Robe lighting recently staged an Open House event in partnership with The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at Trinity College Dublin.
The Open House platform proved ideal for showcasing some of the manufacturer’s latest products and technologies – including Robe PAINTE, iFORTE and LEDBeam 350 moving lights, the T11 static luminaire range, the T11 Profile manual follow spot and the popular RoboSpot system – to lighting professionals and students from Lir’s Stage Management and Technical Theatre course.
Visitors travelled from all across Ireland – northern and southern – a lively mix of lighting designers, rental companies, venue managers and others from educational and commercial worlds, reflecting the general current industry buzz and interest in live music and entertainment in Ireland. A set-up day further facilitated an opportunity for students from other local schools to look more closely into the world of entertainment lighting and train on some of the kit.
RoboSpot remote follow system was highlighted again this year, together with the many advantages it brings to theatre / performance installations including quietness, accessibility and adaptability in terms of which fixtures can be used, when and where. This attracted a lot of interest as people could see the benefits of the system first hand. It also proved a great opportunity to showcase the first production unit of Robe’s Manual Follow Spot (MFS) which attracted some keen interest.
Robe’s relationship with Lir now spans seven years. “It’s important for our students to learn some of the best kit, and equipment they are likely to encounter when working professionals,” explained Eve D’Alton, Head of Lighting at The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at Trinity College Dublin.
With business currently expanding in Ireland, now is seen as the right time to develop the strong ties with the UK’s closest European neighbour. Robe UK Sales Director, Ian W Brown was a key presenter at the Open House along with Gavin Mooney, Robe Ireland’s new Sales and Business Development Representative.
“Robe is a leading manufacturer in moving light technology. Our products are very sustainable, well known for their robustness and longevity and uniquely they are wholly made in Europe at our factory in the Czech Republic which makes quality control much easier,” Mooney said. “I’m looking forward to working with such an amazing team and with many people around Ireland in this exciting new venture.”
Will Blackie, who also recently joined Robe UK in a Technical Sales Support capacity, was heavily involved in the Open House delivering onsite training and product demonstrations, and will also provide pivotal technical support to the sales team at large.
Theresa Gibson, Head of Marketing at Robe UK, concluded: “We are delighted to continue to strengthen our long-standing partnership with the Lir Dublin and build on the success of our Open House events. The opportunity to spend time with students on the Stage Management and Technical Theatre course was hugely beneficial as it gave them the chance to get hands-on with the new kit and up to speed with some of Robe’s latest products and innovations. Returning so soon into the New Year and using the event as a platform to welcome Gavin Mooney to the team as the new face of Robe Ireland – and key contact on the ground – is a hugely exciting flying start to 2023, underlining our commitment to the market and our business in Robe Ireland.”