USA - Thanks to the residency of the Royal Shakespeare Company in New York's Park Avenue Armory this summer, you can meet the man behind the RSC Lightlock and see how he uses this innovation to light Shakespeare's works.

Vince Herbert, head of the Lighting Department for the RSC, will be on hand to demonstrate the RSC Lightlock's technology, discuss its evolution, and explain its use in the lighting system installed for the company's residency in New York. The event will be held on Tuesday, 2 August in the Wade Thompson Drill Hall of the Park Avenue Armory beginning at 2pm. The event is free and open to the first 50 registrants.

In addition to his responsibilities as the head of the RSC's Lighting Department, and his work in developing the award-winning technology of the Lightlock, Herbert has also overseen the reconstruction of the company's main theatre and home at Stratford

UK - Lighting&Sound International magazine is now available in app form - Get access to the latest digital edition as well as our huge archive with LSi-View!

Readers can download the free app from Apple's App Store and browse the magazine on their iPhone or iPad, wherever they are.

LSi-View not only allows you to flick through the latest digital edition of the magazine (as well as our archive of back issues), you are also able to download useful or favourite issues or articles for future reference.

To visit the App Store and download your free LSi-View app, simply click here.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - The Arena Group supplied the temporary events overlay, with added panache, for the Henley Royal Regatta and Festival.

The overlay included a contemporary public village with bars, restaurant and shops, an office complex and a member's only area. Arena also provided a 55mx104m structure which was split into eight adjoining tents for the rowing teams. The tents incorporated a royal blue and white striped exterior design to reflect the iconic Royal Henley Regatta's branding that has welcomed decades of rowers and revellers.

In addition, the Arena Group constructed two grandstands with almost 3,000 tiered seats, positioned beside the River Thames to ensure the best viewing experience for spectators.

A rapid turnaround was required after the regatta had finished, amending the structures and grandstands in time for the Henley music festival. The Arena Group also altered the i

UK - Highlight Pyrotechnics will display the latest version of their Cool Confetti Blasters at the PLASA Show 2011, Earls Court (September 11 - 14, London).

"The new Cool Confetti Blasters have an improved injection system that increases the jet efficiency, therefore pushing confetti higher and extending the flight time," says the company. "The latest design produces a higher output which is 45% higher than other machines on the market. We produce better results with less machines and therefore take a smaller footprint and provide a more cost effective solution for your confetti launch."

Highlight will be demonstrating the Cool Confetti Blasters on stand 1H41.

(Claire Beeson)

UK - The only remaining flying Vulcan bomber plane has returned to its original cold-war hangar, with a special ceremony supported by LS-Live.

A crowd of over 200 admired the Vulcan XH558 bomber plane at its new permanent home in Hangar 3 at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster, Sheffield, the historic site of former RAF Finningley. The iconic aircraft, said to be one of the most popular planes in the world, will be open to the public and available for private and commercial events.

"This is one of the biggest steps for Vulcan XH558 since her return to flight in 2007. It brings a new era of opportunities that will help to fund her future and provide new levels of access for her supporters," said Vulcan to the Sky Trust CEO, Dr Robert Pleming.

Aviation event company Directions CIC needed support in producing the event to celebrate the return of the Vulcan and LS-Live sup

UK - The Backstage Academy has launched a range of Apple authorised training courses aimed specifically at the live events production industry.

The Academy, which is based in Wakefield, will be offering Apple courses that are relevant to this field, as well as courses for Apple beginners and enthusiasts.

Tuition will take place at The Backstage Academy's new facility, adjoining the LS-Live rehearsal studio, which is one of the largest purpose-built rehearsal spaces in Europe.

The Academy has an Apple Authorised Training Suite, modern classrooms, a 3D viewing suite and 14 en-suite bedrooms to accommodate participants who may wish to stay overnight.

David Kirtlan, an Apple education mentor and education director at The Backstage Academy, said, "Our courses cater really well for those working in live events production, as well as lecturers and technicians who provide sup

UK - News of another interactive new feature area at PLASA 2011 has been announced. The Theatres Trust will return to PLASA 2011 with an expanded version of its innovative Ecovenue feature, the area that gives visitors the chance to see how 48 pioneering London theatres are putting sustainability into practice.

