Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2009 - 54

n audio & lighting design
Audio and lighting design had their own little eccentricities to
deal with. Everything needed to be "television big" without taking up much physical space. Certain elements weren't possible
at all, like mega-speakers and spotlights.
Since the show requires a full-sized video control room,
the space normally taken by amplifiers and other audio support
equipment was given to video production. Audio/video designer Joe Knapp and his team searched for alternatives. They
discovered a self-powered line of products, which have built-in
amplifiers, for the audio source. In addition to concert-grade
loudspeakers spread throughout the space, this was the first
time these ultra compact loudspeakers were installed at the
Walt disney World Resort. Each speaker is only about 4˝ x 4˝ x
6˝ and there are sixteen of them built into the rim of the stage.
The spotlight problem was solved by using moving lights
instead of spots. lighting designer Mark O'Connor turned to an
autopilot infrared system, which turns moving lights into automated follow spots that track performers in real time.
A significant design challenge for the lighting team involved the iconic look of the American Idol logo and signage-
instantly recognizable and relying heavily on neon. The lighting
team opted, instead, for a low-voltage treatment, which meant
that specialized low voltage lighting had to be located. Specially-created lEd tapeline with polyurethane covering had been
developed by the same company that worked on the set for disney's "The little Mermaid" on broadway. disney was among the
first to use this technology in a live-show application. The product had come out only two months prior to disney's technical
specifications for the show, and it filled the bill.
O'Connor also found other ways to keep things low voltage, particularly on the stage deck.
"We use an enormous amount of lEds," he said. "An
enormous amount."

n something old, something new
The American Idol Experience at disney's Hollywood Studios
can boast new, unique and, well, just plain fun lighting, audio,
video, and set elements. Now that the show is up and operational, disney guests are seeing things that are seldom seen-or, in
some cases, have never been seen-at any other disney park.
This will be the first fully operational High definition video production attraction within the Walt disney theme parks.
Every piece of video equipment is high-end, broadcast grade
gear-disney literally built an Hd production studio to support this show.
The monitor-the teleprompter that is used by the guest
performers-in the back of the house is one of the largest Hd
Teleprompters in use anywhere.
Outside the venue is an lEd stadium-quality screen that
makes it possible for thousands more within disney's Hollywood Studios to view The American Idol Experience finale
shows each night. The screen can also be integrated into other
park systems to be used for special events such as concerts,

theatre

design

technology

S P R I N G

2009

Scenic ground plan for
"The American Idol
Experience" in the
Superstar Studio Theatre,
Disney's Hollywood
Studios; scenic design by
Andy Walmsley.

special guests or New Year's Eve countdowns.
The biggest and most noticeable piece of gear is the stage's
lEd wall. At thirty-five feet wide and seven feet tall, this video
element takes center stage on the set and is an integral part of
the show.
To ensure a consistent experience for every guest, a large
majority of the show is controlled by an extensive show control
system and network system.
The light board features media servers, disney's first permanent installation of such a system.
The lighting grid over the audience is able to be lowered
down to audience level for loading, maintenance and pre-focus. In the quick turnaround world of The American Idol Experience, this eliminates the need for lifts, ladders and other
equipment for simple changes.
The show has a fully functional fiber optics network, second only to the "Finding Nemo - The Musical" live show over
at disney's Animal Kingdom in size and scope. Seven networks
combine into one to form the most ambitious fiber optics network installation Walt disney World Entertainment has done to

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 2009