The two-day Education & Learning Programme, which runs alongside the sell-out exhibition, proved a major success last year and this year will cover an equally diverse range of topics.
Beginning with The Theatres Trust Annual Conference, this year's debate focuses on the principles of School Theatre Design. That's followed by the Production Managers Forum with the SMA (Stage Management Association) and a session entitled Preparing for the Future with the NSA (National Skills Academy), who, as part of their quest to give people access to careers in the backstage industries, will explore why accreditation in the industry is important. It will also address changes to legislation, in particular issues surrounding 'green' legislation.
The second day opens with two regional case studies. David Stuttard, for the past 12 years the technical director of Wexford Opera House will discuss the rebuilding of this landmark venue which has been one of Ireland's most important cultural projects of recent times, employing many innovations, both architecturally and technically. David will reflect on how the acclaimed new venue came into being, exploring the relationships between client, architect and consultants during the build and on to the completed reality.
The second case study is an insight into the ground-breaking installation that's putting Manchester's iconic music scene back on the map. The Warehouse Project is the UK's largest and most successful temporary clubbing and live music phenomenon. Located in the industrial arches deep beneath Manchester's Piccadilly train station, all lighting, sound and live production has been supplied, built and managed by live events and communications agency Ear to the Ground. They will be explaining how they turn a working car park into a club capable of attracting the world's most famous DJs and bands . . . in four hours!
The importance of safety in rigging will be addressed by UK Rigging and Total Solutions Group in a workshop on the topic What's the Damage? - exploring the legal requirements and practicalities of inspecting work equipment used in the entertainment industry. The session will concentrate on lifting accessories and PPE for work at height - principles which can be applied equally well to other areas: for example, access equipment. The talk will also offer an opportunity to apply the knowledge and decide whether gear is safe to use, requires a second opinion or should be destined for the skip!
A seminar by InfoComm International entitled Realising the Value of Project Management will explore how effective project management and efficient processes can help retain margin and add value - a topic of relevance to all disciplines.
The Education & Learning programme will close with a seminar from Julie's Bicycle, a not-for-profit organisation helping the music industry cut its greenhouse gas emissions and build climate responsible businesses. The session will address key sustainability issues in the creative industries and how Julie's Bicycle has approached these challenges. The session will examine the opportunities, and the limitations, and what is needed to base cultural experiences on a low carbon infrastructure.
The seminar programme is now live at www.plasafocus.com/leeds. Like the show, admission to all seminars is free, however visitors must register to reserve a place as space is limited.
(Jim Evans)
