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Bandit Lites 40 at 40: Rick Munroe
Job Title: Lighting Technician
Rick Munroe started working for Bandit Lites just as the company was moving from the Dutchtown location to Sycamore Dr. (Bandit Lites' current headquarters). Initially there were no plans for Munroe to be on the road. He became a project manger for special events, working on shows, tv shoots and collaborating with Richard Willis on marketing projects. Eventually Munroe got back into touring and now he is involved with Lord of the Dance and Jimmy Buffett, among other artists.
Q: What is your title? Please describe your job responsibilities.
A: I'm a lighting technician. I set up, maintain, disassemble, and pack lighting packages.
Q: How did you get involved in this industry?
A:I had an interest in theatre productions from an early age so after high school, I attended a three-month course at the R.I. School for the Gifted in Fine Arts in 1969 on the Rhode Island College campus. Immediately upon completion of the course I found a job in the prop department for Trinity Square Repertory Co. for the production of Old Glory. I spent the next summer and fall seasons in Stowe, Vermont. It was during that time that I learned how to operate a lighting board and the basics of design. I then moved to New York City and began freelance work immediately for Technical Assistance Group. My first tour was with the American Dance Co. A guy named Clark Thornton gave me the opportunity to tour in the round musical tent circuit in 1972 and I was board op on the off-Broadway production of National Lampoon, Lemmings.
I met Michael [Strickland] in the 1974, I believe, when I came through Johnson City with Kiss as their LD. We kept in touch over the years especially as I came to Knoxville on a regular basis as a promoter rep with Sunshine Promotions. Many years later I called Michael to see what he was up to and he told me if I found myself in Knoxville again, I would be welcomed into his company. I started working for Bandit in 1997.
Q: What is a favorite memory from working at Bandit Lites?
A: One of my favorite memories is when we did a show at Fenway Park with Jimmy Buffett. My grandfather took me to my first baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston when I was five years old. Since then I have always dreamed of being on that field. Well finally, in 2004, it happened. It was very exciting and fun to be part of that experience.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most significant technological advancement since you started working in the entertainment industry, and why?
A: I've been in this business since the summer of 1970. Much of the technology wasn't around yet. We didn't even have multi-cable, every light had a single cable and lighting boards were mechanical. The changes have been staggering and way beyond the crude developments we made while dragging this industry into the 21st century.
Q: What has inspired and influenced your work?
A: The biggest influence on my work at Bandit has been everyone who works there. When I first starting working there I saw how all the different aspects of our business are put together- electronics, building, packaging, travel, marketing, and computer technology. I was very impressed as I heard people from each department discuss procedures, needs, pros and cons of applications, and how they intended to fix whatever might go wrong. I have had the pleasure of working with people who enjoy what they do and do it very well.
23rd September 2008
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