To keep pace with evolving technology and its demanding schedule, the Tarkington in Carmel, Indiana, has upgraded its lighting system with solutions from ETC and High End Systems.
From Broadway-style theatre productions and resident dance companies to touring shows, rentals and special events, the venue is one of the most heavily used spaces on the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts campus.
Aiming to maximize flexibility, reliability and creativity, Allied Solutions Center worked with Indianapolis Stage Sales and Rentals to select and integrate Halcyon Gold moving fixtures, along with ColorSource Spot V and Source Four LED Series 3 luminaires. The upgrade also included the addition of a new Eos Apex 10 console.
Prior to the upgrade, the Tarkington’s lighting system had become difficult to operate and maintain. Visiting designers struggled with unconventional patching workflows from the outdated moving fixtures. Much of the lighting design relied on incandescent technology, lacking the efficiency of today’s LED solutions.
With the goal of transitioning the Tarkington to a modern LED-based system, Allied Solutions Center initially planned a traditional mix of profiles, washes and specialty fixtures. However, Josh Hasty, Technical Director of the Tarkington, realized that a shift in approach could further benefit the space. By leveraging a highly versatile moving fixture, they could achieve greater flexibility in the design.
That single-fixture approach made a lot of sense. Each unit can be whatever is needed: a wash, a profile, a side light. Anyone can come in and adapt the plot to their own needs, says Hasty.
After evaluating Halcyon’s performance during a visit to another theatre, as well as through comparisons with other options, the team selected Halcyon Gold for its brightness, color quality and consistency. Its output is strong enough to stand out in complex looks, while maintaining refined color control suitable for dance and theatre.
The venue now features a total of 88 Halcyon Gold fixtures, evenly distributed across the rig. Designers from all types of productions can quickly adapt without being limited by fixture type or placement. In addition to the new LED fixtures, both the Tarkington and the Payne & Mencias Palladium venues were upgraded with Eos Apex 10 consoles, replacing older Eos Classic desks. Having consistent ETC equipment across the venues provides a key advantage: operational peace of mind. In the event of a failure, consoles or fixtures can be moved between buildings to ensure continuity of performances. “That level of consistency is huge for us”, notes Jeff Steeg, Chief Operating Officer of the Allied Solutions Center.
ETC has always had a great reputation for customer support, which is another reason we chose so much ETC and High End Systems equipment for the theatre, adds Hasty.
While upgrades are still ongoing, the response to what has already been installed has been very positive. Visiting lighting designers recognize the equipment and can get to work without lengthy explanations or workarounds.
“I’d say the buzzword since installation has been ‘crisp’. Every time someone sees the new lighting, they comment on how clean and defined it looks”, says Hasty.
Fast-paced musicals, high-impact dance pieces and concerts with complex looks are already benefiting from the system. “It’s raised their game. And ours as well”, concludes Hasty.
With the new ETC-powered lighting system, the Tarkington is well positioned to support artists, designers and audiences for many years to come.
We appreciate that the City and the Carmel Redevelopment Commission understand how important the Allied Solutions Center is to the community, and that to continue delivering world-class programming, we must keep investing in technology, concludes Steeg.
