At the end of 2024, Grande Prairie Live Theatre (GPLT) received a grant through the Community Facility Enhancement Program from the Government of Alberta. This funding covered half the cost of significant upgrades to our sound and lighting control systems, marking an important step forward in our technical capabilities.
The transition from our previous Soundcraft Expression audio console to a new Allen & Heath SQ6 has modernized our audio infrastructure. With this upgrade, we have moved from an analog copper snake system to a Dante audio network, enabling high-quality, multi-channel audio transmission over standard Ethernet. This change has improved overall sound quality while also reducing setup and changeover times between theatrical productions, concerts, and musical theatre performances. An added benefit is compatibility with other major performance venues in the city, allowing artists and technicians trained at GPLT to work more seamlessly in those spaces.
Our lighting system has also seen a substantial improvement. Upgrading from an ETC Ion to an ETC Ion xe has expanded our D
MX capacity, giving us greater flexibility to grow our inventory of LED and moving lights. This not only enhances creative possibilities for lighting designers but also supports more efficient production turnarounds. Additionally, the shift toward LED technology contributes to a reduced environmental footprint.
These upgrades strengthen GPLT’s ability to support a wide range of performances while maintaining high production standards. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for their investment in community arts infrastructure and for helping us continue to grow as a creative hub in Grande Prairie.