2025 Teatr im. Stefana Żeromskiego w Kielcach
The major renovation of the historic headquarters of the Jerome Theater, which began in 2020, was a unique task for both architects and performers. The idea behind the design process was primarily to preserve the unique character of the building and return to the old interior design in close collaboration with the monument restorer. The successful combination of modern technologies, as well as traditions and historical character of the building was the first to be seen and appreciated by the audience who took part in the grand opening of the new complex in September 2024.
The reconstruction, expansion and superstructure of the theater, which lasted 4 years, included, first of all, the introduction of a new functional layout, which, in addition to the presence of the main stage, also boasts a new chamber stage, which has an audience in the form of an electric folding stand (more than 70 seats), increasing the possibilities of space configuration and the possibility of opening the game plan to the inner courtyard. Both stages also have spacious foyers, with the possibility of holding vernissages, exhibitions or cultural meetings. The new complex also includes m.in. actors ' rehearsal rooms, a state-of-the-art recording studio, an extensive workshop, an office and administrative area, guest rooms and suites, and underground floors with extensive scenographic warehouses. From the observation deck located on the roof of the building, you can enjoy a wonderful 360-degree panorama of Kielce.
The reconstruction, expansion and superstructure of the theater, which lasted 4 years, included, first of all, the introduction of a new functional layout, which, in addition to the presence of the main stage, also boasts a new chamber stage, which has an audience in the form of an electric folding stand (more than 70 seats), increasing the possibilities of space configuration and the possibility of opening the game plan to the inner courtyard. Both stages also have spacious foyers, with the possibility of holding vernissages, exhibitions or cultural meetings. The new complex also includes m.in. actors ' rehearsal rooms, a state-of-the-art recording studio, an extensive workshop, an office and administrative area, guest rooms and suites, and underground floors with extensive scenographic warehouses. From the observation deck located on the roof of the building, you can enjoy a wonderful 360-degree panorama of Kielce.
The undisputed gem among all the rooms is, first of all, the Large Stage, in the auditorium of which many historical elements are recreated, such as medallions with the faces of great Polish poets and writers, or two richly decorated statues of caryatids-maidens supporting the beam of the lintel of the portal window, which, in turn, proudly depicts the Latin alphabet inscribed in gilded letters. quote from Horace: "Omne tulit punctum, qui biscuit utile dulci "("this one has earned the recognition of everyone who combined the pleasant with the useful"). The passive acoustic experience is supported by a 3-ton brass ceiling lamp made of brass sheet with a hand hammer located above the large stage audience.
One of the most electrifying and watershed moments of the renovation that was going on at that time was the investor's decision to buy in late 2021 a townhouse adjacent to the grand stage through a horizontal wall. On the one hand, this led to a complex process of adapting additional space and, as it were, urgently "absorbing" it for the needs of the big stage during the construction process that is already underway. On the other hand, the big stage of the Jerome Theatre has become one of the most technologically impressive drama stages in Poland. The playing field was doubled, a second set of stage hatches, subsequent bars and lighting bridges could be implemented. Also, the side pocket and warehouses on the lower floors were enlarged, a second freight elevator was installed, and a place for a loading dock was allocated from the side of Sienkiewicz Street. Thanks to this, the technological capabilities of the stage have significantly expanded, as well as the communication system and circulation of scenery have improved, which is key in the current functioning of the theater with such a large number of organized events.
In addition, the fusion of the townhouse and the original stage-an increase in the playing field-led to a much greater depth of action from the viewer's point of view, as it allowed decorators to create much more complex and monumental scenery. The stage can move characters to different places in an instant, which significantly increases the dynamics of performances. In addition, space for two mobile bleachers was allocated in the back of the stage and in the side pocket, increasing the number of seats by a total of 124. A three-way audience created in this way is one of the methods of placing the viewer in the center of the stage action.
A TECHNOLOGICAL GEM
Rapid technological progress, continuous development of certain branches of stage technology and new production opportunities meant that modern technological lighting, extensive electroacoustic and multimedia systems, as well as stage mechanics equipped with autonomous elements occupied a particularly unique place in the implemented project in the context of the complete modernization of the Jerome Theater.
All work on the integration and implementation of stage technologies was entrusted to a partner experienced in such large-scale implementations-the specialized enterprise theater.
TECHNOLOGICAL LIGHTING
The main spectrum of technological lighting mainly included stages – large and chamber, but also a large and small rehearsal hall, where actors can train and prepare for plays on large stages early enough.
In the space of the above-mentioned premises, a complex power plant was distributed, which is responsible for supplying voltage to all lighting devices and peripherals. It also includes 14 units of passively cooled wall-mounted voltage regulators ETC ThruPower (24 circuits of 10 A each). Their distinctive feature is the easy change of the operating mode from unregulated to regulated, for each of the circuits independently. Two mobile rack sets (including the PLS PowerMIX63 mobile switchgear and the PLS FLX DIMMER/RELAY 12×2.3 kW regulators) or 10 compact 1-channel Elation UNIPAK MKII regulators are very suitable for traveling or performing performances in the yard.
