Listen Technologies Corporation, a leading provider of advanced wireless listening solutions, has announced that The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts in Orange, Texas, has installed Listen EVERYWHERE and ListenRF assistive listening systems in its 1,500-seat theatre. The systems help patrons, actors, and crew hear clearly so they can fully engage in the theater experience. Patron responses to the systems have been very positive.
Lutcher Theater decided to upgrade its 30-year-old infrared assistive listening system because patrons were increasingly experiencing interference from LED screens in the theatre. Full Compass, a Madison, Wisc.-based national leader in supplying pro audio, video, and lighting equipment, recommended Listen Technologies’ Wi-Fi and radio frequency (RF) assistive listening systems to serve Lutcher Theater patrons and give them a choice for the best individual experience.
On average, Lutcher Theater checks out 15 to 20 assistive listening devices for each performance. However, on some performance nights, there have been as many as 50 to 60 requests for assistive listening devices. Lutcher Theater Technical Director David Boehme selected ListenRF 5200 iDSP receivers to provide the best experience for patrons who prefer to use a traditional assistive listening device. Boehme can hear the normalisation of the volume in these high-end receivers and appreciates how that elevates a user’s experience.
“I can confidently hand out the ListenRF receivers at the beginning of a performance and know that they’ll work without interference and with the best quality audio,” said Boehme. “Plus, our patrons are delighted with the improved sound quality. One couple was visibly excited and repeatedly said these devices sound so much better than the old system.
“So far, with the ListenRF system, we really appreciate the straightforward arrangement of the charging cradles, especially the extra slot for an ID. Also, not needing to remove batteries for charging is awesome. Most amazing is the feature of the devices starting up on their own when removed from the charger. No power-on button pushing needed, so cool.”
The Listen EVERYWHERE system is also being used in the theatre’s quick change wardrobe area. Lutcher Theater plugged a portable speaker into an iPad streaming the performance audio via the Listen EVERYWHERE app so actors can hear the show offstage and know where they need to be. If the smart device is connected to the network, the audio from the performance is available throughout the entire theatre so guests who step outside the theatre into the lobby or adjacent areas can hear the performance audio.
“Lutcher Theater has a long history of hosting the best in world-class entertainment and delighting patrons with outstanding performances,” said Sam Nord, vice president of global sales at Listen Technologies. “Inclusion and accessibility are hallmarks of the Lutcher Theater experience and we’re honoured they have selected Listen Technologies’ solutions to provide superior audio experiences and offer patrons a choice of assistive listening options to suit their needs and preferences best.”
