Queensland Theatre, a leading force in Australian performing arts, recently upgraded its lighting control system with an ETC Apex 5 console. With a reputation for delivering a diverse range of productions — from classic plays to contemporary works — Queensland Theatre required a lighting solution that could keep pace with the evolving technical demands of modern theatre. The installation of the Apex 5 has transformed their operations, streamlining production workflows and enhancing creative possibilities.
Queensland Theatre had been relying on ETC Ion Classics for their productions, but as the complexity of their shows grew, the need for a more advanced console became apparent. “We were starting to notice a few small issues building up with our ETC Ion Classics,” explained Chris Goeldner, Technical Manager at Queensland Theatre. “Shows were requiring larger parameter counts and faster programming, so we knew it was time to invest in a larger-scale console.” With the launch of the ETC Apex range, Chris and his team saw an opportunity to significantly improve their lighting control capabilities.
After reviewing the options available within the Apex range, Queensland Theatre selected the Apex 5 console for its size and feature set, which struck the perfect balance between power and flexibility. “With the announcement of the Apex fleet, the range was at the top of my wish list,” Chris said. “After looking at the Apex demo unit that Jands was touring around Australia, I knew instantly that the Apex 5 was going to be the perfect size, while not missing out on any of the major features the fleet had to offer,” Chris explained. The decision was further reinforced by Queensland Ballet’s adoption of the same console, making it an easier choice from a business perspective.
Key Features and Benefits
Enhanced Performance and Flexibility: “Over the years, we have used almost every ETC console produced and have never been disappointed with performance,” Chris noted. “The Apex 5 is a significant step up in performance, flexibility, and features.”
Faster Programming and Reduced Prep Time: The move from the Ion Classic to the Apex 5 has streamlined the production process. “We have been able to work much quicker and have consistently reduced our moving light plotting time and console prep time,” Chris shared. “It really has made the programmer’s life easier and sped up a lot of the processes around prep, moving light focus, and plotting.”
Augment3d and Previsualisation: The team has started implementing Previsualisation (Previs) for larger shows using Augment3d. “Having access to the Apex 5 on site means we can significantly increase our technical abilities for the lighting designer, which are often restricted due to time in the theatre,” Chris explained. “We can now utilize Augment3d to simplify programming moving lights in XYZ space, making complex setups more manageable.”
The Apex 5 console was seamlessly integrated into Queensland Theatre’s existing lighting infrastructure. The plug-and-play upgrade caused minimal disruption to ongoing productions, allowing the team to immediately benefit from the console’s advanced capabilities. Remote Device Management (RDM) functionality and robust networking features also enhanced the theatre’s ability to troubleshoot and manage complex lighting setups.
“We are extremely happy with the decision to upgrade to an Apex 5,” Chris expressed. “It has been a gamechanger in the production process, allowing us to work much quicker and enhance the capabilities of our lighting designers. For any other company looking at upgrading and wondering if it is worth the investment to jump to the Apex fleet, I have no regrets.”
Andrew Maher, Business Development Manager at Jands, commented, “We’re thrilled that Queensland Theatre has once again chosen the ETC Eos range of consoles. It’s exciting to see their continued confidence in ETC for their venue, and it’s been a pleasure working with them throughout the process.”
Chris expressed his complete satisfaction with the upgrade, stating, “For any company considering an upgrade to the Apex range, I have no regrets. The support from Jands and ETC has been excellent, and any issues have been quickly investigated and rectified.” The investment in the Apex 5 has not only improved production capabilities but also provided a more streamlined and efficient workflow for the technical team.
