Meyer Sound News : Seattle Repertory Theater

Seattle Repertory Theater

Technical renovations of the Bagley Wright Theater before the 1999-2000 season included replacement of the theater's original system with a more powerful and far more flexible self-powered system from Meyer Sound. The only remaining loudspeakers from the old design are some under-balcony, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and two custom cabinets used sparingly for effects playback.

Founded in 1963, Seattle Repertory Theater has achieved international renown for its consistently high production and artistic standards, and the company was awarded the 1990 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater. Seattle Rep produces a season of nine plays on its two main stages, and also sponsors educational plays and a new plays workshop series. Built in the early 1980's for around $12 million, the Seattle Rep building houses the Bagley Wright (800 seats) and Leo K. (300 seats) stages as well as a smaller workshop stage, offices, rehearsal spaces and complete technical facilities.

Bill Droege, resident sound engineer for Seattle Rep, made the following comments after the first full season with the new Meyer system.

"We just finished a Gilbert and Sullivan show this summer, The Yeoman of the Guard, and it sounded great. Everything was absolutely transparent. Everything was fully miked, including orchestra and chorus, and everybody was very pleased with the results."

"We considered several other loudspeakers, but we really wanted to move in the direction of self-powered systems. We brought in some Meyer cabinets for comparisons, and every box we auditioned sounded right. We did A-B comparisons with the old loudspeakers. Granted, that was apples and oranges, but for articulation and clarity, especially in soft passages, the Meyer Self-Powered Systems won hands down."

"In the sound booth we have the HM-1 monitors, and they are fabulous. We audition a lot of music for directors in the sound booth rather than in the auditorium, so accuracy and translation into the room is very important. We did an A-B comparison with the [other make] powered monitors and the HM-1s just blew them away. They are really a pleasure to work with."