BlackTrax Simplifies Touring on Paw Patrol Live

	"That added layer of precision helped the team create magic moments that make the audience feel like the pups really are powering up to save the day." Photo: Spin Master Ltd.

Bringing Paw Patrol Live: A Mighty Adventure to life is no small feat. The touring production, inspired by the latest Paw Patrol movie, introduces new high-energy storylines where the beloved rescue pups gain "mighty" superpowers. To keep up with the on-stage action, the show demands more than just colorful costumes and upbeat music -- it needs technical precision and visual magic that hits every mark.

Noah Dalton, the show's electrician and head rigger, plays a key role in making that happen. From lighting and rigging to overseeing the BlackTrax tracking system, Dalton ensures the setup runs smoothly from city to city. With quick load-ins, tight schedules, and the need for flawless execution, the technical crew has little room for error, and BlackTrax has become a key tool in delivering that consistency.

Earlier versions of the show relied on traditional spotlight operators. Hitting the right performer at the right moment was a challenge, especially in a fast-paced kids' show full of movement and choreography. Manual tracking introduced too much variability for a production where lighting is part of the storytelling.

Switching to BlackTrax allowed the creative team to level up. The company reports, "With real-time performer tracking, the lighting design became more dynamic and reliable. Effects like gobos and vibrant color shifts could now be triggered automatically and in perfect sync with the action. That added layer of precision helped the team create magic moments that make the audience feel like the pups really are powering up to save the day."

With x8 BT Sensors (1.3MPs) (four front-of-house and four on over-stage trusses) and a single Mini Beacon Wave worn by each performer, the team can hang and calibrate the system in about 30 minutes. BlackTrax also automatically adapts to varying truss positions so the crew doesn't have to reprogram cues every time they move to a new venue. That built-in adaptability has saved time and reduced stress, especially when working with tight turnarounds.

"What sets BlackTrax apart is how it frees the performers to move naturally without being bound to specific marks or angles," explains Dalton. "The system allows lighting fixtures to track them from any direction, so the action feels more immersive and less staged." That flexibility enhances the show's energy and helps maintain the illusion that the pups are truly in control of their mighty powers!

The transition to the newer Beacon Mini hardware has also made a noticeable difference. Compared to previous versions that used three stringers, the Mini requires just one stringer per performer. It also includes a quick-release mechanism, which makes it easy to rig, and its small footprint means it doesn't interfere with costume changes or movement on stage.