Case Study: MLB Architects achieves streamlined, standardized theater lighting workflows with VectorWorks

Reviving Historical Treasures in South Africa

The Zurich Opera House, a leading 1,100‑seat repertory theater producing some 60 opera, ballet, and concert productions per season, faced the dual challenge of modernizing its lighting technology during ongoing operations and supporting rapid, repeatable set-ups for frequent co-productions and tours. Tight turnaround times (sometimes as short as three hours), a large technical crew, and the need to share clear, professional plans with international partners made consistency and speed critical.

To meet this, the lighting department added a dedicated assistant who uses Vectorworks Spotlight to produce a standardized master lighting plan and production‑specific drawings (A3 for team leaders, A4 for technicians). Features like the Visibility tool, reusable libraries, and an “unused” layer for quick revisions let the team update plans rapidly during rehearsals and equipment refits. The result: faster, more consistent documentation, reduced workload for master electricians, smoother international co‑productions (notably Swan Lake with La Scala), and greater operational flexibility during renovations and tours.

MLB Architects

Quinton Lawson

Partner