From expanded training opportunities at the LDInstitute to new product breakfasts, hands-on tutorials, and in-depth panel discussions, the LDI98 workshops in Phoenix offer the latest industry information on trends, techniques, and technology. Following are descriptions of the more than 50 sessions scheduled from Monday, November 9, when the LDInstitute begins, to Sunday, November 15, when the show closes. "This is one of the most ambitious workshop programs we have ever presented," says Ellen Lampert-Greaux, LDI's conference producer. "Many of the courses in the LDInstitute were developed in response to attendee questionnaires filled out at LDI97 in Las Vegas. We hope this kind of in-depth training will become an annual feature at LDI."
LDInstitute kicks off the workshops. Held four days prior to the actual show, each session requires separate registration. Sessions include:
Basics of Automated Lighting: Systems and Design November 9, 10, and 11, 8am-5pm; $699, lunch included; limited to 16 participants An in-depth, hands-on introduction to working with automated luminaires and the consoles that control them. Technical support by Vari-Lite, A.C. Lighting, Compulite, ETC, and Strand Lighting. Taught by Jim Waits, Vari-Lite University outreach manager.
Monday, November 9 System setup: How to work with house power and house electricians. Hanging and calibrating a Vari-Lite system. Console setup. Learn the set up and basics of programming for the following consoles: Wholehog II from A.C. Lighting, Compulite Sabre, ETC Expression 3, and Strand 530.
Tuesday, November 10 Color theory, with demonstrations by Lee Filters. Match VL5s(TM) and VL6s(TM). Group setup: the key to automated lighting. Beams. Focus positions. Color specifics.
Wednesday, November 11 Cueing to a song: breaking down a song and creating lighting choices for each element. Lighting scenic elements. Playback and critique of each group's lighting design.
Advanced Automated Luminaire Programming in the WYSIWYG Environment November 12, $249, lunch included; limited to 36 participants Participants will spend most of the day doing advanced programming exercises in the WYSIWYG environment with a system comprised of both Vari*Lite(R) Series 300(TM) luminaires and conventional lights. Participants then move into a proscenium house where the systems and consoles have been replicated, to load the show from the disk and see the results of the programming. Each participant will choose a console that he/she is familiar with, either the Strand 530, the ETC Expression 3, or the A.C. Lighting/ Flying Pig Systems Wholehog II. Registration will be limited to a first-come, first-served basis per console type. Moderator: Jim Waits, university outreach manager, Vari-Lite, Inc.
Fundamentals of AutoCAD Design November 9, 10, and 11; $699, lunch included; limited to 12 participants The equivalent of a college-level course in AutoCAD by Autodesk, taught by Rich Rose, professor and chair of the UCLA theatre department. Plus a look at Lightwright. This course is hands-on, one person per computer.
Designing with 3D Studio November 12, 9am-5:30pm; $249, lunch included; limited to 12 participants. Back by popular demand, UCLA's Rich Rose takes you into three-dimensional design with Autodesk's 3D Studio Max 2. Learn to create digital set models and lighting with shading, color, and intensity. Design and light your own environments. Taught on the PC platform.
Technical Fundamentals of Audio November 10, 11, and 12; $699, lunch included; limited to 35 participants Produced in cooperation with the NSCA (National Systems Contractors Association), Ted Uzzle, editor emeritus of Sound & Video Contractor magazine, has developed this three-day technical fundamentals of audio program for the NSCA. He has been teaching it in various venues across the country and will bring it to LDI98 as the audio portion of the LDInstitute. Course materials include a copy of Technical Fundamentals of Audio by Uzzle, Bob Bushnell, and Tom Boulaine, and a Sharp EL-531L scientific calculator. Certificate of completion is offered.
