Event News

Chauvet Professional Reveals True Colours for the Stage at ABTT Theatre Show

UK – Alexandra Palace is no stranger to technological innovation. It was here on 2 November 1936 that the BBC inaugurated the world’s first high-definition television broadcast. About a quarter of a century later, the stately building was involved in the broadcast of the first satellite to pass over London.

The technological tradition continues this June at the iconic site, though not with nearly the same historical significance, at the 2025 ABTT Theatre Show. This will be clearly evident on 4 and 5 June at the CHAUVET Professional exhibit (Booth C10), where the company will be showcasing its latest lighting innovations for the theatre market.

Created around the concept of “Finally, True Colours Revealed,” the booth showcases the latest products in Chauvet Professional’s Ovation Rêve family, which features invaluable tools like the Rêve E-3, a full-spectrum LED ERS-style lighting fixture for theatre, film and broadcast production. With colour-temperatures presets ranging from 2800 to 8000K, the Ovation Rêve E-3 maintains remarkable brightness and high-quality light with emulated redshift for a tungsten feel. Other notable features include several dimming curves, a silent fan off mode and an adjustable low-clearance yoke for difficult installations.

Theatre directors and designers seeking a quiet way to create evocative soft washes are invited to check out the Ovation Rêve F-3 when they visit the booth. This motorised Fresnel incorporates Chauvet Professional’s full spectrum (RGBAM) Rêve light engine and features easy on-board control dials, an innovative adjustable yoke, an optical system capable of longer throws with an extended zoom range that can narrow from 60 degrees all the way down to ten degrees, all in a virtually silent fixture.

Also representing the Rêve family will be the ultra-bright Rêve P-3 IP a IP65-rated multi-colour full-spectrum-white LED PAR. An outdoor fixture with unsurpassed power and quality of light that incorporates all the advancements, the Ovation Rêve RGBAM LED source and offers the versatility of narrow, medium, wide and very wide lenses.

Quiet contributors to the technological wizardry on display at the Chauvet Professional booth will be the award-winning Maverick Silens series of completely silent fixtures. The compact Maverick Silens 1X is the ideal for smaller theatres looking for outsized performance, thanks to its 430W 96+ CRI LED source, uncompromising design, flawless 16-bit dimming with selectable red shift and dimming curves, precise four-blade shutter framing and accurate colour rendering and a host of other features.

Visitors will also want to pay close attention to the Maverick Silens 2X Profile, a silent 760W 94+ CRI LED source fixture that puts power and flexibility in a durable package. It features 16-bit dimming with selectable red shift and dimming curves, precise four-blade shutter framing and accurate colour rendering. Completely fanless operation makes this totally silent fixture ideal for the most demanding theatre and studio applications.

Those searching for a powerful cyc light, foot light, or batten with excellent colour rendering prowess don’t have to look any further that the COLORado Solo Bar 4. This 16-cell IP65-rated RGBwWL LED batten produces a full range of colour and perfect whites while offering seamless end-to-end direct view pixel mapping throughout its homogenised squares. A selection of beam shaping filters is included to broaden the choice of projection effects.

During their visit to the booth, showgoers will have the chance to get an up-close, hands-on look at the most advanced technological lighting control solutions from Chauvet Professional’s sister company, ChamSys. Included in this group is the powerful ChamSys MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium Console, the versatile QuickQ 20 lighting desk and GeNetix networking and data distribution hardware displayed on the interactive Theatre Solutions Board.

Technology still thrives at Alexandra Palace and those who see it at ABTT Booth C10 will discover how it can take their lighting to the next level. 

21st May 2025

POLAR EXPO 2025

POLAR, supplier of key industry brands to the installation, MI and professional audio markets has announced that it will demonstrate its full portfolio at the Old Savoy Theatre, Northampton on Wednesday 28th May. POLAR EXPO, a unique day-long event for integrators, AV consultants, rental companies, sound engineers and everyone passionate about technology, will present an opportunity to see, hear, and explore the full POLAR catalogue.

Last year, POLAR staged a series of very successful demo days for specific brands, including one at the Old Savoy for Turbosound, which drew plaudits from the wide range of audio professionals in attendance.

Convinced by the success of the format, which gives visitors a real-world, hands-on experience of products, POLAR sales manager Andy Plunkett will host POLAR EXPO, the company’s largest demo day to date: “Our previous brand-focused events have proven so successful, it seemed to make perfect sense to go ahead with a day that showcases our entire portfolio. The main Theatre comfortably allows us to demonstrate high performance loudspeaker ranges from HK Audio, Turbosound, Tannoy, Pan Acoustics and Atlas, so whether specifying for a large auditorium, place of worship, or flexible performance venue, visitors can hear exactly how the systems perform in a space designed to put them to the test.

“In the adjoining Dore Suite, we’ll be exhibiting the ‘behind the scenes tools’ with a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge audio, video, control and processing technologies from AMX, ArtSound, AtlasIED, Avonic, beyerdynamic, ClearOne, Lab Gruppen, MC2, Midas, Primacoustic, Xilica and Radial. The event will provide an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience performance in action, discuss technical features in detail, and gain insights into the ways in which POLAR’s portfolio is a one-stop shop for any and every live event and installation solution.”

POLAR EXPO will be divided into morning and afternoon demonstrations with a light lunch available for those in attendance at either or both of those sessions, adding an excellent networking opportunity to the day’s proceedings.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/polar-expo-2025-tickets-1360340628439?aff=oddtdtcreator

20th May 2025

Showlight 2025 – Robert Juliat Welcomes You to Showlight 2025 in Dijon

France – Robert Juliat welcomes Showlight 2025 to France for the very first time in its history as it opens its doors in Dijon 19 to 22 May.

This global quadrennial networking event for lighting professionals is itinerant by nature, choosing a new country and a new venue at each outing. France has a rich tradition in the arts and lighting which Robert Juliat is thrilled to showcase on an international stage.

“As a company that has been at the heart of the lighting industry for over a century, Robert Juliat is honoured to be the Headline Sponsor of Showlight 2025,” says Robert Juliat’s third generation managing director, François Juliat. “Bringing this prestigious event to France, the home of our heritage, is a moment of immense pride for us. For over 100 years, Robert Juliat has been synonymous with excellence in lighting and sponsoring Showlight 2025 is a natural extension of our commitment to supporting the next generation of lighting professionals and technologies."

Showlight is more than just a conference; it is a unique gathering where ideas, creativity and passion for lighting come together. Its eclectic programme of presentations, delivered by specialists across multiple lighting disciplines, is augmented by a supporting exhibition, ample networking opportunities and superb dinner locations, all in a convivial and informal atmosphere. It offers unprecedented opportunities for meeting old friends and colleagues and making new connections.

"Showlight is renowned for bringing together the brightest minds in the lighting industry, and we are delighted to contribute to this exchange of knowledge and experience,” continues François Juliat. “As a company, we have always been committed to fostering innovation and collaboration, and we are thrilled to support an event that reflects these values. Hosting Showlight 2025 in Dijon is an opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future of lighting in a truly inspiring setting, and to ensure the future of lighting continues to shine even brighter."

“Robert Juliat has steadfastly maintained its support of Showlight since it originally stepped forward to sponsor Showlight back in 2021,” states Jim Tetlow, chairman of Showlight 2025. “They have stayed with us faithfully since then, sponsoring our interim Virtual Showlight in May 2023 and now hosting the first in-person event since 2017. We are very grateful to them and to all our generous sponsors which have made Showlight 2025 possible. We are so excited to bring you a splendid line up of speakers, in a beautiful city, which also happens to be a centre of gastronomy. Showlight 2025 is an event you do not want to miss!”

Tickets for Showlight are now nearly at capacity with only a few remaining. After the last Full Delegate tickets are sold, there may be a limited number of Papers & Workshops Only available at a discounted rate. These will allow access to the conference but not the Company and Conference dinners or Welcome Reception.

View the remaining ticket options on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org or contact Showlight on info@showlight.org

13th May 2025

Michelle Guadalupe Felix Garcia must be one of the few sound engineers on the planet to have been personally asked by Chris Martin to help Coldplay record at their studio.

