Speak UP!
Working as an automated lighting programmer, you have a great view of many things going on all around you. From FOH, you can see the… Read More »Speak UP!
Emergency Visuals at Venues
On July 24, 19 concertgoers were killed as a result of a stampede in an entrance tunnel to the Love Parade festival in Duisburg, Germany…"When… Read More »Emergency Visuals at Venues
Staging Companies Hang On in Nashville Despite Downturn
"Years ago, artists would always want to go out each year with a new look, but the budgets aren't there for that all the time… Read More »Staging Companies Hang On in Nashville Despite Downturn
Do What You Love
My parents instilled in me at a young age that the best kind of job I could get would be one that I loved. If… Read More »Do What You Love
Lightning Protection Systems
A reader wrote, "I have a contract to provide theatrical sound, stage-lighting and video services at a university. Recently, the university allowed multiple cell phone… Read More »Lightning Protection Systems
Country Camaraderie
Montgomery Gentry was headlining the Throwdown festival. A talented veteran by the name of Michael Shucher has been their lighting designer for 10 years. He… Read More »Country Camaraderie
American Idiot’s Multiple Screen Strategy
The video design for American Idiot underwent a substantial transformation from California to New York, according to projection designer Darrell Maloney. In Berkeley, there were… Read More »American Idiot’s Multiple Screen Strategy
New Ways of Using a Media Server
Matt Mills has been working on the Daughtry tour since March 2009 as the lighting director and programmer. It would be very easy to get… Read More »New Ways of Using a Media Server
A Pre-Flight Checklist
The responsibilities of an automated lighting programmer are similar to that of an airplane pilot in several ways. We have to control expensive equipment, ensure… Read More »A Pre-Flight Checklist
Consider Inrush Currents for Power Load Calculations
Some of the loads we use every day exhibit high inrush currents when they are first turned on. An incandescent lamp with a cold filament… Read More »Consider Inrush Currents for Power Load Calculations
The Origins of ACLs
Around 1973, Howard Ungerleider attended a military auction in Washington, D.C. with his friend Bill Pace, who was the LD at a club called The… Read More »The Origins of ACLs
The Art of the K.I.S.S.
The K.I.S.S. rule – "Keep It Simple, Stupid" – can be extremely freeing and useful when programming any production. However it is important to remember… Read More »The Art of the K.I.S.S.