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Woodruff Arts Center Upgrades Atrium Lighting With the RETRO Series

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Brightly lit Atlanta Symphony Hall lobby at the Woodruff Arts Center after a RETRO Series LED retrofit installation.

Woodruff Arts Center Upgrades Atrium Lighting With the RETRO Series

The Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, Georgia, is home to the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and High Museum of Art. After renovations throughout the facility, the Arts Center needed an RETRO series LED retrofit solution that could improve lighting in the Atrium and Memorial Hall while working with the existing architectural fixtures.

The previous PAR56 replacement lamps had one major limitation: they could not be dimmed without a separate 0–10V control system. The Arts Center wanted a line-dimmable LED solution that would work more easily with the existing infrastructure.

Based on previous experience with Canto USA products, Barbizon Lighting Company recommended the RETRO Series for the project.

Working within the existing fixture layout helped the project preserve the character of the renovated space while improving performance and visual consistency.

Adapting RETRO to the Existing Fixtures

The original adjustable PAR56 fixtures presented a few challenges. A previous lamp installation had damaged some of the fixture gimbals, and the existing cans were not ready for a straightforward LED replacement.

Canto USA developed custom adapter rings to provide the correct standoff height and rotation for the RETRO units. Canto USA also produced custom trim covers so the new LED engines would fit cleanly into the existing fixtures.

The team updated the original cans and wiring before installation began, allowing the Arts Center to retain the basic fixture layout while modernizing the lighting system.

Wide view of the Woodruff Arts Center interior with upgraded architectural lighting and curved balcony railings.
Four RETRO LED retrofit engines shown in different mounting configurations on a white background.

Installing 125 RETRO-Classic 500s

An electrical contractor installed 125 RETRO-Classic® 500 fixtures throughout the space.

After a short learning period with the first few fixtures, the installation moved quickly and was completed in approximately one week.

The project combined the existing architectural housings with custom Canto components, providing the line-dimmable LED performance the Arts Center had been looking for without requiring a completely new lighting layout.

A Noticeable Change in Memorial Hall

The difference after installation was immediately visible.

Everyone is very pleased. The space really pops, and it is much brighter and more elegant. It really highlights the renovations done throughout the Memorial Hall space.

Josh Fisher, Systems Integrator at Barbizon Lighting Company

For the Woodruff Arts Center, the project improved both the performance and appearance of the Atrium lighting while adapting new LED technology to fixtures already part of the architecture.

The RETRO-Classic used for this installation has since been discontinued and replaced by the current RETRO-Fusion® 2.0, which continues Canto USA’s direct-replacement approach with standard and custom mounting options and 0–100% phase dimming.

Upper-level view of the Woodruff Arts Center atrium showing the upgraded ceiling lighting and balcony edge.
Woodruff Arts Center interior corridor with evenly lit walls, stairways, and balcony railings after the retrofit.
Close view of a recessed architectural fixture in the Woodruff Arts Center ceiling after the RETRO retrofit.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurationsVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Canto USA Hosts Inaugural Rep Sales and Product Training Event

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Canto USA hosted its first rep sales and product training in Atlanta, bringing sales representatives together for hands-on RETRO Series and followspot demonstrations, a behind-the-scenes production facility tour, and sales and marketing sessions designed to better equip reps in the field.

Event overview

Canto USA welcomed sales representatives from across the country to Atlanta for its inaugural Canto USA rep sales training and product training event. The gathering gave representatives a closer look at Canto USA products, manufacturing, sales strategies, marketing resources, and upcoming product developments.

The event combined classroom sessions, hands-on product demonstrations, and a tour of Canto USA’s production facility. Representatives also received an early look at updates to the RETRO Series along with additional training on Canto USA’s professional followspots.

Agenda highlights included:

  • Classroom sessions on product positioning, sales messaging, and marketing support
  • Hands-on demonstrations of the RETRO Series and followspots
  • Factory tour showcasing in-house production and testing processes
  • Open feedback and market trends discussion to guide future product and support priorities
Sales representatives attending a Canto USA training session in Atlanta

Canto USA Rep Sales Training in Atlanta

The event started with a welcome reception in Atlanta, giving the reps time to meet before training began the next day. During the sessions, Canto USA team members walked through the RETRO Series and followspot lines, focusing on how the products are used, where they fit, and what reps should know when talking with customers.

The sessions also included discussions about marketing, the sales process, and ways representatives can better match Canto USA products with the needs of theaters, schools, houses of worship, performance venues, and other customers.

The training wrapped up with an open feedback session. Representatives had an opportunity to talk directly with the Canto USA team about customer questions, market trends, product needs, and ways the company could continue improving its products and support.

“It was great having some of our reps in for training to meet face to face and share ideas while talking about current and future products. I look forward to seeing everyone else soon. Thank you to all who could attend!” said Shawn Harmon of Canto USA.

RETRO Series and Followspot Product Training

A major part of the event focused on helping representatives better understand Canto USA’s core product lines.

Training on the RETRO Series gave attendees a closer look at LED retrofit applications and product updates. Representatives also spent time learning more about Canto USA followspots, including product features, applications, and considerations that can help when discussing lighting needs with customers. For more technical background on followspot operation, see The Art of Followspot Operation.

Giving representatives more direct experience with the products helps them answer questions more confidently and make recommendations based on the requirements of each project.

Canto USA representatives touring the production facility

Inside Canto USA’s Production Facility

After the classroom sessions, attendees toured Canto USA’s production facility for a behind-the-scenes look at how products are manufactured and prepared for customers.

