San Pedro’s historic Warner Grand Theatre originally opened in 1931. Nearing its 90th birthday, the theater has moved into a new 21st century era of production – thanks to recent upgrades to the lighting and sound systems.
In 2019, the Warner Grand installed a 96-channel DiGiCo audio mixing console and in July 2020, Bell Event Services selected and installed a spectacular new VUE Audiotechnik speaker system. The system includes an al-8 line-array with as-418 subs and hm-112 stage monitors and fills the main auditorium and balcony with even, robust, clear sound. The Warner Grand’s front-of-house engineer Victor Prudeaux worked on-site with VUE’s Paul Bauman to fine-tune the system.
Prudeaux wears many hats at the Warner Grand, and was invaluable in providing insight into the venue’s needs. Prudeaux explains, “Our previous system was extremely undersized and we had major issues with intelligibility and sound pressure levels. We now have incredible coverage throughout and the vocals have never been cleaner. I can really turn the system up and never worry about distortion in the high frequencies.”
The Warner Grand is a designated City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument. In 1995, the Theatre was saved from possible demolition or re-development by a local group that became Grand Vision Foundation. A year later, the City of Los Angeles purchased the theater and has operated it as an active rental house ever since. Grand Vision continues to serve as the theater’s official Friends Group, spearheading major restoration projects, supporting technical upgrades and providing marketing and media presence.
The Warner Grand is now ready to resume indoor events as soon as it is possible. To schedule private, socially distanced tours of 6 people or fewer, please contact Lisa at Grand Vision Foundation, 310-833-4813 or [email protected].
