News: Solutions On Stage Oversees Install and Upgrade at Lawrence Sheriff School 

Founded over 200 years ago, Lawrence Sheriff School is a renowned boys’ grammar school located in Rugby, Warwickshire. It has a student population of just over 1,000 and prides itself on being a high-achieving institution with a particular focus on academic excellence, student well-being, and a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. One of the ways in which it enhances the experience of its students is by ensuring it has the very best facilities possible. As such, following a site-survey of their main hall performance space, they asked Solutions On Stage to not only supply a range of brand-new LED lighting fixtures but also ensure their existing mechanical infrastructure was safety compliant.  

Having now worked in thousands of schools and theatres across the country, Solutions On Stage has developed an unparalleled reputation for supplying performance spaces with the latest technology, as well as complete compliance. As such, when Lawrence Sheriff wanted to upgrade their hall space, they decided to reach out to the company. The school’s Operations Manager Leanne Harris comments: “Around Spring last year, we launched phase one of our theatre and stage project – which essentially meant bringing the technical infrastructure in our Main Hall space up-to-date. Aware of their previous work, we contacted Solutions on Stage who offered a no-obligation, full-site survey. Following this, they shared with us their observations of the current set-up before we discussed what we would require from an upgraded space. Listening to us, they were then able to suggest the best way to move forward; working within the budget we had’.   

The initial survey was carried out by Solution On Stage’s Technical Director Darren Williams and Electrical Compliance Manager Andy Hewlett. Darren explains: “Having visited the hall, it essentially had an old lighting and dimming system in place, all set against a high timber roof. As such, it wasn’t being used to its full potential. With the lighting fixtures, we suggested moving towards LED, for energy-saving, performance and longevity purposes. That said, we were keen to ensure we worked within the school’s budget and so, as part of our service, whilst we decommissioned non-compliant mechanical parts, we were able to retain a large part of the existing technical infrastructure and simply upgrade this – ensuring it remained part of the new installation and kept costs reasonable”.  

In terms of the LED lighting package that was provided, Solutions On Stage drew on the ETC ColorSource Range. This include the ETC ColorSource PAR complete with wide lens, the ETC ColorSource Profile JR complete with accessory kit as well as an ETC ColorSource 20 Console. Darren explains: “We chose the ColorSource PAR as it offers the broadest colour range possible from a four-colour LED luminaire, whilst also having the ability to calibrate for uniformity. With the Junior Profiles, they offer an equally impressive range of colour and have built in a 25-50° zoom optic as well as a 5,708 lumen output; all at an incredibly affordable price. And with the 20 Console, we knew this easy-to-use desk would give the school complete control and easily run effects, mix LED colours and allow them to programme within minutes. It’s worth noting that these ETC fixtures have a 10-year warranty on the LED engine and a 5-year on the rest of the fixture – guaranteeing full peace of mind for the school. There’s also the fact that ETC offers free training for its education customers, ensuring Lawrence Sheriff’s staff and even its students are confident when using this equipment”. 

When it came to the electrical and lighting control, Solutions On Stage installed a brand-new, front-of-house lighting bar, fixed to the existing structural timber beam, as well as stage lighting bars, each internally wired. For DMX and distribution, the company installed a brand-new 13w distribution board (which provided two power circuits to each lighting bar), two x 5 way DMX buffers (which provide two DMX circuits to each of the bars) as well as a 5 Pin XLR DMX input on the rear balcony for the lighting desk. In terms of rigging, following the decommissioning of the unused bars from the original installation, as well as the upstage raise and lower winch set, the team provided and installed three runs of back-to-back Unistrut all throughout the space. These could not only support the existing gas barrel bars but also offer a suspension point for the new lighting bars. 

In total, the installation took place over two weeks and was carried out during the school holidays to fit around the Lawrence Sheriff’s busy schedule. Following the installation, Solutions On Stage carried out electrical testing and certified the installation accordingly as well as provided all necessary certification, charts, labelling and schedules. Moving forward, the team will also be servicing the space on an annual basis, ensuring that the equipment is always safety compliant and allowing it to be utilised for as long as possible.  

In terms of the impact the upgrade and install has made on the space, Leanne comments: “The stage lighting has now become a key component in creating the perfect atmosphere during live performances, enhancing the experience for both our students and audiences. Our first performance with the new set-up was a huge success and is even helping develop our music and drama program. In terms of its potential, the lights have enabled us to use the main hall for an even greater variety of events, seeing an increase in the external hire of this facility”. 

The work delivered by Solutions On Stage at Lawrence Sheriff School is a prime example of how the company is able to draw on its expertise, experience and access to the latest technology to support the life-cycle of any space. If you have a similar project, or simply want to have a chat with our friendly team, then make sure you contact us today. 

Leanne concludes: “It’s been a pleasure working with Solutions on Stage. From our initial contact, they have provided a very high standard of technical and customer service – always being on-hand whenever we needed them. We’re delighted with what they’ve delivered and look forward to continue working with them in the future”.