Clear-Com’s Gen-IC virtual intercom platform was used as the primary communications system for a teen-directed staging of “Next to Normal” at the Bendheim Performing Arts Center in Mid-Westchester, New York.
The venue did not have its own communications infrastructure and had limited setup time.
Implementation and Setup
Broadway stage manager and educator Matt Stern required a solution without hardware rentals and with minimal preparation time. By using Gen-IC and the Agent-IC mobile application, the production created a complete intercom network within minutes.
“Gen-IC absolutely saved the day,” Stern said. “The setup was incredibly fast, about five minutes, and suddenly my entire team had reliable comms on their own devices. No beltpacks, no antennas, no batteries. For a show with teenagers constantly moving backstage, the flexibility was invaluable.”
Crew Mobility and Performance
Crew members used their personal phones to maintain wireless communication across the venue for cues, scene shifts and backstage coordination. The production reported no communication issues during the run.
“For small theater programs and community productions, Gen-IC feels like a no-brainer,” Stern said. “It removes the cost and complexity barriers that often put high-quality communications out of reach.”
Technical Workflow
The production used cloud-managed Gen-IC channels for cueing and backstage operations. The system operated on the venue’s network and the crew’s devices, utilizing Clear-Com’s I.V. Core IP technology for low latency and stable duplex audio during movement across the multi-level set.
Comment from Clear-Com
“Matt’s experience is exactly the kind of workflow Gen-IC was built to support,” said James Schaller, Regional Sales Manager at Clear-Com. “When productions face tight budgets, limited space or fast turnaround times, Gen-IC gives them the performance of a professional intercom system without the infrastructure requirements.”
Production Context
The show was directed by a 15-year-old student and supported the National LGBT Cancer Network. The setup included a multi-level set, a full band and a student-run backstage crew.
