4Wall DC Lights Penn State's THON 2017 Which Raises Over $10 Million for Childhood Cancer

	Penn State's THON 2017

Penn State's THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. It's a year-long effort that raises funds and awareness for children and families fighting against pediatric cancer. More than 16,500 college students danced at the Bryce Jordan Center for 46 hours straight and raised $10,045,478.44. 4Wall DC provided the rental package for the event made possible by donations from Red Brick Productions, ETC, the Bryce Jordan Center, and various other University entities.

THON started in 1973 inside Penn State's HUB Ballroom where 78 dancers participated. In 2007, THON made the move to its new home in the Bryce Jordan Center. To embody the growth and overall spirit of the event, an upgraded lighting package was introduced.

"In 2007, the lighting rig was nothing more than a 40' stick of pre-rigged truss with par bars," said Bryce Jordan Center production manager Chad Swires. "Over time we introduced moving lights into the upstage truss and deck, and over the dance floor. With the growth of LED lighting, we have been fortunate to expand the lighting package over the last two years."

Over the weekend there were a multitude of presentations, from a single speaker, to the dance team and cheerleaders, and this year included a special surprise performance from DNCE. With a range of different acts throughout the weekend, the goal of the lighting design demanded versatility while energizing the spirit of the crowd at the same time.

"There were over 700 dancers and thousands of fans that never left, and stared at the stage for 46 hours," explained Swires. "We wanted to be able to provide depth and contrasting looks to keep them motivated all weekend long."

Swires and his team turned to 4Wall DC to provide the gear for one of THON's largest design changes yet. The signature diamond truss consisted of 40 ETC D60 pars, 10 ETC D40 pars, 24 Martin b Harman MAC 101s, eight Robe Robin Pointes, six Martin Atomic 3000 Strobes, eight Martin MAC Quantum Profiles, six Procan 8-lite audience blinders, and six Thomas Par Bars.

"The D60's provided color wash for the stage and the D40s were used as truss warmers," said Swires. "The Quantum Profiles gave us the ability to provide special effects and textures over the stage."

Swires utilized the Robe Pointes for beam effects through the haze. The fixture's ability to move quickly was also a valuable attribute to the lighting design team.

On both sides of the upstage surrounding THON's banner, the team built vertical truss towers consisting of 12 Robe Robin Pointes, 18 Martin MAC Auras, eight Ayrton MagicBlades, and six Elation Professional WW2 Cue Pix.

The Martin MAC Auras provided a fantastic wall of color behind the stage. "It was really a focal point to draw your attention and provided excellent backlight for the acts on stage," explained Swires.

The downstage consisted of four Martin Viper Performances and eight Thomas Parbars. Over the dance floor the team used two sticks of truss each with four Martin Mac 101s and four Martin Viper Performances.

"The Vipers provide excellent power to cut through the rest of the lighting rig, whether it was for additional front light, highlighting sections of the arena or just providing texture across the dance floor," explained Swires.

Swires spoke about his experience and most memorable moments from THON 2017.

"I think each of us finds a different part of the weekend to be the most impactful. The energy that you feel in the arena over the course of 46 hours is incredible. For me, the most memorable moments are watching a young child step on stage. For a few minutes, he or she feels like they can conquer the world as 12,000 people cheer them on!"

4Wall's Katie Kudrick and Penn State alumna, played an instrumental role in helping Swires and his design team select the proper gear for THON 2017.

"4Wall provided excellent service throughout the process. 4Wall facilitated a design that illuminated over 30 acts, including 11 bands, a nationally recognized act, and ultimately raised over $10 million for the fight against pediatric cancer," said Swires.

He concluded by saying, "As we continue to grow our relationship with 4Wall, we are counting on their continued service, partnership, and philanthropy for such an amazing cause."

Design Credits: Roger Tharp, Dominic Geleskie, Matt Summerson, Jason Swope, Mike Birardi, Joseph Gooch, Tom Spalding, and Chad Swires.

To find out how to participate in next year's event or to donate, visit www.THON.org.com #FTK