The factory tour gave representatives a clearer understanding of the work completed in-house and the steps products go through before leaving the facility. That firsthand knowledge can also help representatives explain Canto USA’s manufacturing process when speaking with customers about product quality, availability, and project requirements. For more detail on in-house testing and quality-control steps, see Quality control process: How Canto USA tests RETRO fixtures and followspots.

“I was impressed with what Canto can do and look forward to future projects with your products. I was very excited to learn your process and how much you make in-house,” said Jim Gangl of JTH Lighting Alliance.

Bringing Sales Representatives and the Canto USA Team Together

The event also gave representatives and the Canto USA team time to meet face to face outside the classroom. The evening concluded with dinner in Canto USA’s newly expanded facility space, giving attendees another opportunity to exchange ideas and talk about what they are seeing in their individual markets.

That direct feedback is an important part of Canto USA rep sales training because representatives work closely with customers and can provide firsthand insight into common questions, changing project needs, and areas where additional product or sales support may be helpful.

“We are so excited about the success of our first rep sales training event,” said John Luhrs of Canto USA. “It was great to get all the reps together and provide them with the tools necessary to understand our products. We want to be able to support our reps so that they can make the best recommendations to their customers, and we believe this event has helped us achieve this.”

“Being the person in the room with probably the least Canto experience, I just have to say WOW! This was my first manufacturer’s training and your team set the bar incredibly high,” said Ruth Huston of SESCO Lighting.

Representatives speaking with Canto USA staff on the factory floor

Key Takeaways From the Training Event

  • Better understanding of the RETRO Series, its applications, and product updates discussed during the event
  • Additional training on Canto USA followspot features and applications
  • Firsthand experience with Canto USA’s in-house manufacturing process
  • More information representatives can use when discussing product quality, applications, and project requirements with customers
  • Direct communication between representatives and the Canto USA team about market trends and customer needs
  • Feedback that can help guide future products, training, and customer support

Companies in attendance

Representatives attended from SESCO Lighting, Inc., OCS Lighting + Control, Diversified Group, Chesapeake Lighting, CLI Lighting, Rigging, and Controls, JTH Lighting Alliance, Wunder Lighting and Controls, MPA Lighting & Controls, and Swaney Lighting Associates.

Canto USA’s first rep sales training event gave representatives more hands-on knowledge of the company’s RETRO Series, followspots, and manufacturing process while also giving the Canto USA team direct feedback from people working with customers across the country. The event created a stronger connection between product knowledge, sales support, and the real-world needs representatives encounter in the field.

Canto USA representatives visiting the production area
Attendees talking during a Canto USA factory tour

Related reading

For the dealer-focused version of this training and the company’s approach to dealer support, see Dealer Sales and Product Training: Canto USA Hosts Event to Help Dealers Succeed. Additional technical reading for representatives includes Quality control process: How Canto USA tests RETRO fixtures and followspots and The Art of Followspot Operation.

Representatives interested in future training or scheduling a facility visit can learn more through Canto USA’s website.

RETRO Series LED retrofit — Teatro Regio, Turin

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Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED retrofit Teatro Regio project in Turin, Italy updated the theatre’s older halogen houselights to fully dimmable LED while meeting strict constraints: no access to the false ceiling, smooth low-end dimming on the venue’s existing dimmers, and minimal disruption to the theatre’s schedule.

The Teatro Regio has a long history dating back to 1740 and the current auditorium opened in 1973 after rebuilding. As part of a larger modernization to improve technology and energy efficiency, Teatro Regio replaced older halogen flood lamps with LED fixtures. Canto USA spoke with Enzo Trovato of Decima 1948 about the project and the decision to use the RETRO Series.

Teatro Regio after RETRO Series LED retrofit installation
Teatro Regio After Canto USA RETRO Series LED Retrofit Installation

Project goals and partners

Decima 1948 won the tender to upgrade stage machinery and provide a lighting package for a smaller stage; the RETRO Series was selected for house and stage flood replacements. Canto USA International coordinated with project partners and recommended the RETRO Series because it could be customized to the existing openings and retained smooth phase-dimming behavior on the theatre’s conventional dimmers.

For the project Canto USA International connected Decima 1948 with Zalight to ensure component compatibility and on-site support during adjustments.

Constraints: keep the existing infrastructure

One of the primary requirements was to avoid opening the false ceiling to run new electrical or signal cabling. The theatre also required consistent output and stable dimming, including at very low brightness percentages.

“The main aim for installing the new LED light fixtures was not to touch the false ceiling for the passage of new electrical or signal cables,” Trovato said. “It also had to have excellent dimming and stability of the LED even at a low percentage of brightness.”

Ceiling view showing RETRO Series retrofit fixtures at Teatro Regio
Installed RETRO fixtures maintaining original ceiling openings

Customizing the RETRO installation

The ceiling openings at Teatro Regio were square and required adapter plates so the RETRO units could fit without cutting or reworking surrounding plasterwork. Canto USA fabricated adapter plates to match the openings and allow a direct mechanical and electrical fit. With those plates in place, all 37 RETRO units were installed to match the existing layout.

The resulting configuration was effectively plug-and-play—RETRO modules mated with the existing connectors and dimmer system, while final optical adjustments were left for on-site tuning.

