Kotka City Theatre's operations date back to 1908 when Kotka Workers' Theatre was founded. Since 1948, the theatre has operated on Keskuskatu in the former Civil Guard building, which, in addition to the Main Stage and the smaller Naapuri Stage, also has a stage at the restaurant Kairo. The theatre's repertoire includes both Finnish drama literature and musical theatre.
Insta's Profit Center Manager Olli Järvenpää and Kotka City Theatre's Stage Manager Ari Malmi on the stage of the 362-seat Main Stage.
Before the expansion and renovation in 2004–2005, during which Insta delivered the stage mechanics and control system for the Main Stage, the facilities met the requirements of the 60s.
– Here, there was a manually operated 30-bar counterweight rigging system and a two-speed revolving stage from the early 60s. When the former Civil Guard building was renovated for theatre needs in the 60s, it was modern and good at the time, but after decades, the rigging and technology were already in dangerous condition. There was practically no occupational safety, and the counterweight sleds and weights could even fall if poorly placed, explains Stage Manager Ari Malmi.
The renovation was necessary, and the project was launched after many phases at the turn of 2003–2004.
On the balcony of the Naapuri Stage. As the name suggests, the smaller stage located in the neighboring building of the theatre is a former cinema, which has been profiled for contemporary theatre, smaller-scale, and experimental theatre performances.
The System Proved to Be Worthy of Trust
In addition to safety, another key requirement for stage mechanics is reliability. The solution must work, night after night.
Reliability also concerned the staff of Kotka City Theatre, especially since at that time, stage mechanics control systems were only used by a few large theatres.
– In the early 2000s, we were among the first theatres to undergo major renovations. There was a nightmare scenario: what happens if the systems break down and performances have to be canceled, Malmi recalls.
– The older generation talked a bit about whether some of the rigging should be left manual, but fortunately, it was realized that there was no sense in considering such a thing.
Insta's solution has proven to be worthy of trust.
– Over the past 20 years, we have had to interrupt a performance due to technical problems only once, when the revolving stage did not start rotating. The reason was the safety switches of the maintenance hatches, and by removing the hatch and placing it back, we were able to continue the performance, Malmi explains.
– If we have an average of 150 performances on the Main Stage per year, and over 20 years one performance has to be interrupted, the reliability percentage of the system is quite high – it really hit the mark.
In the rigging attic, the control centers have optimal conditions – the temperature is stable and there is plenty of space.
Maintenance and Lifecycle Agreement Ensures System Functionality
The control system and equipment have proven to be long-lasting. To ensure the functionality of the system, the theatre has a maintenance and lifecycle agreement with Insta, which meets both the manufacturer's and legislative requirements and ensures that there are no interruptions in operations. The agreement includes, among other things, annual periodic maintenance of the control system, which includes testing safety circuits and other operational checks. The service also includes year-round support and a guarantee that if something unexpected happens, the site will be quickly reached for repairs.
Support is Just a Phone Call Away
Kotka City Theatre has been very self-sufficient in terms of minor repairs, as Ari Malmi, who serves as the supervisor of the technical staff and oversees property maintenance towards the city, has training as an electrician. Therefore, he has been able to make small repairs himself, such as part replacements, in acute situations.
Malmi praises the support and consultation received from Insta in these situations.
– Communication with Insta has always been very easy. When the system was renovated, I got to know Insta's people, whom it was then easy to call. They have always answered and provided responses, he sums up.
Annual maintenance also receives praise for its knowledgeable and familiar staff.
– It has also been good that the same people have usually been present during summer maintenance. They have done theatre technology elsewhere and understand it well.
Kotka City Theatre was among the first theatres to receive stage mechanics and the Insta Whisper control system used by Assistant Stage Manager Niklas Riihelä in the picture.
The Future of the Theatre is Built on Careful Maintenance
– When Kotka City Theatre's systems were put into operation, the work environment changed completely overnight. We moved from the 60s to the 2000s, and it was a huge change for the entire theatre and our then technology. Theatres have a lot of special technology that most people do not understand. It is not only challenging to build but also expensive to maintain. The economy is tight in every municipality, Malmi reflects.
Since Kotka City Theatre's control system is already 20 years old, it is at the stage where modernization is timely. The mechanics and machinery themselves last longer, but the risks regarding the reliability of the system's functionalities increase.
– The building has a backlog of repairs, and the update of stage mechanics is also being discussed. In the summer, the sound system of our Main Stage will be completely renewed, which is a significant investment. Next in line is the update of lighting technology. My task is to take care of the property and ensure that development does not stop. It is good maintenance of the property when things are developed and taken care of.
