Autograph Sales & Installations has recently supplied a DiGiCo SDT9 for LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) as part of an extensive sound reinforcement system for its brand new £28.2m facility.
The 220 UK and overseas students who take part in LAMDA’s seven validated degree courses (which include acting, direction, production and technical arts) will now benefit from a transformative 5,500 sq metre redevelopment which includes the 200-seat Sainsbury Theatre, the 120-seat Carne Studio Theatre, the Manny & Brigitta Davidson Foyer, the Sackler Library, a screen and audio suite, ten training/rehearsal studios and full technical and wardrobe facilities.
Autograph has a long history with LAMDA, not only working with them on their own technical facilities but providing in-house training for LAMDA students at Autograph’s London headquarters. They recommended the Academy purchase the SD9 because of this and because of DiGiCo’s predominant use in West End theatre productions.
“We welcome LAMDA students to Autograph each year to give them an insight into the world of digital mixing,” says Autograph’s Peppe Mallozzi. “Because Autograph almost exclusively uses DiGiCo and the consoles have become the standard for West End theatre, it’s very helpful for the students to know how to use them. “I take them through the theatre specific ‘T’ software aspect of the consoles and the benefits of the many unique-to-DiGiCo features, such as Players & Aliases, the complexity of the ‘recall/Auto update’ shown on pre-existing cues and, if time permits, a little basic programming, again stressing the important aspects of knowing the show inside-out, cue by cue.”
“We are delighted to be training our students on the new DiGiCo SD9T,” says LAMDA’s Head of Technical Training, Rob Young. “These young people will go on to shape the future of the dramatic arts and through LAMDA’s partnerships with companies like Autograph we can ensure they have the very best preparation for successful and sustained careers in the industry.”
