What City Theatrical does

City Theatrical is a U.S.-headquartered designer and manufacturer of professional lighting accessories serving the live entertainment, film/TV production, and architectural lighting industries. Founded in 1986 in Carlstadt, New Jersey, the company operates a manufacturing facility in the same location and a regional office in New Malden, United Kingdom, with global distribution through authorized dealers. Its product portfolio spans beam control hardware (top hats, barndoors, color frames, image multiplexers), QolorFLEX LED tape and dimmers, custom-manufactured lighting accessories, and the proprietary Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM system — including transmitters, nodes, receivers, OEM modules, spectrum analyzers, and test tools.

Multiverse is the company's core technology platform and primary growth engine. Protected by U.S. Patent #7,432,803 and additional pending patents, it enables broadcast of up to 9–10 universes of DMX/RDM data from a single transmitter using dual-band (900MHz and 2.4GHz) radios, with security features (SHoW ID/ShoW KEY), spectrum management (RadioScan), and a smartphone-based test/config app (DMXcat). The platform is differentiated by 20-bit PWM dimming resolution, OEM-embeddable module form factors, and integrations with industry-standard controllers (Luminair, sACN, Art-Net). Multiverse Modules are licensed to lighting manufacturers for embedded integration, with per-piece pricing from $60 (single units) to under $20 in volume and an OEM development kit priced at $1,000.

The company monetizes through a hybrid model: direct and dealer-channel hardware sales of its own branded products, plus OEM licensing revenue where Multiverse technology is embedded into third-party fixtures — most notably by ETC in their Source Four LED Series 3, Desire Fresnel, and fos/4 Panel product lines. Pricing is unit-based with volume discounting; custom and special-order products are non-cancellable and non-refundable. Customer segments are concentrated in professional film/TV productions (Netflix, CBS), live entertainment (Broadway, touring shows), architectural installations, and educational venues, with go-to-market executed through dealer networks, trade shows (USITT, PLASA, Cine Gear Expo), and content marketing (case studies, podcasts, video series). In February 2026, City Theatrical was acquired by Environmental Lights and now operates as a brand within Environmental Lights' portfolio alongside Nova Flex.

Name

City Theatrical

Legal name

City Theatrical, Inc.

Website

https://citytheatrical.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

City Theatrical designs and manufactures proprietary professional lighting accessories — most notably its patented Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM system, QolorFLEX LED products, and beam-control hardware — for film/TV productions, live entertainment, architectural installations, and OEM lighting manufacturers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Lighting Accessories

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351), Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335132), Wiring Device Manufacturing (33593)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Photographic Equipment & Supplies (3861)

akta.pro primary industry

Outdoor & Area Lighting (Street, Roadway, Parking, Flood, Sports/Architectural exterior) (IMAGAIAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Task/Workstation Lighting (Inspection/task lights, cleanroom/food-grade, portable work lights) (IMAGAIAK), Lighting & Studio Equipment Retail (Flash, Continuous, Modifiers, Backdrops) (CRACAHAF)

Keywords

• Wireless DMX technology
• LED tape products
• Beam control accessories
• DMX test equipment
• Lighting control accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Carlstadt

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: City Theatrical generates revenue primarily through the sale of proprietary lighting control hardware products including wireless DMX transmitters, receivers, dimmers, LED tape, beam control accessories, and software tools. Products are sold directly and through dealer network.
2. OEM Licensing: Revenue generated through OEM partnerships where lighting manufacturers integrate Multiverse Module technology into their products. Multiverse Modules are sold directly from City Theatrical after signing OEM license agreement, with per-piece costs varying from $60 for single units to under $20 for quantities of multiple thousands.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

City Theatrical designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary lighting accessories for the live entertainment, film, video, and architectural industries. Its portfolio spans Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM systems (transmitters, receivers, nodes, dimmers, modules), QolorFLEX LED tape and dimmers, the RadioScan spectrum analyzer, DMXcat test tools, and beam control and hardware accessories, complemented by custom and OEM manufacturing services.

