The Geode Centre

The Geode Centre in St Peter's College in Melbourne has built a state-of-the-art performing arts centre (PAC), designed by Schuler Shook. The 450-seat venue boasts exceptional technical features, and Factory Sound played a crucial role in the project's success.

“Factory Sound’s fit-for-purpose technical design and deft hand in project management has delivered the most polished school PAC I’ve ever encountered, and would be the envy of many professional or government-run facilities.”

Jason Allen, Editor CX Magazine


Melbourne’s St Peter’s College Builds a Pro-Level Performing Arts Centre

The Geode Centre is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue seating 450, designed by the world-renowned theatre consultancy Schuler Shook.

As soon as you enter, it’s clear the space was crafted by experts in theatre and multi-purpose venue design. The loading dock provides easy, level access directly to the stage. Patching is available throughout the facility, ensuring seamless connections for every need. Above the stage and auditorium, a spacious and practical catwalk adds functionality and enhances the venue’s overall versatility.

But how did this exceptional project come to life? While many schools settle for hybrid spaces that fall short of greatness, St Peter’s College aimed higher. It all started with the vision of Principal Chris Black.

“Our school motto is ‘Be Not Afraid’ and that suggests we should get outside our comfort zones to build capacity within ourselves. And there’s no better environment for students to get outside their comfort zones than performing on a stage to an audience of 450.”

Chris Black, St Peter’s Principal


Building for long-term growth

The Geode Centre marks the second stage of a three-part development plan for St Peter’s. The first stage, known as 6A, integrates music, drama, dance, and hospitality facilities with the theatre. Music rehearsal and band rooms connect to the theatre through Dante, enabling them to function as remote orchestra spaces. Additionally, 6A’s recording studio is networked across the entire facility, offering unparalleled connectivity.

Hospitality students will also contribute by catering for events, using a kitchen that connects directly to the function spaces. The third and final stage of this ambitious plan will introduce a three-court basketball stadium to the school, further expanding its capabilities.

“We took this building design, then worked directly with the school to evolve a technical fitout which serves the school’s intentions for the space whilst ensuring budgets were always under consideration”

Jonathan Sinclair, Factory Sound Projects Manager


Technology that brings it all together

Jonathan Sinclair and the Factory Sound projects team created a space equipped for both present and future needs. The audio system features Nexo speakers, an Allen & Heath mixing console, and Shure wireless microphones with an antenna distribution system. A selection of versatile microphones ensures excellent audio quality for stage performances and presentations.

The lighting system, designed from scratch, includes both static and moving head fixtures. These are controlled from the bio box using a powerful console, complemented by dual external touch screens. For video, a 20,000-lumen projector works in tandem with a 350″ motorized screen, while cameras and a Blackmagic Design switcher with recording capabilities ensure a professional-grade setup.

Daily operations are streamlined through a Q-Sys control system, customized with intuitive GUIs for comprehensive control. The venue also benefits from integrated wired and wireless communication systems, making it a truly world-class facility.

Jonathan summarised The Geode Centre project, reflecting our approach to school theatre projects:

“Many projects suffer when pressure from builders, inflated margins, and the chaos of multiple subcontractors combine to devalue otherwise solid designs for school performing arts facilities. We’ve found that many clients value ongoing discussions, consultation, and the flexibility to make changes mid-project directly with the person supplying and commissioning the gear. As a D&C integrator, we stand by the principle: ‘Design systems you would be happy to own and operate yourself.’”


This article is a revision of the original that appeared in CX Magazine, December 2022, written by Jason Allen. Republished with permission.
See the full article here via CX Network.



PHOTO & VIDEO CREDIT

Josh Rombout – Group Technologies grouptechnologies.com.au