- Special Guest Jason Crystal from Acclaimed Production Hamilton Gives Attendees a Hands-on Experience with the Latest Systems -
Clear-Com® in recognizing the growing need for reliable high-quality communications in live productions hosted two workshops on intercom system design and new technologies for theater professionals. The one-day events were held in early December at theatrical venues in Singapore and Melbourne; two markets where wireless systems are evolving quickly, and Clear-Com products power a range of commercial applications.
Special guest presenter at each workshop was Jason Crystal, Associate Sound Designer for acclaimed Broadway productions such as Hamilton and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Crystal provided a real-world perspective based on his experience and led a hands-on demonstration for the audience. All productions of Hamilton -- touring, Broadway and West End – utilize a combination of Clear-Com’s FreeSpeak II® Wireless Intercom System, HelixNet® All-Digital Networked Partyline Intercom System, Encore® Partyline, and LQ® Series of Audio-over-IP (AoIP) interfaces for production team communications.
“It’s easy for me to speak about these technologies since I know first-hand how critical they are in making sure a production like Hamilton seamlessly comes to life, night after night,” Crystal said. “Talking to my professional colleagues, especially to new users in other countries, and sharing my experiences to help them learn new approaches is always a treat. Judging from their engaging questions during the sessions and our intriguing post-show conversations, they were enjoying the discussion as much as I was.”
At each session, Simon Browne, Vice President of Product Management for Clear-Com, delivered an update of planned products for 2020 including the new FreeSpeak Edge™, GPIO and Audio over IP Interfaces, waterproof beltpacks and the company’s ongoing adoption of AoIP standards.
Browne noted Clear-Com’s IP-based technologies are well-suited to the demands of today’s theatrical environments, as shows incorporate more elaborate productions and crews require greater communications capabilities. Vinnie Macri, Outreach Manager for Clear-Com, was also in attendance and presented product-based information.
“Sessions like these give our customers the information and knowledge they need to do their jobs efficiently and creatively,” Browne said. “They also give us an invaluable opportunity to meet with end users worldwide in different markets, get their direct feedback and make sure our new products in development will continue to address their challenges and changing production requirements.”
The Melbourne event was co-hosted with Jands, Clear-Com’s distribution Partner in Australia, who were thrilled with the opportunity to bring Clear-Com’s knowledge and Crystal’s real-world experience to their market. “Clear-Com’s visit to our shores has proved invaluable for the local theatre communications market. The workshop provided a unique opportunity to learn from Jason and Simon’s combined wealth of knowledge, interact with Clear-Com’s next-generation products and have their questions answered in real-time,” commented Jands General Manager Geoff Smith.
In Singapore the workshop was held at the Wild Rice Theatre, an innovative new venue which is home to one of Singapore’s leading theatre companies, and which features Clear-Com systems.