Close-up of RETRO Series retrofit in Teatro Regio ceiling opening
Custom adapter plates allowed RETRO units to fit original square openings

Installation timeline and final adjustments

The on-site team completed the main installation in about one week. A further three days were used for lens swaps and fine-tuning light levels and beam shapes to the theatre’s needs. That tuning ensured smooth low-end dimming and consistent color rendering across all fixtures before handing the space back for performances.

The coordinated approach—custom adapter plates, RETRO’s compatibility with existing dimmers, and on-site optical adjustments—allowed the theatre to modernize lighting with minimal disruption and without invasive ceiling work.

Stage view after RETRO Series LED retrofit at Teatro Regio
Stage and front-of-house views after the Retrofit

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series product imageVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA’s RETRO product family (including RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0) is designed to be 0–100% phase dimmable on legacy SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmers while remaining compatible with modern dimmer systems. The RETRO units are offered in a range of color temperatures and CRI options and can be adapted to older houselight openings with custom mounting plates. For details on recent product updates to the RETRO line, see the Canto USA update post: Canto USA Upgrades the RETRO Series with Fusion 2.0 and Passive 2.0.

If you are evaluating a houselight LED retrofit for a historic theatre or venue and need a solution that preserves existing dimming and minimizes ceiling work, contact Canto USA to discuss retrofit options and mounting customizations.

Penn’s Grove Middle School RETRO-Fusion® 500 retrofit

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Penn’s Grove Middle School in Oxford, Pennsylvania, had an auditorium lighting problem that was hard to ignore: several existing house lights needed repair, leaving dark spots around the room. The school worked with Illuminated Integration to design and install an updated system centered on Canto USA’s RETRO Series. This Penn’s Grove RETRO-Fusion® 500 retrofit replaced lamp elements in-place to move the room to LED while keeping much of the existing house-lighting infrastructure.

Before view of Penn’s Grove Middle School auditorium with uneven house lighting
Penn’s Grove Middle School before installation

Rather than replace every house-light fixture, the project team used RETRO to work with much of the existing system. In total, the installation included 59 RETRO-Fusion® 500 units with mini-candelabra stems throughout the auditorium.

The updated fixtures brought smooth dimming and a warm 3000K color temperature to a room that previously had uneven light levels and worn house lights.

Ted Best, Lead Installation Creative for Illuminated Integration, said the fixtures were easy to install and screwed in like a regular bulb.

“The RETRO fixtures themselves were very easy to install. It took about 2 and 1/2 days to do all of them. They just screwed in like a regular bulb. Seemed to be a very quality fixture.”

House Lighting Upgrade and Stage Control

The auditorium project went beyond the house lights. The team also added ETC Source 4WRD II fixtures and ETC ColorSource PAR fixtures to the stage, then selected an ETC Element 2 lighting console for theatrical color control and its Magic Sheet feature.

For architectural control, an ETC Paradigm system was installed with button stations and touchscreens positioned around the auditorium.

That gave Penn’s Grove Middle School a lighting system that could handle school assemblies, choir concerts, musicals, and other performances with a smoother transition between everyday use and full stage production.

After view of Penn’s Grove Middle School auditorium with brighter, more even house lighting
Penn’s Grove Middle School after installation

For Penn’s Grove Middle School, the RETRO portion of the project solved a straightforward problem: improving house lighting without replacing every overhead fixture. The 59 RETRO-Fusion® 500 units allowed the school to keep much of the existing setup while eliminating dark spots and moving the room to LED.

If you are planning an auditorium retrofit, learn more about the RETRO Series and view the product details. For a comparable school case study showing an in-place RETRO-Fusion installation, see the RETRO-Fusion LED Retrofit at Eagan High School.

After view of Penn’s Grove Middle School auditorium showing brighter house lights across the seating area
Penn’s Grove Middle School after installation

Project highlights

  • 59 RETRO-Fusion® 500 units installed with mini-candelabra stems
  • Warm 3000K color temperature and smooth dimming for assemblies and performances
  • Installation completed without replacing the majority of existing house-light fixtures
  • Integration of theatrical (ETC) fixtures and a Paradigm architectural control system for flexible use

The project provided a straightforward solution to uneven house lighting and worn fixtures while keeping the existing infrastructure in place where feasible.

Why RETRO-Fusion is a good fit for auditorium retrofits

  • In-place lamp replacement preserves existing housings and hardware when those elements are serviceable.
  • 0–100% phase dimmable behavior addresses both older SCR/TRIAC/IGBT dimmers and newer dimmer systems.
  • Variable wattage and warm color options provide consistent, audience-friendly house lighting for assemblies and performances.
  • Simple installation—teams on this project completed the RETRO-Fusion installs in about 2½ days—reduces downtime for schools and venues.

For product details and mounting options, view the RETRO Series product page.

Before view of Penn’s Grove Middle School auditorium with dimmer house lighting near the stage
Penn’s Grove Middle School before installation
After view of Penn’s Grove Middle School auditorium with RETRO-installed house lights and stage curtains visible
Penn’s Grove Middle School after installation

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurationsVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Related case studies: RETRO-Fusion LED Retrofit at Eagan High School and Township Auditorium RETRO Series Installation.

Sunset Center Culla Pendant Installation — Canto USA

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The Sunset Center in Carmel-byThe Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea recently replaced its aging halogen house pendants with Canto USA Culla Pendants. The project needed to solve several specific problems at once: hard-to-reach fixtures, compatibility with the theater’s existing ETC dimming system, high maintenance costs, and the need to preserve the look of a historic venue.

