Pictured is Lighting Technician Kris Stewart. Photo by Cat Strom

Lighting Technician Kris Stewart

Photo by Cat Strom

Photo by Cat Strom

Wicked photo by © optikal bloc

Wicked photo by © optikal bloc

Wicked photo by © optikal bloc

Wicked photo by © optikal bloc

Wicked photo by © optikal bloc

Wicked photo by © optikal bloc

RJ Victors the only choice for Empire Theatre

A couple of Robert Juliat Korrigan 1200 followspots have reliably been performing their duties at Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre for a few years now. However, as more and more shows were utilising bright LED screens, the decision was made to purchase newer, more powerful followspots.


“We looked at a few models but Robert Juliat followspots are always a stand out and are solidly made,” commented Tim Panitz, Senior Technician. “We have moved the Korrigans to our smaller venue and it’s good to have the same brand between the two venues.

Ben Hunt, Head of Lighting, confirmed that the new follow spots had to deliver more output over the existing house Robert Juliat Korrigan 1200s. “The unit had to tick a few boxes for us; the domes had to be brighter to play ball with the increase in touring LED screens that we see through the venue and the fixture needed to be operator friendly. It soon became apparent that the Robert Juliat Victor 1800W MSR was the unit for us.”

The Robert Juliat Victor 1800W MSR features a combination of compact dimensions, high output, hot restrike lamp and DMX control in one product. It has also made them the new benchmark followspot for large theatres, TV studios, fashion shows, concerts and touring. It can be used in front-of-house, truss and backlight positions.

“The Victor is housed in a similar body to the Korrigan so getting acquainted with the new units was no trouble at all for our operators,” said Ben. “We have the mechanical dowsing version of the Victor and with the control bar being mounted into the rail, it makes controlling the fixture whilst managing intensity, very comfortable.”

Ben added that the operators really enjoy the functionality of the dowser, find them easy to use and also comfortable to use.

“Since we received the Victors they have been used on a variety of shows,” remarked Ben. “One of Victors even had a debut with Coldplay’s recent Head Full of Dreams tour in Brisbane so at least we are assured they are rider friendly! Recently we have used the domes in house on the Empire Theatre’s production of Wicked in March/April. The domes performed very well in conjunction with our existing domes managing the 40+ metre throw with plenty of power in the bag.”



Posted: 9th of May, 2017

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