After recently establishing a performing arts complex located in Singapore’s Funan Mall, theatre company W!ld Rice has installed a new communications system to help its technical teams manage the busy schedule of events.
Having previously rented spaces since its founding in 2000, the company’s new facility features 18,000ft2 of performance space and a 380-seat theatre – the first dedicated performance venue in Singapore to be fully designed, managed and programmed by a theatre company.
Once they had the resources to handle a more rigorous schedule of productions and events of all sizes, the W!ld Rice team was able to act on their plan enhanced communications for production crews. Key requirements were a two-channel system at the stage manager’s desk and the ability to expand seamlessly to keep pace with future growth.
The new system, introduced by consultant Radian Acoustics, includes a Clear-Com HelixNet All-Digital Networked Partyline Intercom System combined with the FreeSpeak II Wireless and Encore Analog Partyline Intercom Systems. These technologies are making crew communications during shows and rehearsals more efficient and streamlined while allowing an easy and cost-effective expansion to more channels of digital and wireless system capabilities in the future.
“We’ve been able to secure a Clear-Com solution suited to our needs and unique challenges,” said W!ld Rice technical manager, David Sagaya. “FreeSpeak II provides the performance and reliability we require for our caliber of productions, and HelixNet is easily scalable to whatever communications need arises.”
Clear-Com’s IP-based technologies are well-suited to the demands of modern theatrical environments, especially as more shows incorporate elaborate production requirements.
“The combination of HelixNet and FreeSpeak II was a great solution for this space,” said Tan Suan Wee of Radian Acoustics. “The robustness, audio quality and scalability of the system means that the theatre will enjoy seamless usage for years to come.”
Clear-Com systems are widely used throughout many parts of the Asia-Pacific region and are dominant in the Singapore market where they are used in a range of commercial and theatrical applications. FreeSpeak II continues to be the wireless intercom system of choice for the majority of Singaporean rental companies working with theatrical venues, live event and broadcast production companies, due to its reliability, clarity, IP capability and dual support for 1.9GHz and 2.4GHz bandwidths.
