Masters behind the scenes: Theatre Technical Specialist Day held at the National Centre RUSSIA
When applauding a performance, audiences rarely consider how many people remain behind the scenes. Yet it is there, in the dim light and behind control panels, that the theatre’s invisible magic is created — sound, lighting, moving scenery and much more. Theatre Technical Specialist Day was held on 18 August at the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA. Intended for a professional audience, the event was dedicated to sound engineers, lighting technicians, electromechanics, scenery specialists and the many others who help create the wonder of a theatrical production.
Leading experts from the partner companies of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition project, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Theatre Union of the Russian Federation and implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives, presented the latest technical innovations in sound, stage machinery and mechanics, shared their experience and answered questions from the audience. The programme covered a wide range of topics, from theatre sound engineering to modern stage control and automation systems.
The Technical Director of Deep Sound LLC, Igor Novikov, gave a lecture entitled "Theatre Sound Engineering: System Types and Working with Reflections". Using specific examples, he explained that sound modelling is affected by numerous factors, from the flooring and ceiling height to the shape and upholstery of the seats. He also emphasised that the audience’s impression of a production depends largely on achieving high-quality sound coverage across the auditorium.
"Good sound attracts audiences. If, for example, an actor delivers a particular line and the person sitting next to you cannot hear it, you could say that the performance is all but dead. After all, theatrical productions are created for the actors’ lines, pauses, emotions and everything else. All of this behind-the-scenes work — sound engineering — exists precisely so that the audience can hear everything as it was intended," Igor Novikov said.
The programme continued with lectures by LEVEL UP founder Vasily Slobozhaninov. He presented the topics "The Modern Theatre Winch: A New Level of Capability and Safety. Production Stages. Regulatory Framework for Use" and "Controlling Upper Stage Machinery. Russian Control Systems for Performances and Shows". The lectures focused on stage automation, modern winch systems and Russian technologies that are now being actively introduced into theatrical practice.
As part of Theatre Technical Specialist Day, guests of the exposition could also explore the functions of modern lighting consoles, projectors and special-effects control systems. A technical backstage tour gave them an opportunity to see complex stage mechanisms and theatre life-support systems in operation. The event concluded with an informal networking session where technical service representatives and equipment suppliers exchanged experience and established professional contacts.
The "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the Theatre Union of the Russian Federation, is being held under the motto "A Union of Happy People". The exposition has brought together more than 600 exhibits provided by 117 theatre organisations from 29 Russian regions and introduces visitors to the history of the Theatre Union and the diversity of theatre professions. The exposition and all events in its educational programme can be visited free of charge until 25 September with advance registration on the russia.ru website.
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