USA – How she got there is a story of pure determination and an ambition to raise awareness that has led to the formation of the Audio Accessibility Alliance (AAA), a Clair Global backed industry think tank that aims to open conversations and create meaningful change around disability in entertainment technology and live event production.

When Michelle, who is a blind sound engineer, contacted Live Nation about possible employment opportunities, it marked the beginning of a high-level industry wake-up call.

Live Nation's director of production David Helberg, and VP of concert production Mike Marchetti, invited Michelle to The Conference: Live at Lititz in December 2024 with one question in mind: how can the live events and touring industry begin making our technical, backstage world more accessible?

Cue a specially arranged event at Rock Lititz where Live Nation, Clair Global, Cohesion, DiGiCo, Midas, Sennheiser and Tait assembled to speak with Michelle about developing a more user-friendly experience. After all, big change begins with peer collaboration.

"To have all of these multi-disciplinary creative minds in conversation was invaluable," says Michelle. "It gave key players the opportunity to learn more about accessibility and to watch how a blind person can operate a computer, a console and use ProTools.

"It was a learning curve for all involved; there was a lot of experienced people in the room, but most didn't know that you can use ProTools with text to speech without even looking at waveforms."

This was noted by Clair Global account executive Jason Vrobel: "It was very humbling to watch Michelle at work. She is extremely good with ProTools. The way she hears cues and moves at speed is quite something. I don't think any of us would be able to do what she does."

Jason now sits on the AAA Committee alongside Michelle and fellow audio engineer Ritchell Lim, mix engineer Jon Lemon, studio engineer Cory Wilkins, and Live Nation's David Helberg.

During the conference, Clair organised a three-hour personalised tour for Michelle. "They took me through the Cohesion wood shop, cabinet assembly, testing room and through every component from capacitors and diaphragms, to testing frequency ranges. It was so hands-on, they allowed me to touch everything and every question was absolutely welcomed."

Post conference, Rock Lititz donated a rehearsal space for Michelle to mix FOH for singer/songwriter Sara Hells and Clair Global facilitated a recording session with Lancaster County local JJ, an 11-year-old aspiring rapper, who is also visually impaired.

JJ was brought to Clair's attention through VisionCorps, a Pennsylvania-based non-profit organisation that provides tools and training to empower individuals living with blindness and vision loss to attain independence. It was JJ's dream to record a song and with Michelle's expertise and personal experience, a perfect opportunity arose to make it happen.

Michelle beams: "When Jason informed JJ that he was singing into the same Cohesion speakers that Kendrick Lamar uses on tour, he was so excited!"

Being around a young person who is so passionate about their aspirations hit Michelle on a personal level, as her own journey wasn't straight forward.

"I've been interested in sound and music since childhood," she says. "At 13, I taught myself to use an audio interface, and I used software for studio production, learning throughout the years. Then, when I was 17, I had a dream to play the piano with Coldplay and I began emailing their management to see if it was possible.

"I couldn't believe it, but in October 2017 they invited me to play at their rehearsal in San Diego. I got to use an in-ear monitor for the first time and as we walked around the stadium, I felt the heat of the mixing board near me. In that moment, I realised that audio engineering wasn't a hobby for me: I wanted to dedicate my life to it. 

"The band are so humble and I'm so grateful, because without that initial request being met, I wouldn't be here, doing this now."

Michelle is from Mexico and with her parents' encouragement, the family moved to San Diego to give her the best education in pro audio. 

"English is my second language and I moved to this foreign culture so I could fulfil my dream. We made all the necessary arrangements, I took an English test and then once I was accepted into college, my course educator said: 'You should change your major because it's really hard for sighted people to pursue a career in sound, so it's going to be impossible for you.'

"That hit me like a bomb. But then it made me more determined to carry on."

It will come as no surprise that Michelle, the young woman who convinced Coldplay's management to let her play Chris Martin's piano, graduated in 2022 with a Music, Recording Tech and Audio Design bachelor's degree. 

She continues: "I kept in touch with Coldplay and the band's manager asked if I'd like to come to their Malibu recording studio. Of course, I said yes! I listened to their album five months before it was released, but the most beautiful thing was that I didn't feel like a fan. They treated me like an engineer because I had studied.

"Chris looked at me and said: "I want to record this; can you take over?" I was very impacted by that trust. He put me on their ProTools rig, and it was the most insane five minutes of my life."

As impressive as Michelle’s story is so far, with a huge amount of work yet to be done in this space, accessibility is on the agenda indefinitely and will only become normalised through ongoing collaboration throughout the wider industry.

In closing, she says: "As an organisation, AAA would like to have a broad focus across accessibility, but in this moment, we are speaking about blindness because that's my lived experience. Clair Global has been such a facilitator and after understanding fully what the company does, I feel surer than ever that I want to tour in some capacity." 

9th May 2025

KV2 announces a show first for PLASA Focus with on-site demo facility

UK – In a first for PLASA Focus, KV2 Audio has announced that the company will be taking over the on-site Bury Theatre for the duration of this year’s trade show. The venue forms part of The Royal Armouries events and conference venue – where PLASA Focus is held – making it extremely easy for visitors to attend demos at their convenience.

This marks the first time a loudspeaker manufacturer has had dedicated use of the theatre. The location represents a significant upgrade for KV2’s ever-popular demonstrations, allowing the company to demonstrate a wider range of products in a setting more reflective of their real-world environments.

Attendees can expect to hear an ultra-compact ESD CUBE system offering incredible output that belies its diminutive dimensions.

The company will also be presenting some of the most recent additions to its portfolio including the active 2 x 8-inch EX 28 and the compact passive 2-way 6-inch CS6 loudspeakers, alongside the active 15-inch EX 1.5 and 18-inch EX 1.8 subwoofers.

Making the most of the new theatre surroundings will be the award-winning three-way full-range active-driven ESR 215 loudspeaker system that continues to astound West End and Broadway audiences on high-profile productions such as Mamma Mia!, The Lion King, Fiddler on the Roof and many more.

A full ES 1.0 system – KV2’s original and still iconic solution – will be in operation, demonstrating the exceptional performance that has defined it for years.

For those with interests beyond the products listed, KV2 Audio welcomes enquiries about dedicated listening sessions for additional systems during the show. To arrange a session, please contact the UK office on 01423 816869 or reach out to your KV2 representative directly.

The Bury Theatre will be open and running throughout the show for walk-in demos, no booking required. Members of KV2’s UK and International team will also be available on stand R-C01 to discuss how KV2 Audio solutions can help enhance your projects and events.

PLASA Focus takes place at The Royal Armouries, Leeds on 13th-14th May.

7th May 2025

The Association for Lighting Production and Design (ALPD) Awards for Excellence for 2025.  

UK – The ALPD Awards for 2025 are now open for entries. The ALPD awards are in three categories: Lighting Design, Production Electrics and Programming. The Lighting Design Award is by application and for emerging LDs, the candidates for the Fred Foster Production Electrician Award and the Anne Valentino Award for Excellence in Programming are by nomination and are intended for career professionals. The ALPD encourages lighting professionals who work alongside a production electrician or programmer whom they consider to be exceptional and worthy of recognition to nominate them. There are full details on the ALPD website (thealpd.org.uk) and its quick and easy to do. https://www.thealpd.org.uk/the-alpd-awards-for-excellence-2025.

The ALPD Awards close on 31st October 2025 and presentations will be made at the New Technology Showcase in early 2026. 

The Awards are sponsored by Go Live Theatre Projects, Vectorworks and ETC.

All submissions must be received by midnight on the closing date: Thursday 31st October.

Enquiries to: office@thealpd.org.uk

In picture: Alex Bosworth receiving the 2024 Fred Foster Award from Matt Cowell (ETC) and Stuart Porter.

6th May 2025

Showlight 2025 – Showlight 2025 Completes Line Up as Final Speakers Announced

France – The fantastic line-up for Showlight 2025’s speakers is now complete. Showlight brings you over 30 speakers covering lighting topics from every discipline and every corner of the globe. Here’s the last group of speakers who’ll be coming to the Parc des Expositions in a couple of weeks. There’s something for everyone, so book your ticket now and join us in glorious Dijon!

