The Keistuoliai Theatre, opened in 1989 in an old building in the capital Vilnius, is the first independent
professional theatre in Lithuania. Its artistic creations, known for breaking the boundaries of classical music,l iterature, theatre, and cinema are highly appreciated by a wide audience. After 30 years of activity, the Keistuoliai Theater underwent a dramatic renovation in 2019. Scenos Techninis Servisas, Verlinde’s partner in Lithuania, created a novel, custom-made lighting system for its special circular shaped stage.
The Lithuanian company Scenos Techninis Servisas (STS) is the largest provider of technical services for
the entertainment, culture, and performance sector in Lithuania. For more than 30 years, STS has been
providing standard and non-standard stages and technical equipment for many performances in Lithuania and abroad. Depending on the space and type of event, it designs fully customized sound, lighting, mechanical, stage and video systems. These systems interact not only with each other, but also with other building systems (electrical, fire, etc.). STS also handles project implementation, ranging from installation to staff training.
STS has long-standing partnerships with foreign suppliers, and Verlinde in particular for lifting equipment.
The STAGEMAKER range of hoists from the French manufacturer is designed and developed specifically for the entertainment industry in compliance with applicable worldwide standard and regulatory requirements (CE, DIN, UKCA) and market needs. STAGEMAKER boasts an excellent reputation worldwide in the entertainment and theatre industry with over 45 years of expertise and experience in these market segments.
This longevity and the long list of references are proof of the equipment durability and reliability.
A lighting system unique in the world The lighting system for the circular stage at the Keistuoliai Theatre was designed by Darius Malinauskas, the theatre’s lighting designer. STS was responsible for carrying out the project. The installation of the lighting system was subject to the highest quality requirements, which STS was able to meet.
“During the renovation process, which lasted more than two years, the Keistuoliai Theatre was given a new lease of life,” explains Julius Gružinskas, head of the STS design department. According to him, the biggest challenge of this project was the hall layout: the single amphitheatre hall and the circular stage required a non-standard lighting system. Indeed, in order to make the best use of the existing space and to install a versatile lighting system, nonstandard stage constructions were required. Aluminium trusses with different curvatures were specially manufactured for this project. The lighting system of the large theatre hall is unique and there is no other lighting system of this kind in Lithuania.
STAGEMAKER hoists dedicated to stage lift systems
Today, more than 100 new lights illuminate the renovated stage of the main hall of the Keistuoliai Theatre
during performances. This system is exceptional in several respects: for its unique shape, the large number of lights, and also for its mechanization. The lights are suspended from ten lighting bridges; the front lighting bridges are formed by impressive curved trusses up to 15 meters long. The entire system is mechanized by 27 Verlinde chain hoists from the Stagemaker range, which hoist the lighting equipment in complete safety. The electric chain hoists make it easy to adapt the system to different types of shows and to quickly change the lighting.
Verlinde’s Stagemaker range, dedicated to the entertainment industry, lifts loads from 125 to 5000 kg. It
benefits from constant innovations designed with the market players. For example, with the patented “Perfect Push” concept, the 5-cell lifting nut contributes to a smoother drive of the lifting chain. This innovation provides better guidance to avoid any risk of jamming. Another example of innovation on this type of equipment is “ChainFlux”, a unique concept with horizontal ejection of the chain that allows the hoist to be used in either industrial or climbing position.
In addition, LED lighting strips have been fitted all around the semi-circular room. By varying the colours and intensity of the lighting in the hall, it is possible to change the atmosphere depending on the performance. At the time of the renovation, the theatre acquired a small auditorium. A special frame for the lighting system was designed for this room and built around its perimeter. It allows the lights to be mounted in different ways. The entire frame is also lifted with Verlinde hoists
STS also installed the video equipment of the theatre: video projectors and screens, as well as the stage
curtains, the front stage curtain and the side backdrops. The lighting effects in this theatre are enhanced by fog machines. The strength of a partnership of excellence STS is one of the few Lithuanian companies that offers complete and customized installation solutions for its customers’ performance venues. Non-standard solutions in public and cultural spaces are undoubtedly its strength. An experienced design team finds the best solutions and relies on STS’ long-standing partners in the production of stage equipment to materialise their ideas.
“The success of the Keistuoliai Theatre renovation project is the result of our successful cooperation with our customers and partners,” says Julius Gružinskas, head of the STS design department. “The end user is
pleased with the result. His vision is brought to life thanks to the installer and all the partners who played a role. The chain hoists, manufactured by Verlinde, are the central part of this installation and fulfil their
function perfectly.” Verlinde is pleased to bring its expertise and high-grade products for the installations carried out by STS. This quality partnership in the cultural and entertainment industry in Lithuania contributes to building our reputation in the world”, concludes Jean-Yves Beaussart, International Sales and Marketing Manager for the Stagemaker range.
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