A large stage, because of its size, required the use of powerful and large movable heads equipped with various effects that provided the stage opportunities desired by the directors.
Thus, in the thick of the rods, you can see lighting bridges with Elation FUZE MAX suspension heads (6 pcs. in the Profile version and 6 pcs. in the SPOT version), interspersed with spectacular washbasins CLF POSEIDON WASH XL in the amount of 20 pcs. Precise framing and animation of the light beam from the audience is provided, in turn, by 6 pieces of Elation Artiste Picasso.
On a small stage, more compact but no less functional models were suspended, led by 6 pieces of DTS ALCHEMY 5 WASH with a Fresnel lens and perfect color reproduction - including pastel nuances. 12 washy DTS NICK NRG 1401 units are supported, and 10 Elation FUZE SFX units take over the duties of point warheads.
In the space of the halls, classic theatrical lighting solutions could not be absent-the cult profile spotlights ETC source FOUR (in the ZOOM and JR versions) in the amount of 60 pieces already appeared. Their analog in the form of an LED source is 14 pcs. The profile of the ETC S4 LED LUSTR series 2 headlight. The pool of conventional theater lighting was supplemented with 70 pcs.PC-DTS stage S 1kW headlights. Their immediate successor is 30 pcs. Elation KL Fresnel 8 WW floodlights with a power of 350 W, which, thanks to their silent operation, motorized Zoom and 8-wing framing system, have rightfully won great recognition among many technicians and theater performers.
The range of lighting fixtures complements m.in 36 pcs of efficient RGBMA LED pairs with variable optics & #8211; Elation KL PAR FC, 28 pcs of RGBW-CLF ARES LED spotlights, 10 pcs of UV – ACME BL-100uv headlights and 10 pcs of listew LED – Elation SIXBAR 1000.
There is no denying that in theatrical reality, spotlights are also often used, leading to manual tracking of actors moving around the stage. In the Jeromsky Theater, this task is greatly facilitated by two large followspots of the Hyperion SPOTLIGHT FS HY 700CW series and two smaller ones-300cw.
Two HAZE BASE The FAB generators, combined with fans controlled via DMX-Elation MagmaFAN1, enhance the visibility of light rays and quickly fill the stage with fog. In turn, two BRITEQ H2FOGII devices are responsible for producing heavy smoke.
In the context of controlling large-stage lighting cameras, the choice fell on the CHAMSYS MQ250M STADIUM digital console with an optional touch screen monitor. It also works with the installed tracking system. Four consoles of the same brand - 2X MQ70 and 2x MQ50-remain at the disposal of sellers in the remaining premises of the building. Mobility is important here due to frequent trips with performances outside the theater and the ability to save a backup copy due to the use of the same software-MagicQ-by all the consoles supplied.
The consoles collaborate on signal distribution with a wide range of reliable NETRON series signal converters. Only 6 Obsidian EN12 units, 1 Obsidian RDM10 unit, and 4 Obsidian DMX10-5 splitters were in service with the individual scene management rackets. Local DMX / ETH conversion is supported by 20 pcs Obsidian EN4 / EP4 mobile gates. Transmission due to significant network spread and increased stability is based on the SACN protocol, parallel to the DMX protocol. The distribution system is flexible and scalable.
If it is necessary to use wireless transmission of the DMX signal, technicians have prepared stable multi-channel sets of transmitters and receivers of the CITY THEATRICAL 5900 Multiverse series, supplied in the amount of 10 pieces, and check the correctness of communication.
and manual control of the reflectors is provided by two sets of DMX – CT DMX CAT testers.
The control problem is complemented by the author's PS Theatre-SPECTRE system, which combines the control of power circuits, as well as the basic lighting of the halls. It has the ability to remotely lock the control panels at the entrances to the hall during performances and the mastermind panel. Large touch-screen monitors in the implementation booths display the status of circuits in real time and allow you to maintain confident, comfortable control over the entire power supply and main lighting system.
The GUIL tripod kits supplied by PS Theater (ALT-34, TF07, FC02R, ELC740) allow projectors to be placed at different heights from the stage floor level. In turn, for the purposes of spatial suspension, a set of modular stairs of the H-Frame type from CONTESTAGE UNO-H was allocated.
STAGE MECHANICS
A full-fledged theater cannot exist without a system of rods, bridges and hatches that allow you to m.in. quick change and transportation of scenery / actors. Such a prestigious institution as the Jeromsky Theater has also undergone modernization in order to increase the comfort of work and significantly increase the production opportunities also in the field of stage mechanics. Instead of manually controlled systems, central touch-sensitive control panels were installed, combining all the components of mechanics within a given scene and at the same time a coordinated security system. These panels allow you to precisely control the stage mechanics individually or in a group, save and play presets, move around the desired ramp, as well as indicate their current location and signal overload.
