Project Highlight: Darke Hall
About Darke Hall
Originally opened in 1929, Darke Hall is a 610-seat performance hall located in Regina, Saskatchewan. Its original purpose, as described by former Regina mayor Francis Darke, was " to build a temple to the arts, and a centre for cultural activity.”
Due to the age of the building, significant upgrades were required. Along with a modern HVAC system, restoration of the original plaster and accessibility improvements, Darke Hall needed a modern AV system. Evolution AV, along with architecture firm P3A, designed and built a state-of-the-art lighting, rigging, and projection system so this "Massey Hall of the West" can continue to keep the vision of Francis Darke alive and well.
The Technology
Part of this project's challenge was bringing a modern video component without disturbing the building's original architecture or acoustics. To do this, we installed a 275 inch rear projection system with a 21,000 lumen short-throw projector. Placing the projector behind the screen ensures the original ceiling remains unobstructed.
Darke Hall's control and connectivity was also overhauled. The facility has been updated with Dante audio transmitters and recievers around the building, to allow almost any signal to be routed anywhere in the building. The main hall has also been outfitted with PTZ cameras, controlled by a live production/streaming switcher in the control booth. This system has been set up for video streaming both within the building, and to the internet—and because the audio is networked, technicians can tweak the audio mix from anywhere in the venue using a connected tablet.
For audio, JBL line array speakers were installed along with chain hoists. This allows techncians to safely raise and lower the speakers for service without having to install a chain hoist every time. The stage contains networked stage boxes, which allows for greater flexibility in setting up and organizing the stage cabling. An assisted listening system was also installed, allowing Darke Hall to send audio directly from their control room to FM recievers, providing accesibility to those with hearing impairments.