In the heart of Bogotá, Colombia, stands a cultural icon with a rich and vibrant history: the Teatro Astor Plaza. With its legacy as a backdrop, this venue was destined for a transformation that would bring it back to the forefront of contemporary entertainment.

The story of its renovation and remodeling is a testament to how a historic space can be reinvented to offer an even more unforgettable experience.
The Teatro Astor Plaza is a fundamental pillar in the city’s cultural scene, with a history spanning five decades. Originally conceived as a space for a variety of cultural and artistic events, the theater has witnessed multiple transformations over the decades.
Saadid Martínez, General Manager of Grupo Altavista, Teatro Astor Plaza, Auditorio CEG, and Generación X la Exhibición, shares how the ambitious renovation and remodeling project of the theater began and how this revitalization has restored a cultural emblem: “The Teatro Astor Plaza is 50 years old. Twenty years ago, it dedicated itself to performing arts with theatrical, artistic, and cultural performances,” explained Martínez, adding: “I began to get involved with the theater in previous years when I worked there as a manager of various artists and a producer of shows. When I was called and told there was a possibility of being part of the management and administrative side of the Teatro Astor Plaza, I was truly fascinated by the idea of restoring an icon of the performing arts in the city. The project excited me a lot.”
The renovation process, which aimed to modernize the theater and adapt it to today’s technological needs, was not easy. “It took us a year to bring the theater to the cutting-edge technology of 2024, to meet the technical demands of artists at the forefront of entertainment,” adds Saadid, highlighting the effort necessary to meet the current industry standards.
For those in charge of this work, the project holds a deep and multifaceted significance. “It is about evolving; it is about bringing a cultural lung to the city in the heart of Chapinero. It is a gift to Bogotá,” Martínez shares with a mix of pride and excitement. “It is practically a gift to producers, attendees, and all these artists who want to perform in a place with very adequate and advanced conditions in what is being offered in entertainment. And on a personal level, it represents an important achievement in my career. It’s another step in my life, always looking to contribute to national entertainment.”
The process was a true collaboration of talents. “We have a technical team of professional engineers, along with architects and some people who also contributed their experience to this renovation project. The magnitude of the work was so vast that it required the combination of various specialties to achieve the desired vision,” he explains. “It has been a collaborative effort under my direction, which has led to the day-to-day management of the Teatro Astor Plaza.”
The choice of lighting fixtures was not a decision taken lightly. Saadid Martínez says with conviction: “It’s no secret that Claypaky is one of the highest standards of show lighting worldwide. It has always been a standard we wanted to have on our stages. We wanted the Teatro Astor Plaza, which has all the advantages, height, depth, etc., to allow attendees to enjoy the great quality and exquisiteness that Claypaky offers.”
As for the chosen fixtures, 20 Arolla Spot-profile, 6 Axcor 300 Spot, 2 Axcor 300 Wash, complemented by 8 Axcor Beam and 10 Mini-B, were specified.
Undoubtedly, a great variety of the brand to offer versatile and top-level lighting.
The decision to work with Audio Concept Colombia as the lighting provider for the Teatro Astor Plaza was natural and strategic. Saadid Martínez highlights the importance of this collaboration by commenting: “Audio Concept has always been an ally and a great company in this process of creating and renovating the theaters and stages we have worked on. Without a doubt, they have been by our side, putting everything into it and helping us carry out these projects.”
He adds: “The experience of working with Audio Concept Colombia during the theater’s renovation was incredible. They conducted a great demo at no cost with the Claypaky brand led by Mauricio Brando, which allowed us to visualize, before acquiring the lighting, how the brand could look at the Teatro Astor Plaza. This gesture not only facilitated the choice of lighting but also reaffirmed confidence in the quality and impact that Audio Concept could bring to the project.”
But as with any process, there were challenges, especially when it comes to incorporating cutting-edge technologies like Claypaky products.
Martínez highlights that as pioneers in the sector, their commitment to advanced technological investments is unusual in a market saturated with cheaper options. Although the initial financial challenge was considerable, Martínez is confident that this investment in quality and cutting-edge technology will yield considerable returns in the long term.
