Training

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29 October 2024

UK - The much-anticipated James Eade Rigging Power Systems training course, in partnership with EXE Technology, returned mid-October, leaving participants inspired and empowered with new skills to tackle rigging challenges in today’s demanding live entertainment sector. The event drew rigging and technical professionals from across the country, all eager to deepen their expertise and experience of rigging electrical systems using the latest technology.

The 2024 Rigging Power Systems course, hosted at Rigging Team’s HQ in Stevenage on 10-11 October, boasted a sell-out event attracting delegates from various sectors of the industry and as far afield as Tahiti.

Running for the second year, the course was developed by Matt Millward, head of automation at Area Four Direct UK and chartered engineer James Eade, who has a wealth of industry knowledge in

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22 October 2024

Europe - Showlight 2025 is offering a sponsorship scheme for a number of students and recent graduates of university, college or school courses related to lighting for the performing arts, events, broadcast, film and architecture.

Say the organisers: “We are now inviting international students to apply for placements which allow free of charge entry to Showlight 2025 in Dijon, France from 19-22 May 2025. At least 30 places are up for grabs, and you’ll need to be available for the entire four days as they will be packed with special events you won’t want to miss.”

All students get to enjoy the full Programme of Papers, admission to the accompanying exhibition of major lighting equipment manufacturers between Papers Sessions, the networking opportunities of the daily morning and afternoon tea breaks and lunch, as well as a place at one of the C

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15 October 2024

UK - Optimal Audio opened the virtual doors to its training academy. Open 24/7, the Optimal Audio Academy has certification-based courses ‘conveniently available to the world and any time that suits’.

Simple to navigate, the Optimal Audio Academy provides modular courses to help system integrators and installers to understand how to best maximise the portfolio and most importantly, WebApp.

Comprised of a streamlined product offering that works seamlessly together, the Optimal Audio ecosystem is particularly suited to multi-zoned commercial installations, such as retail and hospitality venues. WebApp, the ‘secret sauce’ of the ecosystem, makes short work of customisable installation parameters and provides an intuitive interface for the end user that’s as straightforward as any smart home appliance. Set up is already as simple as possible bu

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09 October 2024

UK - Guildhall School of Music & Drama has announced Backstage Roadshow, a series of free backstage arts skills workshops that will be given directly to UK state schools from September.

The initiative will introduce children and young people to the variety of creative pathways that exist within theatre, live events, television and film. Led by industry professionals and designed by Guildhall School’s Production Arts tutors, the Backstage Roadshow will provide participants with a crucial insight into one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors, inspiring young people to train and work in the creative industries.

The roadshow also seeks to demystify production arts language and career paths for teachers within schools and support them in helping find the right paths for young people. Jon Hare, outreach manager (production arts) at

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09 October 2024

Italy - RCF has confirmed details of its Sound Engineering University Course 2024/2025 with enrolment now open. The objective of the course is to provide fundamental theoretical knowledge for the comprehension, analysis and design of modern sound diffusion systems.

Such knowledge ranges from the fundamental principles of acoustics, to transducers and speakers, electronic amplifying systems and digital sound filtering, and also soundproofing systems.

Main topics include: Acoustics in open air and indoor spaces including design and simulation methods; Transducers and speaker systems including clusters, arrays and point source configurations; Electronics including circuit analysis, filters, amplifiers and DSP and Sound system design including practical experience in measurements, listening tests and tuning.

This university course features techni

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04 October 2024

UK - Avolites has announced the launch of its Academy Online Learning Platform, which takes a ‘bite-sized’ learning approach and replaces the previous version launched in 2021.

This new platform will mean anyone with an internet connection can access and learn to use Avolites software. At launch, the platform will have the Titan Intermediate (Level 1) training course available and contains over 70 three-to-five-minute videos. All the individual videos are grouped together into ‘lessons’ for ease of navigation.