Sunset Center project manager Kendall Smith oversaw the upgrade and worked through the details with Canto USA before the installation began.

Sunset Center - existing halogen pendants before installation
Sunset Center antes de la instalación

About the Sunset Center

The Sunset Center is a performing arts venue in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. The building originally served as the Sunset School before the city of Carmel purchased it in 1965.

The National Register of Historic Places added it on January 9, 1998. A $23 million renovation completed in 2002 brought in new seating, improved acoustics, and a larger lobby.

Today, the theater hosts concerts, comedy, theatre, dance, and other performances, with more than 125,000 visitors coming through the venue each year.

Why Replace the Existing Pendants?

The old halogen pendants were mounted anywhere from 20 to 50 feet above the floor. Replacing a single lamp could require scaffolding, additional labor, and enough time to work around the theater’s event schedule.

Kendall estimated that one lamp change could cost around $500, including access and labor.

The center wanted to break that cycle. A longer-life LED solution made sense, but the replacement also had to work with the existing two-wire ETC dimming system.

Closer view of halogen pendant fixtures prior to retrofit
Sunset Center antes de la instalación
Installation of Culla Pendant at Sunset Center
Sunset Center Culla Pendant Installation

Why Canto USA?

Dimming performance was one of the biggest deciding factors.

The theater did not want to replace the existing control wiring to make the new house lights work. After looking at other options and speaking with engineers, Kendall determined that Canto USA could provide a retrofit that worked with the ETC system while matching the color temperature and dimming behavior the room needed.

That kept the project focused on the fixtures instead of turning into a larger electrical renovation.

Customizing the Culla Pendants

The original pendants used mini-candelabra bases. Rather than continue building around that older hardware, Canto USA designed replacement pendants with Edison bases.

That gave Sunset Center brand-new fixtures with full warranty coverage instead of reworking the existing pendants.

The theater also had acoustic concerns. Chamber performances can become extremely quiet, so the venue did not want to introduce cooling-fan noise into the room. The project specified passive, fanless engines.

Kendall also asked that the LED source sit farther back inside the pendant. Recessing the light reduced glare while maintaining the beam angle needed for the auditorium.

A custom bronze finish completed the fixtures and helped them blend with the theater’s existing look.

Technician installing pendant during retrofit
Sunset Center Culla Pendant Installation

Installation Timeline

The center was concerned about product availability and lead times, but Canto USA supplied a sample within about a month. The full order followed roughly four weeks later.

Because the Culla Pendants used the same canopy dimensions as the existing fixtures, installation went quickly once the crews were in place. Each pendant took about ten minutes to install in the field.

Working with a scaffolding contractor and Collins Electric, the orchestra level was finished in four days. The balcony took another two.

Adjusting the Balcony Lighting

The balcony received four additional pendants to make printed programs easier to read.

Finding the right location took some testing. The new fixtures had to avoid competing visually with existing chandeliers and wall-wash units.

The final solution was to hang the pendants slightly lower and move them farther off-center. Wall-wash attachments then directed the light where it was needed.

What Changed After the Retrofit

Staff and audience feedback was positive from the start. The new house lighting appeared warmer and more even throughout the room.

The theater now typically runs the houselights at about 70%, which still provides enough visibility for the audience.

Kendall also reported that the dimming performance met expectations after opening night.

The biggest numerical change was power use. Sunset Center reduced its house light load from approximately 11,000 watts to 1,100 watts, a 90% reduction.

One Detail That Showed Up During Commissioning

The project ran into one issue after installation: flicker on some LED circuits.

The problem was traced to low load on individual dimmers. Several circuits were combined onto one dimmer, increasing the load, and the flicker disappeared.

For other venues working with high-efficiency LED retrofits, it is a useful detail to keep in mind. Existing dimming systems may need enough electrical load to behave correctly, so dimmer loading should be checked as part of the retrofit planning process.

Kendall thanked Collins Electric-Contractor, Meredith Nole of Monterey Lighting, David West of Wunder Lighting, and the Sunset Cultural Center staff for their work on the project.

El NUEVO Colgante Culla

Canto USA Culla Pendants are made in the USA and are designed to work with the RETRO-Fusion™, RETRO-Classic™, RETRO-Passive® and other E26 screw-in light engines.

For more examples of RETRO Series installations, see Brighten Your Day With Our RETRO Retrofits.

Technical choices and customizations

The original pendants had mini candelabra bases. Rather than retrofit the older hardware, Canto USA designed new pendants with Edison bases, providing brand-new fixtures with full warranty coverage. For acoustic sensitivity during chamber performances, the center specified passive (fanless) engines to prevent audible noise.

Kendall also asked engineers to recess the LED light farther into the fixture to reduce glare while maintaining the proper beam angle. A custom bronze finish was selected to match the theater’s palette.

Installation timeline and approach

Supply concerns were eased when Canto USA delivered a sample within one month and the full order about four weeks later. Because the Culla pendants shared the same canopy dimensions as the old fixtures, field installation averaged about ten minutes per pendant. Using a scaffolding contractor and Collins Electric, the orchestra level was completed in four days and the balcony in two.

Balcony lighting adjustments

The team added four new pendants to the balcony to improve program readability. They tested mounting positions to avoid visual conflicts with existing wall wash units and chandeliers, ultimately hanging the fixtures slightly lower and further off-center, then using wall wash attachments to direct light where needed.

