The new Strong Super Trouper III

OMAHA, NE—Following a round of internal tests that showed that Strong’s Super Trouper II, using a high wattage switching power supply and a 3kw lamp, produced an output comparable to the their xenon-bulbed Gladiator III. Strong has released this major modification as a new product: the Super Trouper Mark III, and will display it at the upcoming LDI show in Orlando.

WEST HAVEN, CT—Two new iPhone apps are now available from West Side Systems, makers of PowerCalc, DMXCalc, and BeamCalc. The new apps are Show Timer and Step Timer.

Lectrosonics new SMV Series transmitters

RIO RANCHO, NM—Lectrosonics’ new SMV Series transmitters are the latest addition to the company’s Super Miniature product line. The new SMV and SMQV transmitters feature Lectrosonics’ patented Digital Hybrid Wireless technology from their 400 Series product group.

Barco has released the Cyberlight 2.0 from High End Systems

SACRAMENTO, CA—Digital and automated lighting pioneer Barco is now  producing and shipping a new lighting product from High End Systems: the Cyberlight 2.0. The new product was recently unveiled in a sneak preview at the Austin City Limits festival in Austin, Texas. The Cyberlight 2.0 is a full-featured automated luminaire with a 2000 watt short arc lamp, producing over 30,000 lumens of output from a new electronic ballast. As the newest version of High End Systems' classic Cyberlight, the Cyberlight 2.0 offers increased output, updated software capabilities and fast mirror movements. In terms of control, the fixture includes new RDM and DMX protocol and addressing, 5-pin DMX connectors, and an intuitive LED menu for DMX addressing. In addition to cosmetic changes, the Cyberlight 2.0 also offers tools such as electronic strobing, TriColor effects and dramatic new Lithopatterns.

Don Reed in a moment from his production of EAST 14th True Tales of a Reluctant Player at the Marsh

Creators from The Marsh talk about generating new work

I was extraordinarily excited to have Stephanie Weisman, the artistic and executive director of The Marsh, a breeding ground for new performance, and David Ford, an artist in residence at the Marsh, join me on TheatreFace.com to chat about their work supporting and developing solo shows in San Francisco.

Of course, that meant that something was bound to go wrong. In between technical difficulties, though, we managed to have a great chat about the artistic process. Here’s a sample. For the full, unedited transcript, head over to www.theatreface.com/themarsh.

How-to books on technical theatre and fundraising

There’s always room for improvement, and this month’s new books focus on ways to maximize effectiveness in technical theatre, fundraising and donor relations.

Why yes, I have plenty of time to build absolutely everything and still meet everyone else’s requirements for tenure.

In most university academic disciplines, the tenure process presents little in the way of confusion where preparation is concerned. Develop as a professional. Teach well. Serve the university community. For almost every tenure-track assistant professor on a campus, these requirements mean the same things, but do they for our humble hero, the TD?

A moment from The Trial at DePaul University. Their audition process features more than just a monologue.

The “keepers of the gate” speak out on do’s and don’ts 

 It’s for the smallest of audiences, involves no set or props, and takes less time than microwaving popcorn. Yet it’s an audition that can launch your journey as an actor to professional heights so many dream of but never reach.

A production of Luck and Loss done in the Indonesian Randai style at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Two publicly funded schools with great programs for everyone

Private college theatre programs can be terrific for many reasons. But that’s no reason to dismiss state schools—they offer the same important resources (prestige, excellent faculty, and valuable work experience for students) often at a fraction of the cost. Some of the best and most unique training can be had at both well-known state universities, plus those you may never have heard of. Here are two to prove just that point.

Puppet designers Elizabeth Luce and Brian White with “The Very Old Clerk” puppet

At Rogue Artists Ensemble everyone brings ideas—and better be prepared to let them go

The Rogue Artists Ensemble, as their name suggests, do not play by the rules. Many theatre companies will find a script, rehearse for six weeks, bring in technical crew at the last minute and open whether they are ready or not. Take that process, extend it by about three years, get the input of 15 designers and you will get a feel for how the Rogues create what they call “Hyper Theatre.”

At Northwestern State in Louisiana, an install that can stand up to the demands of modern musical theatre

Near the quiet banks of the Cane River Lake, in Natchitoches, La., a part of the world where stately, old southern houses with inviting porches are shaded by pecan trees, sits the campus of Northwestern State University (NSU). Everyone knows football, marching bands, and beauty pageants are all taken very seriously in Louisiana. What many people don’t know, however, is that the performing arts are also revered here, and NSU has an excellent undergraduate theatre program. Now that program is mounting professional-level shows using a brand new audio system with cutting-edge technology, which is generously funded by a munificent arts grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Walton directed and designed on a production of Shaw’s The Devil’s Disciple at Asolo Rep in Florida after mounting it at the Irish Rep in New York City.

Tony Walton talks history and the future of design on Broadway

Few people on Broadway possess the experience that Tony Walton does. And that’s no overstatement. The scenic and costume designer is a seeming whirlwind of energy and creative talent who has dove into numerous disciplines (including lighting and video projections) and kept himself in a game that all too often burns people out. With more than five decades of theatre and film credits under his belt, the man has become a part of Broadway history.