All the videos will have the option of an English voiceover appearing as subtitles in several languages, and more will be added in the future. To further promote users’ knowledge retention, taking the online courses and simultaneously practising live on the software is recommended.

After completing each video and lesson, there

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27 September 2024

UK - Production Futures has announced the dates for its autumn On Tour events. They will take place between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 15 October at the Backstage Centre in Purfleet and Wednesday 27 November at Production Park in Wakefield. That latter event will see the presentation of this year’s Production Futures Breakthrough Awards, where as well as receiving the kudos of being named a winner, successful nominees will benefit from direct contact with the sponsor of their award.

The events will enable young visitors to directly connect with representatives of Production Futures’ brand partners to explore employment opportunities in the production sectors. Both occasions will enjoy packed schedules including panel discussions, advice, workshops, special guests, networking opportunities and more.

Production Futures has also announced that

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20 September 2024

UK - The Schools Engagement Programme, launched in January 2024 in the East of England region by The Power of Events with grant support from the EIF, has announced that Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has been confirmed as exclusive sponsor of the Edinburgh region. This now takes the UK roll-out to five regions alongside recently confirmed new regions Birmingham, Hertfordshire and the South Coast of England.

EICC’s support will enable The Power of Events, in partnership with local event professionals volunteering as schools ambassadors, to deliver an event industry showcase and overview of career opportunities to secondary schools & colleges across the Edinburgh region, starting in Spring 2025.

The Schools Programme has already attracted 200+ school ambassador industry volunteers across the four Nations willing to support the p

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18 September 2024

UK - Production Futures, the organisation founded to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in every sector of the production industries, has announced a collaboration with the Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE). The aim of the partnership is to strengthen industry links and provide clear pathways for newcomers in the sound, communication and visual engineering sectors.

As part of the ISCVE Early Careers Committee’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals, the collaboration will help to further bridge the gap between education and industry, offering links to ISCVE’s range of free and paid training programmes via the Production Futures platform, giving education partners and newcomers access to essential learning tools.

Jason Williams, early careers

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17 September 2024

UK - Entertainment technology distributor Entedi announced its partnership with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) at PLASA Show 2024.

Through this partnership, Entedi and RADA are set to ‘transform the training landscape’, acting as a hub for the entertainment lighting industry.

By providing in-depth demonstrations and specialist equipment training, Entedi will play a key part in ensuring that RADA’s delivery of lighting theory and the practical application of the latest technologies stays at the cutting edge.

Cally Bacchus, managing director at Entedi, comments: "We are incredibly excited to collaborate with RADA. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to nurture the future and current generation of lighting professionals by combining RADA's exceptional educational framework with Entedi's industry-leading technology an

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17 September 2024

Europe - The announcement of Showlight’s return next year (19-25 May in Dijon) created considerable interest at PLASA Show 2024.

Showlight’s organisers report that there was a healthy contingent of students enquiring about the subsidised student scheme and great interest in the introduction of afternoon workshops for 2025. Showlight is encouraging manufacturers, designers and students to put forward their ideas for more workshops. If you have a proposal, contact papers.committee@showlight.org

A large number of papers proposals have been received following the call for papers in June and more submissions are welcome. Remember to submit your ideas for consideration by the papers committee as soon as possible.

“The Programme of Papers is the heart and soul of Showlight and we want to be able to bring you the best and most entertaining topi

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16 September 2024

UK - Offering considerable hands-on experience and the first steps into a technical career in the arts, applications are open again for Lighthouse Young Technicians, organised by Lighthouse Poole arts complex. It is a nationally recognised training course for young people aged 13-19 eager to get to grips with lighting, sound and stage management in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.

“Since its launch in 2018, the Young Technicians course has proven to be a valuable, real-world route into a career in technical theatre,” says Charles Shenton, Lighthouse creative engagement producer.

Guided by industry specialists in a structured 12-week course, the budding technicians navigate all elements of technical theatre to gain the experience they need to pursue a future career, working alongside all technical departments in the build up to opening ni

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22 August 2024

UK - Production Futures, the organisation founded to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in every sector of the production industries, has announced a collaboration with KitPlus Show.

