Waagner-Biro Stage Systems shapes its tools in a way that integrate the users and creates a unique user experience.
As an operator of stage technology, you have to be able to concentrate on the essential things in order not to endanger the safety of the actors. The more intuitive the user interface of the control system, the better you can concentrate on the actual work.
In 2019, the second phase of renovation took place in the Théâtre du Châtelet, during which the entire control system was replaced. In contrast to the old control, where you had the feeling of working with several Excel spreadsheets, the new C⋅A⋅T V5 control is easy to use and handle.
The head of the machinery and an operator explain what it’s like to work with the new control and Waagner-Biro Stage Systems.
Frédéric Picard, Chief Machinist, Théâtre du Châtelet
The Théâtre du Châtelet has always been state of the art and has always had the most sophisticated technical means. It is an old theater on the outside but very modern inside. It has been renovated in two phases in 1999 and 2019.
So in 2019, the second work phase allowed us to change the control system and move to a higher level of safety and flexibility and also an easier and more comprehensible interface.
Romain Lejbowicz, C⋅A⋅T V5 Operator, Théâtre du Châtelet
The Théâtre du Châtelet was one of the first to be equipped with C⋅A⋅T V5.
It’s true that it could be scary to start with something new especially when it comes to IT, things that are very obscure for operators like me who are not computer scientists or engineers. But right from the start we had a very potent tool.
Frédéric Picard
The Théâtre du Châtelet consists of 59 flybars, 30 chain hoists backstage, 6 chain hoists, 2 line shaft hoists, orchestra elevators, surtitle screen that are controlled from C⋅A⋅T V5 – that’s a lot of axes.
We are one of the largest Italian-style theatres in Paris and we perform exclusively musical theater.
Klaus-Peter Roth, Project Manager, Waagner-Biro Stage Systems
The productions that they play are quite sophisticated they have huge needs on the machinery and on the control system for scenic movements. It is quite common that there are many many cues following each other at very short times and I think this is quite demanding.
So the control system needs to provide a tool which is easy to handle and – on the other hand – reliable.