Belgrade’s Odeon Theatre, a Broadway-style venue specializing in musicals is inspired by the world’s most famous stages and its futuristic scenography further enhances every performance.
The theatre’s vision, even before its founding, was to create a stage equipped with the most advanced technology in the region. Alongside a modern lighting system and AV equipment, stage mechanics were installed that fully comply with all current safety standards of our country and the European Union. Long-term compliance with European regulations and readiness for future challenges are guaranteed.
The European standard required that the overhead stage mechanics comply with European guidelines for theatres and stages and possess a C1 certificate, which permits lifting loads above the audience. Additionally, the entire system is certified according to the SIL3 standard.
To comply with the strictest European safety standards, it was necessary to implement the following features: dual brakes, a load sensor, a position sensor with two readers for added security, multiple limit switches to cover potential failures, a software position limiter, and E-Stop switches for emergency system shutdown.
The theatre is equipped with 16 variable-speed hoists, each with a lifting speed of 36 m/min and a load capacity of 500 kg. These hoists are specialized for raising lighting trusses, bridges, and scenic elements with minimal noise. Additionally, faster hoists with special straps have been provided, featuring a load capacity of 250 kg for quick lifting of scenic elements and other objects. The speed of these hoists is 1.2 m/s, meaning they move an impressive 1.2 meters in just one second, enabling instant scene changes. The hoists comply with all applicable European regulations.
As a specialized solution for lifting the line array sound system, hoists with two chains were provided to allow easier and more precise positioning of the system. This setup is suspended from two points but uses only one hoist, resulting in greater efficiency and easier control.
An additional part of the system includes variable-speed hoists with a lifting speed of 4 m/min, intended for positioning lighting trusses used for front and proscenium lighting. Unlike the previously mentioned hoists, these do not move during the performance. They are also used for moving scenic elements, allowing for dynamic changes throughout the show.
The control system is an essential component of any modern stage machinery setup. All hoists are integrated into a single unit operated through a specialized controller. This system allows for precise and efficient control of all delivered and installed hoists—both individually and in groups. It supports scene programming and accurate setting of target heights for hoist positioning. The system can also operate in two separate segments, enabling individual speed control for each hoist.
Control is managed using a joystick with speed adjustment switches, while a touchscreen allows for easy and flexible operation of the system. The system supports setting upper and lower height limits, as well as saving different show files. This means the hoists can be programmed to work within specific height ranges, for example, from 1 to 4 meters for certain scenic elements in one show file, or up to the maximum safe height in another.
The stage mechanics at Odeon Theatre represents a modern solution that combines safety, functionality, and creative potential, in line with the highest European standards. The advanced hoist and control system enables fast and precise scene changes, ensuring a high level of both technical and artistic performance. With this, Odeon Theatre reaffirms its ambition to be a regional leader in contemporary theatrical production.
The described system is one of the most advanced overhead stage mechanics solutions currently available on the market.
Photo: Odeon Theatre