27/05/2026
The BNZ Theatre project in the heart of Hamilton was one of those jobs that doesn’t come along every day.
Designed as a “room within a room”, the auditorium was built to create an incredibly intimate experience for the audience. The orchestra soundshell needed to do more than just look impressive - it had to reflect music and spoken word properly while complementing the theatre’s interior design.
When it came time to bring the soundshell to life, the project team needed someone willing to take on the full challenge: design, engineering, fabrication, rigging integration, testing, commissioning, and training the theatre crew to operate it safely and efficiently.
Through our experience in the entertainment industry, we had the right people around us to make it happen.
Bringing in the A-team:
- Jason McMillian, Ferndale Furniture & crew - Joinery & timber fabrication
- Steve Sanders, Grouse Lighting & crew - Rigging consultancy, installation training & support
- Drew Lees, Royal New Zealand Ballet - Stage design & rigging support
- Shane Dougherty, Mainstream - Transport & logistics
- Garrick Rollinson, Stagemark - Rigging components supply & support
- Tim Wilson, King & Dawson - Structural engineering consultancy
Led by Chris and the S&P crew, the components were fabricated in Wellington before being transported to Hamilton using custom-built trolleys that also double as storage systems when the shell is not in use.
Working alongside local theatre technicians led by Ash Jugum, the team then installed and commissioned what is possibly one of the most complex geometric soundshells imaginable.
Recently, the NZSO held its first performance using the completed soundshell, with photography by Jasmax capturing the final result beautifully.
A massive thank you to Gus Sharp and Michael Gilling for their trust, patience, and support throughout the project. If you’re attending a show at BNZ Theatre, keep an eye out for it!
https://www.sandp.co.nz/