Principles of Show Control for Theatre and Permanent Attractions November 10 and 11; $479, lunch included; limited to 25 participants This cross-disciplinary session provides an in-depth look at the basics of show control for theatre and permanent attractions. After an introduction and overview, the afternoon of the first day and all of the second day will be devoted to problem-solving. Five groups of five people each will rotate to five different show control stations. Manufacturers such as Alcorn McBride, Dataton, and Richmond Sound Design will demonstrate their systems. Moderated by George Kindler, president of Thoughtful Designs/ Production Resource Group and John Huntington, systems consultant for Thoughtful Designs New York City and author of Control Systems for Live Entertainment.
The Black Magic of Ultraviolet November 11, 9am-5pm; $249, lunch included; limited to 30 participants From safety issues to ambient light levels, this class teaches the techniques for using blacklight and fluorescent expendables in applications for theatres, theme parks, clubs, film, and television. See the latest in UV technology from various companies. Plus a hands-on opportunity to create your own environment and light it with blacklight. Moderator: Jeffrey Hillinger, Automated Entertainment.
Basics of Architectural Lighting: Retail, Commercial, and Residential November 11, 9am-5pm; ASID, IDC, IIDA; 7 CEU credits; $249, lunch included Arie Louie, IES, of Louie's Lighting teaches the basics of architectural lighting from the perspective of a lighting designer with a strong background in theatre and film lighting. Born in Israel and now based in Scottsdale, AZ, Louie's recent projects include six retail stores at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the award-winning Emily's Restaurant, and numerous residential and commercial projects. This course emphasizes his artistic approach and the creative spirit he brings to architectural lighting.
Location-Based Entertainment: A Design Charette November 12, 9am-5pm; $249, lunch included Entertainment architect Gregory Beck, AIA (Six Flags, Sony, Luxor Hotel), and creative director Thom McKay of RTKL/ID8 (London Trocadero) lead a day-long session on the ins and outs of designing a successful attraction. Starting with an existing script, they'll take you on a step-by-step journey through the process, from footprint to through-put.
Basics of Television Lighting November 12; $249, lunch included; limited to 30 participants Join lighting designers Dave Feldman (Disney's Out of the Box) and Randy Nordstrom (Bear in the Big Blue House, a Disney/Henson production) for an intensive course in the basics of television lighting techniques. In the morning session, learn how to use basic studio equipment to design lighting for news sets, talk shows, and location shoots. In the afternoon, take a look at lighting for music shows, awards shows, and drama.
As You Light It! Thursday evening, November 12; $25, bus transportation provided In its first evening workshop, LDI takes a field trip to Arizona State University to see a preview of its production of Shakespeare's As You Like It, with moving lights, color scrollers, and other cutting-edge products added to the school's usual lighting rig. After the performance, lighting designer Marc Riske and the tech crew will offer a panel discussion of designing and working in the university environment. Moderated by Cameron Jackson, Arizona State University theatre department.
ESTA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association, is sponsoring three special one-day courses designed with its members in mind as part of the LDInstitute. They are:
Nebulous Effects: Theory and Technology of Modern Atmospheric Effects November 10, 9am-5pm; $249, lunch included Tony Douglas-Beveridge, PLASA standards officer, and Karl G. Ruling, ESTA technical standards manager, explain and demonstrate basic fog-making techniques, including an outline of the advantages, disadvantages, and safe use of each one. Plus tips for using fog effectively onstage.
Basics of Power Distribution November 11, 9am-5pm; $249, lunch included; limited to 30 participants Learn about the basics of electricity from industry experts. Moderator: Bob Luther, Lex Products. Panelists include Mitch Stein, Leviton; and Richard Fuller, Hollywood Lights.
Electronic Field Service: Making House Calls November 12, 9am-5pm; $249, lunch included; limited to 30 participants Learn the what and wherefore of diagnostic and repair techniques for lighting systems. Tackle the ins and outs of trouble-shooting and system analysis, from theory and conceptual examples to hands-on repair and problem-solving. Find out what test equipment you need to succeed and how to build a complete field service tool box. Moderators: Dave Johnson, Theatrical Lighting Service; and Carmel Alston, Lightech Service Company.