Outcomes

Initial reactions from staff and audiences were positive—guests noticed improved warmth and evenness of light. The houselights are now typically left at 70% for adequate audience visibility. Following the opening night, Kendall reported the dimming behavior met expectations and that the venue reduced its houselight power consumption from 11,000 watts to 1,100 watts (a 90% drop) as a result of the retrofit.

Field note: dimmer load

One operational detail: initial flicker was traced to low load on some dimmer circuits. After combining multiple circuits into a single dimmer (increasing load per dimmer), the flicker stopped. This is a practical reminder to verify dimmer loading when specifying high-efficiency LED retrofits.

Kendall thanked Collins Electric-Contractor, Meredith Nole of Monterey Lighting, David West of Wunder Lighting, and the Sunset Cultural Center staff for their help on the project.

El NUEVO Colgante Culla

Canto USA Culla Pendant Series product photo

Our Culla Pendants are proudly made in the USA. They are meant to be used with the RETRO-Fusion™, RETRO-Classic™, RETRO-Passive® and any E26 screw-in light engine. For additional case studies about our RETRO Series installations, see Brighten Your Day With Our RETRO Retrofits.

CONOZCA MÁS

Culla Pendant Series | Canto USA

Culla Pendant product imageVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’ Culla Pendants

Our Culla Pendants are attractive, compact cylinders that create an elegant lighting element when installed in any architecture. They are proudly made in the USA. They are meant to be used with the RETRO-Fusion® , RETRO-Passive® and any E26 Screw-In Light Engine

RETRO Series Installation in Australia at Methodist Ladies’ College

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The RETRO Series made its first international appearance at Methodist Ladies’ College in Claremont, Western Australia. The RETRO Series installation in Australia upgraded the house lights in Hadley Hall while allowing the college to retain much of the existing lighting infrastructure.

Canto USA’s RETRO Series LED retrofit kits have been used in schools, churches, museums, and performance venues across the United States. At Methodist Ladies’ College, the same retrofit approach gave the venue a way to move to LED without replacing the entire house-light system.

Methodist Ladies College antes de la instalación de Canto USA RETRO foto 1
Methodist Ladies College before Canto USA RETRO Series installation

RETRO Series Installation in Australia at Hadley Hall

Doug worked with Darren Irving of LIDA Industries, Canto USA’s representative in Australia, to evaluate retrofit options for Hadley Hall.

One of the biggest advantages of the RETRO Series was that much of the existing fixtures and cabling could remain in use. Instead of replacing the complete house-light system or adding an entirely new control setup, the project focused on updating the light sources and completing the electrical work required for the retrofit.

The project replaced twenty 250-watt discharge fixtures with RETRO units. The new lighting provided smooth 0–100% dimming and consistent color temperature without requiring new DMX or DALI control wiring for the house lights.

The team removed the old ballasts and converted the E40 lamp bases to E27 bases. That work proved important once an issue with the older lamp bases surfaced during installation.

Working Through the Installation Challenges

Accessing the overhead house lights required scaffolding, which added time to the hands-on portion of the project.

Early in the installation, six RETRO units failed. The problem was traced to power anomalies connected with older lamp bases. Once the E40 bases were converted to E27 and the necessary electrical work was completed, the failures stopped.

Including the lamp-base work, the full upgrade took 15 days.

Doug also noted the support Darren Irving provided throughout the project, from early questions through installation and troubleshooting. That communication was particularly useful once the team began resolving issues connected to Hadley Hall’s older lighting infrastructure.

Methodist Ladies College before Canto USA RETRO installation photo 2
Methodist Ladies College before Canto USA RETRO Series installation
Methodist Ladies College tras la instalación de la serie RETRO de Canto USA foto 2
Methodist Ladies College tras la instalación de la serie RETRO de Canto USA

Better Dimming and More Consistent House Lighting

After the system was commissioned, staff reported more even lighting across the hall, consistent color temperature from fixture to fixture, and easier dimming control.

Doug summed up one of the biggest changes simply:

“I LOVE the dimming curve.”

The result addressed several problems the venue had been dealing with before the retrofit. Hadley Hall gained smoother dimming and more consistent lighting without having to rebuild the entire house-light system.

For Methodist Ladies’ College, the RETRO Series installation in Australia showed how an existing venue can move to LED while continuing to use much of the infrastructure already in place.

“The RETRO always makes a significant difference to the lighting in every install,” said John Luhrs of Canto USA, “You really have to appreciate the fantastic dimming curve and the uniform color temperature they provide.”

Installation lessons and recommendations

Based on the Hadley Hall project, consider these practical points when planning a RETRO Series retrofit:

  • Survey lamp bases and ballasts before ordering parts — older lamp bases (E40) may need conversion to E27 and ballasts may need removal.
  • Plan for scaffolding or other safe access when houselights are overhead; access time can extend the hands-on schedule.
  • Coordinate early with your Canto USA representative or local installer to troubleshoot power or control anomalies during commissioning.
  • Allow time in the schedule for electrical work and re-basing; in this project the total upgrade (including base conversion) took 15 days.

See another example of a RETRO retrofit at Cross City Church to compare installation approaches and outcomes: House Light Retrofit at Cross City Church.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series product imageVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0–100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED engines designed to work with older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmers as well as newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, the LED retrofit can be adapted to a wide range of fixtures. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Brings LED Retrofit Energy Savings to The Old Globe Theatre

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Canto USA’s RETRO Series has already been used in churches, schools, universities, museums, and performance spaces across the United States. For many of those venues, the appeal is straightforward: move to LED without tearing out the existing lighting system and starting over.