Located in Earls Court 2, the feature takes the form of a theatre-in-miniature, complete with 'auditorium', 'stage', 'backstage', 'foyer' and 'box office'. In each area The Theatres Trust will demonstrate proven sustainability techniques, as well as featuring technologies from PLASA 2011 exhibitors.

Tim Atkinson, theatre building services advisor to The Theatres Trust, comments, "The larger space means our stage will be able to accommodate a greater variety of presentations and events. Another key development is that, whereas last year we had only signed up half of

DYMO will show the latest in its Rhino industrial range of handheld labelling machines at PLASA 2011. Designed specifically for every application in datacom, IT, pro AV and other industrial environments, the labelling tools' features include hot key technology to make the job both fast and easy.

The company cites benefits including performing labelling jobs with 77% fewer keystrokes than the competition, hot keys to eliminate guesswork, quick formatting of common labels, a pre-programmed library of terms and symbols, memory storage for up to 1,000 custom labels, quality craftsmanship and integrated shock bumpers, and customizability for adding graphics and logos to labels.

The labels are also designed withstand moisture, heat, solvents, oil, dirt, chemicals and UV rays without smearing, fading or peeling, and the machines feature lithium-ion rechargeable batteries for fast charging a

Adam Hall will show the new Gruv Gear V-Cart Solo, a multi-position personal utility cart that offers to ease the task of loading and unloading equipment with a 230 kg load capacity, has four different positional modes and folds down to a compact and easy to store form.

The cart, says the company, is designed for creative professionals, including musicians, DJs, photographers, cinematographers, filmmakers, studio engineers, audio/video techs and stage crews.

Patent-pending features including the multi-position handle and sliding support arm were designed and engineered for ergonomics, strength, stability, maneuverability and ease of use. The V-CartSolo comes with a range of accessories including flat bungee bands, grip tape, carpeted puzzle decks and an extra-large extension frame.

The cart quickly transforms from its compact and portable storage mode to three configurations: four-

Jezet Seating will launch a new version of its Plaza Plus model at PLASA 2011. This auditorium seat has an anti-panic writing tablet integrated in the armrest and is suitable for both retractable and fixed seating systems.

In common with all of its seats, says Jezet, the Plaza Plus is characterised by an ergonomic and comfortable design. The seat is designed for installation in auditoria, theatres, cultural centres and exhibition halls, and is available in various finishes.

The company has been a supplier of retractable seating systems, seats for theatres, auditoria and sports halls for more than 35 years. From its Overpelt, Belgium, base it handles the development process, from preliminary studies to the end product, completely in-house, delivering made-to-measure solutions to ensure, it says, that every individual space is laid out in the most functional and flexible way possible.<

USA / Belgium - After three years on the road and 112 live shows to over 6.8m fans, U2's record-breaking $700m grossing 360° tour came to an end on Saturday at Magnetic Hill Music Festival, California. The tour spanned five continents and saw U2 perform over 2,600 songs, and it was not just the band that grabbed headlines across the globe - the now-famous Stageco stage on which they performed captured many people's imagination.

Following the speculation across the international press last week that the stage, nicknamed the 'Claw', will be available to buy after the tour, stage design and manufacturer Stageco prepares to welcome the systems back to their US and Belgium headquarters.

Stageco was involved from the earliest stages of the Claw's planning and conception, working closely with U2, show director Willie Williams, set designer Mark Fisher and production manager Jake

UK - Hall Stage has added the range of hoists & control systems from long-term partners Maquinas Iberica. Offering a wide selection of tried & tested powered flying systems and control options, Maquinas systems complements and extends the Hall Stage catalogue to include zero-fleet and wire rope point hoist options "at very affordable prices".

Hall Stage has designed a specific entry level zero-fleet hoist - the DGZ - with a 350kg load on four lines & 15m travel, moving a stage flybar at 12m per minute - three times the speed of regular chain hoists or standard pilewind units. Designed for service use with lighting and technical equipment or basic scenery moves, the unit comes complete with all necessary drop pulleys and bar, wire ropes and local control for less than £5,000.

