Prior to the show, Ambersphere offered grandMA3 training courses to the students taking part in order – and for many, this was their first hands-on encounter with the grandMA3 software. Here’s what they had to say about their experiences taking part in the training, and putting their new knowledge to the test at this year’s showcase:
“As a lighting programmer with a background primarily in other desks, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work on New Tech, one of the larges and most ambitious shows in our lighting course at Central. The event provided a unique chance to experience the nuances of both corporate and theatre-style lighting, giving me a broader understanding of the lighting industry and its diverse requirements.
“One of the standout aspects of New Tech is the use of grandMA, specifically the MA3. The shift from other desks to MA was both exciting and intimidating at first. However, thanks to the expert training sessions provided by Ambersphere, the transition was far smoother than I had anticipated. The training was tailored specifically for those like me, coming from an ETC background. The trainers – Nick and Megan – did an exceptional job of bridging the gap between the two systems, explaining MA3 features by referencing familiar functions on other desks. This approach made the learning curve feel natural and intuitive.
“The timing of the show was critical, and we needed a lighting desk capable of handling timecode setups and rearranged running orders. grandMA’s busking capabilities were a perfect fit for this. The flexibility of the MA3 system allowed us to quickly adapt to changes on the fly, ensuring that the show flowed seamlessly without interruption.
“I found the selection grid feature incredibly useful when programming large groups of lights. The ability to visually organise fixtures within the grid and group them for effects made it much easier to ensure that all the lights worked cohesively. This was a significant improvement over the systems I had used before, allowing me to execute a unified look across a large rig – something I find more challenging with other desks, which are often better suited for programming lights with separate, distinct behaviours.
“One of the most helpful tools during the show was the ability to quickly modify effects. The MA3 system makes creating effects simple, and once established, they can be easily customised to suit the needs of the performance. In hindsight, I would have pre-programmed more base effects to save time, but the ability to create and adjust effects on the fly was invaluable in the fast-paced environment of New Tech.
“A memorable moment from the show was when we encountered an issue with a fixture that had been rigged in a way that reversed the order of its cells. Thanks to the selection grid, I was able to quickly visualise the problem and flip the fixture to ensure the effects ran correctly. This “get-out-of-jail-free” moment highlighted just how powerful and intuitive the grandMA system is, especially in fast-moving environments.
“The training sessions from Ambersphere were not only beneficial during the show but have continued to support my development. With free online training available, I’ve been able to revisit specific programming areas to keep my skills sharp and continue growing as a lighting programmer. The resources they offer are an excellent way to ease into the world of grandMA and are incredibly helpful for anyone looking to level up their lighting skills.
“If you’re considering transitioning to grandMA, I wholeheartedly recommend Ambersphere’s training. Their expert guidance and resources gave me the knowledge I needed to perform in a high-pressure environment and provided me with the tools to make the most of the MA3 system. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, their training is a must.”
– Andrew Parker
“The New Tech Showcase enabled me to experiment with fixtures I had never used before and participate in a large-scale rig in the Embassy Theatre. I learned practical skills such as using the Astera wireless DMX system and programming in grandMA3. My team and I had a great time visualising the space, and we developed valuable problem-solving skills throughout the production process.”
– Annabella Day
“The New Technology Showcase gave the outside team a much deeper understanding of MA3 and why it is well-suited for an event of this scale. It also provided us with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of MA-Net and sACN.
“We chose grandMA3 because it offers a more efficient programming and networking approach designed for live events rather than theatrical productions, making it the most suitable console for this project’s requirements.
“Some of the MA3-specific features that we found particularly useful included:
- 3D Grid
- MAtricks
- MA 3D visualisation software
“Pre-visualisation in coordination with LD Capture went smoothly, and we found it extremely useful in terms of time management and programming, making the transition from the virtual design to reality much more efficient.
“The project also allowed us to explore architectural lighting design and the challenges of working in a high-density public area outdoors.”
– Luis Callender
Credits:
Photos: Ryan Watson
Production Manager: William Gibbs
Project Manager (White Light): Tom Tomkins
HOD Lighting: Effie Birch-Scanlan
HOD Rigging: Nick Moran
HOD Sound: Maria Jenkinson
HOD Video: Ryan Watson:
Lighting Technician: Victoria Sutton
Lighting Technician: William Lucas
Lighting Technician: Allie Hu
Lighting Technician: James Milne
Lighting Technician: Gregory Essex
Lighting Technician: Oliver Stilwell
Lighting Technician: Isaac Roitt
Lighting Technician: Lewis Ashton
Lighting Technician: Aimie Partridge
Lighting Technician: Paige Clayton
Lighting Technician: Benedict Cassels
Lighting Technician: Harry Macdonald-Preston
Lighting Technician: Shakur Jones
Lighting Technician: Penny Lougher
Lighting Technician: Jack O’Neill
Lighting Technician: Vijay Nagah
Lighting Technician: Adam Lloyd
Lighting Programmer: Andrew Parker
Lighting Programmer: Jake Robson
Lighting Programmer: Felix Weis
Lighting Designer: Laurence Deane
Lighting Designer: Oscar Burr
Lighting Designer: Luis Callender
Lighting Designer: Annabella Day
Lighting Designer: Mika Herring-Hyrholt
Video Technician: Mila Petrova
Sound Technician: Daniel Leaf
Sound Technician: Evie Robinson
Sound Technician: Bili Keogh
Stage Technician: Emily Pettican
Stage Technician: Madeline Molloy
Stage Technician: Lisa Bain
Stage Technician: Jude Lewis