Frédéric ‘Aldo’ Fayard

Light & Laser for New Year’s Eve at Burj Khalifa

Founder of Concept K, Aldo Fayard has 30 years of global experience working on live tours, large scale events, cinema and permanent installations. He will give us the low-down on his stunning installation for the New Year’s Eve show in Dubai Downtown which encompassed a combination of several permanent technologies mixed with a temporary installation of moving lights and lasers.

Lucy Carter

Rhythm is a Dancer – So is Light!

Light artist and multi award-winning lighting designer Lucy Carter, has worked extensively in theatre, ballet, dance, musical theatre and opera, as well as light installations in galleries, site-specific venues and exhibitions. As she takes us through her design processes and developments, Lucy will explain how she sees light as another dancer or performer in the productions she lights.

 Tim Lutkin, Adrien Mourey

How to Reimagine a Night-time Show at Disneyland Paris

Creative director, TONY- and double Olivier award-winning lighting designer, Tim Lutkin and Disneyland show lighting designer, Adrien Mourey, have recently opened Disney Tales of Magic at Disneyland Paris. They will demonstrate how their design breathes new life into the storytelling across the unique setting of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, without making technology omnipresent.

M. David Mullen, ASC

1950s Period Lighting in a TV Series

Winner of three Emmy Awards and two ASC Awards for his work on Amazon Prime’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, David Mullen will explore when to use – and when not to use – period-correct lighting for a show set in the 1950s.

Alba Abad Carretero, Anne Serieges

Illuminating Excellence: Lighting at the 2024 Olympic Games

Olympic Broadcasting Services’ lighting lead, Alba Abad Carretero and senior broadcast lighting head project manager for the Paris 2024 organising committee, Anne Serieges, will delve into the intricate planning and execution of broadcast and show lighting for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 that not only met the rigorous demands of high-paced sports broadcasting but also enhanced the architectural beauty of Paris’s historic Grand Palais.

Thierry Arbogast AFC

The Challenges of Complicated Shots

Internationally renowned and multi award-winning French cinematographer, Thierry Arbogast, has worked with top film directors including Luc Besson, Brian De Palma, Jean-Paul Rappeneau and Emir Kusturica. Using examples from internationally known films such as Leon, The Fifth Element and The Horseman on the Roof, Thierry will look at some of the challenges and difficulties involved in bringing stunning images to the big screen.

Peter Macdonald BSC, DGA, DGGB

A Life in Cinema with Peter Macdonald

Peter Macdonald needs no introduction as his astonishing cinematic pedigree will attest. From his early days as camera operator on films directed by Sir Laurence Olivier, through his 25-year collaboration with cinematographer Geoffrey Unsworth, to his progression to second unit director, cinematographer, director and producer, Peter has many stories to tell. He will close Showlight 2025 with memories and anecdotes from his life in cinema spanning over 70 years.

Contributions will also come from John Dudley promoting The International Day of Light, Eric Wurtz talking about the synergy between the French Union of Lighting Designers and the Union of Scenographers, and from lighting designer, cinematographer, senior product manager and author Ben Díaz.

Language is no barrier

New for Showlight 2025 is simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions – in English, French, Italian and Spanish via the AI translation system, Interprefy. This instantly translates to both voice and text, which can be listened to on headphones or read on smartphones or iPads. (Please remember to bring your own earbuds/headsets) Q&A sessions will also be translated on demand. Ticket holders to Showlight can request additional languages at time of purchase by contacting info@showlight.org

The last remaining tickets for Showlight can be purchased from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org.

In picture: Top Row – Frédéric ‘Aldo’ Fayard, Lucy Carter, Tim Lutkin and Adrien Mourey; Bottom Row – M. David Mullen, ASC, Alba Abad Carretero, Anne Serieges, Thierry Arbogast AFC and Peter Macdonald BSC, DGA, DGGB

6th May 2025

Robe supports outstanding Scena Jutra 2025 event

Poland – A bigger, busier, livelier and more energised than ever Scena Jutra – Stage of Tomorrow – event was hosted this year in Warsaw, Poland, at the Palace of Culture & Science right in the heart of the city. With a dynamic programme of over 120 speakers picked from all sectors of the performance, entertainment and technology community, over 40 exhibitors and 50% more exhibition space than previous years, this seventh Scena Jutra also created new attendance records with 2000+ visitors over the two days.

A diverse array of presentations, discussions, lectures and perspectives set the tone and energy of the event, complete with a buzzing after-party on the first night which created a great networking experience and a real-time interactive forum for the exchange of knowledge and ideas in a vibrant space connecting all aspects of technology and art.

Robe once again supported its Polish distributor Prolight which was an integral part of the symposium, taking the opportunity to showcase its latest products and innovations in the exhibition area, alongside its other premium group brands, Avolites and LSC Control Systems.

For the first time at a Scena Jutra event, Robe parked up its famous show truck outside the Palace of Culture & Science, providing a full product demonstration area plus a bar for invited guests who could enjoy coffee and refreshments on the top deck, taking advantage of the glorious spring sunshine and soaring temperatures as they got social.

Robe sent a strong management team headed by CEO Josef Valchar, including international sales director Michel Arntz, international business development manager Bram de Clerk and key account manager (Europe) Jeroen van Aalst.

Josef commented that he thought the event was “a fantastic opportunity that has really become a major talking point and proved an invaluable industry platform for generating discussions, ideas, collaborations and business as well as learning and gathering information.”

He also noted the many international speakers who were brought together alongside numerous Polish performance industry and technical practitioners and professionals.

Together, they presented a diversity of separate, but interrelated topics designed to open minds and conversations across three different speaker ‘stage’ spaces: Inspiration (Scena Inspiracje), Discussion (Scena Dyskusje) and Academy (Scena Akademia).

Internationals included Finnish lighting, set and visuals designer Mikki Kunttu, who presented his keynote “From Cirque du Soleil to Opera Wrocławska”, discussing the challenges of visual design, the impact of technology on stage art, and behind-the-scenes at some of the most breathtaking performances.

Kristof Nagy, account director of Hungary-based Visual Europe Group (VEG), which has recently opened a Polish office, engaged the audience with his presentation about producing “Western Shows in Eastern Europe” which included a deep dive into the logistics and trials of preparing massive mixed-media shows for the annual Hungarian National Day celebrations.

“Dawid Podsiadło 360 Tour – from behind the scenes” proved one of the most popular discussions of the whole event with people even gathering along the corridor outside to get a glimpse of the action.

Presented on the Stage of Inspirations: this was an exclusive session revealing BTS insights from the artist’s phenomenal 2024 “360” Stadium Tour, a groundbreaking feat that has redefined the Polish music and production scene. The discussion gave a unique opportunity to hear from the key creators including lighting designer Jacek Chojczak – who also utilised many Robe moving lights on this show – together with others including production designer Giorgos Stylianou-Matsis. They revealed elements of the cutting-edge technologies and stage solutions used, together with the incredible teamwork that brought this ambitious spectacular to life.

Each stage featured its own production (lighting, video and audio) systems. A serious amount of kit was installed in each one that was carefully thought out, beautifully designed and logistically planned to transform each room and produce visually stimulating and atmospheric environments. This detail was a functional application of the technology and tools that the industry uses so well.

The intersections of the corridors connecting each part of the exhibition area – the physical nucleus of the event – each featured a different piece of light art, showing how more abstract and imaginative ideas can amuse, entertain and stimulate the brain.

Robe’s own product development specialist Dave Whitehouse gave two interesting lectures on the Academy Stage.

The first, “The Dilemma of Developers”, addressed the challenges, goals and often complicated trade-offs of product development, while the other, on day two, looked at “The Future of Colour Referencing” in the enigmatic context of how a new generation of lighting professionals are using a framework designed around traditional light sources that will soon cease to exist!

