Theater Rigging Control System Modernization

The Library of Congress (Library) requires contract support to modernize the theatrical rigging control systems for the historic Coolidge Auditorium. The 485-seat venue opened in the 1920’s, designed with acoustic properties to support chamber music. The venue began to support other types of performances, in addition to other types of events. To support increased use, modernization was performed in the mid-1990’s which added motorized theatrical rigging and automation. The legacy infrastructure and system added in the 1990’s was installed by Wenger/JR Clancy, and is characterized by distributed control points, variable motor behavior, and limited system intelligence. The control unit for the system has been inoperable for over a year. The installed infrastructure reflects a rigging ecosystem in which motorized scenic elements were deployed as semi-independent subsystems with limited interoperability and with centralized control unit. At present, these subsystems can only be operated using standalone manual override stations, which are still operable for each component. This modernization effort is intended to unify these systems into a single theater rigging control environment and replace the non-working control unit. All work shall comply with historic preservation constraints, structural limitations, and restricted installation practices typical of protected performance venues. The Contractor shall remove the current theatrical rigging control system and provide a new theatrical rigging control system for the Library’s Coolidge Auditorium.