The City Theatre of Independence

Rogue Visual Design was approached by a director representing The City Theatre of Independence (CTI) to laser scan and model their theatre and stage. He wanted a model that would allow him and other directors to efficiently design stage sets, lighting, and aid in curtain placement. With an accurate 3D SketchUp model, he would know the sightline from every seat, the limits of curtain tracks, and the space available on the stage for sets and backdrops.

The Rogue Team experienced a typical set of challenges that confront them on many projects — historic architecture combined with newer construction. The theatre space had some additional challenges in that there were extra props and set building pieces scattered about from past productions. With this site being a theatre, catwalks and curtains including their track systems presented a particularly unique challenge. As the sets from previous shows were disassembled, CTI would immediately start building the next set and begin on-stage rehearsals, meaning an extremely limited window between productions for scanning.

The LiDAR scans taken by the Rogue LiDAR team digitally captured the stage, house, seats/seating, balcony, lighting booth, and the overhead catwalks. The CAD model that was produced exposed even the tiniest details: every light mount, outlet, and curtain down to the complex system of tracks that suspend them. Documenting the 164-seat Powerhouse Theatre for The City Theatre of Independence was an opportunity for Rogue Visual Design to help preserve the arts and culture of Independence. Thanks to the accuracy of the laser scans, the model CTI received will assure any future changes to the space can be made using the most up-to-date information with laser-accurate measurements.