Several mini-courses will be offered just prior to the show this year on Thursday, November 12. They include:
The XYZs of Fiber Optics November 12, 8am-5:30pm; $299, lunch included As a followup to last year's "ABCs of Fiber Optics," this special day-long mini-course presents a detailed look at using fiber optics in entertainment, architectural, museum, and decorative applications. Learn to design and write specifications for fiber-optic systems and hear experts such as Dr. Narendran, affiliated with the Lighting Research Center, Troy, NY, who will explain the proposed National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) terms and standards for fiber-optic lighting, Rogier van der Heide of Hollands Licht, William Leaman of Lightly Expressed, Kevin Reagan of Advanced Cablelite, and Danny Haydt of Remote Source Lighting. Moderated by William L. Maiman, technical editor, Lighting Dimensions and TCI magazines, and Ted Ferreira, City Design Group.
Ethernet in the Theatre: the Herberger November 12, 9am-5pm; $249, lunch included Theatres across the country are updating their facilities with ethernet runs for cutting-edge control of lighting equipment. A perfect example of this is the Herberger Theatre Center in Phoenix (see "Updating with ethernet," page 42), which recently completed the addition of ethernet signal distribution systems in both of its theatres, the 815-seat Center Stage and the 330-seat Stage West. This in-depth session points out the use and application of ethernet in the theatrical environment. The day ends with a tour of the renovation of the nearby Orpheum Theatre, a 1929 movie palace. Moderator: Peter Rogers, Strand Lighting. Panelists include: Jerry Gorrell, technical director, Phoenix Civic Plaza; Chuck Seifried, IATSE Local 336 electrics; Mark Mettes, Herberger Theatre Center technical director; and Richard Lawrence, Strand Lighting network design engineer.
A number of tutorials, ranging from master classes with industry experts to interactive hands-on training, will be held during the show. These include:
Donald Holder Master Class November 13, 9am-5pm; $199; limited to 60 participants Donald Holder is lighting designer of Disney's The Lion King, directed by Julie Taymor. In this day-long session, Holder will first present a brief overview of his career, which includes Taymor's Juan Darien, for which he received Drama Desk and Tony nominations, Titus Andronicus, and The Green Bird. Holder will construct cues and demonstrate the angles of his personal lighting techniques.
CM Lodestar Motor School November 13, 8am-12pm (in English); 1-5pm (in Spanish); each four-hour session limited to 50 participants; $129 The assembly, disassembly, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of Columbus McKinnon Lodestar 1-ton and 2-ton chain hoists as used for lighting and staging in rock and roll, theatre, and industrials. The two half-day sessions--one in English and one in Spanish--will be taught by Jim Krull and Craig Johnston of Columbus McKinnon.
High End Systems: Status Cue(R) Console Programming November 14, 9am-5pm; $195, limited to 24 participants; 10 auditor slots available, $50 Learn to program moving lights with High End's Status Cue(R) lighting console and automated luminaires. Taught by High End's Vickie Claiborne.
High End Systems: Fixture Overview November 15, 9am-12pm; $79, limited to 50 participants An in-depth look at the features and capabilities of High End Systems' Cyberlight(R), Studio Color(R), and Technobeam(TM). Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and observe the wide range of effects possible from these fixtures. Taught by Vickie Claiborne, High End Systems. NOTE: This is not a hands-on programming class, but a look at the design possibilities of High End's family of fixtures.
Clay Paky Hands-On Moving Light Training November 13, 9am-12pm (session 1); 2pm-5pm (session 2); $79, limited to 24 participants in each session Sign up for one of these three-hour hands-on training sessions and learn to use the new Clay Paky line of six moving-yoke washlights and effects projectors. Taught by Clay Paky design engineers with special guest appearances by concert lighting designers who have used these new products on the road.
Martin University November 14, 9am-5pm; $199; limited to 14 participants This day-long intensive workshop will provide hands-on personalized training using Martin Professional's popular family of automated luminaires and Case universal moving lights consoles.