The meticulous technical process of the installation at Teatro Astor Plaza consisted of setting up lighting for medium-sized shows in an indoor space. To achieve this level, state-of-the-art tools were used, including GrandMa3 CommandWing digital control via Art-Net, an 8-universe Artnet Node, and 75 fixtures, ensuring precise and efficient installation.
Saadid Martínez details the specific use of each Claypaky fixture at the Teatro Astor Plaza: “The Arolla Profile-Spot have been set up for front lighting, special positions, soft and hard light (profile theater cut). They are also used for texture and movement in concerts and corporate events. The Axcor 300s are directed at texture, movements, and effects, being ideal for theater, corporate events, musicals, etc. The Axcor Beam is intended for movement effects and textures. On the other hand, the Mini-Bs are used for color fill on stage and soft spotlights. Finally, the Axcor Wash is used for color fill and front light.”
If there is one thing Saaid is convinced of, it is that Claypaky was the best choice for this project: “I think it is the right one for its versatility, utility, and elegance. We have been pleasantly surprised that the brand, having such a high international standard, attracts artists who appreciate finding a technical rider of this level within a venue like Teatro Astor Plaza.”
However, Claypaky did not come to this project alone. There were great collaborators whom Saaid highlights with appreciation: “I really don’t want to leave anyone out. Mauricio Brando, the brand’s manager for Latin America, is one of the great people responsible for this success. From Audio Concept, Adriana Montañez and Carlos Andrés Montes played crucial roles. Additionally, Andrés Felipe Salcedo, in his financial part and his projections, contributed significantly. Without their help, it would not have been possible to advance in this evolutionary process toward excellence and have a platform exclusively of Claypaky today.”
The synergy between Audio Concept and Claypaky is undoubtedly a fundamental part of this project to revitalize the Colombian theatrical and cultural scene.
Andrés Montes Franco, Commercial Advisor of the firm, gives us a detailed look at the company. Located in Bogotá, on the North Highway, Batán sector, they have a spacious and welcoming headquarters, a 450 square meter showroom where customers can explore the world of audio and lighting. In addition, they have a 500 square meter warehouse and a team of 22 people in charge of everything.
Andrés expands: “We offer comprehensive cutting-edge technology solutions in the areas of audio, video, and lighting, with a portfolio ranging from the entertainment market to the commercial-corporate, residential, and HiFi markets. The company not only distributes equipment but also accompanies its partners throughout the purchase process, from rental companies to the integration of large projects.”
The company has forged a close relationship with Claypaky, a high-end brand that has always been on their radar. Andrés Montes Franco comments that the interest was mutual: “Being a top-line brand, we were always interested, but in reality, they approached us because they were looking for a structured and recognized company in the region. We now represent it in Colombia, Venezuela, and Panama, which reinforces our prestige in the market.”
Regarding the brand’s inventory, Audio Concept offers a wide variety of fixtures, from Wash, Spot, and Beam to LED bars and laser technology, allowing customers to experience up close the quality and distinctive design of the brand.
Andrés knows very well that the decision to use Claypaky for the renovation of the Teatro Astor Plaza is based on the fact that “it is a brand of high standards of quality and performance, recognized worldwide that meets international riders in the entertainment field.”
But teamwork is always fundamental. The specification of the fixtures was a joint decision by the theater’s producer, Saadid Martínez; the theater’s lighting designer, Darío Rodríguez; the commercial advisor of Audio Concept, and the factory representative, Mauricio Brando, who worked together to select the right products. The latter, in particular, brought his experience in other venues in the region and the world, providing valuable support in identifying the correct product for the theater.
For Audio Concept, the main challenge in this project was selecting the right product that met the technical and structural requirements of the theater. It was about finding fixtures that offered the appropriate light output, power, and color rendering, and that adapted to the various applications of the theater, from conventional theater performances to television productions. The focus was on ensuring that each type of light met the specific expectations and needs of the space.
And yes, when it comes to projects involving historical and beloved places for society, they result in deeply satisfying experiences. According to Andrés Montes Franco: “It is very gratifying for the company to carry out a project of this nature, as it makes us a reference in the market.”
Undoubtedly, the collaboration with Claypaky in this project has not only strengthened Audio Concept’s presence in the sector but has also contributed to positioning the Teatro Astor Plaza at the top of the theatrical and cultural scene in Bogotá.