SceneAround
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
SceneAround, also known under the brand name StageAround,[1] is a form of theatrical performance or presentation invented by Robin de Levita and first premiered on October 30, 2010. It involves a revolving auditorium which rotates the seated audience around the different sets from scene to scene, so that they face the intended set stage. In this method, the audience rotates around the different stages in the middle and can usually only view the intended set for that scene as the other sets are hidden.[2][3][4] This differing from more traditional forms where sets are replaced and the audience is in a fixed position in front of a single stage.
The system was developed and used for the Dutch musical production Soldier of Orange at TheaterHangaar, produced by Robin de Levita and Fred Boot.
De Levita invented SceneAround as a solution to play a large-scale production inside a former airplane hangar at former military airport Valkenburg between Wassenaar, Katwijk and Leiden. The auditorium is surrounded by projection panels that can open up in various widths up to 180 degrees and frame each set.
Auditorium
The auditorium at TheaterHangaar was designed by Dutchman Robert Nieuwenhuis. Within three months, a gigantic steel turntable with ~1100 seats was created.[2] The turning movement, speed and direction can all be adjusted or automated by its computerized control system, and the auditorium is able to spin on its axis up to seven times in either direction.
Facts
- Diameter turntable: 33 m
- Speed: 1-2 metres per second on the outer edge of the turntable
- Weight: 300 tons, the audience included
- Seats: 1103
- Powered by 22 electric motors
Set
Austrian Bernhard Hammer designed the set at TheaterHangaar for the musical production, under the direction of Theu Boermans. The sets are built around the auditorium, revealed and hidden by moving panels as needed. As the audience rotates to a new scene, the old set is hidden while the new one is revealed. This means that no breaks are needed to change sets or the decor. By using theatrical masking techniques such as projecting scene transitions or small scenes onto placed canvases the set changes can be made near-seamlessly without the audience knowing.
Technique
The control of the turntable, rotation, and screens are automated and the timing can be linked to audio and visual cues.
Company
Designers, engineers and companies that contributed to the initial production started the company SceneAround. The company wants to create similar theatrical venues around the world.