The stage mechanics system implemented in collaboration with MIKOR Engineering includes
Within the Large Stage, there are 2 audience lighting bridges, 6 stage lighting bridges (including two in the side pocket), an audience speaker bridge designed for sound immersion needs, 28 decorative rods, a main curtain rod and a portal bridge. As part of the lower mechanics, the theater has a proscenium hatch, a single-level hatch and 6 two-level hatches equipped with a bolt system (adapted for transporting goods and actors).
The first set of sunroof can also "sink "a rotating stage with a remote control with a diameter of 5 m. In addition, one of the 6 carts for transporting jewelry can” sink" on each hatch (the carts have dimensions identical to the hatch platforms-6 m x 1.5 m – and can be controlled remotely or follow independently along the unfolded magnetic tape). Large trolleys also have smaller counterparts-6 pcs. with dimensions of 2m x 1m. they can also move on battery power, controlled using a special panel. All trolleys and the slewing Hatch design also have a 360-degree rotation function.
A single sunroof, which is shaped like a mobile elevator, is also an interesting solution
with a working surface of 1m x 1m. it can be installed on the lower level of any of the two-level hatches. Then the actors can suddenly appear on the stage and just as quickly (up to 0.5 m/s) disappear from it below the floor level. The full range of big stage mechanics is complemented by permanent portal towers and auditorium balcony lighting rails.
The large stage was also equipped with a comprehensive ocotaring system, including m.in main curtain, side wings, lambrequins, paludiments and horizontal cottars.
A small stage from the point of view of mechanics has two movable lighting grids measuring 6 m x 6 m around the perimeter and a lighting bridge over the gate leading to the courtyard.
Fixed grilles and lighting rails are installed in the test rooms, as well as rails for hanging the okotar, and work in the paint shop is supported by a special movable rod with a gantry mechanism.
ELECTROACOUSTIC SYSTEMS
As in other technological industries, electroacoustic systems designed for the facility provide a comprehensive implementation of the program goals of the Jerome Theater using first-class executive equipment.
The large stage of the Jerome Theater boasts an immersive sound system that allows you to surround the viewer with three-dimensional sound to some extent and allow them to move to the very center of the reality reproduced within the performance. This system is based on the main broadband SPECTRA 212W, low-frequency Spectra 212n, a number of speakers with effects and an immersive sound processor brand KLING&FREITAG.
The actor's current location on stage can be simultaneously identified and transmitted to the immersion and lighting system via the TTA StageTracker 3D tracking system.
PS Theater, in collaboration with ABLO GROUP, has equipped the facility with a comprehensive set of electroacoustic and inspirational systems, including digital speaker consoles, listening monitors, wireless sets (including Shure AXIENT DIGITAL), microphone sets and stage accessories, recorders and iPods, as well as – distribution of audio signal (based on the DANTE protocol), wireless communication and internal communication (RTS ODIN), stage listening, broadcast system, digital clock network, "silence" banners, and a support system for the hard of hearing.
STUDIO COMPLEX
Located in the basement of the theater, the studio complex consists of a recording studio, a director's office and a social area. Topologically, it is connected to the digital audio network on the site, which allows you to simultaneously record 128 audio channels coming from the specified network. The technological equipment of the complex allows multi-track recording of audio signals, mixing and mastering of recordings, as well as listening to audio material in systems 2.0, 2.1, 5.1.
MULTIMEDIA SYSTEMS
In multimedia systems, you can select a dedicated viewer information system for each hall, which allows you to display predefined graphics, for example, with the current repertoire, a video preview system, and an image presentation system.
Zainstalowany system podglądu wideo obejmuje m. in. zespół monitorów podglądu (standard SDI oraz DVB-T) oraz szereg kamer stałopozycyjnych i PTZ. Urządzenia te zlokalizowane zostały w newralgicznych pod kątem prowadzenia spektaklu i komunikacji rejonach obiektu. Centralny punkt instalacji stanowią z kolei matryce wideo SDI (80×80 oraz 40×40), dopełniane przez różnego rodzaju konwertery sygnałowe (SDI<->HDMI, OPT<->SDI).
In modern theater, multimedia projection and dynamic mapping are often used to supplement or even completely replace the standard set. The projection has become one of the
basic means of communication. In the Large Stage space, this task was assigned to two projectors & #8211; BARCO UDM W30 4K and EPSON EB-PU2116W. An identical second EPSON projector is the basis for projecting a small stage. Each scene has a separate position for implementation with mediaserver (RESOLUME ARENA 7 + VMIX Pro software) and the Blackmagic Design Atem Television Studio 4k8 video mixer.
The elegance and prestige of the modernised headquarters can be seen at every turn & #8211; walking down Sienkiewicz Street and admiring the richly decorated facade with the four muses, waiting for the spectacle in the exclusive interiors of the lobby or moving as a spectator in the center of events thanks to the most modern technologies. After 145 years, the historic building has regained its former splendor, worthy of the vision of its creator Louis Stumpf.
The Customs summary of all investments quotes the President of Kielce, Mrs. Agata Voida & # 8211; " The apartment building on Sienkiewicz Street has become modern and of a new quality. At the same time, the theater has not lost its main thing-the extraordinary atmosphere of a place that is visited not only for entertainment, but above all for emotions and reflections.”
