MIDDLETON, WI —Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. (ETC) has named Harvey Sweet as the company’s technical product manager in research and development. “Harvey Sweet is an authority in the stagecraft field,” said Fred Foster, ETC CEO. “And I also happen to be privileged to have known him for 33 years — since I aced his course in theater technology at the University of Wisconsin.” “It is an honor and privilege to be invited to join the ETC team,” Sweet said. “I have watched this company grow to become the largest, most significant theatrical lighting firm in the United States and a major player throughout the world. I hope to make a lasting contribution to the industry, working with the dedicated professionals that ETC has assembled in Middleton. It is also a treat to reconnect with Fred Foster and my former life in Madison.”
Sweet is the published author of three textbooks in theatrical technology. He holds a PhD in Scene Design Criticism and a Masters in Theatre Technology and Design, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and taught theater technology, scenic design and theater aesthetics for over 30 years at several universities.
Sweet has also held executive positions in the industry, including positions as vice president, sales for LA ProPoint and vice president of theatrical rigging systems for LVH Entertainment Systems. He has also served as executive director of lighting for Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland theme park and has owned and operated Sweet Studios Theatrical Equipment and Supplies in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Sweet has also served as chair of ESTA’s Fire Safety Curtain Task Group BSR E1.22 and chair of the Powered Rigging Task Group for the Rigging Working Group of the ESTA’s Technical Standards Committee. He has also headed up USITT’s Educational and Technical commissions.
Sweet begins his new position Jan. 22, 2009, at ETC’s Wisconsin headquarters.
For more information, please visit www.etcconnect.com.
