KANSAS CITY, MO — When Kansas City’s Starlight Theatre produced its first summer musical indoors at its new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, it turned to Professional Wireless Systems (PWS) to supply audio equipment and technical services for their production of the Elton John/Tim Rice musical, Aida.
More details from PWS (www.professionalwireless.com) and Masque Sound (www.masquesound.com):
“Since the 1950s, the Starlight Theatre has been known for its outdoor wireless performances,” says Brooks Schroeder, project manager, PWS. “So when they came to us to help provide audio equipment and technical services for its first indoor show in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, we wanted to make sure its loyal subscribers would be able to hear the performances just as well, if not better, than they had become accustomed to at the outdoor amphitheatre.”
During Aida’s 13-show run at the Muriel Kauffman Theatre, which began on August 3, PWS, working in conjunction with Vista Productions, provided 32 wireless microphones and antenna systems for the show. Propriety gear included Masque Sound’s AF8-X antenna distribution system and Masque Sound LM series to monitor all the mics. In addition, PWS utilized a remote to handle the opposite end of the stage.
The 1,800-seat Muriel Kauffman Theatre includes multiple balconies and box seating on either side of the theatre, placing attendees much closer to the stage than in most other auditorium-type venues. With a 5,000-square-foot stage, an orchestra pit that can house up to 90 musicians and a 74-foot-tall fly tower, it is the performance home of the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, as well as the site of many other theatrical, musical and dance productions.
“For the past five seasons, Starlight has allowed PWS and Masque to really combine our strengths as a company. Having the support of Masque Sound as a leading sound provider for Broadway certainly gives us an advantage,” adds Schroeder. “The show looked and sounded absolutely amazing.”
As part of PWS’s expert services and solutions, Schroeder remained on site during the two-week run to oversee all of the show’s audio and wireless coordination as well.