Robe’s newest LED lighting products displayed in the expo area included the incredible WTF (Wash Twist Flash) multi-level strobe / flood fixture and the new LedPOINTE, both of which attracted a lot of attention, as did the iFORTE LTX and several T- Series luminaires including T11, T15, T0.5, T32 Cyc and the inventive Footsie LED footlight system.

New and cool technology from Avolites was highlighted with D9-215, T3 with Wing and the new highly portable D7-215 consoles demonstrated by Rogier Trok in Avo’s own display section, complete with Rogier’s personal well-flown Pele Air case in which he flies a demo D7-215 around the globe.

A number of LSC products were shown including one of their Unitour power distribution racks. LSC is also distributed by Prolight in Poland.

Rogier also gave a presentation on the Academy Stage, in which he compared the different Avolites interfaces for delivering powerful and straightforward lighting and media control, and how Avo’s Synergy protocol unites and combines these two worlds into a single visual environment for more integrated seamless programming and playback.

The rooms were alive with the buzz and energy of those keen to discover and explore broader contexts and happy to think outside more traditional informational bubbles as people fully optimised these resources and opportunities presented by Scena Jutra.

Robe’s Michel Arntz, attending his third Scena Jutra, was suitably impressed with it being “the busiest to date and an animated and lively place to meet and have meaningful discussions with a mixed range of professionals from multiple disciplines: theatre, television, live performance, art and commercial / industrial, all at different stages in their careers”.

Prolight’s Rafal Rzeczkowski – also president of the Scena Jutra Foundation – was delighted with the overall results.

He also appreciated Robe actively investing in the event and again stepping up as a major sponsor. “Robe has always been very enthusiastic about Scena Jutra and it is great that manufacturers of this calibre can appreciate the event’s value,” stated Rafal.

Michel added that it was important for Robe to have a strong presence and to support Rafal’s own “proactivity, foresight and very hard work in elevating and continuing to grow Scena Jutra as an industry think-tank.”

photos: Louise Stickland

2nd May 2025

ChamSys Showcases Unbeatable Product-Service Combination at PLASA Focus LEEDS

UK – Offering a great product is only the beginning. Business gurus have always preached this and the reason is simple: it is true! Regardless of how good a product is, it can only reach its full potential, for both the business selling it and the customer using it, if it is backed by a strong commitment to support. ChamSys believes in this principle as evidenced by its long history of providing standard-setting educational and support programmes.

This commitment will come shining through at the company’s PLASA Leeds stands (N-A28 and N-B23, shared with Chauvet Professional) at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, 13 and 14 May. In addition to showcasing products such as its flagship MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium console and the brand-new MagicQ Compact Wing, making its first UK public showing, ChamSys will be hosting a full schedule of educational events, including presentations by celebrated LDs Ed Warren and David Howard, as well as interactive demonstrations.

In his session, the multi-award-winning Warren will be demonstrating how he uses MagicQ for live and pre-programmed shows in a seamless fashion every time. During his interactive Q&A session he will walk visitors through the specific steps he follows when using MagicQ for functions like morphing, cloning, pixel mapping and media playback.

Howard, one of the leading young LDs on the scene today, will reveal how he sets up his MagicQ show file from scratch in under ten minutes. He will also share insights into how he transforms busking into a polished show and how he utilises special features to make his shows look like they’re programmed to perfection.

ChamSys visitors will also be able to get invaluable hands-on experience with the company’s hospitality and installation solutions board, which will provide them with an interactive way to see GeNetix products in action, including the GeNetix GN10R/P install nodes and GeNetix TouchScene/TouchScene MINI working together.

Anyone dropping by the ChamSys exhibit will also be able to explore the widely acclaimed MagicQ MQ500M+ Stadium console and get an up-close look at its many features, including the ability to support 400 universes directly from the console without the need for external processors, and fully motorised faders and encoders providing 42 playbacks.

Also making its mark at the show, the MagicQ Compact Wing brings stylish, portable playback expansion to the MagicQ family. Designed for maximum flexibility, it features a full-colour display for playback legending, dual playback sections with ten illuminated faders and ten execute buttons. Compatible with all current MagicQ consoles, as well as PCs or Macs running MagicQ software, it also includes an integrated USB hub for connecting multiple wings. Offering tactile control and a sleek, professional look, the MagicQ Compact Wing is the ideal companion for any MagicQ system.

The products at the ChamSys booth will indeed be very impressive, but, as the familiar axiom goes, they are only part of the story. Coupled with the world-class service and support that backs them, they are part of an extraordinary lighting control solution.

2nd May 2025

Showlight 2025 – Language is no barrier

France – The Showlight quadrennial is a rare event that you do not want to miss. Three days of lighting professionals networking and exchanging ideas, listening to speakers at the top of their profession, all in the beautiful setting of Dijon, France. This unique gathering only happens once every four years and it’s for everyone.

Historically, Showlight is conducted solely in English but this year is different. Located in France and supported by French lighting manufacturer and Headline Sponsor, Robert Juliat, Showlight looks forward to welcoming many French-speaking delegates as well as international attendees.

To make sure nobody misses a word, for the first time, Showlight is offering simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions – in English, French, Italian and Spanish via the AI translation system, Interprefy. This simultaneously translates to both voice and text, which can be listened to on your headphones or read on your smartphone or iPad. Please remember to bring your own earbuds/headsets.

Similarly, questions posed by the audience during the Q&A sessions can be asked in any of these languages, and will receive the same simultaneous translations across all four languages.

Ticket holders to Showlight can request additional languages at time of purchase by contacting info@showlight.org

Book your place now! Tickets can be purchased direct from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org

A list of discounted hotels can be found at www.showlight.org/hotels-travel. These are available on a first come, first served basis, so be quick to make your booking.

 

28th April 2025

The Profile Awards 5th June – TV Entries

UK - Attention television lighting design teams! Have you submitted one of your broadcasts for a Profile Award? More information can be found at www.profileawards.com/television-categories/ the deadline for TV entries is the 30th April so get to profileawards@stld.org.uk today!

To be clear this invitation to submit is solely for TV LDs and their teams (in fact anyone can submit a programme), the Theatre categories are judged solely by our panel of critics with no other nominations possible.

If you are a theatre or TV lighting designer or a member of a TV lighting team and wish to attend, please contact jennie@profileawards.com. The Awards team hopes to see you on the night!

23rd April 2025

ISCVEx 2025 wraps up after two vibrant days of AGM, Networking Dinner, Seminars and Exhibition

UK – ISCVEx 2025, hosted at the historic Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry, is an exceptional gathering for professionals in the sound, communications and visual engineering industries. Organised annually by the Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers, the event welcomes both members and non-members to engage in a variety of enriching activities designed to foster professional growth, industry insights and networking opportunities.

Commencing on Tuesday, 25 March 2025, with the ISCVE Members’ Day and Annual General Meeting, ISCVEx provides a key moment for the Institute to reflect on achievements and outline future goals. After a scintillating presentation by Andy Dockerty, from Adlib on the future of the Live Events Industries, attendees later joined a vibrant networking dinner, complete with live entertainment, offering a unique environment to build relationships and celebrate together.

Wednesday’s agenda featured a series of industry-leading seminars, where experts shared insights on emerging technologies, evolving business models, shifting trends in customer experiences and sustainable practice in design and manufacture of audio-visual equipment. These sessions provided participants with invaluable knowledge to stay ahead in an ever-changing industry.

Formal awards were also made throughout the day, celebrating the achievements of dedicated members as they received their Companionship and Fellowship awards in recognition of their contributions to the Institute and the industry. Engraved plaques were also presented to the institute’s new premium supporting members.

The exhibition, an integral part of ISCVEx, showcases the latest innovations in sound, communications and visual engineering. Attendees had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge products and services, engage directly with exhibitors and gain practical insights into advancements shaping the industry.

ISCVEx highlights ISCVE’s dedication to supporting its members through education, networking and innovation. By bringing together professionals from across the sector, ISCVEx 2025 once again demonstrates the power of collaboration and the value of being part of a forward-thinking, supportive Institute.

