Figaro Technology Case Study:
Architecture embracing technology for the arts.
 Ellie Caulkins Opera House - Denver, Colorado, USA
Architect Peter Lucking was in the midst of focusing on his design when his client – the City of Denver – floated the idea of using the Simultext® system to reach a wider audience. Adding a new system to his building that was well under construction might create more problems. Initially skeptical, Peter embraced the technology when he saw the full value to the audience.
His design skills turned to integrating Simultext® into his vision. In the process, he arrived at an amazing design solution: an upholstered railing covered in the same material as the seat covers. Being a lyric theater, those beautifully upholstered railings follow the curve of the seats.
Of interest to many theater consultants and opera directors is the fact that the system was acquired through leasing with no up-front cost and paid for by a small ticket surcharge.
This was also the first time Figaro installed - OLEDs, or organic light emitting displays. This new technology is very thin and the text is clear and crisp. Unlike LCD screens, OLEDs produce no light bleed, which means when the screen is blank, it’s absolutely dark.
For more information, please visit Ellie Caulkins Opera House
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“Figaro's titling system has elevated our new home, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, to a state-of-the-art theatre. Our audiences are now wonderfully spoiled and their opera-going experience is world class thanks to this feature. It's hard to imagine any new or renovated theatre without Figaro.”
— James Robinson,
Artistic Director of
Opera Colorado Maestro Ricardo Muti, "They [Figaro's seatback displays] aren’t subtitles or surtitles. Instead, the display is a modern version of the libretto. Much in the way an opera afficionado follows the opera score with a small flashlight. In addition, they are a democratic means: you can decide to keep them on or turn them off.”
— Il Giornale 8 December 2002,
p23 Il maestro: “Prima della cultura ci sono I drammi della vita”
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