From Bank to Black Box Theatre: Gloucester Township’s Community Center Upgrade

Feb 11, 2026

From Bank to Black Box Theatre: Gloucester Township’s Community Center Upgrade

Photo credit: Gloucester Township

A Historic Space Revitalized for the Arts

In the heart of downtown Blackwood’s Arts District, Gloucester Township’s now named Harmony Hall has been reborn as a dynamic community arts venue. What was once the First National Bank of Blackwood, built in 1911, has been transformed into a Black Box Theatre and multi-use cultural space designed to host everything from live music and theatre to local art exhibitions and civic gatherings.

The Township’s vision was to preserve the architectural integrity of this historic landmark while creating a technically advanced and flexible performance environment that could serve as a cornerstone for the area’s cultural revitalization.

Design of the theatre was led by Hewshott (theatre consultant) in collaboration with McKernan Architects and the Township Mayor’s office. Starlite’s Systems Integration team won the bid to execute the installation, system programming, and technical integration of all AV, lighting, control, rigging, and networking systems.

The Starlite team played a large role in the construction and did an excellent job on the project.

Brandon Creel

Partner, Hewshott

Working in Harmony with History and Trades

Starlite’s task was to execute the integration of a compact and unconventional space into a fully functional, modern performance space while navigating the challenges of a multi-trade construction site in a confined historic building.

“The biggest hurdle,” recalls Project Manager Ben Tilley, “was coordination. Multiple trades were working in tight quarters, and even small deviations — like HVAC or sprinkler placement — had a domino effect on ceiling heights, rigging points, and curtain track alignments. Constant communication with the architect, consultant, and other trades was critical.”

Through weekly coordination meetings, meticulous field adjustments, and adaptive problem-solving, Starlite’s integration team maintained both schedule and quality while ensuring the end result matched the design intent.

Technical Integration: Seamless Control, Simple Operation

The theatre’s technical backbone features a complete suite of AV, lighting, rigging, and networking systems, all designed for ease of use and flexibility which are hallmarks of Starlite’s integration philosophy.

This plug-and-play VLAN network was a standout achievement. “Creating an AV network with multiple VLANs that also allowed any type of device to plug in and work seamlessly” Tilley noted. Our programmer Nick Minieri worked hard to make this happen.

Key systems and technologies include:

Lighting & Control:

ETC theatrical lighting fixtures, Chauvet Professional moving lights, ETC control board paired with Interactive Technologies’ CueStation for intuitive architectural controls operation.

AV & Control:

Crestron control and touch panels, Visionary AvoIP, and conncetions to Q-SYS DSP, programmed for simple, one-touch operation.

Audio Systems:

Allen & Heath mixing, QSC loudspeakers, Q-SYS processing, LEA Professional amplification, Green Go wireless production intercom, and Shure microphones for high-quality, reliable sound reinforcement.

Projection & Presentation:

Epson projection and Da-Lite screen for versatile performance and presentation use.

Rigging & Drapery:

Pipe grid, ADC and Rose Brand components, including custom curtain track switchers that allow the space to be enclosed or opened in seconds.

Network:

Netgear switches configured to support multiple VLANs, enabling any device — lighting console, audio console, or video encoder — to plug in anywhere and automatically discover its correct network path.

Platforms and Seating:

Spec Seats for portable seating and storage carts, Sightline for portable platforms, railings, carts, and accessories.

Talk with our team to learn more about these technologies

Programming for the People

For Starlite, success isn’t just about integrating cutting-edge equipment — it’s about creating systems that feel effortless for the end user. Every touch panel and network connection was programmed to simplify complex operations, giving staff and visiting artists intuitive control over sound, lighting, and visuals.

Now, with just a few taps on a Crestron touch panel, users can:

Power the entire system on or off
Adjust house light color and intensity
Switch between event modes (ex: theatre, lecture, live music)
Reconfigure AV routing instantly

The result is a future-ready, user-friendly venue that empowers the community to host performances and events without needing specialized technical expertise.

Building for the Future

Sustainability and scalability were key considerations on this project..

All lighting fixtures are LED, reducing energy costs and heat output.
Additional CAT6 runs were installed at strategic points to provide flexibility for future expansions.
System components were mounted with serviceability in mind, ensuring easy access for maintenance or upgrades.

Community Impact and Reception

The newly completed Black Box Theatre has already become a vital heartbeat of the Gloucester Township arts community, offering a modern, flexible, and welcoming venue for performance and gathering.