ISCVEx 2025 provided attendees with a valuable opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in our industry while fostering meaningful connections with professionals from across the United Kingdom.

The ISCVE has announced that David Howe FInstSCVE has been appointed as vice president, succeeding the role previously held by Jim Smith, who now assumes the presidency. Neil Voce FInstSCVE, former President of ISCVE, transitions to the role of immediate past president. These leadership changes underscore ISCVE’s dedication to fostering professional development and the continued growth of its community.

11th April 2025

Manchester Mayor Backs Production Futures AO Arena On Tour Event

UK – Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has offered his support for Production Futures’ forthcoming ON TOUR event at the city’s AO Arena. The free-of-charge event which takes place on 28th April is set to attract a wide range of young people from across the north-west of England, and promotes employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, networking and paid work opportunities to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

This will be Production Futures’ second visit to the AO Arena following last year’s hugely successful event which was attended by a host of world-leading manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors.

Andy Burnham, who also visited last year’s event, comments: “Greater Manchester has a proud history of creativity and innovation in live events and production. It’s fantastic to see Production Futures returning to the AO Arena, opening doors for the next generation to develop the skills and careers that will keep our city at the forefront of this exciting industry.”

Hannah Eakins of Production Futures added: “Even bigger and better than last year, our packed schedule includes talks, inspiring special guests, panel discussions and workshops, as well as the chance to discuss opportunities in person with experienced industry professionals. Our young visitors will also be able to enjoy hands-on exploration of things like lighting programming, audio engineering, CAD and stage design. We are so grateful to the AO Arena, which represents everything that is great about our industry, for opening their doors to us and giving us their continued support.”

For further information about the event visit – https://www.productionfutures.com/event/next-event/

11th April 2025

Showlight 2025 – Treat yourself to a Showlight ticket as more Speakers are announced

France – Showlight 2025 has produced a programme full of treats for its delegates with over 30 speakers lined up to bring their expertise to Dijon this May. Tickets are selling fast so don’t delay in securing yours today.

Here’s the latest offerings from the worlds of film, live events, large scale art installations, site-specific puppetry and illuminated fashion design:

Roger Simonsz

Schrödinger’s Dimmer; controlling the uncontrollable

Award-winning lighting designer, cinematographer, writer and director, and fellow of Rose Bruford college, Roger Simonsz, will discuss how difficult it is to achieve the kind of slow lighting changes so easily performed in theatre within the film environment. Using examples from “Engrenages/Spiral” as well as the recent “Piper” his paper explores how to achieve control on location, in daylight, while cueing the sun with the help of Schrödinger’s dimmer.

Martin Kuhn

The Maiden Tower Istanbul – Lighting and Beyond.

The iconic Maiden Tower in Istanbul – a symbol of 2,500 years of history – was brought to life through a large-scale immersive outdoor installation, featuring dynamic lighting, lasers, projections and audio by German lighting designer, Martin Kuhn. Kuhn’s extensive experience on a wide range of global projects, from concerts and events to museums and architectural lighting, plays into this captivating experience which reimagines the Tower’s legacy with innovative and inspiring storytelling and cutting-edge technology.

Jesper Kongshaug

Beyond Illumination: The Experimental Language of Light in Performance and Public Space

Known for his experimental yet assured approach, Jesper Kongshaug has created evocative theatrical landscapes for over 25 years. At Showlight he will present key examples from his work designing lighting and stage visuals for internationally renowned performance group Hotel Pro Forma, showcasing his innovative approach to theatrical lighting. He will also introduce the Copenhagen Light Festival, which he curates.

Clara Daguin

Reveal the Invisible

Reveal the Invisible examines the work of fashion designer/artist Clara Daguin through several projects, collections and collaborations. Clara, whose collaborations with artists, researchers and institutions include Google, Baccarat, Nike, will focus on the process behind the creation of her illuminated silhouettes and the evolution of her work over the past few years.

Thierry Goron

Utilising Local Resources to Benefit Film-making 

Speaking in his native French (with simultaneous translation available in four languages), director of photography Thierry Goron will share insights on leveraging local knowledge and resources to establish a sustainable film industry in emerging countries. He will explore the "can-do" spirit required on set, especially when working in challenging conditions, such as fixing broken lights, cameras and essential equipment, becomes part of the process. Over time, this necessity fosters a resourceful approach, leading to the development of locally built equipment using available materials and expertise.

David Duffy

A Solstice Adventure at the End of the Inhabitable World

A welcome return of speaker from 2017, David Duffy will enchant us once again with his lighting of puppetry, this time illustrated by a site-specific adaptation of Kneehigh and Little Angel’s classic production, A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings, which took place on the stroke of midnight on the summer solstice, in an Icelandic abattoir.

Historically, Showlight is conducted solely in English but this year, located in Dijon, France and supported by French lighting manufacturer and Headline Sponsor, Robert Juliat, Showlight looks forward to welcoming many local delegates as well as international attendees. As a result, it is offering simultaneous translation of the Papers and Q&A sessions across four languages. Delegates can choose to listen – and ask questions – in English, French, Italian and Spanish, via the AI translation system, Interprefy. This instantly translates to both voice and text, which can be listened to on headphones or read on smartphones or iPads. Question and answer sessions will also be translated on demand. Ticket holders to Showlight can request additional languages at time of purchase by contacting info@showlight.org

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Showlight yourself! Tickets for Showlight are on sale now and can be purchased from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org.

A list of discounted hotels is also available (https://www.showlight.org/hotels-travel) on a first come, first served basis, so be quick to make your booking!

Finally, don’t forget you can sign up to the Showlight Mailing List to hear the latest news as it breaks.

In picture: Top row – Roger Simonsz, Martin Kuhn, Jesper Kongshaug; bottom row – Clara Daguin, Thierry Goron and Ken Coker.

8th April 2025

Tickets on sale for Backup Tech’s The Fabulous Village Fete

UK – The Backup Parish Council is delighted to announce that tickets for The Fabulous Village Fete, renamed for this year in celebration of Adam Taylor, aka Adam Fabulous, DJ and long-time supporter of the event, are about to go on sale. Backup Partners get access exclusive first access to purchase hospitality packages and tickets from 9am on 1^st April, with access for general sale starting on 9am on 3^rd April.

The Fabulous Village Fete takes place on Thursday 10^th July at Daytona Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey. Affectionately known as ‘the industry’s best day out’, this is the industry’s hottest event tickets of the year!

“Epson are once again sponsoring the Manor House, for those wanting a more exclusive experience, there’s the ever popular ‘Bake Off’, ‘Veg Off’ and we’re adding a ‘DJ Off’ where budding industry DJs can test out the skills, which we’re sure Adam would thoroughly approve of and, of course, there’s a prize for Best Dressed Villager,” says Backup’s Lee Dennison. “There’s also the Straw Stage for live entertainment and workshops, the food and craft fest stalls, and we’ve still got some new activities to announce. Make sure you have your fingers poised when tickets go on sale, they’re sure to be snapped up quickly!”

You will be able to book your fete stall, Manor House gazebo, karting team, or buy your day passes at https://www.backuptech.uk/backup-fabulous-village-fete-2025/

www.backuptech.uk

 

28th March 2025

Obsidian to Launch New Cutting-Edge Onyx Lighting Control Innovations at Prolight + Sound 2025

Germany – The Obsidian Control Systems team is excited for Prolight + Sound 2025 in Frankfurt (8-11 April), where Obsidian lighting control experts will be highlighting the latest Onyx lighting control innovations, including the first look at a new Onyx control product engineered to simplify programming and allow for quicker, more intuitive show design! The team invites lighting designers, programmers and operators to explore the new control solutions and all the latest innovations from Obsidian at Stand B49/C49 in Hall 12.1.

Obsidian is eager to share the latest in its popular and award-winning line of Netron data distribution products. The Netron NS8 is a compact network switch featuring eight gigabit ports and PoE/PoE+ support designed to distribute data and power to Netron nodes or any other PoE-compatible network appliance. Its IP version, the Netron NS8 IP, is part of the world’s first IP66 range of data distribution devices for entertainment applications, providing reliable data distribution for any location that requires dust and moisture protection.  