That same idea made sense nearly 11,000 miles away in Western Australia.

Methodist Ladies’ College in Claremont has been part of the community since 1907. Over the years, the campus has grown to include new drama and music facilities along with a geothermally heated pool complex.

Inside Hadley Hall, however, Theatre and Venues Manager Doug Hounslow was dealing with a house-light system that had become difficult to operate.

The room used three different groups of lights: 10 E27 LED lamps, 10 125-watt discharge lamps, and 20 250-watt discharge lamps. They were also switched from different locations around the venue.

For everyday use, that was inconvenient. For a performance space, it was even more limiting.

The Old Globe Theatre Upgrades Houselights With Canto USA RETRO Series

The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego used a temporary pandemic closure to tackle several overdue upgrades, including the houselights in its mainstage theatre.

The halogen houselights and control hardware had been in place since an earlier renovation. As LED technology improved, the Globe began looking for a system that would cut energy use while still giving the theatre the dimming and color quality it needed.

After testing several options, the theatre selected Canto USA’s RETRO Series.

The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA – Photo credit: Ryan Osborn. Trouble In Mind, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg – director, Lawrence E Moten III – scenic design, Nicole Jescinth Smith – costume design, Sherrice Mojgani – lighting design, Luqman Brown – sound design, Chandra R.M. Anthenill – production stage manager.

Finding the Right Houselight Upgrade

Chris Rynne, Director of Theatrical Applications at OCS Lighting + Control, already knew the Old Globe well. He had previously worked there as lighting director, so he knew the room and what the houselights needed to do.

Several LED options were brought in and tested before they made a decision.

“Cost and function were the deciding factors. We loved the dimming, ease of installation, color quality, and even distribution,” said Chris.

The theatre ultimately chose RETRO-Passive® 300 units for the mainstage houselights.

Working With the Existing Theatre

The project was not as simple as removing the old lamps and screwing in new ones.

Some of the older fixture cans and wiring needed repair or modification first. Once that work was done, 27 RETRO-Passive® 300 units were installed as part of a larger round of improvements throughout the theatre.

The houselight portion of the project took about a week.

Using a retrofit also meant much of the existing houselight infrastructure could stay in place, avoiding a full fixture replacement.

Dimming and Color on the Mainstage

For a theatre, houselights have to do more than turn on and off.

They need to fade cleanly before a performance, come back smoothly during intermission, and maintain a consistent appearance throughout the room. The RETRO-Passive® 300 gave the Globe the phase-dimming compatibility it needed while also improving house-lighting color.

After installation, both production staff and audiences responded well to the change. Staff noted smoother dimming and better color quality compared with the previous halogen system.

Lower Power and Less Heat

The move from halogen to LED also reduced the amount of power used by the house lights.

Another benefit was the reduced heat added to the theatre. Halogen lamps give off a substantial amount of heat, especially when several are operating overhead. The RETRO installation reduced that heat load, which in turn reduced demand on the HVAC system.

For the Old Globe, that meant the houselight upgrade affected more than the lighting itself. It also helped lower the energy required to operate the room.

Chris was pleased with the finished system:

“We were really happy with how the RETRO series performed. We hope to use it on the next project we’re working on.”

The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA – Photo credit: Ryan Osborn. Trouble In Mind, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg – director, Lawrence E Moten III – scenic design, Nicole Jescinth Smith – costume design, Sherrice Mojgani – lighting design, Luqman Brown – sound design, Chandra R.M. Anthenill – production stage manager.

The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA - Crédito de la foto, Ryan Osborn. Trouble In Mind, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg - directora, Lawrence E Moten III - diseño escénico, Nicole Jescinth Smith - diseño de vestuario, Sherrice Mojgani - diseño de iluminación, Luqman Brown - diseño de sonido, Chandra R.M. Anthenill - directora de escena de la producción.

The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA - Crédito de la foto, Ryan Osborn. Trouble In Mind, Delicia Turner Sonnenberg - directora, Lawrence E Moten III - diseño escénico, Nicole Jescinth Smith - diseño de vestuario, Sherrice Mojgani - diseño de iluminación, Luqman Brown - diseño de sonido, Chandra R.M. Anthenill - directora de escena de la producción.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

Canto USA RETRO Series product imageVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0  are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

See other RETRO Series installations and case studies on our site: Canto USA RETRO Series Installations: Brighten Your Day With RETRO Retrofits.

Aurora X1 LED Followspot for Arenas and Large Venues

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Canto USA introduced the Aurora X1 LED followspot for arenas, stadiums, and other large venues that need high-output followspot performance over longer throw distances.

The Aurora X1 was Canto USA’s first LED arena followspot and was developed as an alternative to traditional high-wattage Xenon systems. Canto currently rates the X1 as brighter than a 2,000-watt Xenon followspot while operating at less than 900 watts at 120V.

Designed for arenas and long throws

The Aurora X1 combines high output with the operator controls expected from professional followspots. Standard features include a 6+1 color changer and an independent single-frame gel holder for CTO, frost, or other specialty effects. The unit ships with built-in rigging points for elevated installs and a heavy-duty stand with fine-adjustable pan controls on both sides, providing the tracking precision required in large venues.

Who the X1 is for

The Aurora X1 targets technical managers, rental houses, and followspot operators who need an LED followspot capable of reliably covering long throws while remaining serviceable and upgradeable. It is intended for arenas, stadiums, large theaters, and auditoriums where operator control, high output, and lower system power draw are priorities.