The transformation is striking: what was once a bank lobby is now a fully functional performance venue where every light, sound, and visual element works in harmony allowing the community to have a shared space of creativity.

Mainstage Center for the Arts, who now shares the space, provides a creative, vibrant, and nurturing environment for youth and adults. Using the performing arts as a catalyst for individual expression and growth, Mainstage enriches the quality of life for its South Jersey community.

“It has been such a meaningful and rewarding experience watching Harmony Hall come to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed such a wide range of events there in the brief time that it’s been open. From a high energy, magical Holiday concert, to a township government reorganization meeting, to 3 different theatrical productions in the span of 3 weeks, watching the space transform for the event, and to hold people from various walks of life in the South Jersey community has been remarkable.”

Erica Harr

Artistic Director , Mainstage Center for the Arts

In Reflection

For Starlite’s Systems Integration department, projects like Gloucester Township’s Black Box Theatre are rewarding as well as great examples of our integration and construction skillsets. They blend our technical precision and creative problem-solving with our deep respect for how creative spaces serve communities.

Working side-by-side with other construction trades, Starlite delivered clean integration and programming for a space that is both technically sophisticated and refreshingly simple to operate. This ensures that theatre, live music, and community events can now take center stage with ease.

Project Snapshot

Location	Harmony Hall Gloucester Township Community Center, Gloucester Township, NJ
Type	Black Box Theatre / Community Arts Space
Completed	2025
Architect Theatre Consultant	McKernan Architects Hewshott
Systems Installed	Lighting, Audio, Video, Control, Rigging, Networking, Seating and Platforms
Key Brands	ETC, Crestron, Q-SYS, Interactive Technologies, Allen & Heath, Shure, QSC, Epson, Netgear, Spec Seats, Sightline
Starlite’s Role	Systems Integration, Installation, Programming, Commissioning

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Inside DEViATE’s 5-City Dance Tour: How Starlite Delivered Seamless Production Every Step of the Way

May 30, 2025

Inside DEViATE’s 5-City Dance Tour: How Starlite Delivered Seamless Production Every Step of the Way

Five Cities, One Seamless Experience: How Starlite’s Jeff Bettencourt Elevated The Deviate Dance Competition Experience

From the very beginning, Deviate Dance Competition knew they wanted to take their dance tour on the road. But touring isn’t just about reproducing identical shows —it’s about creating a high-quality AV and lighting experience in each city, no matter the room, layout, or crew dynamics. That’s where Starlite shines.

In 2025, Deviate’s tour spanned five cities:

Dulles, VA

Atlantic City, NJ

Spartanburg, SC

King of Prussia, PA

Troy, MI

Each stop brought its own unique challenges—from ballrooms with low ceilings to convention halls with strict timelines. But Jeff and the Starlite team delivered a seamless setup every time. Whether it was the first show of the year or the final weekend of the tour, the lighting, stage, and energy were consistent—because the prep, planning, and partnership never wavered. Since 2022 the partnership between Starlite and Deviate has blossomed into something much deeper than logistics and lighting. That kind of collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual trust, deep preparation, and a shared sense of purpose: to make events that matter.

“I’m not just some guy that shows up with the stage and lights. I’m part of their crew, their family. I’ve worked with some of them for over three years now, and they’ll jump in and help with anything—even if it’s not technically their job.”

Jeff Bettencourt

Laying the Groundwork for Flawless Execution

Every Deviate weekend begins well before the first dancer takes the stage. Jeff’s prep starts weeks in advance—reviewing floor plans, communicating with venues, specifying the AV and lighting equipment and accounting for every detail.

“The reason things go smoothly on-site is because we’ve put in the hours ahead of time,” Jeff explains. “From gear pulls to packing to coordinating with the venue staff—it’s all about prep. That’s what eliminates surprises.”

That level of diligence is essential when you’re touring five different cities, each with its own venue quirks. Whether it’s a hotel ballroom or a sprawling convention center, Jeff adapts the production plan to the room, the stage size, the dancer count—even the local prop dimensions. When things are seamlessly happening, it’s usually because people are working together and planning was done right-and that’s what Starlite’s Event Technology team prides itself on.

AV and Lighting Gear That Works As Hard As the Dancers

Starlite provides full production support: a 28’x48’ stage, performance lighting, and technical expertise throughout the weekend. Lighting design is clean and impactful—designed to make every dancer shine, whether in person or on the live stream.

