GDS BluesSystem in the Dallas City Performance Hall

	GDS BluesSystem a zoned, DMX-controlled, working light system installed in the Dallas Performance Hall.

The first phase of Dallas City Performance Hall opened in September 2012. It includes a 750-seat multi-purpose proscenium theatre, public lobby, and support space. The facility, located in the Dallas Arts District, presents a broad range of cultural performances and events by a growing group of small and midsize cultural organizations. These represent all artistic disciplines and the diverse heritages of the Dallas, Texas community. Designed by leading architecture and engineering firm, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, with Corgan Associates, the venue has been described as a "lyrical and elegant" addition to the Dallas Arts District, promising to be a "unique and delightful village for the arts" for Dallas audiences.

GDS was asked by Texas Scenic Company (TSC) to supply a zoned, DMX-controlled, working light system for this development. Fundamental to the requirement was to allow technicians access to technical areas under dark performance conditions without drawing audience attention. The system is to be used across the stage galleries, auditorium catwalks, and followspot booth.

Working in conjunction with Schuler Shook theatre planners, TSC installed GDS' award winning BluesSystem. Fundamental to its selection was BluesSystem's ease of installation, mounting directly to electrical conduit, its low power demands and compact size, DMX control, and zoning capabilities. A testament to its quality, the company notes that it was initially found to be too bright in the catwalk areas, casting light onto adjacent surfaces. The issue was resolved by reducing the maximum intensity through the control system and creating custom beam shaping on the fixtures using BluesSystem "cowls" and "eyelids" for optimum working levels. In all, some 64 BluesSystem components were employed in the installation.

Kimberly Corbett, ASTC, theatre consultant with Schuler Shook succinctly observed that the system "packed a lot of punch," another example in a state-of-the art theatre where BluesSystem lights the way.

As GDS celebrates its ninth year, the UK manufacturer has become a truly global company, having established an international sales and distribution network in over 40 countries. GDS is distributed in the US by A.C.T Lighting.

See GDS at PLASA Focus: Orlando, May 15-16.