Choosing the right throw configuration

Canto USA offers the X1 in short-, medium-, and long-throw configurations to match the distance from operator position to performance area. Canto USA breaks the Aurora X1 throw range into three general setups:

  • Short: about 125–175 feet
  • Medium: about 150–225 feet
  • Long: 200 feet and beyond

These ranges give venues a practical starting point when selecting configuration. For help matching throw and fixture selection to your space, see our guide How to Determine the Followspot You Need for Your Space, which walks through sightlines, operator placement, and photometric considerations.

Operation and control

The X1 is built for operators: dual-side fine pan controls, comfortable ergonomics on the stand, and a familiar color/frost workflow with a 6+1 color changer plus single-frame gel holder. For operator technique and tips specific to followspot work, Canto USA’s article The Art of Followspot Operation offers practical guidance that pairs well with the X1’s control layout.

Modular, serviceable design

A major part of the Aurora X1 design is its modular construction. The LED module and lens tubes can be changed independently, allowing the fixture to be serviced or reconfigured without replacing the complete followspot. That modularity supports staged upgrades and reduces long-term service costs for rental and installation fleets.

Rigging, weight, and safety

The X1 provides built-in rigging points for elevated mounting options. At under 160 pounds, the X1 is relatively light for an arena followspot of this output class, which can simplify handling and installation. Always follow venue rigging standards, local code, and Canto USA mounting instructions when suspending or elevating followspots.

“Weighing less than 160 pounds, the X1 is the lightest and brightest LED followspot on the market that is manufactured in the USA. It’s so bright, seeing is believing.” — John Luhrs

Aurora X1 LED Followspot features (at a glance)

  • High-output LED design intended for arena and long-throw use
  • Rated brighter than a 2,000W Xenon while using under 900W at 120V (Canto USA rating)
  • Built-in 6+1 color changer and single-frame gel holder for CTO/frost
  • Modular LED module and lens tubes for serviceability and upgrades
  • Built-in rigging points and heavy-duty followspot stand with dual-side pan controls
  • Available in short-, medium-, and long-throw configurations

The Aurora X1 LED followspot remains part of Canto USA’s professional followspot lineup for large venues where high output, longer throw distances, serviceability, and operator control are essential. For installation planning, rigging guidance, or fleet upgrade questions, contact your local rep or authorized dealer to review site-specific requirements and spec sheets.

Puntos de seguimiento Aurora X1

Aurora X1 Series FollowspotVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s Aurora X1 Series Followspots

El Aurora X1 de CantoUSA es un revolucionario followpot LED diseñado específicamente para grandes recintos y estadios. El Aurora X1 es el primer followpot LED para estadios de CantoUSA y tiene una gran potencia. El Aurora X1 es más brillante que un xenón de 2.000 vatios a menos de 900 vatios 120v y es el followpot LED más brillante de su clase.

Township Auditorium RETRO Series Installation

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Township Auditorium in Columbia, South Carolina, has been part of the city’s entertainment history since 1930. The historic venue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 and continues to host concerts, performances, and community events. This RETRO Series installation modernized the auditorium’s house lighting with a Canto USA LED retrofit to restore brighter architectural lighting while preserving much of the existing infrastructure.

Over time, the auditorium’s architectural lighting became noticeably dimmer. To improve the room’s appearance while reducing the maintenance and energy demands of older incandescent lamps, the venue worked with Productions Unlimited, Inc. on an LED retrofit. For product information and the RETRO Series product line updates referenced in this project, see Canto USA’s announcement about updates to the RETRO Series.

Bringing More Light Back Into the Auditorium

According to Ceili Hesselgrave, Senior Project Specialist for Productions Unlimited, the aging house lighting was starting to detract from the appearance of the historic room.

Township Auditorium hosts a variety of events throughout the year, and while their space is a beautiful and historic landmark for the city of Columbia, SC, the degree to which the architectural lighting system had degraded over the years was casting a dark shadow on an otherwise grand space. Upgrading their house lights has brought new life into their space!

Ceili Hesselgrave, Senior Project Specialist, Productions Unlimited

Productions Unlimited recommended the RETRO Series because the existing incandescent lamps could be replaced without requiring a completely new house-light system.

Township Auditorium before installation, with dim architectural lighting over the seating bowl

Matching the Lighting to a 100-Foot-Tall Space

One of the biggest challenges was the auditorium itself. Fixture heights vary dramatically throughout the room—from roughly 8 feet above the floor in some areas to nearly 100 feet at the highest points. A single optical configuration would not provide the right coverage everywhere.

After two site visits and testing with Productions Unlimited’s Canto USA demo kit, the team selected different stem heights and reflector combinations for each location.

The final configuration used 2¾-inch stems along with a combination of 15-degree and 70-degree reflectors. The different optics helped the installation team provide appropriate coverage at both the lowest and highest fixture positions.

Three Days to Install the RETRO-Fusion Fixtures

Productions Unlimited used two RETRO-Fusion models throughout the project:

  • 112 RETRO-Fusion 700 fixtures
  • 37 RETRO-Fusion 300 fixtures

That put 149 RETRO units into the venue, with the installation wrapped up in about three days.

One issue during installation was ensuring the mini-candelabra bases were fully seated in the older sockets. After some testing, the team determined that most units that initially failed to illuminate needed to be tightened further into the socket. A few additional problems were traced to damaged sockets in the existing fixture bodies.

