Recapping USITT 2017: Over-Arching Success

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usitt 2017What did you miss by not attending USITT 2017 last week in St. Louis, home of the Gateway Arch? A lot! It was a fun, high-energy show, where Wenger and J.R. Clancy welcomed a large number of visitors, including architects, consultants and college students who represent the industry’s future. Our new booth graphics highlighted our “Creativity of Engineering” branding campaign and full range of capabilities. Here’s some of what visitors experienced:

FrontLoader™ Debuts

This new J.R. Clancy front-loading arbor was very well-received for its unique design features, including individually closing gates over each compartment. Technical directors, theatre riggers and anyone else involved in rigging realized the many benefits. Now when loading weights, it’s no longer necessary to lean over in an uncomfortable or unsafe way. There’s no need to position yourself outside of the safety of the locking rail and reach into the arbor pit area.

And when the loading gallery is not convenient to the bottom of your arbor, the FrontLoader allows you the flexibility to load into any of the drawers at any time. Weights can be loaded at a more reasonable place, especially if your loading gallery is too high or too low. Several FrontLoader models will be available starting this summer, with weight capacities ranging from 1,000 to 2,250 pounds.

PowerAssist® Hoist Attracts

This brief video shows our eye-catching display that attracted attention on the USITT show floor. In the video, a PowerAssist hoist moves a small arbor. With a PowerAssist hoist, a counterweight set can be converted into a motorized set, whether in existing facilities, new construction or renovation projects. Capacities up to 2,000 lbs. are possible without ever re-weighting the arbor.

Controller Demo Wows

Booth visitors could try their hand at computerized rigging controllers. A 3-D visualization/demo featuring a J.R. Clancy SceneControl® 5300 controller and design software enabled users to “see” what they were moving onstage in real time. J.R. Clancy offers SceneControl consoles for performance spaces of every size, from the most complex performing arts center, sporting complex or Broadway show to the high school, church and college stage.

Broad Scope Impresses

At USITT, Wenger and J.R. Clancy showcased how we are fully supporting the performing arts industry with a broad assortment of innovative products – everything from standard to custom capabilities. We enjoyed discussions with architects and consultants about future, yet-to-be-announced projects they had in the works, including for large custom acoustical shells and complex rigging projects.

Our Active Acoustics technology attracted attention at USITT, along with fixed audience seating and staging solutions. Adding acoustical banners, overhead clouds, pit fillers and the other equipment we can provide creates a unique breadth of products and support that no one else in the industry offers.

By bundling products together, we can provide general contractors with the convenience of one supplier instead of a dozen different ones. Consultants see the value of being able to combine products together in one section or division of a specification, and they appreciate our expert product knowledge. For your own project, Wenger and J.R. Clancy are happy to work with you in helping bring everything to life.

 

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