Key gear includes:

ETC Ion XE console
Chauvet MK2 Spot fixtures with custom Deviate gobos
GLP X4 bars and Martin Mac Aura XBs
ETC Source4wrd Lekos and Chauvet Ovation Lekos
100′ of 20×20 truss and 150′ of black velour drape

Interested in our equipment…check out our rental catalog!

The custom gobos add an immersive brand element, with Jeff able to project Deviate’s logo anywhere in the room, changing colors and positions dynamically throughout the day. The goal at the end of the day is to make the dancers feel confident on stage. Lighting is key to add the elements needed for the performers to feel their best and perform their best.

Leading With Experience—and Enthusiasm

Jeff’s role goes far beyond technical direction. He leads with trust, flexibility, and a calm, seasoned approach that sets the tone for everyone on site.

His crew is a hybrid: Starlite technicians and Deviate staff who double as AV and lighting production support. Over time, Jeff has built a system of clearly assigned roles that keep things moving efficiently and safely on this dance tour.

“One of the best lessons I’ve learned is not to judge a book by its cover,” he says. “The Deviate crew might be dancers by trade, but they work just as hard and effectively as any tech crew I’ve worked with.”

This shared commitment is what transforms a production into a partnership. And it’s why Starlite has become a trusted part of Deviate’s DNA.

Impact That Lasts Long After the Final Curtain

The Deviate Dance Competition draws over 1,000 dancers and more than 50 studios. It’s not just a competition—it’s a celebration of art, effort, and growth. Dancers compete one day, then spend two more days taking masterclasses with professionals from Broadway, cruise ships, and theme parks. It’s high-energy, high-impact, and high-stakes for the kids involved.

“Success to me is seeing those kids smiling on stage,” Jeff says. “Knowing that we helped create a moment they’ll remember forever—that’s what it’s all about.”

That heart—shared by Jeff, the Event Technology team, and everyone at Starlite—is what powers every production we’re a part of. From dance competitions to concerts to corporate meetings, we don’t lose sight of what these events mean to the people attending them.

We bring quality gear, yes. We bring skill, absolutely. But above all, we bring our niche enthusiasm and energy for the world of AV and lighting.

Looking Ahead

As Deviate continues to grow, Jeff and the Starlite team are already planning ways to streamline load-ins, evolve the lighting design, and add subtle but meaningful upgrades that keep the event fresh year after year. With another city added to the tour in 2026 and thousands more dancers to inspire, this is more than just a show. It’s a shared journey. And Starlite is proud to be along for the ride.

Want to partner with Starlite on your next event?

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Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

Feb 18, 2025

Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

When Philadelphia celebrates, the entire city shines—literally. As fans filled the streets in the wake of the city’s championship victory, two of its most iconic landmarks—City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art—stood illuminated in a brilliant green glow, serving as powerful symbols of the city’s pride and unity.

At Starlite, we understand that moments like these require flawless execution. With years of experience providing professional lighting, event technology, and systems integration, we take pride in delivering reliable solutions for high-stakes events where the whole city—and beyond—is watching.

City Hall: A Landmark Brought to Life

Starlite’s integration work at Philadelphia’s City Hall has transformed this historic landmark into a dynamic centerpiece for citywide celebrations. The new lighting system is powered by ReachElite fixtures by Color Kinetics, delivering vibrant, energy-efficient illumination. The system is controlled by an ETC Mosaic show controller, with control signals distributed across remote buildings. This uses a combination of Pathway Connectivity devices and City Theatrical Multiverse wireless DMX products. Additionally, Village Controls equipment enables remote access for programming, testing, and monitoring—allowing seamless adjustments for any occasion. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, City Hall can now be instantly transformed to reflect Philadelphia’s spirit, whether for a championship win, cultural celebration, or holiday event. But for this occasion, the historic landmark was draped in the iconic Kelly green.

“We were thrilled to be part of the celebration and help Philadelphia show some love for the team. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is such an iconic building, and being asked to highlight it was an honor. The feedback we received from all parties was really positive.”

Jason Danowitz

Vice President of Event Technology, Starlite

The Philadelphia Museum of Art: A Beacon of Victory

In preparation for a drone show to hype up one of the big games, Starlite’s event technology team provided lighting support for another one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This cultural icon served as a bacldrop and reflected the excitement of the moment. We used Chauvet Colorado Q40 panels, chosen for their powerful output, uniform coverage, and ease of use. Because this was a static installation, we could fine-tune the perfect shade of green on-board without the need for external control. Additionally, the fixtures’ IP65 rating ensured they withstood multiple instances of heavy rain and snow, making them an ideal solution for this high-profile outdoor installation.