The NS8 and NS8 IP Ethernet switches are designed for show-critical lighting, sound and video control, offering reliability and ease of set up. Although designed for lighting data distribution, the NS8 and NS8 IP are ideal for audio networks using the Dante protocol. These switches include various features ideally suited for distributing audio over IP, including VLAN and Trunk capabilities, and offer versatile mounting options so they can be placed wherever needed.

Although the market offers an immense amount of IP-rated entertainment technology, no IP-rated data distribution devices have provided the infrastructure needed for modern programming. The Netron IP66 range – the world’s first line of IP66-rated data distribution products for entertainment – combines the proven chassis and connector technology of Elation’s IP65/66 Proteus lighting fixtures with the Netron data platform. The RDM6 IP, EN6 IP and NS8 IP feature a custom-designed die-cast body, impact-resistant paint, IP ports and touch controls, ensuring durability and reliability.

Obsidian offers a complete line of NX consoles, wings and USB interfaces for professional lighting control. Visitors to Prolight + Sound can get hands-on with Obsidian hardware and PC systems, including the NX1 and NX2, compact yet full-featured lighting consoles that have propelled the Onyx platform's popularity to new heights.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, we invite everyone to stop by Hall 12.1, Stand B49/C49, to explore the latest advancements in lighting control technology, exchange insights, and network with industry professionals.

Get your free exhibit pass at https://forms.office.com/e/TyPzVHUMqD

28th March 2025

Mir 2025: Targets Reached, + 30% Attendance On 2024

Italy – The 25th March wrapped things up for MIR 2025 – The Future of Audiovisual and Entertainment Technology. The spotlight, however, shines on the record-breaking results achieved by this edition (+30% attendance on 2024), marking a new chapter in the event's growth. This event in Rimini has become the beating heart of innovation for the audiovisual and entertainment industry, confirming it as a reference point for companies and professionals. The strategy, initiated three years ago, has yielded significant results. The event saw a significant increase in exhibitors, with over 200 brands represented. Fifteen percent of the participants were foreign companies and 19% of the total were international attendees, with Germany, Great Britain, China and the Netherlands leading the way, a clear indication of MIR's growing global reach.

With eight halls and over 40,000 square metres of exhibit space, MIR has established itself as a strategic hub for networking, innovation and business opportunities. This edition has responded to the needs of an evolving market with even more precision, creating an ideal space for companies, buyers and decision-makers to come together. The Live You Play “pillar feature” has solidified its key role within the event, offering professionals a direct experience of the most advanced audio and entertainment solutions. This includes 26 hours of programming, featuring live and virtual shows, four interactive stages and the spectacular immersive rooms for multi-dimensional audio experiences. Among the highlights of this year's event was Sound Power, an outdoor area dedicated to showcasing the most innovative audio systems live.

The event kicked off with a keynote from Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Lega Serie A, who took a deep dive into the latest strategies for producing and distributing sports content during the inaugural panel, “The Evolutionary Path of Sports Content”. This moment underscored the crucial role of technology in revolutionising the audiovisual sector and broadcast production. The Corporate Communication Pavilion was also a hit, where companies and professionals had the chance to explore the latest innovations in corporate communication, from interactive LED walls to advanced video conferencing platforms. In partnership with SIEC, over 15 workshops and networking opportunities were provided, all focused on business solutions. The world of electronic music and clubbing has once again found its home in MIR, with MIR CLUB, which has been offering a perfect blend of training and innovation for the third year in a row. In addition to the largest console exhibition ever seen in Italy, the programme boasted the presence of industry leaders such as Albertino, Big Fish, Andro, Roberto Intrallazzi, Albert Marzinotto, Giacomo Maiolini, Sergio Cerruti, Dj Skizo, Dj Aladyn and Master Freez.

 

The energy, growth and international scope of this edition underscore MIR's status as a pivotal reference point for the entire industry. With an unprecedented turnout and participation, the success of MIR 2025 is just the beginning of an expanding journey. The team is already hard at work for MIR 2026, set to take place from 29 to 31 March, with the goal of delivering an even more innovative and engaging experience. New technologies, formats and opportunities for business and training are already taking shape, promising to make the next edition even more unforgettable.

 

27th March 2025

ETC to mark 50th Anniversary with exciting Product Launches at Prolight + Sound 2025

Germany – ETC is gearing up to return to Frankfurt for Prolight + Sound 2025, taking place from 8-11 April at the Messe Frankfurt. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the company will be showing a series of state-of-the-art products, showcasing its commitment to advancing technology and lighting solutions.

At Prolight + Sound, one of the world’s largest trade shows for live entertainment technology, ETC will present its latest product releases and celebrate its 50th anniversary throughout the four day show on stands C33 and C39 in Hall 12.0. Visitors to ETC's stands can look forward to discovering the latest advancements in lighting, control, networking, power control and more.

ColorSource PAR V Zoom sees the bestselling ColorSource PAR get an upgrade into the V family with five-colour array for punchy deep saturates while still having nuance in lighter pastels, increased output and wireless DMX and configuration via NFC. It goes from 17 to 41 degrees zoom with just a twist of wrist. ColorSource Fresnel V MAX takes the already popular Fresnel V and turns it to the max, nearly doubling the output of the standard Fresnel V, all from the same sized fixture.

Two new High Systems’ effects lights will take centre stage: Zeo – a genre-defying fixture, acting as a blinder or strobe while also serving up striking beams, washes and effects – was a big hit as part of this year’s Superbowl Halftime show. The second, SolaPix Fan 8, a recent addition to the successful SolaPix family, is an eye-catching linear fixture designed to add dimension to shows.

The best-in-class Halcyon range, including the new fanless Halcyon Silent, as well as Ministar, Lonestar and Hyperstar fixtures will also be on the stand for visitors to experience and will be shown alongside a preview of the new RigPOV camera system for use within Eos v3.3 and third-party followspot systems.

Experts will preview the new cloud-based monitoring solution ETC SiteLink at the show. The system allows users to monitor their ETC stage machinery, networking, consoles, power controls, architectural lighting and RDM devices from anywhere in the world.

Prolight + Sound will see the public unveiling of the new Foundry Switch Panel, a family of relay racks designed and built in Europe for the 230V market to meet the power needs of venues that have moved to LED. With a range of feature sets to suit any venue, the Foundry Switch Panel integrates into the wider ETC ecosystem.

This year, there will also be exciting new developments to the Hog family of consoles on the stand. Attendees will get the chance to have a first-hand look at the highly anticipated updates during the show. More information will be announced very soon.

ETC European marketing manager Rosi Marx comments: “ETC’s 50th anniversary marks a major milestone in the company’s history. We’ve continued to evolve and develop new products, and this year’s show will reflect this with our new offering. We are incredibly proud of the journey ETC has been on over the last 50 years, and we’re looking forward to celebrating this achievement with our customers and partners at Prolight + Sound.”

In celebration of ETC’s 50th anniversary, visitors can look out for a special ‘Happy Hour’ event which will be taking place on ETC’s stands from 17:00 CEST, 8-10 April. 

27th March 2025

Chauvet Professional Unveils Wealth of New Innovations at Prolight + Sound

Germany – Recently, Chauvet Professional has been marketing its celebrated line of fixtures under the banner "Finally True Colours ReveaLED." And while it's true that the brilliant, realistic colours created by the company's latest fixture are nothing short of jaw dropping, it's also true that the company will be impressing with another kind of ‘reveal’ at Prolight + Sound, as it introduces a stunning array of new products at Stand E21.

This year's Prolight + Sound will mark the first major showing of three Chauvet Professional products that are certain to change the equation in entertainment lighting in 2025 and beyond. Calling these new fixtures "innovative," doesn't nearly do them justice, they are truly game changing.

Heading the list is the very new Maverick Storm 1 Flex. Unveiled just weeks ago in late March, this fully featured spot/beam/wash powerhouse distinguishes itself (and opens new creative vistas for designers) by projecting flat even fields of white and coloured light from its LED source, including true reds, with absolutely no hot spots.