Product overview

City Theatrical is a manufacturer of professional lighting accessories for film, video, live entertainment, and architectural industries. The company offers a diverse portfolio organized into several core product lines: Multiverse wireless DMX/RDM technology (including transmitters, receivers, nodes, modules, dimmers, and the RadioScan spectrum analyzer); QolorFLEX LED tape and dimmer products (including NuNeon flexible LED); Eluxtra LED accent lighting products developed jointly with Environmental Lights; and comprehensive beam control accessories (top hats, barndoors, color frames, egg crate louvres, Image Multiplexer). The company also provides custom manufacturing and OEM services, with Multiverse technology being embedded into third-party fixtures by manufacturers like ETC. Products are distributed globally through dealers, with manufacturing based in Carlstadt, New Jersey.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Multiverse Transmitter Wireless DMX/RDM transmitter that broadcasts up to 9-10 universes of DMX/RDM via Ethernet input for sACN and Art-Net protocols, with Bluetooth for DMXcat app communication and Wi-Fi for tablet-based controllers. Used by professional lighting designers in film/TV, live entertainment, and architectural installations.
• Multiverse Node Wireless DMX/RDM receiver and transmitter node for receiving and retransmitting wireless DMX signals within Multiverse wireless systems, available in 900MHz and 2.4GHz versions.
• Multiverse Studio Receiver Battery-powered wireless DMX receiver with 20-hour battery life and contactless charging, designed for film and television production environments requiring rapid scene changes.
• Multiverse Module OEM wireless DMX/RDM module sold directly to lighting manufacturers under OEM license agreement for integration into third-party lighting fixtures; available in 900MHz and 2.4GHz versions with optional PCB trace antenna.
• Multiverse Receiver Card Wireless DMX/RDM receiver card with DMX/RDM, 0-10V, and four PWM control outputs; available for 2.4GHz (5906) and 900MHz (5907) frequencies and sold through the dealer network.
• Multiverse Vero Transceiver Outdoor wireless DMX transceiver designed for permanent outdoor installations with weather-resistant construction; supports up to 700 feet transmission range.
• Multiverse SHoW Baby Compact wireless DMX/RDM transmitter and receiver for small-scale applications and quick setup scenarios.
• Multiverse 5x2.5A Dimmer Constant voltage five-output dimmer with 20-bit PWM resolution, controllable wirelessly via Multiverse or wired DMX, with multiple DMX personality options for smooth low-end dimming.
• Multiverse Studio Kit Complete wireless DMX kit including Multiverse Studio Receivers with 20-hour battery life and contactless charging, Multiverse Transmitter, RadioScan Spectrum Analyzer, and DMXcat test tool.
• RadioScan Spectrum Analyzer 900MHz and 2.4GHz spectrum analyzer with dual band antenna that visualizes radio energy and identifies SSIDs, broadcast channels, and signal strength of wireless networks; features Spectrogram View and Waterfall View with recording and playback.
• DMXcat Multi Function Test Tool Hardware dongle and smartphone app that turns a phone into a DMX tester and controller for wireless and wired DMX lighting gear.
• DMXcat-E Multi-function test tool with Ethernet control capabilities for controlling, analyzing, testing, and Ethernet control of DMX lighting systems.
• Eluxtra LED Lighting Family of LED accent lighting products jointly developed with Environmental Lights, including 24V RGB LED strip lights and 4-in-1 variants, designed for simplified wiring and reliable connections in scenic lighting, retail displays, and residential construction.
• QolorFLEX LED Tape and Accessories Complete line of LED tape products including NuNeon flexible neon-style LED, standard LED strips, and accessories for architectural and entertainment lighting installations.
• QolorFLEX NuNeon Low profile, highly flexible, super vibrant LED neon replacement product for scenic and architectural lighting applications; used on productions such as the Carrie Underwood Denim and Rhinestones Tour.
• QolorFLEX Dimmers Line of LED dimmers including 5x8A, 24x3A, 4x5A, and DINrail variants for controlling LED tape lighting installations.
• DMXtune Dimmers DMX-controllable dimmer products for wireless LED lighting control.
• QolorPoint Wireless LED Uplighter Wireless LED uplighter for architectural and entertainment lighting applications.
• Broadway Music Stand Light Specialized lighting accessory for illuminating music stands in theatrical and performance settings.
• DMX Iris DMX-controllable iris for adjusting beam size in lighting fixtures.
• Candle Lite Unlimited Flicker Candle LED flicker candle product for theatrical and special effects lighting.
• Projector Dowser Device for smoothly fading projector light output, used in theatrical and AV presentations.
• Beam Control Accessories Complete line of beam control products including Top Hats, Barndoors, Beam Benders, Color Frames, Egg Crate Louvres, Image Multiplexer, and accessories for shaping and modifying light beams.
• Hardware Products Extensive line of hardware accessories including Boom Bases, Truss Protectors, Follow Spot Yokes, Moving Light Hangers, Safer Sidearms, and Track Tamers for professional lighting installations.
• Moving Light Assistant Software Software tool for managing and controlling moving lights in theatrical and entertainment lighting setups.
• Custom Manufacturing Services Custom manufacturing services for designing and building unique lighting solutions for specific show or installation requirements; products are non-cancellable, non-returnable, and non-refundable.
• OEM Manufacturing Services OEM manufacturing services for lighting manufacturers interested in integrating Multiverse wireless DMX technology into their products, with per-piece cost from $60 single-unit to under $20 in multi-thousand quantities.

