HISTORIC CAROLINA THEATRE RESTORATION
The historic Carolina Theatre at Belk Place in Charlotte, N.C., was once a thriving vaudeville theatre and silent movie palace that hosted legendary acts such as Bob Hope, Katherine Hepburn, and Elvis Presley. Initially built in 1927, the long-vacant Carolina Theatre is undergoing a complete restoration by Foundation For The Carolinas to its original splendor. It will soon serve as a dynamic civic hub and performing arts center. An integral feature of the restored theatre will be its immersive audio-visual technologies (AV) that will provide audiences with interactive, unforgettable event experiences.
Selected by FFTC as the AV design-build vendor for the renovation of this iconic landmark, Quince Imaging, a leading display design and systems integration firm, has commenced work on installing a state-of-the-art projection mapping and audio-visual system. The completed project will enhance the venue’s meetings and performances while providing an interactive and compelling experience that places audience members at the heart of these events.
Following a four-year design phase, Quince Imaging is installing an AV system suitable for the multitude of events that will take place in the 36,000-square-foot theatre, including concerts, town halls, panel discussions, theatre and multimedia performances, and more.
Quince designed a multipurpose audio-visual system comprising state-of-the-art projection mapping, audio, lighting, and control systems. The projection mapping design will immerse audiences in visual imagery created by the design team at Uncommon.
ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE
The performance mode includes programming for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience for the community. This experience is made possible through projection-mapped technology that will cover the walls and proscenium with custom animated video and imagery. The presentation mode has a digital civic forum with interactive changeable content for polls and community-generated real-time content to enhance presentations and discussions.
“This system is one of a kind. This system merges proscenium mapping technology comparable with the legacy system at Radio City Music Hall and the interactive real-time rendering seen in modern Location Based Entertainment (LBE),” said Eric Gazzillo, VP, Quince Imaging. “The result is a system that can immerse the audience in visual imagery while adding the real-time interactivity for participatory shows and events.”
This sophisticated AV system will complement the current design and restoration efforts, culminating in an iconic venue that will once again captivate audiences and take its place as a beloved part of the community.
Quince Imaging is planning to complete the installation of this extensive AV system in 2023. With clients including the NHL, NFL, MLB, National Portrait Gallery, and more, Quince’s capabilities include a full-service approach beyond event production. The Carolina Theatre project is a prime example of the company’s ability to be a single-source solution for clients, such as Foundation For The Carolinas, to design and build expansive AV systems directly from Quince Imaging.