ESTA will be providing the latest information on the various standards efforts affecting the industry. These sessions are free to all ESTA members, and include:
From DMX to ACN November 13, 9:30-11am The Advanced Control Network is the new, completely interoperable protocol; take an advance look at this new network technology adapted to the lighting industry. It's user-transparent and immediately identifies the device: lights, scrollers, stage machinery. Steve Carlson of Rosco/Entertainment Technology leads the discussion.
Industry-Wide Standards November 14, 9-10:30am Up-to-the minute reports on new standards efforts within the entertainment technology industry, including wire rope ladders, aluminum trusses and towers, 0-10V analog control, manual counterweight flying systems, powered flying systems, theatrical fog, flying practices for performers, loudspeaker enclosures for overhead suspension, presentation of photometric data, structural requirements for building, DMX512, and Advanced Control Network. Plus, a look at European standards. Moderator: George Sabbi, Production Resource Group Lighting Division. Panelists: Karl G. Ruling, ESTA technical standards manager, and Tony Douglas-Beveridge, PLASA standards officer.
Photometric Update November 15, 9-10:30am Karl G. Ruling, ESTA technical standards manager, and Larry Lieberman of Vision Quest Lighting bring you up to date on ESTA's work on photometrics, from how to report the output of lighting equipment and testing procedures togathering the data and presenting it in an understandable manner.
A hands-on computer lab, including Rosco Horizon training sessions, is part of the show this year. A description follows:
LDI98 Computer Lab 9am-5:30pm Friday and Saturday, November 13 and 14; and 9:00am-4:30pm Sunday, November 15 New to LDI98, a computer lab will be open throughout the show with a wide range of computer programs available for hands-on practice and scheduled demos by leading software manufacturers. Included will be a preview of Lightwright 3 for Macintosh and Windows 95/NT presented by John McKernon, and a look at WYSICAD presented by Robert Bell of Cast Lighting. The computer lab is open to all LDI98 full-conference attendees and day-pass holders.
Two special two-hour sessions on Rosco/Entertainment Technology Horizon software with moving lights control will be given. Both sessions are taught by the Horizon design team, Gordon Pearlman and Dr. Alan Martello. They are:
Basic Horizon 98 Operation Friday, November 13, 1-3pm; limited to 50 participants A hands-on training session in the LDI98 Computer Lab with Horizon 98 Gold. Learn how to execute professional, last-action lighting control on a Windows PC. Topics include level setting and cueing, use of multiple cue sheets, moving light programming, and more. A sign-up sheet will be available at 9am Friday morning in the computer lab.
Active Magic Sheets(TM) and HTML in the Horizon Console Saturday, November 14, 1-3pm This advanced session in the LDI98 Computer Lab focuses on the use of Active Magic Sheets(TM) to infinitely customize the Horizon user interface. Learn how to import graphics and text and how to activate them with "hot spots." Studies also include the Horizon macro language and playback events.
And here's a rundown of the workshops available at this year's LDI. First up: Lighting Design and Production Techniques.
Friday, November 13
NEC Update 11am-12:30pm Get advance notice of the new 1999 code changes and the implications they will have on the entertainment industry. Moderator: George Sabbi, Production Resource Group Lighting Division. Panelists include: Steve Terry, Production Arts; Ken Vannice, NSI/Colortran; Mitch Hefter, Rosco/Entertainment Technology.
Designing a Color Palette: Three Approaches to Designing with Color 1:30-4:30pm, Herberger Theatre Center's Stage West A special two-part session with lighting designers Beverly Emmons, Stan Pressner, and Clifton Taylor. Part I: Color theory Saturation; comparative color; color perception; color temperature; tri-standard measurement. Part II: Design approaches Each designer will present real-world examples of cue construction and the use of color in a theatrical environment.