KitPlus Show’s long-standing affiliation with colleges and universities aligns closely with the Production Futures mission, as event director Matt Snow explains:

“We already work closely with further and higher education institutions across the UK, delivering paid training and unique hands-on experience for students and graduates in front of and behind the camera at our shows. By collaborating with Production Futures, who share our vision of creating opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and build careers, we can combine our skills and experience to really address the issues currently facing our i

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21 August 2024

UK - The Hilton London Olympia is just around the corner from the Olympia Events convention centre. There, ChamSys will be conducting a series of learning sessions in the Warwick and Napier Rooms during the first two days of the three-day show.

The sessions will cover a variety of topics, from an introduction to MagicQ, to a guide to achieving faster programming with Group Cues and Group FX, as well as learning experiences with guest LDs like David Howard and Simon Horn. Some sessions will involve a nominal fee but will provide gift bags that include a MagicDMX worth £15. For a complete training session schedule and registration form, click here.

Visitors at the events centre are also invited to see ChamSys at Booth D10 to get hands-on experience with th

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02 August 2024

UK - 22live and University of Birmingham, with support from DPA Microphones, is hosting a Mic Tech workshop, in the Bramall Music Building’s Elgar concert hall on 18 September 2024, 10:30-16:00.

DPA Microphones will lead the event, sharing their expertise in microphone technology and placement. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge in an area that is both crucial for live sound reproduction, and often overlooked.

The workshop will be divided into two sessions: Morning Session: Microphone Technology will feature product functionality, including different types of capsules and coverage patterns, and why specific microphones are better suited for certain applications. The Afternoon Session will focus on microphone techniques.

Participants will benefit from the newly installed d&b audiotechnik T Series PA system in the Elgar concert hall w

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29 July 2024

Europe - ETC has announced the launch of season two of its podcast series, On Headset. Offering a glimpse into the fascinating realm of theatrical lighting design, this immersive audio experience invites listeners to join real-time programming sessions with renowned lighting designers as they craft the visual magic of major productions.

In season two, also known as The Paule Project, listeners will embark on an educational journey with internationally acclaimed lighting designer Paule Constable and programmer Will Frost, as they share lightly curated recordings of headset conversations during the tech rehearsals of the National Theatre's production of The Normal Heart. This i play, depicting the 1980s HIV/AIDS crisis in New York, serves as a perfect case study in theatrical lighting, providing valuable insights into the creative pr

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23 July 2024

UK - Originally only seen on sets of large-scale Hollywood productions like The Mandalorian and most recently in Barbie and Dune blockbusters, virtual production (VP) is becoming an important element of the modern-day education. Leading institutions like Sunderland University, University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Solent University Southampton have embraced Brompton LED processing as part of their VP offering, providing their students and teaching staff with the real-world experience, allowing them to creatively utilise this innovative solution in their work.

CJP Broadcast Service Solutions has been offering a wide range of services in the broadcast, corporate, education and sports sectors, leveraging partner technologies like Brompton’s Tessera LED processors to enable organisations, businesses, and community groups to maxi

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18 July 2024

Canada - CAST Group, creators of Wysiwyg design software, has announced all training resources available through the CAST Academy are now free for all, effective immediately.

"We believe that the key to innovation and progress lies in education," said David Ferraz, international business development manager. By making our Academy training resources free, we are ensuring that everyone can master their skills and excel in lighting design. Our goal is to support the design community in reaching their highest potential."

The CAST Academy offers a comprehensive library of training videos designed to cater to users of all skill levels as well as webinars from professional lighting designers such as Tim Routledge, Durham Marenghi, and John Rayment.

"We are always listening to our users and striving to enhance their experience with our software," Dav

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04 July 2024

UK/USA - Stage Precision, has announced its 2024 schedule of education training days. The sessions, open to users from a variety of industries and taking place in locations in both the UK and USA, cater for both complete newcomers to Stage Precision software, and those who have previously completed a Core Skills workshop in the past.

