zactrack SMART Elevates Rock of Ages at Herlev TeaterBio
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
When Herlev Musical & Teater brought the Broadway hit Rock of Ages to the stage at Herlev TeaterBio, the goal was to deliver a professional musical theatre experience worthy of the show’s iconic rock soundtrack. With a large cast, fast-paced choreography and constant movement, the production required a dynamic, precise lighting design capable of keeping up with the energy on stage.
When Herlev Musical & Teater staged the popular Broadway musical Rock of Ages at Herlev TeaterBio, the ambition was clear: to deliver a high-energy 1980s rock musical experience with a dynamic and precise lighting design capable of keeping pace with the show’s fast-moving action and large cast.
To achieve this, the production implemented a zactrack SMART system, supplied by zactrack's local distributor Gobo.dk.
Mikkel Bedsted Brings Rock of Ages to Life with zactrack SMART
Set on the legendary Sunset Strip in 1980s Hollywood, Rock of Ages tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who fall in love amid the era’s glam-rock culture. Featuring iconic rock hits by artists including Bon Jovi, Europe, Foreigner and Twisted Sister, the show combines high-energy performances, frequent scene changes and a large ensemble cast.
To make full use of the production’s potential, a complete zactrack SMART system was deployed, using eight Anchors to cover the entire stage area. The system made it possible to track up to nine performers simultaneously, giving lighting designer Mikkel Bedsted a new level of creative freedom when working with both followspots and automated lighting positions.
Initial Skepticism Quickly Disappears
For many members of the cast, performer-tracking technology was entirely new. It was therefore natural that there was some initial skepticism before the production opened. Cast member Thomas Mørk-Strøm Bluhme explained: “At first, I was skeptical about whether a system like this would actually work – but I was surprised by how well it worked.”
The system’s precise tracking quickly became a natural part of the production. Both the technical team and the performers experienced how seamlessly the technology operated in the background, supporting the performance without interfering with the artistic work on stage.
zactrack SMART Elevates Rock of Ages at Herlev TeaterBio with Creative Freedom
“One of the greatest benefits of using zactrack SMART is the ability to focus on the creative expression rather than the technical operation of the show,” said Mikkel.
With up to nine performers being tracked simultaneously, he was able to program advanced cues in which multiple cast members could be highlighted individually or as groups. This created a dynamic yet consistently balanced visual environment throughout the production – from intimate scenes to large ensemble numbers filled with the energy of 1980s rock.
As set designer Jannik Jac Yhde concluded: “Without a system like this, we would not have been able to produce the show in this format.”
When Technology Supports the Story
Herlev Musical & Teater’s production of Rock of Ages demonstrates that modern tracking technology is no longer reserved exclusively for major theatres and arena productions.
By implementing zactrack SMART, the production achieved precise performer tracking, automated followspots and a professional lighting experience that significantly enhanced the visual impact for the audience.
For Gobo.dk, the production is a strong example of how zactrack SMART can be scaled for musical and theatre productions that demand maximum creative freedom, high operational reliability and precise tracking – even when multiple performers share the stage simultaneously.
The result is a dynamic production in which the technology operates discreetly in the background, allowing the story, music and performers to take centre stage.
Copyright all photos: © Jannik Jac Yhde, Louise Eriksen
