CLIENT: B&B Electric, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
VENUE: Union Theater, Springfield, IL
YEAR: 2025
Modernizing the Union Theater’s Rigging and Lighting Systems
Scenic Solutions completed a full rigging and lighting modernization of the Union Theater, located withing the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, under an exceptionally compressed three‑month construction window. The scope of our project included gutting the original theater, installing new rigging and lighting systems, restoring scenery, and completing programming and equipment certification.
The theater usually operates year-round presenting its long‑running automated production, “Lincoln’s Eyes.” For our install, it would shut down for three months, while the rest of the Library and Museum remained open. Through advanced planning, engineered solutions, and strong collaboration with partners and crews, the project was completed on schedule and delivered fully modernized, reliable lighting and rigging systems.
Retrofitting Theatrical Rigging Across Three Stages
A unique feature of this venue is that it’s actually three stages in one theater, labeled “A” “B” and “C.” The B stage was in the center—where you would expect the stage to be. The A and C stages were located to the left and right of the B stage. Temporary walls separating the three stages were removed for our install.
The three stage grids operated independently, with the B grid positioned six feet higher than the A and C grid.
The B stage’s floor level was positioned higher than the A and C stages. Prior to the install, we fabricated platforming and rails to accommodate the different stage levels so that crew members could easily move from one stage to the other.
Installing 38 ETC Prodigy P75 Hoists
Replaced the existing hoists with 38 new ETC Prodigy P75 hoists. We recommended Prodigy hoists for their low‑noise operation, compact powerhead, flexible mounting options, and ETC’s excellent 24/7/365 technical service and support.
The retrofit required mounting P75 hoists to an existing grid with non-aligned beam spacing. We designed custom hardware, verified by structural engineers, to attach the hoists to the grid without any other modification.
Upgrading Rigging Controls and Safety Systems
We recommended ETC’s Foundation HD controller for rigging control. With intuitive controls, and enhanced safety features, Foundation brings peace of mind with full-feature controls. The B‑stage wall‑mounted controller is supported by a Foundation Handheld Remote for side‑stage operation and a Foundation Remote Station for control from the lighting booth.
Our riggers are trained and certified by ETC and ETCP, so after the installation, we did the necessary commissioning of the hoists to prove they are technically accurate and configured to safely function as designed.
Upgrading Theatrical Lighting from Incandescent to LED
Incandescent fixtures generate substantial heat and consume high energy, while LED fixtures operate cooler, use significantly less power, and offer longer service life—reducing operating costs and improving overall system longevity.
New luminaires included:
- 71 – ETC Source Four LED Series 2 Lustr.
The Lustr® array reaches new heights in the LED color spectrum, achieving stunningly bold hues and unbelievably bright whites and tints. - 4 – ETC Desire D40 Vivid.
This PAR-shaped washlight is a multipurpose tool that can be combined with conventional fixtures or used by itself. - 20 – Chauvet Professional STRIKE Bolt 1C.
Provides an intense IP65-rated strobe featuring integrated Smart Frost that enables this first-of-its-kind fixture to shift instantly from powerful strobe bursts to smooth color block effects. - 2 – Chauvet Professional Ovation CYC 1 FC.
A sleek and silent convection-cooled cyclorama fixture featuring an advanced RGBAL color-mixing system to deliver a wide, smooth, and richly saturated field of light.
Custom Scenic Fabrication and Refurbishment
Some of the scenery was sent to the Scenic Solutions shop for refurbishment/refresh/touch up.
Addressing Unexpected Scenic Wall Weight
When not in use, the left and right stages are concealed by scenic walls painted to match the auditorium. Although each wall was estimated at under 1,200 lbs, they were found to weigh approximately 1,500 lbs—exceeding the hoists’ capacity. With the project deadline approaching, Scenic Solutions rebuilt the walls on site using lighter materials, and later replaced them with shop‑fabricated panels featuring improved paint matching.
Completing a Theater Modernization in Three Months
The biggest challenge was the accelerated three‑month timeline to gut the original theater, install the new system, and have it show‑ready.
Extensive pre‑install planning minimized surprises and allowed the team to move efficiently once onsite.
The process was to go in, take out everything that needed to be removed. Clean up the spaces where equipment was removed. Some of the scenery was sent to the Scenic Solutions shop for refurbishment/refresh/touch up. Install the new equipment. Make sure everything works as expected.
Theater Modernization Installation Schedule
9/1/25 (Labor Day): Theater closed
9/2/25: Work begins with safety training. Work week was Tuesday through Friday, 10 hour work days.
Over the 3-month timeline we:
- Removed existing scenery (stored in offsite rented trailer) and obsolete equipment.
- Performed the rigging installation and restored some of the scenery at the Scenic Solutions shop.
- Put the scenery back in place and installed the lighting fixtures.
- Performed QA, testing, programmed, and certified the systems.
12/1/25: Installation complete.
A Fully Modernized, Show-Ready Theater
Despite structural constraints, unexpected issues, and a demanding timeline, Scenic Solutions delivered:
- A fully modernized rigging system
- A robust, flexible safety and control infrastructure
- A complete LED lighting upgrade
- Restored and refreshed scenic elements
The theater was show‑ready on schedule, with lighting and rigging systems certified and operational
Modernize Your Theater’s Rigging and Lighting Systems
From custom rigging retrofits and LED lighting upgrades to scenic fabrication and installation, Scenic Solutions provides comprehensive solutions for theaters and entertainment venues. Contact Scenic Solutions to discuss how our team can help modernize your facility with reliable, efficient, and professionally engineered systems.