The Maverick Storm 1 Flex has a massive zoom range of 2.6° to over 50°, but even when it's down to its tightest zoom, the light is still spot free. It's easy to see how any skilled designer can use this feature to create remarkably unique tightly focused aerial effects.

Joining this versatile fixture at the booth will be the Strike V, the newest addition to the wildly popular Strike family of lights that have been shaking up the touring world. The new fixture delivers the same famously intense brightness as its stablemates, but it also takes things further by offering an unprecedented level of creative options thanks to its two layers of individually controllable RGBW LEDs.

A ‘smart’ variable electronic frost plate that covers the fixture's two layers (each with 24 LEDs), makes it possible to create zoomed out flares, and change beam angles at the push of a button. A 180-degree titling fixture, the Strike V has remarkably powerful strobing capabilities to go along with its outstanding performance as a colour wash.

Anyone wishing to rev up the intensity level at live music venues and festivals will want to check out another newcomer at the show: The Rogue Outcast 3X Wash, which allows a fast zoom from beam to wash. Powered by 37 bright 25W RGBW LEDs, this alloy armoured IP65 rated fixture can punch through fog or haze. Power stands shoulder to shoulder with flexibility in this versatile wash, which features nine pixel-mappable zones and produces excellent colour blending and fades with 16-bit master and individual dimming.

The exciting Well family of battery-powered fixtures will also be featured at the Chauvet Professional stand, including the Well Panel X4, the Well Fit X and the Well Batten 14 X, which features 14 zones of individually controllable pixels.

ChamSys will also be offering showgoers a new offering: the MagicQ Compact Wing, which features 20 playbacks (ten fader and ten executor buttons) and pairs seamlessly with MagicQ consoles and wings, making it easy to expand the number of physical playbacks at any site.

This newcomer joins ChamSys' other stellar product offerings, including the MagicQ MQ500+ Stadium console and GeNetix family of solutions at the Prolight + Sound booth E21, where new worlds of possibilities await.

27th March 2025

Showlight 2025 – Showlight Introduces New Workshops for 2025

France – Fresh for 2025, Showlight is introducing a new attraction: an enticing programme of informative, interactive workshops guaranteed to get the creative juices flowing! These will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 May 2025 and will be open to all delegates on a first come, first served basis, with a strong emphasis on student attendance.

The Workshops will be conducted by leading experts in their field and offer unprecedented insights into subjects from the latest technology to personal development. Numbers are limited so delegates will be encouraged to sign up for their choice of workshop via the Whova App when it goes live closer to the date.

Here’s the low-down on Showlight’s inaugural Workshop presentations:

WORKSHOP 1: Colour and Light

Led by lighting designer, author, and co-founder of Studio School of Design, Clifton Taylor, Colour and Light in the age of LED luminaires will be a practical demonstration exploring design storytelling afforded by today’s high-powered, multi-emitter LED luminaires. Topics will include agreeing on a language of colour, and the limitations and possibilities of working in LED based rigs.

WORKSHOP 2: Lighting Loopholes

Award-winning lighting designer, Sherry Coenen, has extensive experience working on puppetry and new writing. She will bring this knowledge to her examination of how to use non-theatrical lights in theatrical settings, theatrical lights in ways they weren’t designed for, and other lighting loopholes designed to show how giant dreams can be realised on tiny budgets and other restrictions.

WORKSHOP 3: Redefining Success!

Founder of an award-winning, women-owned lighting firm, Traci Klainer has over 30 years of experience and more than 100 lighting designs to her name. This workshop will explore what success in lighting and beyond really looks like, and what happens when you start your career wanting to be a Tony award winning lighting designer and end up as an executive producer!

WORKSHOP 4: Developing your own ‘Health & Wellbeing’ workplace strategy

This interactive wellness workshop will be led by the collective skills of Mig Walsh, Brant Thomas Murray, Dr Keili Camille Murray and Grace Halton. Participants will be encouraged to think about their own personal health and wellbeing workplace strategy; learn about emotional intelligence, burnout and the law and policies that can be adopted in the workplace linked to health and wellbeing and come away with their own action plan to take back into working practice.

WORKSHOP 5: Understand and Quantify the Visual Appearance and Aesthetic Rendering of Scenic ‘Objects’ under LED Lighting

This workshop will introduce the SceALED project, a university project (granted by the French National Research Agency) aimed at understanding and quantifying the visual appearance of scenic objects under LED lighting, with the intention of creating standards and practical tools for performing arts professionals. It explores how light spectra affects aesthetic perception, develops measurement tools and applies an interdisciplinary methodology combining artists, engineers and researchers, and offers the audience the opportunity to participate in a psycho-visual experiment. This workshop will be led by Véronique Perruchon, Noël Richard and Ludwig Lepage.

More information on each of the workshop leaders can be found on the Showlight website at www.showlight.org/workshops

The new Showlight 2025 Workshops are sponsored by Platinum Sponsor, Claypaky, to whom Showlight extends many thanks for its generosity in supporting this new initiative for Showlight.

Showlight 2025 tickets can be purchased now from the Showlight website at www.showlight.org

Hotels can be booked at special rates at www.showlight.org/hotels-travel

25th March 2025

Robert Juliat to exhibit at Prolight+Sound 2025 Hall 12.0, Stand C60

Germany – Robert Juliat returns to Prolight+Sound Frankfurt in the Lightpower Village (Hall 12.0, Stand C60) to showcase its latest LED followspots, profiles and Fresnels with innovative, versatile, quality lighting solution for venues of all sizes.

The very latest addition to the Robert Juliat LED range of followspots, Lexie, which was launched last month, will be on show for the first time in Germany. Compact in size, comparable to the Roxie model, yet with a more powerful output, Lexie followspot (1176) features a 420W LED engine delivering approximately 15,000 lumens with a crisp 6500K cool white source. It presents a plug-and-play solution which is very easy to use, with easy, smooth dimming and iris control, making it very attractive to universities and schools.

The 825W cool white LED Tristan followspot, makes its return with new enhanced functionality and accessories that increase its versatility yet further. Rivalling the performance of traditional 1800W MSR followspots, a highlight of this innovative model is Tristan’s motorised iris, which allows users to create precise iris presets for enhanced creative control, either locally or remotely from the console.

Adding to its appeal, Tristan’s new accessories include a remote display, which provides real-time iris and dimming values, duplicates the main screen and is easily visible to the followspot operator during use, helping to simplify operation and workflow. Additionally, new options to connect remote controllers – rotary or fader – from multiple top, side or rear positions, offer unparalleled flexibility and control over iris and dimming control for operators. Immensely versatile, Tristan excels in front of house, truss and backlight positions.

Also on the stand will be the Bizet range. Bizet 370LF Fresnel has an output equivalent to a 2kW tungsten fixture and, in a Robert Juliat first, incorporates an innovative motorised focus control. Of equal importance, Bizet Fresnel features a 500W tuneable white LED source which is used at full power whatever the colour temperature chosen, guaranteeing high quality whites.

Bizet 670SX profile spot is a powerful 500W LED profile spot which provides the perfect LED alternative to the famous RJ 700 2kW Series. Designed for front of house applications, Bizet is available in tuneable white (500W) or fixed cool white (600W) and ensures superior colour rendering, boasting a CRI of 96-98 and a TM30 Rf of 94-96 and delivers high quality whites and precision lighting. All RJ 600 Series and 700 Series optics are fully compatible with Bizet lamp houses making Bizet an economical option for transitioning existing tungsten rigs to LED.

Visitors will also have the opportunity for hands-on demonstration of the Sully 4C profile spot (650SX 4C). Awarded the 2022 LDI Award for Best Debuting Product, Sully 4C features the integrated RJ Color, Robert Juliat’s innovative software platform. Sully 4C profile has the added advantage of a quick change LED module which makes it an economical method of retrofitting tungsten 600SX Series fixtures with an LED source.