Why Starlite?

While large-scale celebrations come with challenges, from technical complexities to tight timelines, Starlite’s expertise ensures that everything runs smoothly. We provide trusted support so event organizers, city officials, and the community can focus on celebrating—without worrying about the technical details.

For decades, Starlite has been at the forefront of event technology and integration, helping Philadelphia shine in its most important moments. From championship celebrations to major productions, we’re proud to offer the expertise and support that make unforgettable events possible.

Want to partner with Starlite on your next event?

Chat with our professional event experts today

National Bible Bee Competition

Jan 29, 2025

National Bible Bee Competition

About the National Bible Bee:

The National Bible Bee Competition is an annual event that combines faith, education, and community through religious study. With participants from across the nation, the event highlights the dedication and talent of young contestants competing for top prizes and scholarships.

Project Overview:

Starlite has proudly partnered with the National Bible Bee Competition for the past two years, delivering professional AV and lighting support to ensure the event’s success. In 2024, our team faced unique challenges when the originally planned venue in North Carolina was rendered inaccessible due to devastating damage from hurricane Helene. Starlite pivoted as per the new requirements to a new venue in Florida, showcasing our adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Challenges:

Venue Change: With the original location unavailable, the event’s logistics had to be reimagined in a compressed timeline.

High Stakes: Since contestants are pursuing large prizes, the stakes are high and the event’s AV and lighting should be seamless so as to not interfere with the goal of the competition. The National Bible Bee’s programming includes speakers, contestants, and audience engagement, requiring exceptional sound clarity, lighting precision, and visual support.

Our Solutions:

Preliminary Planning and Coordination: Despite the challenges, our event team quickly reorganized plans and worked closely with all stakeholders to accommodate the venue shift. We ensured clear communication and a seamless setup in Florida.

Professional AV Equipment: Starlite provided video projection, full audio support, IMAG, and scenic integration.

Dynamic Lighting and Visual Support: Lighting plays a vital role in setting the tone for each session of the event. Starlite’s team implemented the lighting designer and programmer, Paul Turner’s, brilliant vision and plan that enhanced the ambiance, creating an engaging environment akin to a gameshow style of lighting.

Results:

Seamless Transition:

The event successfully took place at the new venue without compromising quality or schedule.

Positive Feedback:

Contestants, speakers, and attendees praised the technical quality and production value of the event.

Strengthened Partnership:

This project further solidified Starlite’s relationship with the National Bible Bee, demonstrating our reliability and commitment.

Why Starlite? With over 40 years of experience in AV and lighting, Starlite is equipped to handle events of any size and complexity. Our team’s dedication to client satisfaction, professionalism, and adaptability makes us a trusted partner for large-scale productions nationwide.

Whether it’s navigating unforeseen challenges or enhancing the experience of every guest and participant, Starlite ensures exceptional results every time. We’re proud to support meaningful events like the National Bible Bee and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.

Want to partner with Starlite on your next event?

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Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium Lighting Upgrade

Oct 23, 2024

Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium Lighting Upgrade

Collingswood Scottish Rite Project Background

The Excelsior Scottish Rite Temple, also known as the Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium, is a historic venue with roots tracing back to the early 20th century. Originally a mansion owned by notable figures such as Samuel French and later owned by Edward Collings Knight Sr., the property was purchased by the Excelsior Scottish Rite in 1930. Since 2003, it has been leased by the Borough of Collingswood and managed by the Collingswood Foundation for the Arts, hosting over a million guests in its classic venue for over 20 years.

Our relationship with the Scottish Rite Auditorium dates back to 2006 when Starlite upgraded their performance lighting control system to an ETC system. This long-standing partnership, coupled with our role as a rental resource for their productions and concerts, positioned us as the ideal partner for their house lighting upgrade project.

Project Challenges

The auditorium’s existing house lighting system was outdated and inefficient:

Incandescent lighting fixtures housed in glass reflectors were energy-intensive and costly to operate.

The old fixtures generated excessive heat, particularly problematic given their proximity to the historic stained glass ceiling.

The over 30-year-old Kliegl Brothers lighting control system was severely outdated.

Wall sconces throughout the theater used inefficient incandescent bulbs.