Quantifiable outcome

• One Multiverse Transmitter broadcasts up to 9-10 universes of wireless DMX vs. single universe traditional transmitters
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Environmental LightscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2024City Theatrical and Environmental Lights co-developed the Eluxtra family of LED accent lighting products launched in October 2024. The products include 24V RGB LED strip lights and 4-in-1 variants, with 5-in-1 and 12V options planned. Both companies offer Eluxtra through their respective sales channels. Eluxtra products are engineered for simplified wiring and reliable connections.
• Environmental Lights (Parent Company)coreOthersEnvironmental Lights acquired City Theatrical and operates it as part of their brand portfolio. The acquisition combines two lighting companies to leverage a larger, diversified supply chain and combined product expertise. City Theatrical continues to operate independently under its existing management while becoming part of Environmental Lights' brand portfolio alongside Nova Flex.
• ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerETC integrates City Theatrical's Multiverse wireless DMX technology as standard in their Source Four LED Series 3, Desire Fresnel, and fos/4 Panel lighting fixtures. ETC launched these products with Multiverse technology in March 2021. The partnership enables wireless DMX capability as a built-in feature in ETC's professional lighting fixtures.
• Barbizon LightingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBarbizon Lighting is a major distributor of City Theatrical products and has partnered on multiple installations including University of Georgia studio upgrades and USITT demonstrations.
• PRG (Production Resource Group)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPRG (Production Resource Group) provides production services and has used City Theatrical products including QolorFLEX NuNeon on major projects like the Carrie Underwood tour. PRG's Technical Designer for Scenic Electrics was featured in case study for the Denim and Rhinestones Tour.
• Bandit LitesmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBandit Lites is the lighting package provider for the Carrie Underwood Denim and Rhinestones Tour, which uses City Theatrical products.
• Wavelength LightingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWavelength Lighting provided the lighting package for Netflix's Stranger Things Season 4 production, which used City Theatrical Multiverse and QolorFLEX products.

Scale indicators5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Wireless Solution: Swedish manufacturer of W-DMX, one of the most widely deployed wireless DMX systems in entertainment lighting. Directly competes with City Theatrical's Multiverse across theater, touring, and architectural installations, with comparable OEM embedding into fixtures from multiple manufacturers.
• LumenRadio: Swedish company behind the CRMX wireless DMX/RDM protocol, used across film, broadcast, and live entertainment. Directly competes with Multiverse on wireless reliability, OEM licensing, and is increasingly specified on major productions as an alternative to W-DMX and Multiverse.
• RC4 Wireless: Specializes in small-form-factor wireless DMX dimmers and receivers popular in theater, puppetry, and prop lighting (including film/TV props). Directly competes with City Theatrical's Multiverse dimmer family and QolorFLEX dimmers in low-channel-count wireless applications.
• Doug Fleenor Design: Long-established US manufacturer of DMX splitters, mergers, dimmer packs, and wireless DMX products serving Broadway, schools, and architectural installations. Directly comparable niche player focused on professional lighting control hardware.
• Pathway Connectivity Solutions: Manufactures DMX/RDM networking products including splitters, gateways, and architectural lighting controls. Competes with City Theatrical in DMX distribution infrastructure and architectural lighting control, particularly for permanent installations.
• Artistic Licence: UK-based manufacturer of DMX/RDM distribution, lighting control, and integration products. Directly comparable to City Theatrical in DMX infrastructure, with overlap in architectural and entertainment markets.

Broad incumbents

• ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls): Dominant US manufacturer of theatrical and architectural lighting fixtures, consoles, and controls. While City Theatrical's Multiverse is embedded inside ETC fixtures, ETC is also a broader incumbent that could in-source wireless DMX or shift OEM partners, making it both partner and competitive threat.
• Chroma-Q: Premium LED lighting fixture manufacturer for film, TV, broadcast, and live entertainment markets. Competes with City Theatrical's beam-control and LED tape products in scenic and architectural applications, often in the same production specifications.
• Elation Professional: Broad-line entertainment lighting manufacturer offering moving heads, LED fixtures, and DMX accessories. Overlaps with City Theatrical's DMX control and accessory offering as part of a much wider lighting portfolio.

Emerging players

• Swisson AG: Swiss manufacturer of DMX/RDM splitters, mergers, and wireless DMX products. Niche competitor to City Theatrical's Multiverse and DMX distribution infrastructure, with growing presence in European entertainment and architectural markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/citytheatrical
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/city-theatrical
• TikToktiktok.com/@citytheatrical

Compliance28 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about City Theatrical