When Central Coast Grammar School (CCGS), an independent educational institution in New South Wales, Australia, embarked on upgrading the projection systems in its Performing Arts Centre, the goal was to create a state-of-the-art facility capable of handling everything from school assemblies and staff development days to theatrical performances and live events.
The aging 8,000-lumen projectors had reached their limits, prompting the school to envision a future of exceptional image quality, creative versatility, and dependable performance. To bring this vision to life, CCGS partnered with The Cue Company, a leading entertainment technology solutions provider, for consultation, design, and systems integration.
At the core of this transformation was the Christie GS Series DWU1400-GS projector, chosen for its remarkable brightness, superior colour reproduction, and maintenance-free laser illumination. With three projectors deployed, the installation delivered more than just power. Advanced capabilities like Christie Twist™ for seamless warping and blending, and Christie Mystique™ for precise alignment, offered the flexibility needed to support the centre’s diverse creative and operational demands.
“The school’s vision for an advanced projection system inspired us to design a solution that unlocks new creative possibilities for both students and staff,” says Marcel Gotch, Business Development Manager at The Cue Company. “Leveraging our industry expertise and a collaborative approach, we ensured the system was precisely tailored to meet the CCGS’s artistic aspirations and functional needs.”
Two distinct modes of projection
The DWU1400-GS projectors, with their 14,250 ISO lumens brightness, compact size, lightweight design, and quiet operation, were chosen for their versatility and reliability. With a suite of interchangeable lenses and 20,000 hours of reliable operation, they perfectly met the dual needs of CCGS.
For assemblies and staff events, the projectors delivered sharp, engaging visuals on presentation screens. For drama and musical theatre performances, they enabled dynamic digital backdrops and projection mapping on the cyclorama, unlocking new creative possibilities. Purpose-built rigging frames allowed for easy adaptability to any event setup.
However, this transformation was not without challenges. Gotch notes that the system needed to shift effortlessly between simple presentations and complex artistic uses. “To address this, we utilized the flexibility of the GS Series projectors, configuring them with interchangeable lenses and precise alignment tools to meet both creative and functional demands,” he says.
Additionally, the installation timeline was tight, with minimal venue availability. Through meticulous pre-installation planning and streamlined workflows, The Cue Company delivered the solution on schedule without compromising quality. “Our ability to manage the project within the constrained timeline while maintaining excellent quality is a testament to the GS Series’ versatility and our collaborative approach,” says Gotch.
Projectors enhance the visual experience
The results were nothing short of spectacular. The new system exceeded expectations, delivering vivid brightness, impeccable image quality, and solid reliability. Students and staff have fully embraced the technology, using it to elevate performances and experiment with innovative artistic techniques. Feedback from CCGS leadership has also been very positive.
Greg Spence, Senior BDM for Australia and New Zealand, Enterprise, Christie, emphasizes: “The GS Series laser projectors delivered outstanding brightness and color quality, enabling CCGS to fully achieve its creative and operational goals. With its reliable laser illumination and 24/7 durability, the DWU1400-GS is an ideal solution for education venues, combining consistent performance with low maintenance for both daily use and creative applications.”
Looking ahead, CCGS plans to further integrate the projectors into its performing arts curriculum, providing students with tools to craft animated backdrops and projection designs for drama and musical theatre performances.
Gotch adds: “These hands-on experiences enhance technical and creative skills, giving students a platform to bring their artistic visions to life in ways previously unavailable. The Christie GS Series projectors are more than tools; they are enablers of creativity, unlocking new dimensions of storytelling and performance.”
This collaboration between CCGS, Christie, and The Cue Company exemplifies how advanced projection technology can redefine educational spaces, transforming them into hubs of innovation. The GS Series projectors have not only elevated the Performing Arts Centre but also set the stage for a future where technology and the arts seamlessly converge.
