Executive summary
This case study at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester demonstrates the importance of having accurate measured building fabric and stage data is for theatre production planning teams. Our measured survey identified and rectified the inaccuracies in their historic data which had been resulting in costly last minute design changes once on site. The final survey data also highlighted an area where their production equipment could be relocated enabling more seating and revenue opportunities.
Project overview
Location: Balkerne Gate, Colchester CO1 1PT
Objective: To deliver accurate 2D and 3D models of the building fabric and stages based on accurate measured survey data to improve pre-production planning
End Use: Theatre productions
Context and background
The Mercury is located in Colchester and is central to this historic town’s art scene. It is as an active cultural venue hosting a range of productions of national and international significance. They also commission their own works and productions by local artists through the Made in Colchester initiative. This measured survey commission aimed to address the demands of the various theatre teams to create an accurate set of 2D and 3D drawings which could be used for pre-production planning.
Measured survey
Methodology
Real Scan delivered a combination of 3D laser scanning, and traditional surveying methods to precisely document the building’s dimensions including its various theatre stages.
Findings
Our survey showed inaccuracies in the historic data set used by the theatre teams in pre-production planning, which meant that the theatre teams were wasting time and money having to re-design elements of the productions once on site.
Conclusion
This theatre project demonstrates how accurate measured surveys should be the foundation for transforming production workflows by replacing outdated and inaccurate survey information with documentation created from accurate 3D laser scanning technology.
The theatre teams now have an accurate set of drawings and models to work from at pre-production stage. This improves their production planning process as their lighting and stage designs are now based on accurate data at the design stage eliminating last minute anticipated changes once on site.
The Real Scan measured survey information also helped the theatre identify an opportunity to relocate some audio equipment freeing up further seating space that in turn will provide the theatre with an additional revenue stream of around £40,000 per annum.