Saturday, November 14
The Lion King: A Case Study 9am-12:30pm Part I: Lighting Design Donald Holder, lighting designer of Disney's The Lion King, shares his experience of lighting the Broadway event. Moderated by Leanne Boepple, managing editor, Lighting Dimensions and TCI. Part II: Programming and Paperwork Production electrician James Maloney, Jr., and automated lighting programmer Aland Henderson provide a look into the massive paperwork required for a production as large as The Lion King, and talk about the process of assisting on a show of this monumental scale. Moderated by Donald Holder.
Rigging in Non-Theatrical Spaces 11am-12:30pm What should you do if you're setting up a show that requires rigging in a non-theatrical space that may not have been designed with rigging loads in mind? Taught by rigging consultant Jay O. Glerum, this session focuses on rigging loads and forces imposed on building support members, methods of determining unsafe loading conditions, and proper hardware selection.
Lighting Entertainment Centers 1:30-3pm What does it take to light a high-tech entertainment center? How does the lighting work with the scenery to create the right environment for video games and virtual reality attractions? A look at the different design approaches of Sega GameWorks and DisneyQuest helps solve the puzzle. Moderated by entertainment architect Gregory Beck. Panelists include: Paula Dinkel, Walt Disney Imagineering; Dawn Hollingsworth, Moody Ravitz Hollingsworth; Andy Sacher, Sega GameWorks; Larry Gertz, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Bill Ellis, Vanco Lighting Services.
The New Jersey Performing Arts Center: A Case Study 1:30-3pm; Part I of a two-part session (see Part II in the sound section, page 110) Architect Barton Myers, FAIA, FRAIC, Barton Myers Associates; theatre consultant Richard Hoyes, Fisher Dachs Associates; and acoustician Robert W. Wolff, Artec Consultants explore the state-of-the-art design of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which opened in November 1997 to great acclaim. Join the design team for a discussion of NJPAC's architecture, acoustics, and theatrical systems.
Accessorize and Customize 3:30-5pm Learn to make an ellipsoidal into more than just a luminaire by adding painted glass gobos, effects machines, and all those little widgets--from scrollers to automated yokes and irises--that make an ellipsoidal more versatile. Moderator: Clifton Taylor, Design Curve. Panelists include: Gary Fails, City Theatrical; Paul Palazzo, Paul Palazzo Design; Paul Simson, White Light; and Mike Griffith, Wybron.
DMX: Advanced Problem-Solving Lab 3:30-5pm Bring the most complicated DMX problem that you've ever encountered and the LDI experts will try to find a solution. Win prizes for really challenging problems. Doug Fleenor, Doug Fleenor Design, and Dave Higgins, Gray Interfaces, head up the team of experts.
Sunday, November 15
Theme Parks and Beyond: Principles of Successful Lighting 9-10:30am Tom Ruzika and Michael Finney of The Ruzika Company delve into the challenges of creating successful exterior and interior lighting. From the challenges of architecture and the architects, and the individual site, a nuts-and-bolts look at integrating dramatic lighting into theme parks, location-based entertainment, restaurants, and retail. Their recent projects include Islands of Adventure for Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Studios Japan, Magic World in Dubai, and Knotts Berry Farm in California.
Gobos and Patterns: The Sharp Edge of Technology 1:30-3pm An update on the latest trends, techniques, and materials for gobos and patterns, from hand-cut metal, glass, and ceramic to multilayer lithography and laser etching. Plus, a peek at future technologies. Moderator: Tom LaDuke, Walt Disney Imagineering. Panelists include: Greg Matis, High End Systems; Joshua Alemany, Rosco; Joe Tawil, GAM Products; Hilary Nelson, Eide Industries; Joel Nichols, Apollo Custom; and Michael Tannemeyr, SSR Stagelight.
Lost in Space in Las Vegas 1:30-3pm The Las Vegas Hilton has upped the ante and created a new paradigm for casino design in Las Vegas. Meet lighting designers Ted Ferreira of City Design Group, who designed the lighting for Star Trek: The Experience; and Edward Kaye of JK Design Group, which illuminated the SpaceQuest Casino. Take a look at the hottest new environments in Las Vegas. Moderated by Robert Cashill, editor, Lighting Dimensions magazine.