SD learns more about the programs the Mellon Foundation expects to see with its recent $2M infusion

The Andrew W. Mellon foundation recently granted $2 million ($1M each) to the Arena Stage in Washington D.C. and the Center Theatre Group in L.A. to look at the ways that new plays are developed and study alternatives, in an effort to discover systems of creating more work in a sustainable way.

A musical number from 9 to 5

John Shivers puts in some overtime designing sound for this Broadway tuner

Those old enough to know the source material of the Broadway musical 9 to 5 recall the hilarious 1980 film of the same name about three frustrated office works (one of whom was played by Dolly Parton) who take revenge on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” boss by holding him hostage in his own house and running his office to make changes for the better. Composer Parton and original co-screenwriter/story creator Patricia Resnick brought the movie to the stage with a plethora of new songs (the title tune—which Parton also wrote—is the only one from the original film) and a new male supporting character.

Classes, work experience and practice will help all prepping for the certification exams

All about the ETCP and the certification exams

For many of us in the industry, the last test we took was just before we tossed our graduation caps high in the air and walked away from academia. And as we walked away, we did so thinking we would never have to take another test again as long as we lived. That might be the single happiest thought in a student’s life. So why would anyone in the professional world want to take a test to become an ETCP certified rigger or entertainment electrician?

I have been a fan of Stage Directions from its beginnings! I missed the old "Theatre Crafts" magazine format which was hands-on useable in my theatre arts classes. Stage Directions appeals to a variety of technical skill levels. I learn and my students learn from the articles because you include things which we can grasp within the realms of our limited resources and then you give us a look at how much more is available. I like the advertisements because they also give me direction. But, making the digital copy which I can download is even more exciting. If I could I would give you a Tony! Now I can share an issue with the whole class at the same time. I tried it for the first time today - Yeah!
Thank you for this wonderful gift.

Cynthia R. King
Director of Theatre Arts
Notre Dame Regional High School
Cape Girardeau, MO

. . . Or, What I Dismissed

To my memory, I’ve only turned down a part once. It was at Playwrights Horizons, when I was studying acting there. They needed actors to help out some of their playwrights in a staged reading. With the best of synergy, they held auditions—playwrights, directors, actors, all learning together how to work through the process. I went, read, and was offered the part of the disaffected, surly teenage son. I forget everything about the play, except I didn’t think it was very good (it was a first reading, what did I want?) and even more than the script, I remember being absolutely unimpressed by the actors I read with. Yeah, who knew, an actor who thinks he’s better than everyone else? Stop the presses! I remember I was appalled that one actor didn’t know how to pronounce Austria-Hungary. So I turned down the part. I gave some excuse about not being able to fit rehearsals around my work schedule. It was close enough to the truth to work, but still just an excuse. I have no idea what happened to that play, but I do know what happened to other artists I dismissed.

 

The Sapsis ProPlus Rescue Assist System

The SRI ProPlus Rescue Assist System from Sapsis Rigging can be used in the event of a fall to alleviate suspension trauma or to climb back to the anchor point. In the event of a fall, the Rescue Assist System pouch releases into rescue mode by automatically ejecting a high point strength, 16-foot synthetic rescue ladder, allowing the worker to climb back to the anchor point or stand on the ladder to relieve pressure, increase blood flow and ensure enough time for emergency response. It must be used in conjunction with a full body harness and a complete fall prevention/rescue program. www.sapsis-rigging.com

The IAStage Truss-Mounted Wire Tension Grid System in the Van Buren School

SANFORD, FL— IAstage, in conjunction with TOMCAT USA, has introduced a Truss-Mounted Wire Tension Grid system. This system is a modified near-standard lighting grid consisting of “Sky” truss and SkyDeck panels. A standard lighting grid is transformed into a working platform that provides safe and easy access to lighting and sound equipment as well as a floor for riggers, lighting and audio techs to work from, complete with handrails and safety gates.

The Martin MAC 250 Beam

The MAC 250 Beam is a new member of Martin Professional’s 250-watt series, and converts the MAC 250 Wash fixture into a beam fixture that generates variably sized pencil beams as well as wash effects via a motorized frost filter. The MAC 250 Beam upgrade kit is designed to be installed in a short amount of time (“5 minutes”) on any existing MAC 250 Wash fixture and consists of a new front module with micro Fresnel lens and a set of six beam effect gobos/apertures. It converts any standard Martin Professional MAC 250 Wash into a MAC 250 Beam.

The ADB Domino XT

The Domino is designed to provide a flexible and intuitive solution for both professionals and novices to use, and is offered at a competitive price point. The four-strong series is available as Domino 24, 48, 48XT and 96XT versions.

The Chauvet COLORDash Block

HOLLYWOOD, FL—Chauvet’s COLORdash Block is a compact wash fixture designed to provid a high-power output with four separate clusters of LEDs to produce an infinite array of colors. It comes with seven operating modes and full color mixing with or without DMX control. It can be used as a wash light or programmers can take control of each pod individually and create direct view effects.