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Australia’s Home of the Arts elevates theatre lighting with Elation Paragon and Proteus

Home of the Arts (Hota), a cultural destination on Australia’s scenic Gold Coast, has completed an upgrade of its main theatre lighting system, investing in a new generation of Elation professional lighting fixtures. Hosting a diverse collection of cultural spaces, performance venues, and outdoor attractions, the new lighting has enhanced the theatre’s creative flexibility and ability to accommodate touring productions.

Located in Surfers Paradise, the 17-hectare Hota precinct caters to everything from theatre, dance, opera, comedy, and live music to children’s shows, cinema, and visual arts. As part of its ongoing commitment to technical excellence, Hota selected sixteen Elation Paragon M profile luminaires and sixteen Proteus Rayzor 760 wash/effects fixtures to replace every moving light in its main theatre rig.

The fixtures were supplied by ULA Group, Elation’s Australian distribution partner, with procurement facilitated by audio-visual production company Krank’d Productions. The project was led by Luke Farrow, Head of Lighting at Hota, who also oversaw the lighting design for the upgrade. Installation was completed in December 2025.

For Hota Precinct General Manager Chris Dignan, the upgrade represents an investment not only in technology but in the venue’s future ambitions. “As the demands of live performance continue to evolve in the industry, it is essential that our technical infrastructure evolves with them”, he states. “This upgrade gives Hota a future-ready lighting solution that meets the expectations of today’s touring productions, while supporting our long-term ambition to attract bigger, more ambitious shows.”

Hota’s aging lighting system had reached the point where its discharge-based spot fixtures and older LED wash luminaires could no longer match the output and performance expected by contemporary touring productions. Rather than supplement the existing inventory, Hota chose to replace its entire moving light system to ensure the venue would remain technically competitive for years to come.

Following a demo and fixture shootout, the Paragon M and Proteus Rayzor 760 emerged as the preferred solution. At Hota, the addition of Fresnel lenses extends the Paragon’s functionality, allowing the fixtures to function as wash lights when required. “The ability to utilize interchangeable lens options was a major advantage”, says Farrow. “This versatility was a key factor in selecting the Paragon M as the cornerstone of our upgraded lighting rig.”

The installation includes sixteen Paragon M fixtures, with eight located in the overhead rig and eight positioned across the front-of-house lighting bridges. The overhead fixtures deliver beam and gobo effects across the stage, while the bridge-mounted units provide key lighting and specials to accommodate the venue’s varied programming.

Complementing the profiles are sixteen Proteus Rayzor 760 IP65-rated wash/effects fixtures. Their SparkLED background twinkle technology adds a visual layer for concerts and live events, while their output and zoom range enable them to deliver a bright, even wash across the performance space. Together, the two fixture types create an adaptable lighting system capable of meeting the demands of everything from theatrical productions to contemporary live music performances.

Supporting the venue’s house lighting infrastructure are two Netron EN12i Ethernet-to-DMX gateways paired with BS10 button panels from Obsidian Control Systems, providing control and distribution for the house lighting system. Installation was completed by Hota’s lighting department under the leadership of Luke Farrow, alongside Marcus du Toit (Technical Operations Manager) and Thomas Connolly (Director, Technical and Production).

Throughout the project, ULA Group provided technical guidance and strategic support. “ULA Group was an invaluable partner throughout the project”, says Farrow. “Rod Marshall provided significant support during the process, helping us assess the available options and identify the best solution for the venue’s needs.”

(Photos: Elation/Home of the Arts)

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