AUSTRALIA: Sydney-based rental specialist Intense Lighting has expanded its ROBE inventory with the acquisition of 12 FOOTSIE2 Slim fixtures, continuing the company’s strategy of investing in rider-friendly lighting solutions tailored to theatre and dance production environments.

Founded in 2017 by industry veteran Ian Garrard, Intense Lighting has built a strong reputation within Australia’s performance and theatrical production sector by focusing on high-quality rental and dry hire solutions supported by service-driven operations. Drawing on years of experience working with leading theatre and performance companies, Garrard identified growing demand for reliable, production-focused lighting systems designed specifically around the operational realities of theatre and dance.

The latest investment in Robe FOOTSIE2 Slim fixtures was driven by a remount production of Queensland Ballet’s “Trilogy” season in Brisbane during mid-2025. The production featured three independent short works by choreographers Cathy Marston, Jack Lister and Christopher Bruce, with lighting design by Matt Marshall and direction by Alex Berlage.

The FOOTSIE2 Slim fixtures were selected to provide low-profile footlight illumination while remaining visually unobtrusive to audiences, an increasingly important requirement in theatrical environments where sightlines and stage aesthetics remain critical. According to Marshall, the fixtures delivered a more refined and theatre-oriented solution compared to previous products used for similar applications.

“FOOTSIE2 was properly designed for theatre and is a newer and better option than products we were previously using for this style of effect,” Matt commented.

Beyond the immediate production requirements, Garrard reportedly saw wider long-term value in the fixtures for both indoor and outdoor performance applications, particularly due to the FOOTSIE2 Slim’s discreet form factor, minimal stage footprint and IP-rated construction.

Since their initial deployment on “Trilogy”, the fixtures have already seen regular utilisation across a range of additional productions, further reinforcing their versatility within Intense Lighting’s rental inventory.

The investment also builds on Intense Lighting’s broader relationship with ROBE, following the company’s earlier acquisition of 32 Spiider LED wash beam fixtures in 2021. According to Garrard, the Spiiders continue to be among the company’s most frequently deployed fixtures due to strong rider demand and their multi-functional capabilities.

“Lighting designers like them a lot, the moonflower effect is great, making it more than a standard LED wash fixture, and they are one of our hardest working products,” he revealed.

Garrard additionally highlighted ROBE’s reputation for durability, innovation and long-term return on investment as important factors influencing future purchasing decisions.

Today, Intense Lighting supports approximately 70 projects per month across a mix of dry hire and fully crewed productions, with operations managed by a team of six full-time staff supported by a regular freelance network of around 30 technicians. Garrard’s long-standing connections within Australia’s theatre and performance community, combined with the company’s specialised focus on production-centric rental solutions, continue to drive Intense Lighting’s steady growth within the sector.