Case Study

Epsom Playhouse Lighting Upgrade

STLS was commissioned by Epsom & Ewell Borough Council along with The Epsom Playhouse, a much loved theatre in Surrey, to modernise its house lighting system, upgrade the existing dimmer room, and install new lighting fixtures across the auditorium. The project aimed to improve lighting quality, be more energy efficient, and create a cleaner, more integrated control environment that would serve the venue for years to come.

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The brief;

The scope of work included the design, supply, installation, programming, and testing of a complete new lighting and control system. The goal was to deliver a modern, flexible, and efficient setup that met the demands of both day to day operations and high profile live performances, all while respecting the character and functionality of the venue.

The installation came with several logistical challenges. The venue is only closed for maintenance during August, creating a tight window for completion. The raked design of the auditorium required scaffolding to be installed across the seating area to reach ceiling fixtures and cabling points. Despite these constraints, STLS used their in depth knowledge of the venue and meticulous planning to deliver the project on time and to specification.

Final Touches

STLS installed a comprehensive range of ETC and ArcSystem technologies to achieve the desired results.

Dimming and Power: ETC Sensor3s and ColorSource ThruPower Cabinets formed the backbone of the new dimmer infrastructure.
House Lighting: A full ArcSystem setup was introduced, consisting of ArcSystem Navis and ArcSystem Pro Two-Cells, supported by an Echo control system and wall station to provide flexible and intuitive operation.
Stage Lighting Upgrades: The auditorium lighting was enhanced with ColorSource PARs, ColorSource Spot Vs, ColorSource Fresnel Vs, and ColorSource Cycs, providing excellent coverage, consistency, and colour control.

Design

STLS worked closely with the venue team, 3LR, and ETC to develop a lighting plan that worked perfectly within the space. This partnership approach ensured that every detail, from the physical layout to system programming, was carefully designed to meet the venue’s technical and aesthetic requirements.

Results

The completed installation has transformed the lighting experience within the Epsom Playhouse. The new system offers:

Improved lighting quality and coverage across the auditorium
Centralised Dimmer Room and simplified house lighting control via ETC’s Echo system
A decluttered and space-saving dimmer room
Significant energy efficiency gains through modern LED and control technology

The client expressed their delight with the finished result, describing themselves as “over the moon” with the outcome.

This project demonstrates STLS’s ability to deliver comprehensive, technically advanced, and beautifully executed lighting solutions for performance venues. Through close collaboration, careful planning, and expert installation, STLS helped the Epsom Playhouse achieve a modern, energy-efficient lighting system that enhances both the operational workflow and the overall visitor experience.