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Old Mensch Musings

This month Chris Lose muses on the recent loss of Nook Schoenfeld, who he considered a mentor. Lose took over the LD-at-Large column from Schoenfeld and now uses it to “share some nuggets of wisdom that shaped my career and pay homage to a great man.”

Call for Contributions to Celebrate Dr. Joel E. Rubin on his 95th Birthday

Dr. Joel E. Rubin

Where would we be without him?  Of course we’re talking about Dr. Joel E. Rubin. In honor of Dr. Rubin’s 95th birthday, a number of people have decided that the most meaningful celebration would be an informal Festschrift* of contributions from the many people whose lives he has positively impacted over his long career. See below for the Call for Contributions honoring Dr. Rubin for his birthday.Read More »Call for Contributions to Celebrate Dr. Joel E. Rubin on his 95th Birthday

Laura Lee Everett Named USITT Executive Director

Laura Lee Everett is the new Executive Director of USITT

Carolyn Satter, president of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), today announced that Laura Lee Everett has been named as the Executive Director of the association after an exhaustive nationwide search. Everett is currently the Chief Programs Officer for OPERA America.Read More »Laura Lee Everett Named USITT Executive Director

In Memoriam: Richard ‘Nook’ Schoenfeld

A remembrance of Richard “Nook” Schoenfeld, 65. Editor Emeritus of PLSN magazine and a noted Lighting Designer and Writer, Nook died on the morning of Dec. 14, 2022. Though he had beaten pancreatic cancer this past year and was cancer-free, complications from that fight resulted in liver failure. He was a legend for his wit and kindness and his loss is felt by family, friends, colleagues, and the industry as a whole.

Relation Lighting Agency (RLA) New Elation Sales Rep for California, Nevada, and Hawaii

RLA personnel (l to r): Robert Pullman, Principal; Jonathan Hale, VP of Sales; Chandler Dean, Director of Development and Accounts Manager

Elation Professional is pleased to announce that Relation Lighting Agency (RLA) has been appointed the new sales representative for Elation Professional products in California, Nevada, and Hawaii. Headed by lighting industry veteran Robert Pullman, the new sales rep firm boasts decades of industry experience and will draw on that expertise to represent the entire Elation lighting portfolio, including Obsidian Control Systems and Magmatic atmospheric effects.Read More »Relation Lighting Agency (RLA) New Elation Sales Rep for California, Nevada, and Hawaii

Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Acquires Pro Tapes & Specialties, Inc.

Transaction poised to accelerate growth for both companies through increased investments in manufacturing capacity, sales efforts, and marketing activities

Shurtape Technologies, LLC, an industry-leading producer of pressure-sensitive tapes, today announces the acquisition of Pro Tapes & Specialties, Inc., a tape manufacturer and converter that services a variety of markets, including graphic arts, library and school supply, precision die-cutting and fabricating, contract and custom converting, retail and general industrial. The culmination of a nearly two-decade partnership, the transaction brings together two companies that share a relentless commitment to exceptional product quality and innovation as well as industry-leading customer service.Read More »Shurtape Technologies, LLC, Acquires Pro Tapes & Specialties, Inc.

Entertainment Unions Urge Congress to Restore Tax Fairness for the Industry’s Workers

Americans will soon start gathering their receipts and documents to prepare their taxes, and entertainment workers anticipate owing unnecessarily burdensome amounts in taxes because they are unable to deduct required work expenses. In a letter sent today, unions of entertainment workers affiliated with the Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE) call on Congress to restore tax fairness for these middle-class creative professionals by passing the bipartisan Performing Artist Tax Parity Act (PATPA), S. 2872/H.R. 4750. Read More »Entertainment Unions Urge Congress to Restore Tax Fairness for the Industry’s Workers

Upstaging Celebrates 50 Years

Live entertainment lighting and trucking company Upstaging marked its 50th anniversary in 2022. During the past half century co-founders, brothers Robert and Don Carone, and Robin Shaw, joined in 1979 by John Huddleston, have turned Upstaging from a garage-based pioneer into a stalwart of the industry. The four share with PLSN some of their reflections growing a company alongside the concert touring industry—the beginnings, the milestones, and what they hope people know about Upstaging today.

Curating The Making of a Broadway Show Exhibit

The Museum of Broadway, an immersive and interactive theatrical experience, has opened in New York City’s theater district. The Making of a Broadway Show exhibit was designed by Scenic Designer and Architect David Rockwell with Faye Armon-Troncoso serving as Set Decorator & Prop Supervisor. She spoke with Stage Directions in PLSN about her work in support of this thoughtful and deep diving look at the many people, roles and elements that bring a Broadway show to the stage. Featuring the work of dozens of designers, theater artists, and historians, the museum’s exploration of the past, present, and future of Broadway is receiving standing ovations from visitors.

Unilumin Reports Successful Showcase at LDI 2022

Unilumin has reported a successful exhibition at this year’s LDI Show with its stand continually abuzz with interest throughout the show. The vivid showcase focused on solutions from Unilumin’s catalog of products and services designed for the rental market featuring fast installation, stable performance, and creative display—all the aspects necessary to create a stunning show.Read More »Unilumin Reports Successful Showcase at LDI 2022