The Professional Development Programme runs alongside a two-hall exhibition of the latest entertainment technology products. It is free to attend and offers visitors access to sessions presented by some of the most talented names in pro audio, lighting and video.
As access to new technology and music is made easier and more affordable, it has changed the working DJ's role. A panel of DJs, led by Paul Arnett, chairman of the National Association of Disc Jockeys, will discuss these issues in Now Everyone's a DJ, What's Our Role? Arnett will be joined by: Danny Rampling, a household name in the UK who is well-known for his stints on BBC Radio 1 and Kiss FM, as well as his Acid House club Shoom; Ilona Rampling, a regular face on the dance music scene and major festival circuit who has recently joined forces with her husband Danny Rampling; and Richard Lee, label manager for Mastermix, Europe's largest supplier of DJ only music.
Oran Burns, from Application Support & Education at d&b audiotechnik, will present Sound System Fundamentals. Through experiments and practical demonstrations, Burns will provide a fresh look at some basic acoustics and sound system principals; the frequency and wavelength relationship, addition and subtraction of sound waves and a look at how these phenomena crop up everywhere in our lives as working sound engineers.
Increase Your Productivity and Performance Workflow with Digital Mixing Technology will be presented by Alex Jann of Audio-Technica. This seminar will cover many areas of digital mixing including the benefits of using digital desks over analogue, scenes and show data, and recording show audio for live events, all from the new Allen & Heath QU24.
On Monday 28 April, The Theatres Trust will hold their annual conference; Conference 14: Community Theatres at City Varieties Music Hall, Leeds. The following day, as part of the Professional Development Programme, a session entitled Championing 'Community Theatres will take place. Mhora Samuel, director of The Theatres Trust, will address some of the key findings of the Conference and provide an update on the Trust's Theatres Advice Service, Small Grants Scheme, Theatres at Risk activity, and recent planning cases. PLASA Focus visitors who are interested in attending Conference 14 are eligible for an early bird booking rate until Friday 28 March 2014. Further information is available at http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/events/conference-14/welcome.
Additions to the Professional Development Programme will be announced in the coming weeks. All sessions are free to attend. To get more details on the sessions of your choice, register as a visitor, or to find out more about what's on offer at PLASA Focus: Leeds 2014 go to: the Focus website.
(Jim Evans)
