The annual Parnelli Awards ceremony is the one night a year we shine the spotlight on those who spend their careers away from it, toiling backstage. And the evening wouldn’t be possible without our forward-thinking, industry-supporting sponsors. Here’s a brief introduction to who they are and what they do for our industry.
The Theatre Communications Group (TCG) has announced the recipients of 2023 The Willa Kim Costume Design Scholarship, honoring costume designer Willa Kim’s legacy and her life’s work as a pioneer, legend, and inspiration for many of today’s theater artists. Kim’s iconic work in ballet, theater, opera, and television is also the subject of a career spanning retrospective at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts as noted in this month’s theater news, along with a new online course in Structures for the Stage from Purdue University. We also look at USITT’s Gateway Program and USITT’s 2023 Joel E. Rubin Founders Award honoree, Elynmarie Kazle.
Here’s a look at look at the lighting gear choices for two lighting designs, one for the opera “Macbeth” in New Zealand and the other in Chicago for the new musical, “The Notebook.”
Broadway’s longest running show in history, The Phantom of the Opera, takes its final bows and will go dark, closing in mid-April. PLSN speaks with some of the creative and production team who have been with the show since the beginning 35 years ago. Sharing their thoughts are Lighting Designer Andrew Bridge, Associate LD Vivien Leone, Head Electrician Alan Lampel. We also talk with Gary Fails about the fog system, which is integral to the overall impact of the show.
Designer James L. Moody died this year at the age of 80. A pioneering lighting designer for concerts, television, and theater as well as a professor, lecturer, author, and mentor, Moody had an amazing and varied career that influenced many throughout the live entertainment industry.
Find out who’s working on what projects as Debi Moen shares the scope on SZA’s S.O.S., Hayley Kiyoko, Brit Floyd, Billy Idol, and the CMT Music Awards in Austin, among other gigs.
On the occasion of the company’s 30-year milestone, LPS Laser Systems’ Martina and Siggi Ruff reflected on the early beginnings, the highs and lows of… Read More »LPS Laser Systems Celebrates 30 Years in Business
Jacob Kaplan has learned a valuable life lesson early in his burgeoning lighting design career: It never hurts to ask. A high school senior at Fusion… Read More »Claypaky Lighting Fixtures Elevate Stage Productions for NTPA Collegiate Pursuits Troupe
Robert David Roach, 67 of Longwood, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 7, 2023. Bob had recently been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and received a successful bone marrow transplant from his son, Mike. Sadly, in his weakened state he contracted pneumonia and was not able to rebound from it. He was born in Johnson City, TN on March 25, 1955 to John and Josephine Roach who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by brothers John and Jim Roach.Read More »In Memoriam: Bob Roach, Lighting Industry Veteran, 67
Glendale, California-based Kinetic Lighting, Inc. has added 80 Ayrton Zonda 9 FX fixtures to its lighting rental inventory. ACT Entertainment is the exclusive distributor of… Read More »Kinetic Lighting Expands Rental Inventory with Ayrton’s Zonda 9 FX
The Behind the Scenes Foundation has added a number of new Board Members over the last six months intended to broaden industry representation and ensure continuity for future generations of entertainment technology professionals.Read More »Behind the Scenes Welcomes New Board Members
Epson and Show Sage to Demonstrate Digital Backdrops with Projector Technology and Dataton Multi-Display Software
Epson will participate in the USITT Conference and Stage Expo at booth #681 in St. Louis, Mo. from March 16-18. Epson, a global leader in projection, and Show Sage, a leading provider of multi-output production, playback, and show control solutions in North America, will demonstrate technology, tools and software for scenic projection and digital media production.Read More »Epson to Showcase New Pro Series Laser Projectors at USITT Conference and Stage Expo