CLIENT: University of Louisville School of Music
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: Kaliber Electric
VENUE: Margaret Comstock Concert Hall, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
YEAR: 2024
Modernizing Concert Hall Rigging and Lighting Systems
Comstock Hall, a concert and recital venue featuring a 64-rank Steiner-Reck pipe organ, utilizes an adjustable acoustic cloud and deployable acoustic drapes to optimize sound quality for a wide range of performances. The hall’s original rigging system, installed in 1990, no longer met modern safety and performance standards. Significant advancements in rigging technology over the past three decades necessitated a comprehensive upgrade to improve reliability, functionality, and safety.
Our work focused on upgrading the acoustic cloud rigging system, improving the acoustic drape infrastructure, modernizing house lighting controls, and replacing outdated incandescent fixtures with new LED luminaires and control systems.
Acoustic Cloud Rigging System Modernization
Custom Support Rack Fabrication for the Acoustic Cloud
The acoustic cloud consists of angled acoustic panels mounted to a rigid frame that also supports lighting fixtures and microphones. To install the new hoists, the cloud first had to be detached from the existing rigging. In preparation, we designed and fabricated a custom support rack capable of safely holding the cloud and accommodating its angled panel configuration during the transition.
Removing the Existing Rigging and Installing ETC Prodigy Hoists
The original rigging system, installed in 1990, no longer met current safety and performance standards. We removed the legacy system—including the existing hoists—and installed two ETC Prodigy P75 hoists.
Our crew accessed the grid catwalks to dismantle the old rigging. The two original hoists were disassembled into manageable sections by unbolting and, when necessary, cutting with an OA torch. This process included removing the supporting blue beams, extracting steel cable, draining hydraulic fluid, and removing the loft blocks.
Because access to the grid was limited, equipment was transported between the stage and catwalk using a small freight elevator. Oversized components were moved using a chain hoist through the front-of-house ceiling cove. To create a clear path, we temporarily removed the cove’s lighting fixtures, raceway, and pipe, all of which were restored to their original positions upon completion.
The acoustic cloud’s original rigging, installed in 1990, was fully replaced and upgraded. Our team:
- Designed and fabricated a dedicated support rack to secure the cloud during rigging removal.
- Temporarily removed front-of-house ceiling cove lighting equipment to allow safe transport of new ETC Prodigy P75 hoists from stage level to the catwalk.
- Worked with the project engineer to weld new structural steel to the building’s structural supports, creating updated hoist attachment points.
- Disassembled and removed the existing hoists and legacy rigging system.
- Upgraded the worn-out cable retractors to StageNinja retractors to allow lighting fixture power and data cables to pay out and retract automatically with cloud movement.
- Installed two ETC Prodigy P75 hoists to enhance safety, reliability, and operational functionality.
Custom Structural Steel Supports for the New Rigging System
Existing hoist attachment points were incompatible with the new system. In coordination with the project engineer, we developed a plan for new structural supports. Steel I-beams were cut to specification in our shop and, once the old hoists were removed, welded to the building’s structural steel to establish new attachment locations.
With the new attachment points in place, the Prodigy P75 hoists were lifted from the stage to the grid via chain hoist through the ceiling cove. The hoists were secured to the new structural points, loft blocks were installed, and steel cable was run from the hoists to the acoustic cloud positioned in its support rack on stage.
Improving Rigging Safety and Cable Management
We selected ETC’s Prodigy system for its safety, compact design, and retrofit-friendly engineering. The hoists’ integrated sensors continuously monitor travel distance, load conditions, and fault events, and each unit automatically halts when encountering an obstruction—significantly enhancing operational safety and reliability.
Acoustic Drapery Rigging and Automation Upgrades
The existing hoist system for the acoustic drapes was outdated. Our team:
- Vacuumed and cleaned the curtains, performed a fire-safety inspection, and applied flame-retardant treatment.
- Replaced the back-of-house drape motors and relocated them from the catwalk to floor level providing much easier access for motor inspection and maintenance.
- Integrated the drape motors with ETC QuickTouch™ operating stations and automation controllers enhancing the acoustic drapes functionality and reliability.
Architectural Lighting Control System Modernization
Our team:
- Installed an ETC Unison Paradigm 7″ Touchscreen Station to provide hall-wide lighting control and monitoring.
- Added 12 Unison Inspire button stations at standard switch locations to expand system flexibility, including six preprogrammed architectural scenes.
LED Stage Lighting and Console Upgrades
Outdated incandescents replaced with money-saving ETC LED luminaires! Our team:
- Integrated a new ETC ION XE 20 console—a versatile, budget-friendly, control for cue management and lighting operation across venues of any scale.
- Installed and programmed 32-ETC Source4WRD spotlights, 20-ETC ColorSource Spot Jrs, and 10-ETC ColorSource PARs.
Site Safety During Concert Hall Rigging Installation
Prior to beginning work, our team:
- Established clearly marked work zones using safety signage, barriers, and restricted-access tape.
- Required all personnel to be compliant with OSHA safety standards.
Concert Hall Rigging and Lighting Solutions by Scenic Solutions
From specialized acoustic cloud rigging and automated drapery systems to architectural lighting controls and LED stage lighting upgrades, Scenic Solutions helps concert halls, universities, and performing arts venues modernize their technical infrastructure. Contact Scenic Solutions to discuss custom rigging solutions, lighting system upgrades, and equipment installation for your performance facility.