Summary

Bernards High School already had a beautiful, modern performance space, but the technical systems behind it were long overdue for a full refresh. To bring the auditorium up to the standard of its talented students and theater program, our team delivered a complete upgrade of the lighting, audio, and architectural control systems as well as soft goods. The result is a space that not only looks exceptional but finally has the technology to match its potential.

We furnished and installed a new, expandable DMX power and lighting control system centered around the ETC Ion Xe 20 Digital Lighting Console with dual touchscreen monitors. The upgrade included a full transition from the existing Sensor SR48+ rack to a new Sensor 3 platform, supported by two ETC DRd12 dimmer racks and an ETC Paradigm Architectural Processor. Multiple entry stations, DMX/RDM gateways throughout the electrics and front-of-house positions, and a dedicated wall-mounted touchscreen now give staff and students intuitive access to every lighting system in the room.

To elevate the stage lighting itself, we installed a full LED color-changing fixture package. Front-of-house coverage is powered by fifteen ETC ColorSource V LED spotlights, complemented by twenty-six ColorSource PAR fixtures across Electrics 1, 2, and 3. Six ColorSource Cyc lights on Electric 3 complete the system, providing rich washes and creative flexibility for concerts, plays, assemblies, and special events.

The audio system received a complete modernization as well. We added two JBL VRX900 high-quality array clusters, each containing three passive loudspeakers and two passive subs, along with four JBL speakers for classroom and auxiliary use. Four Crown Dante-enabled amplifiers now power the system, fully integrated through a Dante card installed in the school’s existing Allen & Heath SQ-6 console. Three A&H 1608-D Dante stage boxes allow simple plug-and-play connection of microphones and wireless systems anywhere on stage.

To support performances of all sizes, we provided twelve Dante-controlled Sennheiser wireless lavaliers, four wireless handhelds, six hanging choir mics, a Dante Bluetooth receiver for audio playback, and Dante XLR inputs on a stage wall plate. Four powered JBL stage monitors give performers clear and reliable foldback. All equipment is housed in a secure Middle Atlantic rack with surge-protected, remotely controllable power distribution.

For everyday operation, the system includes an A&H M32 audio processor connected to two touchscreens: a 10-inch touchscreen at the stage for quick access to presets and a 7-inch touchscreen at the desk for streamlined control.

The result is a fully integrated, modern production environment that elevates every event hosted at Bernards High School. With advanced lighting, user-friendly architectural controls, and a robust professional-grade audio system, the auditorium now delivers exceptional performance quality and supports the creativity of the entire school community.