The Client: London Oratory School

London Oratory School tasked Spotlight Sound with a critical theatre infrastructure upgrade to modernise their performance space and bring it up to current safety and technical standards. The upgrade was driven by the school’s desire to move towards a fully LED lighting rig while ensuring compliance with industry best practices.

Planned Upgrades

Based on a previous site visit, several rigging elements were identified as needing improvement. Over the next two weeks, Spotlight Sound will:

  • Replace three onstage lighting bars with aluminium truss bars for enhanced durability and flexibility.

  • Re-run steel wire ropes and remove old ropes from the winches suspending the bars.

  • Commission and perform LOLER testing on all new bars to ensure compliance and safety standards.

Installed Infrastructure

  • New Independent Wiring Bars (IWBs): Installed throughout the school theatre, providing both 13amp and 15amp power. Each bar was also equipped with DMX connections for flexible lighting control.

  • Stage-Side DMX & Power Distribution: DMX and 13amp power runs installed to either side of the stage, enhancing operational efficiency for lighting setups.

  • Control Rack Installation: A new rack was installed, featuring a DMX buffer and Ethernet points to centralise control and improve networked lighting reliability.

  • Dimmer Rework: Complete rewiring of two existing dimmers to ensure smooth, reliable operation.

  • Front-of-House Balcony Bar: Fixings were reworked, and the balcony bar recommissioned to allow safe and versatile rigging of lighting equipment.

Challenges & Solutions

  • Upgrading for LED Compatibility: The existing infrastructure required rewiring and new DMX points to support modern LED lighting rigs.

  • Rigging Compliance: Older rigging elements did not meet current good practice. Spotlight Sound leveraged recent LOLER training to bring these elements up to industry-standard compliance.

  • Minimising Disruption: All work was carefully scheduled to ensure minimal disruption to school activities.

Results & Impact

  • The upgraded IWBs, DMX points, and power distribution will allow London Oratory School to seamlessly integrate an LED lighting rig in the future.

  • Rigging improvements and LOLER testing ensure the theatre remains fully compliant with safety regulations, reducing risk for staff and performers.

  • The theatre now features a more flexible and robust infrastructure, capable of supporting a wide variety of productions and events.

Why Spotlight Sound?

Spotlight Sound’s combination of technical expertise, attention to compliance, and proactive planning ensures that every venue upgrade is future-proofed, safe, and reliable. By addressing both immediate technical needs and long-term compliance, Spotlight Sound empowers venues like London Oratory School to deliver outstanding performances safely and efficiently.

Do you need support for your school upgrade?

Contact us today via the form below or give us a call on 01245 206206