Teatro Carani
Technological infrastructure, multimedia and stagecraft systems
Projects /
Sassuolo, Italy – 2024
After a long period of closure, the Teatro Carani, inaugurated in 1930 as a symbol of architectural and cultural innovation, has been given a new lease of life thanks to a major technological and functional redevelopment project. Decima oversaw the design and implementation of the entire multimedia system, the new stagecraft and an advanced technological infrastructure.
The aim was to return a historic space to the city that could be adapted for multiple uses, from theatre to cinema, concerts to corporate events, thanks to cutting-edge technical solutions that are both versatile and harmoniously integrated into the original architecture.
Main characteristics
Sound diffusion system based on three different configurations, to adapt to different types of events:
- Main system: fixed in the hall and suitable for prose, conferences and shows, it guarantees high-performance, high-quality audio diffusion, reducing dispersion outside the listening area.
- Dolby Surround 3.1 system: connected to the DCI media server, it is positioned behind the cinema screen and is optimised for cinema use.
- Line Array System: a mobile, high-power system used for rock concerts and DJ sets, consisting of clusters capable of delivering powerful, long-range sound, managed by means of the Dante protocol, the de-facto standard for digital audio management.
A dual system is provided: a fixed cinema projection in DCI standard with 2K resolution located at the back of the hall, and a second one in full HD for conferences and theatrical events, which can be moved as required.
For video recording, which is necessary for both conferences and streaming events, several ultra-low latency connection points have been set up, connected to a video matrix.
Advanced infrastructure covering the stage, catwalks, grid, proscenium, proscenium boxes, dressing rooms and stalls. It is a copper and optical fibre-based network, managed using the main digital multimedia signal transmission and management protocols (Dante, sACN, RDM and QLAN, etc.) for the distribution of audio, video, control and lighting.
The heart of the system is located in the central racks of the mezzanine, which accommodate patch panels and active equipment.
From here, the infrastructure connects to SCBs (Sound & Communication Boxes) and PLBs (Production Lighting Boxes), providing end users with an intuitive interface and flexible signal management.
To minimise video transmission latency, which is crucial for theatre productions, a 12G-SDI broadcast infrastructure has been implemented to ensure perfect synchronisation between the orchestra, actors, stage manager and technicians.
New stagecraft system, updated both to improve efficiency and safety and to achieve greater versatility also thanks to the new grid. The package also includes travelling flybars, catwalks, manual fly lines, backdrops and screens.
The upper stage machinery design has been conceived to offer maximum flexibility.
Each fly line can be adapted for both lighting and scene lifting, depending on the requirements of the show, thanks to its connection to the Production Lighting Boxes (PLB) on the galleries.
With this project, we have helped restore not only the original function of the Carani Theatre, but also given it a new technical and functional, rendering it a space ready to respond to the demands of the contemporary stage.