Richland County project records independently confirm that the Township Auditorium lighting project called for Productions Unlimited to retrofit 149 existing can lights with LED lighting. Richland County SC

RETRO fixtures staged during setup inside Township Auditorium
Township Auditorium after the RETRO Series installation, with brighter architectural lighting over the seating bowl

A Brighter Look Throughout the Historic Venue

Once the project was completed, the difference throughout the auditorium was immediately noticeable.

Hesselgrave said the venue’s management was excited to see the room’s architectural character become more visible again after years of declining light levels.

The wider coverage provided by the new RETRO fixtures also helped improve the overall atmosphere throughout the auditorium.

Todos estamos muy satisfechos con el rendimiento de la serie RETRO de Canto USA en el Township Auditorium. El ambiente del espacio ha mejorado mucho al contar con luminarias de mayor alcance.

Ceili Hesselgrave, Senior Project Specialist, Productions Unlimited

The project allowed Township Auditorium to modernize its house lighting while continuing to use much of the existing infrastructure—a particularly useful approach for a historic venue where preserving the existing architecture was an important part of the job.

The original RETRO-Fusion models used for this project have since evolved into the current RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 line. Canto USA currently offers both 300 and 700 versions, with the Fusion 2.0 300 operating at a 30-watt load and the Fusion 2.0 700 at 72 watts, along with 0–100% phase dimming and multiple mounting options. For background on the RETRO-Fusion product series, see the RETRO-Fusion introduction post.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED retrofit kits shown in multiple fixture configurations

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO Series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0 are 0–100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K–6500K 80–97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems.

A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.

View spec sheets and more.

Charleston Gaillard Center LED Retrofit with the RETRO Series

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The Charleston Gaillard Center in South Carolina opened in its current form in 2015 after a major redevelopment. The facility includes the 1,800-seat Martha and John M. Rivers Performance Hall, a 15,000-square-foot Grand Ballroom, and three floors of City offices.

After several years of use, the Performance Hall needed a better approach to its house lighting. The Charleston Gaillard Center LED retrofit focused on reducing frequent lamp changes while keeping the decorative fixtures and much of the existing lighting system in place. If you’re considering a similar update, see our practical guide: LED Theater Lighting Retrofit: What to Check Before You Buy.

Daniel Grummer, Facilities Manager for the Gaillard Center, spoke with Canto USA about the project and the decision to use the RETRO Series LED retrofit system.

Boxed Canto USA RETRO Series lighting components staged inside the Charleston Gaillard Center performance hall

Reducing Frequent House-Light Maintenance

The existing house fixtures used two A-style lamps each. With 91 fixtures and 182 individual bulbs throughout the Performance Hall, lamp replacement had become a regular part of preparing the room for events.

“We were changing bulbs before every event, and with 91 fixtures and 182 bulbs, replacing bulbs just inside the performance hall took an hour or so,” Grummer said.

Grummer was already familiar with the RETRO Series from an earlier LED retrofit he managed at Charleston Southern University with Productions Unlimited, Inc. When the Gaillard Center began looking for a new house-lighting solution, he contacted Productions Unlimited again to evaluate how a RETRO installation could work with the Performance Hall’s existing fixtures.

Fitting LED Components Into a Shallow Fixture

The decorative houselights presented an additional challenge because the fixture bodies were relatively shallow. Rather than replacing the visible fixtures, Productions Unlimited designed a custom laser-cut aluminum plate that allowed the Canto USA LED components to fit inside the existing housings.

The update was simple in concept: remove the old interior, install the new assembly with four screws, and leave the decorative ring and globe in place. That meant the Performance Hall retained its architectural look while the lighting technology inside each housing was modernized.

Installed Canto USA RETRO Series components inside a Charleston Gaillard Center houselight

Dimming Compatibility: Troubleshooting and Resolution

Initial testing went well, but a dimming inconsistency appeared as more fixtures were installed: a subset of RETRO units did not respond the same way as the others. The team traced the behavior through the existing control system to identify the source.

The team determined the existing ETC SineWave dimmers were interfering with the LED circuits. To correct the issue, the house-light circuits were moved to an ETC Sensor rack with D20 modules. After that change, the new lighting operated consistently across the Performance Hall.

That troubleshooting added time to the installation schedule; the full retrofit took approximately one week from start to finish.

Keeping the Familiar Look of the Performance Hall

The finished retrofit addressed the maintenance problem that led the Gaillard Center to pursue an LED alternative while preserving the room’s visible fixtures and architectural character.

“We were relieved not to be replacing light bulbs before every event!” Grummer said. “To the average person, you cannot tell a difference in the lighting in the theater, but for those who noticed the shadows and the filament that projected on the glass, it is night and day.”

By adapting RETRO Series LED components to the existing decorative houselights, the Gaillard Center reduced routine lamp replacement while retaining globes, rings, and the hall’s original appearance.

RETRO Series LED Retrofit Kits

RETRO Series LED retrofit kit product imageVer hojas de especificaciones y más

Canto USA’s RETRO Series Fully Dimmable LED Retrofit Houselights

Canto USA is proud to present our RETRO series. The RETRO-Fusion® 2.0 and RETRO-Passive® 2.0  are 0-100% phase dimmable (forward and reverse) variable wattage LED 2700K-6500K 80-97 CRI engines. They are designed for older SCR, TRIAC, and IGBT dimmer systems but are compatible with newer dimmer systems. A direct replacement of existing lamps, our LED retrofit can be used in a wide range of applications or even new installations. Custom and standard mounting options are available.