The EAW SB1001 Subwoofer

WHITINSVILLE, MA—EAW has launched the SB1001 Large-Format Dual-18-Inch-Loaded Subwoofer. The successor to EAW’s SB1000, the new SB1001 is essentially an SB1002 Large Format Flyable Subwoofer without the rigging hardware. The SB1001 is designed for any application requiring articulate, powerful low end. While the dimensions of the SB1001’s vented enclosure and the fundamental acoustical philosophy remain true to the SB1000, the core components are significantly enhanced to include larger 4.5-inch (115-mm) voice coils, 20% higher BI and all neodymium magnet structures. The result is a lighter-weight reference standard that has greater impact, power handling and output capabilities than its celebrated predecessor.

The American DJ P64 LED Plus

LOS ANGELES—American DJ has added Master/Slave capabilities to its popular P64 LED par can and is now introducing the P64 LED Plus. A 3-pin XLR cable can link multiple units of the fixture together, and they will all follow a "master" program—allowing users to produce a synchronized light show. Like the original, the new P64 LED Plus also operates in stand-alone configuration if preferred. Also like its predecessor, it features full RGB color mixing.  The DMX-compatible par can comes equipped with 151 bright 5mm LEDs (51 red, 49 green, and 51 blue).

The Field Template half-inch striplight placemat

SAN PEDRO, CA—Field Template has released their updated ½” Striplight Placemat, including templates for the latest fixtures. Along with the latest ETC Source 4 MultiPARs, it’s got all the latest LED’s: Selador, Color Kinetics, and the Altman Spectra-Cyc. The ½” Placemat also has the latest standards; the Aurora, Econo-Cyc, and Sky-Cyc, as well as PAR-56, PAR-38, R40, and MR-16. There are section cutouts for every fixture type, as well as three sets of circuitry symbols, two-fer dots, and a scenery bumper. This potent parcel of plastic will be available for the USITT convention in Kansas City.

For more info, visit www.fieldtemplate.com .

The cast of Memphis.

Studer puts their new software to the test on Memphis' Broadway run. 

Audio consoles were not designed to handle the cue-based structure of running a live Broadway-style show. They were built around reinforcing audio for a fairly static rock band with uniform, and not generally large, orchestrations. Sound designers and audio engineers have had to shoe-horn their needs into this model, inventing their own methods of working around the organization of a console and the extra work it entailed. Last year, though, console-maker Studer decided it was time for a change.

TheatreFace.com denizens discuss growing a lawn. 

I would like to cover my stage with fake/artificial/synthetic turf/lawn/grass for an upcoming production.  It’s a thrust stage with audience very close, looking down on the stage floor.  I’ll need about 600 square feet, so even $1/square foot seems too expensive.  Any suggestions for cheaper alternatives than AstroTurf or other commercially available turf?

The Audio-Technica BP892 mic with the new AT8464 Dual-Ear mount

STOW, OH—Audio-Technica is enhancing its BP892 MicroSet Subminiature Omnidirectional Condenser Headworn Microphone with the AT8464 Dual-Ear Microphone Mount. The high-SPL successor to Audio-Technica’s popular AT892, the BP892 offers increased dynamic range with maximum audio quality and minimum visibility. The Dual-Ear Mount allows users to convert their single-ear-worn BP892 MicroSet to a dual-ear-worn unit for maximum stability and comfort. This device will now come standard with all BP892 MicroSet units, and is also sold as a stand-alone item to retrofit BP892 and AT892 units already in the hands of end users.

Joseph Oshry in front of his design for Godspell at the Performing Arts Center in Tampa

A conversation with lighting designer Joseph Oshry

"Study the classical painters. Take art history classes” is the advice that lighting designer Joseph Oshry gives to young designers learning the craft. The rich textured looks he achieves owe a lot to painters Goya, Hopper and Seurat. In a telephone interview from his office in Bradenton, Fla., he explains, “I ask directors in design meetings which painter’s work best describes their vision for the project—their answer gives me a good starting point.”

Colin Chauce, lighting and scenic designer for ELEKTRA at SUNY-Fredonia during focus. Chris Swinn, one of the master electricians on the show is on the ladder.

In the world of live events, it takes countless man-hours to produce the show well before the curtain rises on opening night. Teams of designers, technicians, directors, managers, producers and event staff are all required to turn out that two- to three-hour production. Because production staff can be working from different offices or locations around town and sometimes around the world, tracking and communicating with the entire production team, let alone your department, can be tricky.

Before the personal computer revolution, almost all paperwork was either hand-written or typed, duplicated on carbon copies, and distributed to the necessary persons. Most times, after a meeting or run-throughs, paperwork had to be updated: re-written or re-typed, and re-carbon copied—a time-consuming and ungreen way to do things.

EWING, NJ—Gerriets, the theatrical equipment specialist, has expanded its Formtex product line by the new Formtex Basic. Formtex is a scenic product that combines the appearance of textile with the formable characteristics of aluminum sheeting. Normally Formtex, made of a 100-micron aluminum sheeting, has single- or double-sided lamination in five standard designs: canvas, granite, slate, moss and terracotta. The aluminum sheeting of Formtex Basic has a single sided or double-sided adhesive layer for customized lamination, allowing even more possibilities to model stage props of any shape or color. Formtex can be modeled, cut or sewn. The material can be printed or painted. Formtex is waterproof and flame retardant.

LEXINGTON, AL—SnowMasters Special Effects Studios’ Zig Oscillator is a low-cost solution to greater special effects coverage, designed to increase coverage of snow, bubbles, smoke, scent and more by up to 70%. The machine allows for easy attachment of special effects equipment to be mounted and oscillated up to 90 degrees, such as the SnowMasters T-1500 Mini Snow Zone machine (capable of sending snow in the air up to 50 feet). The Zig Oscillator incorporates a motorized rotating mount which is easy to attach to any SnowMasters standard hanging bracket. Three various degrees of show positions are available (15, 45 or 90), with a maximum rotation of 90 degrees.  The 4-Channel DMX control has variable standalone features. Available in 110V and for 220V countries use.