Q1 Collaborates With AEG To Develop Revolutionary Rigging System For NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE

While rigging may not be the first thing that comes to mind when viewing a magnificent new concert venue, it was one of the most vital elements in the design of the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE.

A hybrid of a luxuriously comfortable soft-seat concert hall and a 7100-seat arena, the NOKIA required state-of-the-art technical innovation to bridge the gap between the two types of venues and deliver the best of both worlds.

For concert events in a venue of this size it was imperative to be able to place lighting far over the audience area as can be done at an arena show, however the sloped floor under the raked seating of the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE didn't give crews the flat arena floor surface on which to assemble the lighting rig and then raise it up into position as is traditionally done.

AEG's Paul Flanagan conceptualized a rolling rigging system - a movable "gantry crane" style catwalk lighting truss - and called on Chris Nash, Eric Sambell and Larry Darling of the Q1 Production Technologies Projects Division to fully develop the concept and have it built and installed. Flanagan had previously worked with Q1 on other AEG venues including the NOKIA Theatre Times Square and the WAMU Theatre in Seattle. The very complex design process for the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE rigging system began in 2005 as the steel support structure had to be incorporated into the building's final roof design.

The system, built in collaboration with Germany's Chainmaster, Total Structures from Ventura California and Quebec-based Show Distribution, consists of 3 steel I-beams that run the length of the venue on which 6 custom catwalk trusses can travel or 'fly' out over the audience area and then back down to the stage floor for loading and unloading. The venue also has a comprehensive ribbon grid that features 35 custom motor transport dollies, each with a 1 or 1/2-ton Chainmaster motor.

"From a technical standpoint, this is probably the most unique venue anywhere in the world today - the rigging challenge was both enormous and very exciting" said Q1 President Brian Konechny, adding that he is incredibly proud of both his team and his client for the outstanding result.

Q1 Production Technologies was founded in 2001 and is home to a team of industry professionals who have collectively played integral roles in many of North America's most prestigious and innovative productions spanning the past two decades. The company specializes in concert touring, theater, corporate and special events and technical integration and installation.

In addition to the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE rigging system, Q1 supplied the theatre's stage draperies, indoor and outdoor LED architectural lighting and a house lighting system based on a design by Visual Terrain. The theatre - part of a major entertainment complex being built adjacent to AEG's Staples Center - opened October 18th with performances by the Eagles and the Dixie Chicks.

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