Case Study

Lichfield School

Lichfield Cathedral School in Staffordshire had recently acquired a new building that they were planning to convert into a performing arts space. Having met and discussed the project at a trade show, it was a pleasure to support them with their conversion project. Designing and installing the space to create a stunning and flexible performance area.

The Problem

The new space was a shell and needed full technical infrastructure, control, and fixtures to enable them to use the space for performances. The brief was to create a flexible but easy to use space that the school could use to support the drama syllabus and also for performances. The Buildings roof was unable to support a new lighting rig so it was up to Creative Spark to design a solution that would take this into consideration, whilst still providing everything the school needed for the space.

Creative Spark's Solution

Using plans of the space we designed and installed a full technical specification to meet the needs of the school, including:

Truss Installation for Rigging Positions

To overcome the structural roof problems, several truss lengths were installed across the space, from wall to wall. This provided the hanging solution for the drape, lighting fixtures, projector and screen.

Lighting Fixtures and Control Desk

To offer a flexible solution the team at Creative spark designed a lighting system that would provide a range of lighting effects and colours, easily controlled from a simple, yet powerful, lighting console.

Full PA System for the Space

Complete with a simple wall rack with a media player enclosed. Staff and students can easily connect their devices to the system

Projector and Screen

A powerful laser source projector has been installed which can quickly be connected to by and HDMI wall point which can be used for classes or productions. A wide electric screen allows quick operation to keep the screen out of sight.

Full Draping to the Space

A walkalong track with heavy wool surge black drape allows for all of the walls and windows to be completely covered quickly and easily.

Benefits for Our Client

Lichfield Cathedral School now have an additional space to support their drama and performance needs. The space has been completely transformed and the full wrap around black drape allows the room to switch between a teaching classroom and drama studio. The teachers have a range of lighting fixtures for the students to learn with, along with a powerful sound system that can be used for classes and productions. As always, full training was provided on the installed systems, enabling staff and students to comfortable and confidently use their equipment.

Jon Mayne, Director of Operations provided the following feedback,

“A fortuitous meeting with Creative Spark at the 2024 ISBA conference, led to a subsequent consultation and plan which was adjusted to meet our requirements and budget, all delivered in a quick timeframe to meet a summer delivery window. Although there were delays to the refurbishment, Creative Spark were flexible in adjusting their installation timeframe, and when fitting was subsequently required in term time, they provided DBS cleared personnel who worked discreetly whilst the remainder of the school timetable was ongoing. The end product has exceeded expectations and delivered the school a first class facility that has not only provided a fantastic teaching and performance facility, but enhanced the reputation of the school. “