PLASA Show 2017 Seminar Program Steps Up a Gear

	Seminar sesson at the 2016 PLASA Show.

The PLASA Show seminar program is one of its most important and popular features, each year hosting industry experts from around the world who share their knowledge, skills, and experience. This year, the new, enhanced program is set to deliver even more content than before and will feature a diverse range of subjects that will look at topical issues, ground-breaking concepts, and deliver real insight into the world of entertainment technology.

The first sessions to be announced take place in the Audio & AV Theatre and include sound designers Gareth Fry and Pete Malkin talking about their incredible work to build a shifting world of sound on The Encounter, Simon McBurney's solo performance, which traces National Geographic photographer Loren McIntyre's journey into the depths of the Amazon rainforest; the welcome return of veteran industry journalist Phil Ward, who hosts two panel sessions entitled 360 Degrees of Sound, which will take a look at 3D audio, and dealing with architects and consultants, as well as the intriguingly entitled Was Le Corbusier Deaf or What?; Jon Burton will impart his 10 Top Tips for Touring Engineers; while the IPS will take a look at The Ins and Outs of Microphones.

In the Lighting, Staging, and Rigging Theatre, Richard Pilbrow's Theatre Projects at 60 -- Session: Women Backstage... A New Theatre?, will feature an impressive panel line-up that will look at the rise in women's contribution to the world of theatre; during Video As Light, award winning video designer Nina Dunn and guests will discuss the dynamic techniques for using video design to support theatrical Lighting; and Charcoalblue's Scott Stuart will take a look at Aerial Rigging and how to make it safe.

"Celebrating sixty years of Theatre Projects is quite an occasion," says Pilbrow. "For me, now a very antique designer, many amazing things have occurred. There are new forms of theatre, staggering advances in technology, and a host of thrilling friends. But none give me greater pleasure than to witness the advance of women to leadership in our theatre industry."

Additional bite-sized sessions will take place in the new Fast Track Theatre, where you can learn how to approach fitting radio mics to performers with the ASD's Zoe Milton and Alison Dale from the IPS; learn about The Business of Being in the Entertainment Technology Business and take part in the Communications Workshop, both of which will be hosted by Burnt Orange's Lauren Rogers; and look at the art of Getting a Foot in the Door with Darryn de la Soul; while the Apex Room will host the ever-popular Riggers Forum, which takes place on the first day of the show.

"I really enjoy coming to PLASA," says Zoe Milton. "The London show has a great buzz, there's always something new to look at, from brand new companies to industry favorites. The seminar audiences are great; they're a real mix of industry professionals and those just starting out, which means you get a fantastic variety of questions and usually I end up learning something new, too!"

"We're really excited to be part of the Fast Track Theatre," adds Lauren Rogers. "We've gained a lot of insight over the years, working both within the industry and outside of it. Most of our work sees us analyze best practices from other creative sectors that we distil and implement to move the industry forward and we're looking forward to being able to pass some of that knowledge on."

As always, the seminar program is free-to-attend. For more information and to sign up for a session please visit the URL below.