We’re delighted to share the successful installation of a brand-new hall audio-visual and stage lighting solution at Wilbury Junior School in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. This exciting project has given the school’s main hall a modern, versatile setup, perfect for assemblies, performances, and community events.
Wilbury Junior School approached us for help with their outdated hall AV and stage lighting system. The existing stage lights were not only old but gave off so much heat that children were left uncomfortably hot during summer performances. The school knew it was time to replace them with something more efficient, reliable, and safe.
They were also struggling with their projector and audio setup. On more than one occasion, staff would arrive on a Monday morning ready for assembly, only to find that the system wasn’t working. Weekend lettings often led to the controls being adjusted or tampered with, leaving the equipment in a state of disrepair and causing unnecessary stress.
The school needed a system that was user-friendly, dependable, and secure, so staff could focus on teaching and events without worrying about the technology letting them down.
We carried out a complete stage lighting refresh in the school hall. A new electrical consumer unit was installed backstage to replace the old lighting supply, with a supporting unit in the staff room.
The highlight is the installation of seven new LED stage lights, mounted across the existing lighting bars. These energy-efficient fixtures give the school flexibility to create vibrant, professional lighting for productions, assemblies, and events.
The centrepiece of the AV installation, complimenting the new stage lighting is a 4m 16:10 electric projection screen, replacing the school’s existing setup. Designed for ease of use, the new system integrates a high-level wall-mounted switch, an automatic trigger, and an IR remote control—meaning the screen can lower or retract seamlessly when the projector is powered on or off.
To ensure crystal-clear visuals, we installed an Epson EBL720U, 7000-lumen WUXGA laser projector, ceiling-mounted for maximum coverage. Connectivity is future-proofed with 15m and 20m fibre optic HDMI presentation points at both the front and rear of the hall, giving staff flexible options when running presentations.
For sound, we installed two Ecler Arqis 110 loudspeakers powered by an Ecler eLPA2-950 amplifier, delivering rich, reliable audio across the hall. Control is simple thanks to a Cloud CX 462 mixer, with remote source/volume plates mounted at the main presentation points—no need to access the backstage cabinet for everyday adjustments.
To give the school even more flexibility for productions and events, we also installed an ultra-short throw projector that uses the painted wall at the back of the stage as a dynamic backdrop.
The headteacher initially asked whether the existing hall projector could be used to project onto the back wall as a stage backdrop. We explained that this wouldn’t be practical as the throw distance was too great, and the image wouldn’t be sharp enough for that purpose. On top of that, the central position of the projector meant anyone standing between it and the wall would cast unwanted shadows across the display.
Instead, we recommended installing an ultra-short throw projector mounted high on the rear wall. This allows the image to be projected directly below the unit, producing a clear, sharp backdrop without shadows, which is perfect for performances and events.
This simple addition has already saved staff a huge amount of time and effort. Instead of building or painting scenery for plays, they can now project backdrops directly onto the wall—whether that’s a woodland scene, a city skyline, or a starry night.
The solution features a wall-mounted Epson EB-760W UST 4100-lumen laser projector, fitted high on the rear stage wall. It can create an image up to 3 metres wide, transforming the space into whatever the performance requires.
It’s an efficient, cost-effective way to add creativity and atmosphere to school productions while keeping things easy to set up and run.
One of the standout features of this installation is its straightforward connectivity. We added a 3.5mm stereo audio plate and Bluetooth connection point, giving teachers and visitors the ability to plug in or pair their own devices with ease.
All the audio hardware is securely housed in a 9u wall-mounted cabinet backstage, with its own dedicated power supply. Importantly, users never need to access the cabinet. All volume and input selection is handled via the remote plates at the hall’s presentation points.
No fiddling with hidden settings No risk of disrupting the system Just reliable functionality that works every time
This design keeps the technology simple for everyday users while ensuring the equipment remains safe and secure behind the scenes.
Wilbury Junior School’s hall has been completely transformed. It’s now a space that’s modern, flexible, and simple to use, whether it’s for an assembly, a school play, or a community event. With crystal-clear visuals, great sound, and professional stage lighting, the hall is ready to handle whatever the school needs, today and for years to come.
We’re really proud to have worked with the team at Wilbury Junior School on this project, creating a setup that makes life easier for staff and more enjoyable for pupils and visitors.
