Lighting and show control operators carrying out technical mock-up and pre-programming for Echoes of the Sand inside STEVES production space in Dubai

Echoes of the Sand — Technical Mock-Up & Show Programming

category:

Technical Mock-Up
Pre-Show Programming

support:

Lighting, Video, Rigging, Previsualisation

Date:

November 2025

STEVES was used by the PROTEC technical team ahead of the Echoes of the Sand Festival at Terra Solis Dubai to carry out a full-scale technical mock-up of the show’s main stage feature.

The production centred around a 9m circular LED portal, layered with lighting and rigging elements. A pre-build at STEVES allowed the team to test structural configuration, assembly sequence, and integration between rigging, video, and lighting systems prior to on-site installation.

Stage lighting and beam effects tested during technical pre-production for Echoes of the Sand inside STEVES production space in Dubai
Show programming and lighting pre-visualisation taking place during technical pre-production for Echoes of the Sand at STEVES facility in Dubai

Technical Mock-Up

A full technical setup of the circular LED portal was carried out within STEVES, known as the main visual element of the show. This enabled the production team to simulate the final stage environment in advance of installation at Terra Solis.

Testing the rig in a controlled environment allowed the team to validate the structural configuration, confirm LED integration within the stage design, and define the installation sequence required for efficient on-site assembly. Potential access and positioning challenges were identified early, allowing adjustments to be made prior to load-in.

Carrying out the mock-up in advance ensured the team arrived on site with a clear installation plan, reducing setup time and improving coordination during the build process.

Full-scale technical mock-up and show pre-production carried out inside STEVES advanced production space in Dubai

Previsualisation & Programming

In parallel with the physical mock-up, lighting and video content were programmed using a dedicated previsualisation setup deployed within STEVES.

The system was installed in the CTRL room of STEVES, allowing the production team to monitor the physical stage setup from an elevated viewing position while simultaneously visualising the wider Terra Solis venue environment.

Lighting was programmed using a grandMA3 system, alongside video content integration through media servers, with Depence used for full venue visualisation.

This workflow enabled the team to preview the show in context with both the stage configuration and the full venue layout, allowing lighting looks and video content to be refined ahead of deployment.

Live stage production and audience during Echoes of the Sand event following full technical pre-production at STEVES in Dubai

Collaboration

The use of STEVES for both physical mock-up and previsualisation allowed rigging, lighting, and video teams to work in parallel, improving communication and streamlining decision-making throughout the preparation process.

Testing the rig and programming the show in advance provided confidence that both structural and visual elements would perform as intended once installed on site.