As the forms of performing arts evolve continuously, stage technologies also have to be updated to meet the needs of the new generation of performers and audience. In such light, the EMSD has collaboratively delivered an advancement project with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) in its venue Yuen Long Theatre. To improve the capabilities of this cultural landmark in Yuen Long District, the team refurbished the stage system of the theatre’s auditorium by enhancing its automated operation and incorporating new equipment and functions, thereby giving a new look to the performing venue that promotes cultural activities.
Since the initial stage of the works project, the EMSD had been communicating closely with the client department, contractor and other stakeholders by organising partnering workshops to gain a thorough understanding of the limitations and challenges faced in refurbishing the stage system, with a view to formulating an appropriate improvement plan. The works involved the upgrading of various facilities of the auditorium, including the electric fly system, the stage revolve and wagon system, the sprung floor system, the electrically-operated orchestra pit drive system, the acoustic panel fly system, etc., providing performance groups with a wider array of modern stage effects to choose from, expanding the room for their creativity and fostering a diversified development of performances. Yuen Long Theatre is the first theatre venue in Hong Kong to integrate a stage revolve and wagon system with a sprung floor system. Leveraging the real-time transitioning function, the system enables flexible switching between hard and soft flooring and can be used together with the revolving stage, allowing performers to flexibly deploy different stage machineries for diverse performance effects. Moreover, the theatre is equipped with an all-in-one operating system having multi-functions such as the integrated control panel and user interface, which facilitates the operation and maintenance of the stage system.
Thanks to the EMSD’s close collaboration with the client and contractor, the advancement project was swiftly completed and delivered within a year, significantly shortening the lead time by half. On the day of completion of the project, the project team organised an intriguing stage performance to introduce the details of various updated stage machineries. Combining the use of music, lighting and stage machinery operation, the performance demonstrated to the client and stakeholders the unlimited possibilities brought by the new stage engineering system.
Readers are welcome to visit the website (https://bit.ly/3Pu7Oc4) to view highlights of the refurbishment works of the stage system and the demonstration performance.