Additional options include programmable control, variable speed up to 1.5m/second, flyi

South Africa - Stage Audio Works exhibited for the fourth consecutive time at Mediatech, which took place from the 20th to 22nd July at The Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg. The stand's impressive aluminium double tier design showcased Stage Audio Works' manufacturing division - Stage Plus Engineering, Total Fabrication trussing and the impressive Tour Step staircase with all the components designed and machined and fabricated in-house and proudly South African.

Total Fabrications is manufactured under licence by Stage Audio Works in Africa, making this world-renowned truss design more easily available to the local market. The obvious benefits for local customers with local manufacture and back-up service, is that expensive international freight costs will be eliminated and time delays will be all but eradicated.

Members of the team were also spinning Black and White on the stan

UK - At next month's PLASA Show, with the introduction of its latest model, the SL50, Stageline launches a new range of mobile stages, the Light Series. The Light Series will add other cost-effective and light-weight mobile stage solutions to Stageline's product range.

The Stageline SL50 portable stage measures 6.1m by 4.9m (20' by 16') and features a fiberglass roof, light & sound rigging, full banner capability and an option of two roof heights. It can be towed by a SUV or pickup and sets up in 30 minutes, says Stageline.

"The reduced trailer dimensions make it very easy to park in tight locations. With the new SL50, owning a Stageline mobile stage is within everyone's reach and delivers a fast return on investment."

(Claire Beeson)

UK - Showsec ensured the safety of the audience at the Batman Live world premier at Manchester MEN Arena, and the VIP party hosted in Manchester Cathedral on 19 July, 2011.

Rehearsals had taken place over three weeks in June at Capital FM Arena in Nottingham, another venue where Showsec is the contracted security partner. With huge media interest producers demanded the specifics of the show, including the plot, remained a closely-guarded secret. Showsec was engaged to ensure the venue remained a closed set throughout rehearsals, with only members of the production crew and cast having access.

Prior to the opening night an audience of 4,000 guests were specially invited to the Manchester MEN Arena; a final opportunity to fine-tune aspects of the production and ensure the venue staff understood how Batman Live differed from other shows.

Tim Chambers, Showsec's project m

Europe - GearSource Europe's dedicated truss and rigging business, UsedTruss.com has secured massive stocks of ex-rental Prolyte truss for immediate delivery, further expanding the range of products offered.

Usedtruss.com was established four years ago to provide a dedicated one stop shop for the rigging and trussing community looking for quality 'named brand' equipment at very competitive prices.

"We work very closely with most of the leading manufacturers and rental companies in the industry and have built up an excellent reputation in the four years we have been developing this market," said Usedtruss.com's Amsterdam based, Benjamin Hollenberg.

"By constantly improving the way we work, and by keeping costs to a minimum, we have given manufacturers the possibility of securing sales they might not have in the past. And that is exactly why we have now added th

USA - Effective 1 August 2011, the Wenger Corporation,based in Owatonna, MN signed an agreement to acquire J.R. Clancy, Inc. based inSyracuse, NY.

A joint statement says, "This is exciting news for employees and business partners of both companies. The Wenger Corporation and J.R. Clancy are long standing privately owned businesses with shared values, dedicated and loyal employees, great brands, strong heritages, and great reputations in the marketplace.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Owatonna, Minnesota, Wenger designs and manufactures specialised equipment and solutions for music education, performing arts, and related markets for both domestic and international clientele. Wenger offers acoustical products, chairs, classroom products, conductor's equipment, staging and risers, stands, storage products, fixed audience seating and orchestra pit fillers.

Wenger offe

UK - Arena Seating has completed the installation of its permanent stadium BOX Seat system into Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

The installation of just under 1,800 BOX Seats was completed in July and comprised of 1,270 TBS903 Seats for the club's members bar and upper terrace and 523 of Arena's padded TBS908 Seats to VIP areas and member's lounge. This high-end range of permanent seating products for the sporting market has become the next phase in the redevelopment of the Edgbaston International Stadium.

Phil MacDonald, operations & development director for Warwickshire CCC comments, "It was clear to our development team that the BOX Seat from Arena would satisfy our stringent requirements where we needed the best for our premium customers. I know our main contractors have been very pleased with the speed and efficiency with which this seating has been installed."

