Interview with Peter Perkovac, Technical Director of Theater Ulm

Mr. Perkovac, as can be seen in the clip below, the VENTUM-S modular system has been in intensive use at your theater since 2014 and has been used to create some remarkable stage designs. What was the basic idea that led you to decide to purchase the VENTUM-S system?
The basic idea was that we didn’t want to replace our aging wooden props one-to-one, but rather wanted to develop them further.

What did you expect from the purchase of the VENTUM-S modular system at the time?
A further development of the operating procedures for the wooden props mentioned above. The initial focus was on improving and securing the marking of stage sets on the rehearsal stages. However, we also considered using it as a supporting structure for stage sets.

What has been your experience with the system over the past 10 years? Have your earlier expectations been met?
First of all, our expectations have been fully met and even exceeded. It certainly took us two to three seasons to recognize and establish the full potential in terms of our operational processes with the different types of stage sets.

Was it difficult to establish the system in your company at the time? Was there any resistance from the stage crew, for example, and how did acceptance develop?
Resistance, as long as it is justified in terms of content, is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, there was resistance from some employees, but this was actually an important factor in the successful implementation of the system in our company. It is important to discuss the use and handling of the system in advance at all levels. However, this did not only happen before the purchase, but is still discussed today in “post-TE” meetings on stage designs, where we critically examine what was good and what was not, and thus continue to develop across departments.

To what extent did the workshop on the modular system held at your company at the time influence your decision?
The workshop was very helpful for the stage technology employees. The low-threshold concept of the introduction and the joint discussion regarding materials and possible applications had a positive influence on our decision.

In what type of stage design have the advantages of the Ventum-S system been most apparent to you and why?
Basically, wherever volume is needed in relation to a small footprint. Or for surfaces that have many different heights.

Was it difficult to establish the system in your Theater at the time? Was there any resistance from the stage crew, for example, and how did acceptance develop?
Resistance, as long as it is justified in terms of content, is not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, there was resistance from some employees, but this was actually an important factor in the successful implementation of the system in our company. It is important to discuss the use and handling of the system in advance at all levels. However, this did not only happen before the purchase, but is still discussed today in “post-TE” meetings on stage designs, where we critically examine what was good and what was not, and thus continue to develop across departments.

In what type of stage design have the advantages of the Ventum-S system been most apparent to you and why?
Basically, wherever volume is needed in relation to a small footprint. Or for surfaces that have many different heights.

What is your conclusion about our stage system after a good 10 years of practical use, and what role do VENTUM-S products play in your daily work on stage and in planning?
Easy to use, flexible and reliable in terms of quality. We successfully integrate the room construction elements and bridges into our stage designs. Incidentally, we also do this in parallel with other systems from different manufacturers. So there is no either/or when it comes to different systems, but only whether, how, and when it makes sense to use the systems. In addition, the stage system gives us breathing space in terms of workshop times and relieves the stage design budget, enabling us to do more there.

Can anyone interested in the modular system contact you with questions? Perhaps even come and see how you work with it on a daily basis?
Of course, I look forward to the exchange!

Mr. Perkovac, thank you very much for sharing your experiences with us. We wish you continued enjoyment and success with the VENTUM-S modular system.

Note:
In addition to the modular system, the Mecanum stage wagons are also being used successfully at Theater Ulm.