J&C Joel adds a degree of improvement to university's performing arts centre

May 6, 2011 - PRLog -- The Gulbenkian Centre is the University of Hull’s arts complex which allows performing arts students to gain valuable experience of performing on stage and working with stage machinery and rigging systems in a working theatre environment.

Hull University approached J&C Joel in order to upgrade the teaching equipment within the Gulbenkian Centre’s Donald Roy Theatre. J&C Joel’s contracts department designed, manufactured and installed two motorised truss rigs which replaced the theatre’s two 15m lighting bridges. J&C Joel removed these and bespoke beam clamps were fitted to accommodate the rig’s hoists and trusses.

The rigging system has been christened the “Rock Rig” by university staff as it gives students experience of using the same systems that are used in live show setups and the challenges of flown rigging.

J&C Joel also upgraded the theatre’s 36 set counterweight system and introduced fabricated ladder bars, a replacement hemp rope system and a mesh guard covering the base of the wall frame base to increase safety within the teaching theatre.

J&C Joel’s contracts department specialise in manufacturing bespoke mechanical systems for all aspects of the theatre. Whatever the remit of a theatre, J&C Joel can manufacture and install specific products for any venue.

For more information on the range of products and services available from J&C Joel, contact the J&C Joel contracts department.

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J&C Joel is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers and suppliers of theatrical drapes and supplies a range of materials and equipment for use in all aspects of the entertainment and events industries.