Having relied on Clear-Com for its communications for many years, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre recently upgraded to incorporate the Arcadia Central Station, FreeSpeak II digital wireless intercom and HelixNet Digital Network Partyline System.

Located in downtown Berkeley, California, the venue’s two performance spaces – the 599-seat Roda Theatre and 399-seat Peet’s Theatre – are both now equipped with Clear-Com’s latest digital communications technology. Berkely Rep demands a high level of flexibility as its annual season includes a wide range of productions, spanning classic plays to world premieres and contemporary works. The new system is overseen by Sound & Video Supervisor Lane Elms and Senior Sound Engineer Angela Don.

The installation brings together an Arcadia Base Station, FreeSpeak beltpacks, FreeSpeak Antenna Distribution units, and FreeSpeak Antennas, as well as multiple HelixNet Stations, HelixNet Remote Stations, HelixNet Belt Packs, and Powerlines. Arcadia serves as the central hub for the theatre, integrating FreeSpeak II and HelixNet channels into a single system – which is crucial for managing productions that involve both theatres, enabling real-time communication between crew members across Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s stages.

‘Clear-Com’s reliability and top-tier performance have supported our productions for decades,’ says Berkeley Repertory Theatre Sound & Video Supervisor, Lane Elms. ‘Clear-Com is essential to our live operations, from new works to full-scale pre-Broadway musicals. Our recent upgrade to a digital system has enhanced this even more, allowing us to seamlessly interface with our backstage page, lobby paging system, and archival recording systems.

‘Beyond Clear-Com’s technology, we’re fortunate to have such a good relationship with the team. From the beginning, Clear-Com has checked in regularly – a practice that Regional Sales Manager Jay Wallace continues today. It’s reassuring to know Clear-Com is just a phone call away, and we’re proud to consider them part of our Berkeley Repertory Theatre family.’

Clear-Com Arcadia system unifies the FreeSpeak II and HelixNet systems, allowing shared channels and expanding the team’s ability to coordinate complex productions across both stages. This integrated approach allows for greater flexibility, from monitoring multiple channels to creating customised workflows that enhance efficiency. Real-time communication is an essential part of the theatre’s behind-the-scenes operations, offering consistent reliability, clarity, and ease of use that is critical to delivering high-caliber productions.

‘Clear-Com’s solutions are more than just equipment – they’re an integral part of our theatre,’ says Angela Don. ‘It’s great to know we have such dedicated support, from technology that meets our evolving needs to a team that’s always there for us.’

More: www.clearcom.com