Perkiomen Valley Middle School East and Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, near Philadelphia, have unveiled brand-new auditorium lighting systems built almost entirely around Elation LED fixtures. The installations were designed and executed by Pin Point Lighting of Aston, Pennsylvania.
Pin Point Lighting is one of the largest suppliers of theatrical and concert lighting in the Philadelphia region and serves clients nationally. The dual auditorium projects mark the first collaboration between Pin Point and the schools, which approached the company to bid after researching the technology and identifying Elation fixtures as their preferred choice. Jason “Toecutter” Olson of Pin Point led the installation, working closely with long-time industry colleague Tom Brandis of Elation manufacturer’s representative The Healy Group.
“The district had really done their homework; they did their own research and came in knowing what they wanted,” Olson commented. “They wanted professional-grade lighting systems designed to support everything from school productions to community events. Because they are multi-use auditoriums, they wanted flexible, adaptable lighting rigs, and Elation was their choice. That says a lot.”
State of the Art
Each auditorium is now fully equipped with state-of-the-art LED lighting, replacing outdated halogen PAR 64s, Fresnels, and cyc lights. The installations mark the second round of LED upgrades in the auditoriums, which are now 100% LED. The new rigs feature:
- 30 Elation KL FRESNEL 8 FC full-color LED Fresnels (15 per auditorium)
- 8 Elation FUZE PROFILE automated framing fixtures (installed in the East auditorium)
- 6 Elation FUZE MAX PROFILE high-output framing fixtures (3 per auditorium at FOH)
- Existing Elation COLOUR 5 PROFILE ellipsoidals and additional LED ellipsoidals
The combination of Elation’s KL FRESNELs, FUZE PROFILEs, and FUZE MAX PROFILEs ensures powerful output, accurate color reproduction, and a fully flexible system capable of handling a wide range of performances. The KL and FUZE fixtures all house RGBMA color mixing engines, ensuring a perfect color match across the rig. The five-color system delivers a full-spectrum palette of rich saturated hues and subtle pastels, along with precise white balance and fine control over color temperature.
“These are incredible lighting systems, the kind many professional theatres would envy,” said Olson, who installed the fixtures personally. “The KL FRESNELs provide beautiful, even washes, and the FUZE PROFILEs and FUZE MAX PROFILEs,” which he says were chosen for their extra power, “give the profile beam looks.”
FUZE
The FUZE PROFILE and FUZE MAX PROFILE are automated LED framing fixtures with 92 CRI RGBMA engines, advanced color control, and a full effects package. Compact yet powerful, they deliver over 10,000 and 21,000 lumens respectively, offering versatile solutions for any stage application.
“The FUZE MAX PROFILEs at FOH can illuminate the entire stage from the proscenium edge to the backstage,” Olson remarked. “The FUZE PROFILEs in the East auditorium are mounted on stage electrics and side torms and provide coverage for the back of the house, the stage, and other areas of the auditorium.” The existing COLOUR 5 PROFILE ellipsoidals are used for specials.
KL
Olson reports that the schools are especially pleased with the new KL FRESNEL 8 FC fixtures, which replace traditional Fresnels and their gels and manual zoom. Now, they benefit from full-color-spectrum LED fixtures that deliver up to 18,000 field lumens, motorized zoom from 10° to 50°, precise color temperature control, a high CRI, and a wide array of rich colors and subtle pastels.
Perkiomen Valley Middle School East, with seating for 800 and four overhead electrics, benefits from the larger system, while the West auditorium features three overhead electrics. Both auditoriums include fly rail systems and now enjoy expanded lighting positions thanks to new rigging and pipe added by Pin Point.
Olson, who notes that he appreciates Elation’s customer service, emphasized that the schools’ decision to invest in Elation products reflects the brand’s reputation for quality and support. “I also have complete confidence in Elation because I know they stand behind their products, and I stand behind Elation.”
Beyond fixture installation, Pin Point upgraded dimmer systems, revised plots and patches, and delivered 3D plots, all part of the company’s ‘go-the-extra-mile’ approach. The work was completed in June, ready for students’ return to school in the fall.
Photos: Courtesy Pin Point Lighting
About Elation
At Elation, we collaborate with leading professionals in the lighting industry to help bring extraordinary experiences to life. As a designer and manufacturer of a wide range of high-performance entertainment lighting products, we’re proud to be a trusted partner to top lighting professionals and rental houses around the world. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and creative solutions has made us a go-to resource in the industry. We also offer an advanced line of lighting control products through Obsidian Control Systems, and a full range of dependable specialty effects called Magmatic. We invite you to take a closer look at www.elationlighting.com.
