Frozen, the Musical may be a simple story, but the automation behind the production is anything but simple. In addition to the scenic automation that moves actors and set pieces around the stage, much of the lighting, projection and audio systems are linked together through show control. BPI’s MSC Boxes are currently being used to monitor show control on the Broadway production, as well as on Frozen‘s multiple national and international tours and productions.

The Problem

Frozen uses Show Control Gateways from ETC to connect the scenery, projection and audio MSC messages into the lighting system. Unfortunately, these Gateways don’t provide any details of the messages coming in, making it difficult to assess whether all systems are working, and what messages are being sent.

The Solution

Randall Zaibek, Production Electrician for the Broadway production, specified our MSC Boxes to provide a realtime display of MSC messages passing through the Show Control Gateways. The MSC Box changes color every time a message is received, and the display gives the Head Electrician a clear indication of what that message was, allowing for easy maintenance and troubleshooting should a problem arise.