15.04.2025 | Dakota Theater and Film House Upgrades to State-of-the-Art Elation LED Lighting

Dakota Theater, one of The Hague's eight cultural anchors and a vibrant artistic hub of the Dutch city, has taken a significant step into the future with the installation of a cutting-edge LED lighting system by Elation. The upgrade marks a major improvement in functionality, creative flexibility, and energy efficiency, providing enhanced creative possibilities for designers and a richer visual experience for audiences.

As one of the key cultural venues in The Hague, Dakota Theater hosts an array of artistic productions, from experimental theater and festivals to film screenings, musical performances, workshops, and presentations. With a 184-seat theater, 64-seat movie theater, and an affiliated school, the venue required a modern lighting system that could meet the diverse demands of its programming.

Recognizing the need for an upgrade, the theater sought to transition from their traditional lighting to an advanced LED system. To achieve the transformation, Dakota Theater collaborated with Rolight, Elation's Dutch distributor, who played a pivotal role in advising, supplying, and supporting the installation process.

After a convincing demo at the theater, the choice fell on the KL and FUZE series.
• 32 KL PROFILE FC with interchangeable Fresnel lenses for versatile front lighting.
• 8 KL FRESNEL 6 FC for stage fill and hall lighting.
• 8 FUZE WASH 500 for dynamic side fill.
• 10 KL CYC L for horizon lighting and footlights.
• 5 KL FRESNEL 6 for use in the movie theater and house lighting.

The upgrade was driven in part by the discontinuation of bulbs for the theater's old fixtures, prompting a necessary but exciting transition to LED. "When we saw the KL PROFILE FC during the demo, we were instantly convinced," said Nigel Heidt, Dakota Theater's technician. "The difference was so significant that we knew we needed these lights. From the lumens to the colors, it fit all the needs we had. The ability to switch from spot to Fresnel gives us incredible flexibility in designing our light plans."

New lighting in the movie theater was also on the wish list and upon seeing the KL FRESNEL 6 FC, they knew that it was a perfect solution. "It gives us the option to transform our movie theater the way we want it," says Nigel. "Sometimes we have presentations there or panel discussions after a movie and the lights let us create the perfect setting."

Since he started working at the Dakota, Nigel says he has always wanted to have some moving fixtures in the lighting rig. "The FUZE WASH 500 is an amazing fixture and we use it as our main backlight or as an effect light. The option to easily create spots from the light desk without having to move is perfect. The colors and the options we have with the beam are what sold us."

The KL CYC units offer a powerful and adaptable horizon and footlight solution. "They have a lot of options which is perfect for us, and the amount of light they produce is insanely bright," Nigel said. Rolof Tilanus, Project Consultant at Rolight, added, "The fixtures performed beyond expectations. They are positioned quite high, but they're more than strong enough and even better than we anticipated."

Nigel says the benefits of the new system are numerous. The theater often works with non- or semi-professionals, who know little about light, and having an LED setup gives them many more options than conventional lights. Nigel highlights another benefit. "Whereas in the past we had to walk to our bridge to change filters and then walk back only to hear 'we don't like this color,' now we have every color available at the press of a button." He says the same goes with the FUZE WASH, which allows them to reposition beams effortlessly, streamlining their workflow and improving production quality. "And of course, in terms of power usage, the new LED system is way more economical."

Rolight's expertise was instrumental throughout the process, from advice on the right equipment, to design and programming support, to fixture supply. The company also replaced the theater's dimmer system with modern switch packs, ensuring an up-to-date power supply.

Rolof says the client liked the fact that all the lights have the same RGBMA color engine (with the exception of the KL Fresnel 6), so they have compatible colors across the system. Praising the versatility of the new lighting installation, he stated, "The multifunctionality of the system allows the theater to do much more than previously. They now have a perfectly flexible setup with profile and wash options, more light, more color options, and greater adaptability. They have a perfectly flexible setup, and the uniform RGBMA color engine ensures color consistency across fixtures."

The new system is an enormous improvement in functionality and light quality at the theater, but above all a big step has been taken in creative freedom. Completed in September 2024, the installation has been met with enthusiasm from the Dakota Theater team. With its advanced lighting capabilities, the theater is well-positioned to continue serving as a dynamic cultural anchor in The Hague for years to come.