The Burgtheater – the Austrian Federal Theater in Vienna – has implemented a comprehensive communications solution using Riedel Communications’ Artist and Bolero intercom systems.
As an extension of an existing Artist-64-based intercom and radio network, an Artist-1024 node and a Bolero wireless system with 85 beltpacks and 36 antennae have been gradually integrated into the historic venue since the summer of 2021. With the completion of the integration, Bolero has successfully replaced the entire radio technology system in the Burgtheater.
The theatre is considered one of the most important stages in Europe as it is the second oldest playhouse and the largest German language theatre. The auditorium seats approximately 1,340, making it one of the largest among Europe’s playhouses.
‘The technical requirements for communication have changed dramatically in the theatre world,’ says Burgtheater Wien Technical Director, Ernst Meissl. ‘In a theatre of our size, the increasing complexity of the processes behind the scenes can barely be handled by conventional radio technology. The increasingly narrow frequency spectrum was another unbeatable argument for Riedel’s license-free DECT system, Bolero. After initial discussions, a trusting partnership at eye level quickly developed between us and the Riedel team, and the close support during and after the installation really left nothing to be desired.’
‘The imposing and majestic historic building is an extremely difficult environment for the installation of a wireless system, but we were able to cover the entire building in unrestricted density with 36 antennae – including the workshops, lounges, the canteen, and the studio stage,’ says Riedel Communications System Consultant, Christoph Graf. ‘The Burgtheater teams also gave us terrific support in this endeavour.’
From stage technology, lighting, and metalwork to sound, stage management, and operations technology, as well as the fire department and audience service, more than 20 departments at the Burgtheater now use the Bolero system in their daily operations. They all benefit from flexible, clear, and reliable multichannel communications and new, optimised workflows. With its standalone license, Bolero also offers the technical teams enormous flexibility and advantages for guest performances decoupled from the house.
‘For large guest performances, we end up with a system size of almost 50 beltpacks, as with our legendary Maria Stuart at the Kampnagel venue in Hamburg. Thanks to the ability to call up pre-programmed system configurations in seconds, we don’t have to adapt the system to our on-site needs from scratch every time – which saves a lot of valuable time,’ Meissl says.
‘The partnership with Riedel and the very close cooperation with Christoph was and is of great value for the entire Burgtheater, especially since the Riedel team can also access our system remotely to support us immediately in case of problems or adjust configurations. We feel we are in good hands all around and absolutely safe.’
More: www.riedel.net
