(via LiveDesign magazine)

BETHLEHEM, SOUTH AFRICA – Everyone has special childhood experiences that they treasure for the rest of their lives. For the young students in the Truida Kestell’s Primary School gospel choir, such an event took place recently when they performed before family, friends and community at the annual Truida Kestell Choir Festival. Adding to the specialness of the occasion was a stunning stage lighting kit, the sort normally reserved for a full theatrical production rather than a school choir performance. Lighting designer Fanie vd Walt, owner of Fanjan Productions, was able to create this impressive stage package without overshooting the festival’s budget by using a collection of value-driven fixtures from Chauvet, acquired from South African importer Audiosure.

To give the stage the punch one would normally expect from a larger production, the LD called upon two CHAUVET Professional Rogue R1 Spots positioned 5 metres in front of the stage for gobo projection on the back of the cyc. One of the most interesting features of the Rogue R1 Spots were the gobo effects, which were used to surround the children with depth and atmosphere on stage. An additional pair of Rogue R1 Beams were positioned on the front of the stage floor and used to engage the audience.

Dousing the stage itself in a carpet of light, two CHAUVET Professional Ovation F-95WW Fresnels were positioned on truss 5m in front of the stage for stage color wash. The Ovation fixtures worked particularly well for the cameras that were recording the show, the colors being able to be reproduced accurately upon playback. Moreover, the soft color palettes of the Ovation fixtures brought out the skin tone of the children magnificently, ensuring all proud parents were able to see their children during the show.

Also providing accents to pepper the stage with interesting looks were several CHAUVET DJ fixtures. Among these were two Intimidator Spot 350 LEDs and two Intimidator Spot 250 LEDs, positioned on the centre truss on stage for beam effect and crowd interaction.

A collection of four CHAUVET DJ Geyser RGBs were positioned strategically on the sides of the stage to add to the atmospheric effects in the hall. Two Geysers served to create a pyro effect, while two worked in conjunction with CHAUVET DJ’s Core 3x3s to produce a crowd blinding effect.

With the budget of the festival kept well within bounds, the looks which Fanie vd Walt was able to create using its selection of CHAUVET Professional and CHAUVET DJ fixtures were anything but restrained. Thanks to the multitude of looks and effects created for the festival, the true stars of the show – the Truida Kestell Primary School – were kept well and truly in the limelight.