UK - The Backstage Academy's new fast-track foundation degree in Live Events Production, set to be delivered at its training facility in Wakefield, has been formally validated by the University of Bolton.

The 15 month foundation degree, which is the only one of its kind, focuses on the artistic, creative and practical use of technology for live events and will be delivered in partnership with the University of Bolton.

According to Creative & Cultural Skills, the Sector Skills Council for creative and cultural industries, by 2017 there will be a need for 30,000 skilled backstage and offstage technical theatre staff to support live events. The Backstage Academy is aiming to train students who can help meet this demand.

Students will gain hands-on experience at the Backstage Academy thanks to its base at the LS-Live Studios in South Kirkby, Wakefield. The course, which begins i

UK - Le Mark Group, based at Houghton Hill Industries, has been shortlisted for a 2011 East of England International Trade Award. These International Trade Awards, sponsored by Santander Corporate Banking are the only UK wide business awards to exclusively recognize the success of exporters, importers and those trading overseas.

Despite the challenges posed by current global economic conditions, UK companies like Le Mark are still very much 'out there' competing on the International stage and the 2011 International Trade awards celebrate these ventures & successes.

The 12 regional finalists will be invited to the UK final at a prestigious Gala Luncheon and Awards presentation at the House of Lords where three national award categories winners will be announced. Le Mark were selected for the SME category, as a company who shown outstanding International Trade achievement with a

UK - The team behind the UK's National Student Drama Festival are seeking entries and support for the first ever International Student Drama Festival, which will take place next year from the 22-30 June in the UK.

The NSDF12 - ISDF - being presented in conjunction with Sheffield Theatres, RSC, LIFT, The Old Vic Tunnels and Menier Chocolate Factory - will feature a nine-day celebration of young people's theatre featuring the best of British work alongside exceptional student productions from across the world.

The Festival is an opportunity for young people to come together and present their work on the world's stage to an international audience of theatregoers, industry experts and peers. Participants don't have to be studying drama to be a part of it - they just have to enjoy it and want to watch it and make it.

NSDF12 - ISDF will feature over 100 performances of 20 internat

UK - SES Entertainment Services on Stand number 1J-11, are running a competition at this year's PLASA show, with one lucky winner walking away with a holiday in Sunny Florida.

For every order placed on the stand this year, an entry will be placed into the competition to win a two week stay in a five-bed luxury villa in Kissimmee, Florida in 2012.

Just 10 minutes drive from the Gates of the Walt Disney resort in Orlando, Florida, the home sleeps up to 10 people and has a very large pool. Just off the highway 192, you will be in the heart of all the major attractions within a few minutes drive. The home benefits from four bathrooms, full air conditioning and a games room. Dates for the stay are subject to availability (Summer dates are still available) and the prize does not include flights or car hire. The value for entry is subject to a minimum spend of £250.00, but mult

UK - InfoComm International will continue its programme of support for the UK's AV rental and staging community when it hosts a range of education sessions at this year's PLASA show next month.

The sessions will take place at London's Earl's Court on Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 September. They will be led by Andre LeJeune, CTS, InfoComm's rental & staging staff instructor, who has more than 30 years' experience of staging and presentation and has been responsible for many large-scale productions for corporate clients around the world.

Topics covered will include 'Lighting for Video in the Large Meeting Environment', 'Audio Techniques for Corporate AV Events', and 'Project Management for Stage Labour'. Each session will last 90 minutes and will earn attendees 1.5 RUs (Renewal Units) towards continued InfoComm CTS certification. All sessions are free to attend.

Chris Lavel

UK - Northampton based rigging specialists Unusual Rigging has officially launched its new website (www.unusual.co.uk). The interactive site provides clients, prospects and potential employees with extensive new features, higher quality content and complete information on services, news and events. The improved navigation, access to content and rich media additions, such as videos of installations, will aid users in making the most informed decisions about their options, says the company.

Since its founding in 1983 Unusual Rigging has grown to become one of the largest specialist rigging organisations in the entertainment technology industry, serving projects and clients nationwide. The new website is designed to inform clients and prospects in a straightforward manner, with concise content, SEO-rich text and stunning photography.

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