Focus: Stamford Professional Development Program Details Released

Free registration is now open for the PLASA Focus: Stamford 2012 professional development program, a two-day program of free educational seminars and workshops, running alongside PLASA Focus: Stamford, on November 12-13, 2012.

The program will give visitors a unique opportunity to broaden their specialist knowledge and take part in discussions about innovative projects and cutting edge techniques.

Technical editor, Richard Cadena comments, "It's always been a dream to host a show like this in the Tri-state area, and with so much talent on our doorstep we've literally been spoiled for choice when putting this seminar series together." Media, sales and marketing director, Jackie Tien adds, "Sharing knowledge and expertise is vitally important to the development of technology, techniques, and talent. We wanted to produce a program that features current, high-quality presentations on the latest trends. It's really going to be something very special; and what's even better is that it's absolutely free to attend."

The keynote address will be made by legendary stage lighting designer and one of the world's foremost theatre consultants, Richard Pilbrow, with his talk, "Architecture and the Art of Theatre Design." This will be a fascinating discussion about the power and magic of theatrical energy between actor and audience and what the theatre design consultant must do to create theatricality and humanity in new affordable theatres. Pilbrow will also be taking part in a book signing after the seminar.

The program will kick off on Monday morning with award-winning guest speaker Wendall Harrington who poses the question, "Is Video Killing Theatre?" A discussion on the impact video has had on the landscape of theatre production. Harrington's Broadway designs include, The Who's Tommy; Driving Miss Daisy; Grey Gardens; and Ragtime to name but a few. She is also on the faculty of the Yale School of Drama.

In his seminar "Lighting Design: The Past, Present, and Future," Tony Award winning lighting designer Don Holder discusses the evolution of lighting design as a craft, art, and profession over the last 50 years, looks at current trends, and predictions for the future. To illustrate this evolution, there will be a brief discussion of some of the designer's own work over the last 25 years, which includes, The Lion King; Movin' Out; South Pacific; Spiderman-Turn Off The Dark; and Smash Season One, among many others.

"What is a Network and Why Should I Care?" is presented by John Huntington, professor of entertainment technology at City Tech, and author of Show Networks and Control Systems. This session is a crash course in networking technologies, which are increasingly forming the common backbone for lighting, sound, video, scenery, and other entertainment control systems. This introductory session will explain the basics, what is important to know now, and how to prepare for the future.

"Heads Up!" is presented by Bill Sapsis, president of Sapsis Rigging and recognized expert on defying gravity. Sapsis will answer your questions on rigging, flying, safety, and an assortment of other life lessons. We invite you to come up with something he has not yet heard.

"Alternative Training Paths" is a panel discussion exploring the evolution of a work-in-progress approach to training students and working professionals for state-of-the-art careers in all aspects of live entertainment. Panelists include, Greg Bloxhom, lighting designer; John Forbes, University of Vermont; Bill Groener, A.C. T Lighting; Bobby Harrell, lighting designer and Phillips Strand; Don Holder, lighting designer; Leonard Miller, Philips Strand/Selecon; and Eric Mongerson, Concordia University, Montreal.

On the second day of the show Steve Shelly presents his session, "A Practical Guide to Starting a Career in Technical Theatre," in which Shelly demonstrates how best to utilize business research and marketing tactics to find backstage jobs and get your foot in the door. General topics include, targeted job searches; crafting resumes, cover letters, and portfolios; and successful job interview techniques.

And finally, "Everything You've Always Wanted to Ask the IATSE" is presented by Mark Kiracofe, in which he explains what the IATSE is (...and isn't!). Kiracofe will also be joined by local area representatives, on hand to give a brief overview of their specific locals, what crafts they represent, and where they work.

Keep your ears to the ground over the coming weeks for announcements regarding the latest seminar additions and up-to-the-minute exhibition news.

With over 60 exhibitors, two days of free sessions, and free refreshments, there's no better place to be this November. PLASA Focus: Stamford 2012 takes place 30 minutes outside of NYC. The Stamford Marriot is within ten minutes walking distance of Stamford STM train station. Free visitor registration is open now at the URL below.