“Training is important to us,” confirms Kevin Li, technical solutions specialist at Stage Precision. “Not only does it help us to spread the knowledge of software such as SP and grow our user base, but it also creates an opportunity for Stage Precision to develop the skills of our users and strengthen our community.”

SP by Stage Precision is the brand’s most popular product, a ‘Swiss Army knife’ that can be integrated with leading production technology to unify workflows on even the most complex projects. H

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21 June 2024

USA - EAW has announced its new certification programme: a collection of online courses aiming to expand public knowledge of EAW Loudspeakers and technologies used across each series. These modular trainings, available now at https://education.eaw.com, include courses on ADAPTive Systems, the AC6 Column Loudspeaker and Resolution Software, and will expand to cover additional products and systems in the EAW catalogue.

“As part of this training, students will learn more than just how to use EAW technology,” explains Bryan DiFabio, technical training manager for EAW. “We cover why this technology exists and how it helps customers achieve optimal results. Understanding these two concepts makes for a better user experience.”

EAW has launched three new online courses. The first, ADAPTive Level 1 Training, explains the ADAPTive algorithm and takes a

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18 June 2024

Europe - Ayrton has announced the appointment of Briony Berning as its new design, training and business development engineer as part of the continuing expansion of its international team. The appointment takes place with immediate effect.

Berning’s multi-faceted role will be to formalise Ayrton’s product training on fixtures, key technologies and developments to the markets and its global network of distributors. Alongside this she will develop the theatre markets on a global scale, paying close attention to the specific needs of these sectors and the relevance of Ayrton products within them. Finally, she will maintain a close relationship with her specialism, the theatre market, to keep abreast of developing trends and technologies and ensure Ayrton product development continues to answer these needs.

UK-born yet spending her formative years in

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13 June 2024

UK - Following the successful launch of its PF Talks podcast from Strawberry Studios in Manchester, Production Futures has expanded the format to include in-person interviews from a new facility at the FIX8Group HQ, also in Manchester.

Whilst retaining the former studio for conducting and broadcasting remote interviews, the new larger set can accommodate multiple visitors for live and recorded chat, adding significantly to the breadth of content offered to young people and newcomers to the production industries. PF Talks is a series of interviews with inspirational professionals around the world who work across the whole spectrum of the entertainment production industry, particularly those committed to making a real difference to newcomers by ‘paying it forward’.

Hannah Eakins of Production Futures comments: “PF TALKS is a popular feature of al

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28 May 2024

UK - The Production Futures mission to create opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop real careers in production, was brought into focus recently when Peter Bird, last year’s winner of its Breakthrough Award for Lighting Newcomer, took charge of designing the lighting for the organisation’s PF Talks stage at its Manchester On Tour event.

Peter, who is studying theatre and performance technology at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, collaborated by invitation with supplier Lights Control Rigging (LCR) to deliver lights for the focal point of the event which took place at the AO Arena. Steve Bliss led the LCR project team and takes up the story:

“We were approached by Production Futures to provide the main stage lighting package for their biggest show yet at the AO Arena in Manchester. We had an initial video

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23 May 2024

UK - Neumann has announced An Evening's Conversation Around Spatial Audio, hosted in partnership with Dolby at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA). Taking place on Monday, 3 June, this event promises an engaging exploration into the future of sound, bringing together top industry professionals for a night of insights and networking.

Guests will hear from leading experts in the field, including Mike Hillier, Dolby Atmos & mastering engineer at Metropolis Studios, Kurt Martinez, head Dolby Atmos mix engineer at Dean St Studios, and Myles Clarke, senior music engineer at Dolby Laboratories. Their interactive sessions will help you understand how spatial audio is evolving and keep you at the forefront of the technology.

Attendees will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of spatial audio through interactive Q&