WIRED FOR SOUND – THE FORUM PARTNERS WITH REA SOUND FOR NEW UPGRADED SYSTEM
The Millennium Forum has partnered with Cookstown headquartered supplier of audio-visual solutions, Rea Sound, for its recent major upgrade of the theatre’s audio system, enhancing the experience for audiences, performers and production teams whilst helping future-proof one of the country’s most important arts and entertainment venues.
The project marks a milestone in the Millennium Forum's ongoing investment programme as it approaches its 25th anniversary next month. Welcoming more than 320,000 visitors each year, the Forum has been modernising its facilities and technical infrastructure to ensure it can continue attracting world-class productions, conferences and live events for decades to come.
A key objective of the project was to create a consistently high-quality listening experience throughout the main auditorium regardless of seat location whilst also delivering the flexibility required to support a broad programme of events from West End productions and touring musicals to comedy, conferences, concerts, panto/in-house productions and graduations.
Chloe Harkin, Technical Manager at the Millennium Forum, commented:
“As the premier arts venue in the north west of Ireland, it was vital that we continue investing in our infrastructure so we can continue to bring world-class entertainment to the region. Whilst much of our technical infrastructure has served us exceptionally well since the Forum opened in 2001, thanks to the dedication of generations of technical staff, it was important as we approach our 25th anniversary to invest in the next generation of equipment that will support the venue for many years to come.”
She added:
"The new Martin Audio system designed and installed by Rea Sound will completely transform the Millennium Forum experience. For our audiences, it will ensure that no matter what seat you’re in, you won’t miss a single syllable of what’s happening on stage. For artists and technical teams, our space will be more accessible and equipped to cater to all scales of production on a level we haven’t been able to deliver before. From theatre and musicals to conferences, rock concerts and community events, this new system will deliver a fully-immersive, accessible, and memorable experience for production staff and audiences alike.”
Although Rea Sound were appointed following a competitive recruitment process, the project builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organisations, with Rea Sound having supported the Millennium Forum's technical operations for more than 25 years.
Roger McMullan, Director at Rea Sound said:
“Building relationships is the foundation of Rea Sound, we are a family owned and run business and over the 55 years Sean Gallagher has been instrumental in promoting that ethos. Working with the Millennium Forum for the past 25 years has allowed us to be there to support them and bring this new state of the art audio solution to the venue.
This newly commissioned Martin Audio system will deliver greater performance, flexibility and long-term value for the Millennium Forum, which was important in a climate where arts funding is being stretched more than ever.”
Designed and delivered by Rea Sound, the Martin Audio solution is tailored to meet the Millennium Forum’s diverse programme and operational requirements. Audience experience was central to the brief, with the Forum seeking a solution that would deliver exceptional clarity and consistency throughout the auditorium. The expanded technical capabilities enabled by this installation will allow more productions to be fully supported using in-house infrastructure, reducing input required from external suppliers while creating new opportunities for visiting performers, producers and event organisers.
Installation took place in June following several months of consultation, system design and procurement, with post-installation commissioning and training now complete. The Rea Sound installation team, under the leadership of Mark Gallagher, provided another world beating professional result, supported by Gerard Wilkinson who provided the training, programmed and commissioned the system.
ENDS