The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,800 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 47 trips to carry that many people.
As sponsors of the Southington Drive-In project Miceli Productions HD edited the pre-show advertising reel for local businesses. Look for our new promo among them – seen here!
As audio supervisor at Hartford Stage Company, Michael Miceli interfaces with guest designers for productions (occasionally designing himself) and oversees all audio and video system repairs and upgrades. With the $11 million renovation of Hartford Stage breaking ground (May 26, 2010) Michael breaks down what the renovation means for the future of audio and video at HSC.
Out with Analog: In with Digital
“We are replacing legacy analog cabling with all new digital (CAT 5 and 6) cabling. All audio and video will be digitally distributed throughout the entire venue by plugging into a central system.”
All speakers upgraded to Meyer Sound Lab self-powered systems
“These guys make speakers that are highly efficient, spread the heat load and are extremely reliable. Meyer is top-grade for theatrical sound.”
New Yamaha PM5D Sound Console
“This is the heart of the new digital system – processing and distribution will be more streamlined with much higher capacity. Capacity comes into play with major musical productions such as HSC’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch rock opera and ELLA.”
New Lectrosonics Wireless Microphone Systems
“The new system includes SMQV transmitters, DPA lavs, and Venue receivers. All of which are high end, robust, water-resistant, and known in the movie industry as the leader for wireless audio.”
Reduced cabling throughout the theatre, enhanced patching ability, and ease of continued upgrades
“This is where the renovation investment continues to pay off down the road. Patching systems will be more reliable and easier to implement. With the new digital infrastructure future upgrades will be seamless.”
Interference Rejection System Upgrade
“Digital systems keep audio pure. Radio Frequency (RF) noise in the air is ‘rejected’ to keep the sound coming to and from stage clear.”
Expanded ALS (Assisted Listening Systems)
“This greatly increases Hartford Stage’s ability to service communities with different audio needs including hearing and visually impaired audience members, as well as offering real time translation. Up to 100 simultaneous users can have their audio amplified through T-Coil hearing aids or headphones provided by the theatre.”
Pre-renovation upgraded gear will be repurposed
Challenge of the renovation project: “We wanted this renovation to be as ‘future proof’ as possible by embracing the latest in digital and wireless technologies. Education and research for all team members was a big part of the process. With the new system, designers will have an even broader tool set to pull from for new productions. We’ll be taking a great room to an even higher level of audio excellence.” - Michael Miceli
To view Channel 3 news coverage of HSC Renovation CLICK HERE
Michael Miceli’s original sound design for ELLA, a musical play about the life and songs of Ella Fitzgerald, was nominated for a Kevin Kline Award in 2009. Recognizing outstanding achievement in Professional Theatre in the Greater St. Louis Area, The Kevin Kline Awards honor theatre artists and productions in over 20 categories. The awards are named in honor of St. Louis’ own Tony and Academy Award winner Kevin Kline.
ELLA returns to Actor’s Theatre of Louisville January 26 – February 20 2010.
Image: courtesy of Nick Eilerman
The Virginia Stage Company promised “a bold, new staging” of William Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet when it hired Michael Miceli as the multimedia designer to work in collaboration with director Patrick Mullins and set designer Samuel W. Flint on their modern vision, //romeo&juliet/.
“The production uses Internet technology and audio and video devices to dress and illustrate the drama of two teenagers caught in the quarrels of an adult society divided by hatred and greed. More than just a high-tech showcase, the treatment adds high inspiration in creating a hard-edged, modern tone that is softened by the sweet innocence of its two lovers.”
”The contributions of multimedia designer Michael Miceli are considerable. A particularly clever touch is that Romeo is banished to an area in which the cell phones can’t get a connection.” – Mal Vincent The Virginian-Pilot
In addition to rave reviews //romeo&juliet/ was also featured in the January 2010 issue of American Theatre magazine in an article written by Rob Weinert-Kendt highlighting productions using social media to engage with audiences.
Read full Virginian-Pilot theatrical review CLICK HERE
Roger Maycock interviews Michael Miceli for Live Design magazine about his A/V consultation with Middletown CT’s Mercy High School in preparation for their auditorium facilities upgrade.
“We’re talking about an 800-seat auditorium with a proscenium stage. The space is used for school assemblies, concerts, plays, musicals, and countless other activities. The room needed to be as self-contained and easy-to-operate as possible, since it generally operates with just one teacher present. This is an environment where the person in charge needs to be able to select a particular setup and, from that point forward, have everything automated.”
“As part of the system overhaul, we deployed additional inputs and designated different inputs to accommodate different types of tasks. Inputs 1-5 at the front of the stage feed an automix configuration that maximizes gain while minimizing the noise floor. There are now separate inputs for the choir microphones, so that these mics can be effectively processed for the school’s show choir. Further, the system is configured for both CD and iPod audio source playback and is also set up for dedicated left-right inputs to accommodate an auxiliary console. This way, the system can be easily expanded for larger musicals and other events.”
Read full interview with Lectrosonics system details CLICK HERE
