The latest upgrade to the RCA’s Mary Irwin Theatre tech has just arrived – a new sound board. This advancement was made possible by the BC Arts Council Arts Infrastructure Grant; a generous sum of 36K. Upgrades like this are crucial in the RCA mission to deliver arts and culture to our community, and this upgrade will improve the quality of productions and ensure RCA continues to serve as a key resource, supporting the growth and sustainability of Kelowna’s arts ecosystem.  

We owe a debt of gratitude not only to the BC Arts Council, but also to our theatre patrons. Every ticket sold to a show in the Mary Irwin Theatre contributes $1.75 to our Capital Improvement Fund (CIF), allowing us to fund continuous upgrades as a non-profit organization. Your support ensures that we can keep bringing state-of-the-art experiences to our stage. 

We’re upgrading our sound system with a modern digital setup - saying goodbye our aging Allen & Heath QU-32 console and hello to an Allen and Heath Avantis 64 channel mixing console. Our current equipment is at risk of failure, which could jeopardize events and leave the theatre without sound. Since 85% of our clients are arts and culture groups or non-profits, reliable audio is essential to supporting their work. 

Avantis is a powerful 64-channel mixer with ultra-low 0.7ms latency, thanks to its advanced 96kHz XCVI engine. We’ve also added two new stage boxes, boosting our stage inputs from 24 to 64 channels. 

This upgrade is critical to ensure the RCA continues delivering high-quality sound for everything from community productions to large-scale concerts. The new digital system will significantly expand our technical capabilities, allowing for more dynamic, immersive, and professional events that meet today’s industry standards. 

Our goal is always to provide consistent, high-quality performances and events and enhance accessibility, and this upgrade will allow us to do just that. This project will directly benefit a wide range of arts and community groups that regularly use the Mary Irwin Theatre, such as Chamber Music Kelowna, who host 6-7 performances annually, Opera Kelowna, with 2-3 productions per year, and New Vintage Theatre, producing 3 shows annually. Each group needs reliable sound to enhance the dramatic and musical elements of their performances. 

Not to mention, RCA’s own performance series, RCA Presents, will also see significant advantages. RCA Presents proudly hosts 15-20 events annually and is a key revenue stream for us as a non-profit. With this upgrade, we can continue to bring incredible musicians, dance groups, comedians, and more to our stage.  

This project will significantly enhance the experience for our patrons who live with hearing impairments. The new sound system will include a hearing loop, ensuring that sound is transmitted directly into telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants, which will reduce background noise and improving clarity. This upgrade is crucial for RCA to continue providing inclusive, accessible experiences for all audiences, particularly those with disabilities. 

There are so many benefits to this impressive enhancement to our theatre, and we can’t wait to showcase this new technology for all to see! See what’s happening in the theatre and experience this next-level sound for yourself – tickets available here. 

Read more about other ongoing theatre upgrades: 

Phase 1: Turn Up the Lights 

Phase 2: Mary Irwin Theatre Lighting Upgrade: Enhancing the Experience