Scenes From The BLMC

The 9th annual Broadway Lighting and inaugural Broadway Sound Master Classes (BLMC and BSMC) successfully engaged nearly 100 up-and-coming lighting and sound designers and proved to be a career refresher for experienced designers. The two-part training program in professional lighting and sound design took place in New York June 25-29, 2003, at the John Jay College Theatre. In conjunction with the classes, the 11th annual prestigious EDDY Awards ceremony convened on Friday, June 27, with a record 300 attendees.

Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jules Fisher continued to serve as creative consultant for the BLMC, and led a distinguished faculty of lighting and projection designers. The three-day BLMC curriculum, included a performance of the musical Gypsy on Broadway (lit by Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer) followed by a post-show discussion.

Both the BLMC and BSMC focus on the creative and artistic side of the design disciplines. The largest Manufacturer Showcase to date with 34 corporate sponsors offered hands-on exploration of exciting new technologies to the attendees.

Attendee Andrea Bilkey, assistant professor at Texas Technology University expressed her positive feedback on the BLMC: “I had a good experience. Re-energized in my own work, and some new interesting information to take back to my students. I look forward to future opportunities.”

“We were very pleased to hold both the BLMC and BSMC in New York this year,” said Jacqueline Tien, publisher of Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions, sponsors of the Master Classes. “It was a thought-provoking program for both the BLMC and BSMC as we continue our long-term commitment to this important professional training initiative.”

Below are a sampling of snapshots taken during the BLMC Manufacturer's Showcase.


Lighting designers Ken Billington and Paul Gregory talk shop.

John and Anne Hunter of Apollo prepare for the onrush of students.

High End Systems' Al Ridella talks to lighting students.

Houston Opera LD Christina Giannelli and Morpheus' Paul Weller.

Lighting vet Fred Lindauer explains the finer points of Robert Juliat followspots.

Rosco's Ame Strong explains the finer points of gobos to a BLMC attendee.

Vari-Lite's Bob Schacherl and Strand's Peter Rogers have a chat amidst the showcase hullabaloo.