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shares White. “If something does go wrong, we can solve it very quickly.” Sheeran’s team has been using Clear-Com for some time, though it didn’t adopt FreeSpeak II until 2018’s ÷ (Divide) Tour . FreeSpeak II replaced an analogue system halfway through the circuit, with the crew touting its ultra-low latency, clear sound and durability. “Clear-Com’s systems are robust,” declares Wells. “It turns on and works seamlessly every day, allowing all the various crews to collaborate with ease.” ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE Inspired by England’s most influential dramatist, Shakespeare’s Globe is a performing arts venue perched on London’s River Thames. First built in 1599, today’s playhouse is a modern reconstruction of the centuries-old Elizabethan theatre. Plus, situated just next door and celebrating its tenth anniversary, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is the city’s only candlelit theatre. Riedel Communications has supplied its Bolero intercom system to both theatres, allowing the show to go on with minimal disruption. As with live music, live theatre requires collaboration between several different departments in real time, from the AV booth to backstage, or the green room to front of house. The Bolero system addresses these communication challenges, making for more effective stage management during rehearsals and performances. “This system has proven to be an essential tool for our stage management teams,” begins Charli Hurford, senior technician at Shakespeare’s Globe, “enabling us to provide unparalleled support and deliver outstanding performances.” The Bolero system has streamlined operations at Shakespeare’s Globe in a number of ways. First, by expanding the range between beltpacks, Riedel is reducing the Globe’s reliance on antennae. Theatre teams can now troubleshoot in real time, ensuring shows stay on schedule. The updated intercom system is also financially beneficial, as it eliminates the need to have extra staff on standby. Perhaps most importantly, it promotes a failsafe performance, allowing crew members to synchronise cues, never missing a mark. The Globe and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse each enjoy a consistent line-up of classic productions – by Shakespeare or not – such as Othello , Hansel and Gretel and The Duchess of Malfi . Last year’s calendar included The Winter’s Tale , a performance which spanned both Shakespeare’s Globe and the Playhouse. Thus the Bolero system was crucial in providing connectivity between the two venues. While not necessarily falling under the live AV umbrella, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre also offers a digital viewing library called Globe Player, allowing audiences to stream pre-filmed productions at their leisure. Riedel’s intercom system additionally has a role in recording these live events, which are
With the vagaries of live events, Clear-Com technology is an effective way of keeping communication lines open
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