In Memoriam: Dann Whittaker, 63
Daniel S. “Dann” Whittaker died unexpectedly on Sept. 5, 2023 in Columbus, OH. He founded and ran We3Co, LLC, doing business as ShoPros Ohio LLC, in 2006.
In Memoriam: Sarah Lynn Jakubasz, 42
Sarah Lynn Jakubasz, Lighting Director for ABC’s Good Morning America and GMA3: What You Need to Know, died July 22 of complications related to a Glioblastoma. Good Morning America aired a remembrance of Jakubasz five days later, on what would have been her 43rd birthday. During the segment, the show’s hosts paid tribute to Jakubasz, who joined the show in 2018.Read More »In Memoriam: Sarah Lynn Jakubasz, 42
In Memoriam: Tim Healy, Manufacturer’s Representative, 66
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the ADJ Group says goodbye to valued colleague and treasured friend, Timothy (Tim) P. Healy. Having worked with ADJ for over 20 years as a Manufacturer’s Sales Representative on the East Coast, he was an integral part of the ADJ family and played a significant role in the company’s growth. Having recently retired, Healy sadly passed away on July 21, 2023, at his home, aged 66.Read More »In Memoriam: Tim Healy, Manufacturer’s Representative, 66
In Memoriam: Chris McGregor, Production Designer & Creative Visionary, 61
Production Designer and President of San Francisco-based Stage II Productions, Chris McGregor died of a heart attack on Monday, July 31, 2023, at 61. McGregor is widely known for his creative work for Phish and The Residents as well as lighting and production design for numerous events. His passing was initially confirmed by The Residents, who he had worked with since 1989. McGregor earned a BFA degree from the California Institute of the Arts in 1984.Read More »In Memoriam: Chris McGregor, Production Designer & Creative Visionary, 61
In Memoriam: Vicki ‘Max’ Brenner, 71
Vicki “Max” Brenner, a lighting professional with a career that spanned decades from her earliest days with Imero Fiorentino Associates to her last years before retiring as a gaffer for CBS’ The Talk, died Aug. 1, 2023 at age 71.
In Memoriam: Tour Manager Sam Cutler, 80
Noted rock ‘n’ roll Tour Manager Sam Cutler passed away on July 11, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia, after a bout with cancer. He was 80.Read More »In Memoriam: Tour Manager Sam Cutler, 80
In Memoriam: Thom Roberts, Lighting Designer/Director, 68
Lighting Designer/Director, Thom Roberts has died of a gunshot wound at his home on Sunday, July 9, 2023. He was 68. Roberts was a Nashville, TN-based LD with nearly 50 years of lighting experience, and was part of the Randy Travis touring family for over 20 years.Read More »In Memoriam: Thom Roberts, Lighting Designer/Director, 68
In Memoriam: Shawn McKeown, 1972-2023
Educator and production professional Shawn McKeown passed away May 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 50. At the time of his death, he was employed by Full Sail University as Program Manager – Show Production. McKeown worked for Full Sail for more than 20 years holding a variety of teaching positions, including Department Chair, and Course Director.
Broadway Theaters Dimmed Lights in Memory of Award-Winning Scenic Designer Robin Wagner
The Broadway community honored the memory of Robin Wagner, the triple Tony Award®-winning scenic designer who worked on more than 60 Broadway shows in a career that spanned over five decades. Mr. Wagner passed away on May 29, 2023, at the age of 89. On June 17, 2023, the Committee of Theatre Owners dimmed the lights of Broadway theatres in New York for one minute at exactly 7:45pm, in his honor.Read More »Broadway Theaters Dimmed Lights in Memory of Award-Winning Scenic Designer Robin Wagner
In Memoriam: Ken “Junior” Burns, Upstaging Crew Chief, 48
Kenneth Joseph Burns Jr. of Sycamore IL passed away on April 25, 2023 at the age of 48, at Loyola University Medical Center. He was born on August 8, 1974, in Edison, NJ. Ken, or as everyone in the industry called him, Junior, worked at Upstaging, Inc. for 32 years. He traveled the world as crew chief for Upstaging supporting many well-known artists and events. He was known for his professionalism, dedication, leadership, kindness, and ever-present smile. His calm demeanor allowed him to become a mentor to many new Upstaging crew members over the years.Read More »In Memoriam: Ken “Junior” Burns, Upstaging Crew Chief, 48
In Memoriam: Ron Smith, Pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects Expert, 66
Ron Smith, a pyrotechnics and atmospheric effects expert with decades of experience who had been working with Strictly FX in recent years, died earlier this month at age 66. “Ron was a kind-hearted and jovial member of the Strictly FX family,” noted Strictly FX in an April 13 post on social media. The company, which won a Parnelli Award at the 21st annual ceremony a day later, accepted the award in Smith’s honor. “He joined our team in 2018, bringing with him a storied career.”Read More »In Memoriam: Ron Smith, Pyrotechnics and Atmospheric Effects Expert, 66
In Memoriam: Steve Thomas, 67
Steve Thomas, 67, died March 11, after a courageous battle with cancer. Thomas was a long-time live event professional whose career included worldwide tours as site coordinator/tour production with artists including Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Counting Crows, and George Strait.Read More »In Memoriam: Steve Thomas, 67