Murrelektronik Components in Theatre Automation

The world of theatre is a magical place where storytelling comes to life in front of a collective audience. Through the characters, scenes and props we are transported into an imaginary world. Whether it’s the local high school musical, a show on Broadway or the London West End – the efforts of making a show become a reality require the talents of many different people.

Today, automation systems are a vital element in the world of theatre production as designers and creative teams strive to deliver the ultimate theatrical event. Theatre automation and motion effects require highly skilled engineers and creativity. No one knows this more than Rob Raskovsky and his team at Absolute Motion Control. And, as theatre automation is a specialist request of Murrelektronik technology, the UK technical team were fascinated by the application and delighted to help Absolute Motion Control build the very best automation solution for their latest commission. With a combined experience of more than thirty years, they can make it all happen. Based in central London, they have been making theatres come to life by building bespoke automation for the most high-profile shows in the West End and on tour.

Unlike the TV shows or in the movies, special effects in the theatre world need to be executed to perfection, in the moment, night after night, and possibly for years on end. Behind the scenes, engineers and automation specialists are perfecting ways to make the spectacle happen.

Rob and Absolute Motion Control found Murrelektronik via our online shop. There he was able to access instant pricing and most importantly, download all the documentation he needed to implement components into designs. Finding the online shop extremely easy to use, Rob was impressed with user friendly functions, for example, easy searches and narrowing down selections via filters. His interactions with Murrelektronik didn’t stop online and he contacted the UK Sales Support team for further product advice. Although theatre automation is a rather niche field, the Murrelektronik technical team were fascinated with application and very keen help and support Rob build the very best automation solution for his latest commission.

Absolute Motion Control has built up two general business models for their customers: the first is providing standard equipment that can be rented within the entertainment industry. Theatre companies hire the equipment from Absolute, which includes 4-axis, single-axis and control surface cabinets. These are free standing devices that can be moved easily. Rob’s customers require that the cabinets will stand the test of time, can be flexible to handle a wide variety of theatre effects and are efficient.

Another solution Absolute offer is their customized solutions. These systems are based exactly on the customer’s needs and often must come together within a quick time frame and meet strict specific technical requirements all while remaining within budget. Finding the perfect mix for the solution is another reason why Absolute stands out in the industry.

Automation solutions required by the theatre industry differ from the typical industrial machine and production plant applications that Murrelektronik is most renown for. In the case of theatre automation, Absolute’s equipment solutions enable theatrical effects that bring shows to life! Their 4-axis motion control cabinet for servo motors is used in a variety of ways. This can be connected to winches to make certain stage elements track in and out, for example, when scenery move horizontally on and off stage. Another example is bringing stage elements up and out of the floor. To do this, certain components are connected to the servo motors and pushed up to lift new scenery onto the main stage. In certain cases, props will need to be brought to life. By connecting the prop to one of the Absolute Motion’s automation solutions, a coffin can be moved on or off stage, or plates can spin, or venetian blinds can automatically be moved up and down.