In the middle of Oslo, tucked between cafes and streetcars, there’s a place where musical magic happens night after night: Folketeateret. It’s Norway’s largest privately run theatre, seating a whopping 1,400 people. But this isn’t a stage for concerts, it’s where full-blown musical productions like Wicked, Matilda, Miss Saigon, and the beloved holiday classic Annie take center stage. And while the spotlight’s on the actors, there’s a lot of movement happening behind the scenes, literally. That’s where CyberMotion comes in.
Folketeateret, a theatre that thinks big
Every year, Folketeateret hosts two or three large-scale musicals, produced by the Norwegian production company Scenekvelder. On top of that, they host over 50 other events per year, from graduation ceremonies to classical concerts and even stand-up comedy.
In other words, space is constantly being reinvented. And that takes more than creativity. It requires clever tech and a system that can keep up with whatever the next production throws at it.
So… What does CyberMotion actually do?
Let’s take a closer look! CyberMotion is part of the core technical team at Folketeateret. It’s like a reliable stagehand that never gets tired. Thanks to CyberHoists, the team can fly massive LED screens in and out of view, raise scenic walls, and move heavy set pieces smoothly and safely during live shows.
Take Wicked, for example. That production used three hoists to control an LED screen that flies in and out during the performance. Some hoists come from the theatre, and some from the production company, working together to create a dynamic, moving set piece that brings the story to life.
Then there’s Annie, the annual Christmas favorite. For this show, a massive 18-by-8 meter LED screen, driven by seven hoists, lifts during live transitions. In addition, eight 0.5-ton hoists handle scenic walls and other stage elements, lifting them up and down from the fly floor, which is 26 meters high, to stage level during scene changes.
Now, Folketeateret also has 38 manually operated counterweight flybars, those classic stage flybars you often see behind the scenes. CyberMotion doesn’t replace those but adds new muscle, allowing the team to move much heavier objects and do multiple moves simultaneously, making the productions even more ambitious and visually impressive.
It’s not all robots and rigs
Without a doubt, the tech is advanced. But theatre’s still a team sport. Each production involves around 25 crew members, from stage managers, sound and lighting techs, to makeup artists, costume designers, and more.
In this case, the theatre’s own technical team programs and operates the CyberMotion system, working closely with Scenekvelder’s creative leads. Our CyberMotion crew doesn’t push the buttons during the show, the theatre’s crew operates the system. If they need help, we assist remotely and, when necessary, come on-site to support.
It’s all about teamwork and knowledge.
The show at Folketeateret goes on
By now, CyberMotion has played a backstage role in some of Folketeateret’s biggest hits: The Sound of Music, Chess, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia!, Matilda, and many more. Folketeateret continues to use CyberMotion systems across many productions.
Want to experience what CyberMotion could do for your show?
We’re proud to play a small part in the incredible work happening at Folketeateret. It’s a theatre with heart, ambition, and a team that never settles for “good enough.” Flying LED walls, seamless set changes, ambitious stage designs, it’s all possible when you’ve got the right tools, creative minds and experienced professionals. Curious to learn more? Reach out. Whether you want technical specs, examples of how it’s been used, or just want to chat about what might work in your venue, we’re happy to help. If your questions are more about the musicals themselves, Scenekvelder is the go-to. For other behind-the-scenes inquiries, the Folketeateret crew is happy to fill you in.
Special thanks to Alex McNally from Folketeatret, Scenekvelder, Fredrik Arff for making the pictures and all the actors for making this work.
We’re more than excited to share our thoughts? Curious to know more? Get in touch with us today. We’re here for you!