Starlite’s Solution

Starlite’s Systems Integration Team proposed and implemented a comprehensive lighting upgrade that included:

Down Lighting (House Lighting): Installed 57 new Light Source HL-series architectural LED down lights, replacing 326 incandescent fixtures.
Wall Sconces: Upgraded 12 sconces with ETC ArcLamps, transitioning from incandescent to LED technology.
Control System: Implemented a new ETC Paradigm lighting control system, including architectural lighting controls and an emergency lighting system.

Original fixtures above stained glass

New HL-series fixtures

Execution

The execution of this project was a complex undertaking that required careful planning, expert implementation, and close collaboration to navigate the unique challenges presented by the historic venue.

The project’s scope encompassed a comprehensive overhaul of the auditorium’s house lighting system. After demolition of the previous fixtures was completed, our team installed 57 new Light Source HL series architectural LED down lights, working with utmost care around and above the historic stained glass ceiling. Simultaneously, we integrated the new ETC Paradigm control system and emergency controls, replacing the outdated Kliegl Brothers system. The upgrade also extended to the theater’s decorative lighting, where we replaced the wall sconces and lamps with energy-efficient ETC ArcLamps, transitioning from incandescent to LED technology with advanced dim-to-warm functionality. This comprehensive approach ensured a complete modernization of the venue’s lighting infrastructure while preserving its historic charm.

The project’s execution was shaped by several significant challenges:

Limited Access: The historic catwalk and confined space above the antique stained glass windows posed considerable difficulties for our team during the installation of new lighting fixtures and support structures. This required innovative approaches and specialized equipment to ensure safe and effective work.

Electrical Constraints: The venue’s older electrical infrastructure, including dated wiring and conduits, necessitated careful planning and execution for new installations. Our team partnered closely with Chammings Electric Inc. (the venue’s electrical contractor) to find solutions that respected the building’s historical integrity while meeting modern electrical standards.

Delicate Work Environment: The presence of the antique stained glass ceiling demanded extraordinary care and precision. Our team implemented specialized protective measures and worked with heightened awareness to prevent any damage to these irreplaceable historical elements.

With a project having many difficulties ahead, Starlite made the entire process extremely easy to complete. Working in a space built in 1931 that hadn’t been upgraded since was a major feat. From the initial stages of design all the way through installation, the communication and customer service were incredible. Choosing fixtures that would provide the coverage and brightness we needed while shooting through the stained-glass ceiling was a challenge. The design team knocked it out of the park with their choice of fixtures. After seeing them in our theatre for a demo, we knew this was what we needed. Coming in right at, or even a little under, budget was a huge plus thanks to our sales rep, Bob Wolfe. Your installation team was nothing but professional and helpful during this process. Most of the time, they were working, and we didn’t even realize they were still in the building. Post-installation support for minor changes to programming and any questions has been amazing. We could not be happier with the overall product we received. Starlite will be our first call for any future lighting projects!

Joe Schramm

Production Manager , Scottish Rite Auditorium

Collaboration

To address these challenges and ensure the best possible outcome, Starlite collaborated closely with Brandon Creel of Hewshott, an independent theater consultancy. This partnership was crucial in developing a precise lighting design that not only worked within the venue’s architectural constraints but also met its functional and aesthetic needs. The collaborative approach allowed us to leverage combined expertise in historic venue renovations and cutting-edge lighting technology.

Throughout the execution phase, our team maintained open communication channels with the client, consultants, and other stakeholders. Joe Schramm (Production Manager) and Paula Lara (Executive Director) helped facilitate this project’s progression. This ensured that any unforeseen issues could be quickly addressed and that the project remained aligned with the client’s vision and the venue’s historical significance.

Despite the challenges, Starlite’s Systems Integration Team successfully completed the project, delivering a state-of-the-art lighting system that respects and enhances the venue’s historic character while providing significant improvements in functionality, energy efficiency, and control.

Light Source fixtures above stained glass

The Results

The lighting upgrade resulted in significant improvements:

Energy Efficiency: LED fixtures dramatically reduced power consumption and heat generation.
Enhanced Control: The new ETC Paradigm system provided modern, flexible lighting control options.
Improved Aesthetics: Updated house lighting and sconces enhanced the venue’s appearance while respecting its historic character.
Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption and longer-lasting LED technology will result in long-term cost savings.

This project showcases Starlite’s ability to navigate complex, historically sensitive environments while delivering cutting-edge lighting solutions. By successfully upgrading the Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium’s house lighting system, we’ve not only improved the venue’s functionality and efficiency but also contributed to the preservation of a significant historical landmark.

The challenges faced and overcome during this project have further enhanced our team’s expertise, preparing us for future complex installations in historic venues.

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