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Stage Directions Callboard, June 2023

The Howell Binkley Fellowship Program announced their third Fellow for 2023, Amara McNeil; and a 2023 Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre will be presented to Production Supervisor and Production Stage Manager Lisa Dawn Cave. We also look at the Tony design nominations and present the news of appointments and promotions at the Washington National Opera (WNO).

In Memoriam: John Iacovelli, Production and Scenic Designer, 64

PLSN was saddened to learn of the death of John Iacovelli, Production and Scenic Designer at the age of 64. Iacovelli was an Emmy-winning scenic designer whose work was seen on both stage and screen. He was also a mentor and educator. He died this past Friday, April 14, after a long battle with cancer.

Elynmarie Kazle Honored with the USITT Joel E. Rubin Founders Award at USITT23

At the USITT 23 Conference in St. Louis, USITT honored Elynmarie Kazle with The Joel E. Rubin Founder’s Award, which is presented to a USITT member in recognition of outstanding and continued service to the Institute. This award was named in honor of Dr. Joel E. Rubin, co-founder and the second president of the Institute. Given to USITT members in recognition of extraordinary and continued service to the Institute, the award is presented as an important highlight of the Annual Conference & Stage Expo.Read More »Elynmarie Kazle Honored with the USITT Joel E. Rubin Founders Award at USITT23

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.

2022 Education Resources

Our annual guide to some of the leading theater schools and training programs educating the next generation of designers, technicians and stagehands across the country.

The Society of Properties Artisan Managers (S*P*A*M) Elects New Officers

The Society of Properties Artisan Managers (S*P*A*M) recently held their 29th Annual S*P*A*M Conference, where they elected three new officers. We at Stage Directions in PLSN join them in congratulating Karin Rabe Vance, Ben Hohman, and Liz Baehr for being voted in as S*P*A*M’s new President, Vice President, and Secretary.Read More »The Society of Properties Artisan Managers (S*P*A*M) Elects New Officers

Lighting Acrobats Safely

Lighting acrobats safely is one of the most challenging tasks in entertainment. As Mikki Kunttu, Lighting and Set Designer for Cirque du Soleil’s “Fuzion” notes, doing it successfully is “all about homework and meticulously watching the act to see the way they move, how they interact with each other and the technicians and what they need to grab at precise moments. It’s about studying both the technical and the artistic sides of each act and then putting those parameters together with your own creative approach.”