and Movecat help in the remodeling of the Soho Theater

In order to elevate the theatrical experience of Malaga, Stonex has helped carry out a complete modernization of the stage set by implementing innovative rigging and stage mechanics solutions.

The transformation of Soho Theatre It has been a challenge led by the theater's technical director, Francisco Manuel Rubio López with the collaboration of Stonex and their brands ETC y Movecat.

The emblematic Soho Theater, formerly known as Teatro Alameda, It is a cultural and artistic treasure located in the heart of Malaga. Since its renaming in 2019, has continued to captivate the city with its history and its ability to accommodate 840 spectators. With a scenario of 14,30 meters wide by 10 meters deep, This space offers a high-quality theatrical experience thanks to its acoustics and design of the main area and amphitheater.

According to Francisco Manuel Rubio López, “the needs in terms of rigging and stage mechanics were fundamental. We needed a complete remodel of the theater”. Following this perspective, the Stonex team took decisive action by carrying out a complete modernization of the stage box. This involved replacing the previous wooden comb with a metal one that offered greater cleanliness and functionality.. As a result, optimal use of available space was achieved.

An innovative series of improvements has redefined the functionality of the theater. A pulley system for motorized rods was introduced under the comb, facilitating access to lighting elements and improving fluidity in the connection between different parts of the space. A fire curtain, composed of a double-leaf system suspended in the comb of the stage box, provides not only security, but also a touch of additional sophistication. This fire curtain is designed with a counterbalanced system and a hydraulic cylinder to drive its movement.

For the operation of the rods, the space has been equipped with 19 engines vortex of 500 kilos of ETC Rigging variable speed along with a Vortek motor 900 kilos, which are located in the gallery on the right shoulder of the theater vertically, leaving the space clean for its correct operation and maintenance.

These ETC motors, thanks to their adaptability to non-standard layouts, make them ideal for both new and renovated installations., even in projects that require counterbalanced boom and motorized boom systems in a single setting. In the case of the Soho Theater, They chose to motorize all the rods.

In words of Francis, ''We decided to use these variable speed ETC Rigging motors because of the versatility they offer when moving scenery.. You never know where you're going to ride the rod, that is to say, suddenly a montage is on the rod 6 or suddenly on the rod 7, so the more versatility you have and the fact that they are all variable speed allows you to carry out the assembly where you need it..

With its adaptability, versatility when programming capacity and speed options, offer a unique combination of features and to meet the needs of a wide variety of installations.

Additionally, have been incorporated 14 engines Movecat Plus Lite of 500 kilos and 14 Movecat Plus-C of 320 kilos that have been used for the front of the stage and its corresponding grill. These engines have added a layer of safety and efficiency. Control systems for each engine, Together with the robustness of the motors, they provide you with an extra layer of security when working..

They have been used more than 400 linear meters of brand truss Sixty82 of different models, counting grill and front. These trusses are known for their exceptional robustness and load capacity., making them the ideal choice to ensure maximum security throughout the space. Besides, to maintain order and organization in the area, the cable holder has been used Snake type and the Admiral storage cabinets, thus guaranteeing an environment in perfect order and functionality.

Full but intuitive control

The space has had ETC Rigging's Foundation motor control system, providing more complete control with the ability to drive more motors, recover pre-recorded settings in use and configuration applications and satisfy the demands of multipurpose scenarios such as the Soho Theater.

It also offers users a maximum degree of flexibility allowing them to create cues based on time or speed.. Your portable accessory, the Foundation remote control (FHHR), It can be moved practically anywhere in the venue to ensure an unobstructed view of the stage and ensure uninterrupted control.

El control Foundation HD de ETC, in words of Francis, ''It is more intuitive, visual and simple when it comes to using and programming than the rest of the market, being a system very similar to that of the brand's light consoles.".

This similarity with ETC light consoles has facilitated the programming and use of the motors, maximizing its potential and allowing a quick and efficient response to any adversity.