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From the stage at Dalton Theatre, the difference is unmistakable. As the lights come up, performers now stand beneath a brighter, more even glow that renders colors more vividly, eliminates harsh shadows, and radiates less heat. What audiences see as clarity and brilliance, actors and musicians feel as comfort and precision.<\/p>\n
That transformation follows a $180,000 lighting upgrade at Dalton Theatre in the Light Fine Arts Building at Kalamazoo College, funded largely through the support of 11 grantors. With assistance from SLS Production Services, the College replaced outdated fixtures and controls with updated technology, providing brighter, more even illumination while reducing energy use and maintenance needs.<\/p>\n
Associate Vice President for Facilities Management Susan Lindemann said the College anticipates annual energy savings of about 72,000 kilowatt-hours from the update\u2014roughly what six U.S. households would use in a year. The cost savings are estimated at about $8,700 annually with electricity purchased at high voltage.<\/p>\n
Beyond operational savings, the upgrade also enhances student learning opportunities by providing hands-on experience with current lighting technology while ensuring reliable theatre operations for a wide range of educational, cultural, community and College events.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
K President Jorge G. Gonzalez marked the transition for faculty and staff during a lighthearted demonstration at a campus gathering, pushing buttons and flicking switches on a prop control panel while invoking the magic words of Lux Esto\u2014the campus motto, meaning \u201cbe light\u201d\u2014to help activate the new system.<\/p>\n
As the house lights dimmed on February 25, the updated lighting system made its public debut during Kalamazoo Choral Arts\u2019 performance of Carmina Burana: Reimagined<\/em>. Designed to enhance both performance quality and flexibility, the project reflects a collaborative effort between K and its many campus and community partners who rely on Dalton Theatre.<\/p>\n \u201cStudent organizations, outside events, admissions events, music concerts, choral concerts, and any event that occurs in Dalton Theatre will visibly notice a transformative experience,\u201d said Lanny Potts, K\u2019s James Stone Professor of Theatre<\/a> and Artistic Director of Theatre.<\/p>\n