25th March 2025

Elation To Bring “Experience Tomorrow” Innovation to Prolight + Sound 2025

Germany – Elation turned heads at the LDI 2024 tradeshow in December with its “Experience Tomorrow” innovations. Now, we invite lighting professionals to Hall 12.1, Stand B49/C49 at the Prolight + Sound tradeshow in Frankfurt (8-11 April), where visitors can discover the future of lighting technology by exploring Elation’s latest advancements in professional lighting.

Elation will showcase brand-new, cutting-edge product lines including Paragon, Elation’s new flagship automated lighting series and winner of the Best Debuting Product Award at LDI. With the ability to fulfil multiple fixture roles in a single design, TruTone variable CRI technology and weatherproof IP54 rating, Paragon enables more refined creative expression, standing as the new standard in professional lighting.

Also new is the first luminaire in a bolder breed of intelligent lighting, Rebel. The Rebel Profile is a powerful, compact LED profile fixture that adapts seamlessly from epic stadium gigs to intimate venues. Utilising a 500W LED engine, dynamic colour mixing with high CRI, comprehensive FX package, and rugged IP65 protection, the Rebel Profile brings top-tier results and long-lasting value without the premium price.

Elation has harnessed the long-throw performance of its powerhouse Proteus Brutus LED Wash FX fixture and optimised it for followspot applications in the new Proteus Brutus FS. Designed to integrate seamlessly with a variety of followspot systems on the market, this dedicated LED followspot luminaire delivers exceptional brightness and colour quality over long distances and is fully IP66 protected.

The Fuze PFX is a compact LED Profile FX luminaire with full-blackout framing that features all the functionality of a robust, powerful multi-purpose luminaire. Capable of projecting tight beams, precise framing and broad, wide colour washes, this unique LED framing FX fixture performs exceptionally in any application requiring a compact, powerful, and flexible luminaire.

Visitors to PL+S can also expect to see the latest innovations across Elation’s popular Pulse, SŌL and KL lines.

Pulse – Available in Bar, Panel and Panel FX models, Pulse are highly impactful strobe and visual effects units that inject dynamism and spark into any performance!

SŌL II/IV – Engineered to adapt and expand, each unit in this groundbreaking series of creative blinders and effects features high-output LED technology housed in sleek, connectable fixtures.

KL Core IP – This full-spectrum, IP65-rated LED light with high CRI and ColourTune technology has adaptable use as an ellipsoidal, Fresnel or monolight.

KL PAR IP Compact – This IP65-rated PAR light with ColourTune technology and multiple lens options delivers versatile performance in a small, rugged package.

KL Profile Compact – A compact, full-spectrum ellipsoidal with integrated zoom, high CRI and ColourTune technology for sharp, flawless and precise projections.

Elation product experts will be on hand at Hall 12.1, Stand B49/C49 to help visitors explore the future of lighting and discover how Elation’s innovations open up new creative worlds.

Get your free exhibit pass on at https://forms.office.com/e/TyPzVHUMqD

 

24th March 2025

Let The Show Begin: MIR Lands on Sunday. The Future of Audiovisual and Entertainment

24th March 2025

A Night of Transformation: The Offies Celebrate 15 Years of Independent Theatre Excellence

UK – Recently, the OffWestEnd Theatre Awards (‘Offies’) celebrated the extraordinary creativity and talent that define the UK’s independent theatre scene. Marking its 15th anniversary, the ceremony unveiled a bold new direction, moving away from the traditional category model. Instead, the Offies introduced eight areas of exceptional contribution, reflecting the diversity, artistry and ambition that make fringe and Off-West End theatre so vital.

The ceremony took place at Central Hall Westminster, a historic venue for theatre. Nestled in the heart of Westminster, it has hosted many performances and events over the years, including the first-ever public debut of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1968. Fast forward to 2025 and the Offies took centre stage, hosted by drag artist Divina de Campo, celebrating a total of 48 winners across areas including staging, sound and music, design, creation, production, industry and inclusion, OffFest, innovation, and performance. In addition to the core awards, two special recognitions were presented. Lynette Linton and Daniel Bailey, artistic director and associate artistic director of London’s Bush Theatre, were honoured for their outstanding contributions to theatre. Meanwhile, Mischief Theatre, celebrating a decade of West End success, was recognised for its impact on the theatre industry.

The Offies ceremony was brought to life by White Light (WL), a d&b solutions company, which delivered the production for the event. The partnership, facilitated by Offies managing director Denholm Spurr and Green Room Ents chief executive Julian Bird, reflects a long-standing collaboration. WL has supported the Offies for many years, helping to shine a spotlight on emerging and established theatre talent.

Stuart Porter, WL’s hire business development manager, comments: “It’s fantastic to continue supporting Denholm in his new role. The Offies play a crucial part in celebrating the productions that fuel British theatre. We are proud to champion their mission of promoting independent theatre, supporting emerging talent and embracing diversity in storytelling and creativity.”

Craig Bennett, WL’s general manager adds: “As a former ‘super assessor’ in the early days of the Offies, I am proud of White Light's continued support for emerging, grassroots and small-scale theatre. It’s a privilege to celebrate the transformative power of creative diversity across our stages, our stories, our voices and the remarkable talent that drives our industry forward.”

WL was once again proud to sponsor the Design category, which recognised the exceptional creative contributions of:

• Amanda Ramasawmy, by their fruits (Theatre503, London)
• Mona Camille, Kim’s Convenience (Park Theatre)
• Douglas Baker, Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five (or the children’s crusade) (Jack Studio Theatre, London)
• Ryan Day, Now, I See (Theatre Royal Stratford East)
• Jack Weir, Remembrance Monday (Tristan Bates Theatre, London)
• Richard Evans and Rochelle Parry Clifford, The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan (Harrow Arts Centre)
• Helen Skiera, Toto Kerblammo! (Unicorn Theatre, London)
• Casey Jay Andrews, Simon Wilkinson and Gareth Fry, Viola’s Room (One Cartridge Place, London)

For the full list of winners, visit The Stage.

Reflecting on the event, Denholm Spurr, Offies managing director, highlights the significance of this year’s milestone: “Last night marked the largest ceremony of its kind, celebrating 15 years of honouring the stars of tomorrow. This transformational year has seen us embrace a bolder, shared standard for what is truly award-worthy. Through our Excellence Philosophy, we’ve raised the bar for nominations, ensuring greater recognition for the exceptional work being produced across the UK. With thousands of shows assessed by our dedicated cohort of assessors, the Offies remain the most deeply embedded theatre network.”

photos: Piers Allardyce

19th March 2025

ISCVE

UK – With only one week to go until the highly anticipated ISCVEx 2025, industry professionals and enthusiasts still have the chance to register for this premier event.

Taking place on Tuesday 25 March and Wednesday 26 March 2025 at the stunning Coombe Abbey Hotel, ISCVEx promises a blend of networking, education and product discovery for sound engineers, audio-visual professionals, consultants and system integrators.

Day 1, Tuesday 25 March, kicks off with the Members' Day and AGM, featuring an inspiring presentation by Andy Dockerty, Founder of Adlib Audio, followed by the Networking Dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, and build lasting professional relationships.

Day 2, Wednesday 26 March, centres on three engaging seminars and an exhibition that brings together the industry's leading manufacturers and distributors.

Attendees can discover the latest product advancements, explore trends and discuss projects in a relaxed yet professional environment. To top it off, a complimentary lunch will also be provided, ensuring attendees are fuelled for a day of learning and networking.

If you haven’t registered already there is still time to secure your spot by registering here:

Register for ISCVEx 2025

Now in its 23rd year, ISCVEx remains a pivotal event for AV professionals, consultants and engineers, maintaining its reputation as a hub for growth, collaboration and innovation in the industry.

Whether you're looking to enhance your professional knowledge, discover new technologies or connect with industry leaders, ISCVEx 2025 offers an unparalleled platform to achieve your goals.

The Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE) champions professional development and industry excellence for AV professionals, sound engineers and audio specialists. 

With a commitment to training, collaboration and setting industry standards, ISCVE serves as a trusted hub for knowledge-sharing and growth. This is your chance to socialise in a relaxed setting and strengthen business relationships while enjoying a unique musical experience. 

Register to Attend Online

19th March 2025