Spotlight Theatre, Bridlington has installed the Optoma ProScene EH7700 to show live broadcasts from the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.
To be eligible to broadcast these performances, theatres and cinemas must have a projector with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, capable of displaying a 50i image format with no less than 7,000 lumens brightness. They must also have satellite equipment capable of outputting this format, including digital 5.1 and stereo sound.
Converted from an old print works and founded in 2000, Spotlight Theatre is home to the Bridlington Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, and also hosts professional touring shows all year round. It offers a varied programme of events including music gigs, dramas, full-blown musicals and its popular annual panto – and theatre management were keen to add live streamed performances to this programme.
After researching options, Spotlight chose the Optoma ProScene EH7700 with a short throw lens. It boasts a brightness of 7,000 ANSI lumens, incorporates DLP and BrilliantColor technology. It features a dust-sealed, filter-free design.
The theatre installed the AV equipment needed to stream the live performances as part of a wider refurbishment, which included comfy new seats and a 4m wide electric screen.
The step-up in performance from the EH7700 made an immediate impact. Mike Sheldon, chairman of Spotlight Theatre, said: “Being a smaller venue, visitors sit close to the stage/screen. This makes the improved resolution really obvious. The picture quality is spot-on. It just looks stunning.”
He added: “Having the retractable screen is really useful. It allows us the flexibility to use the whole stage for theatrical performances while having the screen down for the live streamed performances.
“We are also using the projector now more within the theatre productions themselves and as an advertising vehicle for upcoming performances while the audience is waiting for a show to begin. It is a fantastic piece of kit and has made a real difference to us.
“Many of the performances, particularly the NT Live, are sold out and our audiences are growing.”