On Saturday, November 14, LDI98 will offer a full day of sound sessions to bring attendees up to date on what's happening in the world of audio. These sessions are sponsored by S&VC, TCI, and Mix magazines. They include:
Play it Again Sam: New Sources of Playback 9-10:30am Investigate the new formats for sound playback in live entertainment: DVD, MiniDisc, DigiCart, hard-disk playback, recordable CDs, Eproms, DA-88, ADAT. Learn which format is best for various applications, from theatres to theme parks, clubs, and casinos. Moderated by Jon Gottlieb, resident sound designer at the Mark Taper Forum and Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles. Panelists include: Philip Allen, Michael Hooker, and Garth Hemphill.
The Sounds of Themed Retail 11am-12:30pm What does a retail environment sound like? Hear all about new retail installations where the sound systems equal those of Broadway musicals. From speaker placement to sound design, retail is the next big challenge in the audio arena. Moderated byNat Hecht, editor of Sound & Video Contractor. Panelists include: Franois Bergeron, Cirque du Soleil; Steve Shull, Acoustic Dimensions; and David Wiener, Sound Tube.
Basics of Show Control 1:30-3:00pm Basic definitions of MIDI, SMPTE, MIDI show control, protocols in development--how to connect lighting, sound, and other systems in one environment, from theatres to theme parks. A crossover session, open to all audio track people as well as lighting designers and technicians. Taught by John Huntington, systems consultant for Thoughtful Designs/Production Resource Group in New York City and author of Control Systems for Live Entertainment.
New Jersey Performing Arts Center: Sound and Communications Systems 3:30-5pm; Part II of a two-part case study (see Part I in the lighting section, page 108) What are the challenges of making one auditorium work for many uses, from concerts to Broadway tours? Take a look at the solutions with architect Barton Myers, theatre consultant Josh Dachs, and Tom Young and Tom Clark from Artec Consultants. Moderated by Ted Uzzle, National Systems Contractors Association.
Light in Architecture rounds out the workshops for LDI98. All are held on Friday, November 13. Sessions include:
Guidelines for Interior Lighting 9-10:30am An intermediate-to-advanced course in developing solid lighting concepts for interior spaces, from clubs and casinos to restaurants and retail. Learn to anticipate daylighting effects on interior lighting. Learn to develop an eye for contrast ratios. Find solutions beyond simple downlights and learn to sculpt with light in creating vibrant three-dimensional environments. Taught by Dawn Hollingsworth, principal, Moody Ravitz Hollingsworth.
Specifying and Designing with Neon 11am-12:30pm What are the challenges of designing with neon? Learn how to specify neon correctly. Manufacturers and designers take an in-depth look at neon technology, from where to buy it to how to design with various kinds of neon, from crackle neon and plasma globes to controllable sources. Moderated by Ted Ferreira, City Design Group.
Fresh Fish: Aquarium of the Pacific 1:30-3pm Join lighting designer Pat Gallegos of Gallegos Lighting Design for a virtual tour of the brand-new Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. From the cold waters of the Northern Pacific to the hot sun of the tropics, this beautifully designed aquarium called for a wide variety of fresh lighting solutions, both in and out of the water. Moderator: Ellen Lampert-Greaux, contributing editor, Lighting Dimensions and TCI.
Entertainment Retail Update 3:30-5:00pm It's time for LDI's annual harvest of the latest in retail environments. This year's crop includes Foot Locker's updated sports look plus new retail stores at the Phoenix Airport for a touch of Southwestern flavor. Moderated by Vilma Barr, lighting editor of Display & Design Ideas magazine. Panelists include: Tim Hunter, RH Productions; Arie Louie, Louie's Lighting; Lori Roper, Illuminart; and Jay Winters, JK Design Group.
To request additional information about LDI98, or to obtain a registration form, call 800/288-8606, or 303/220-0600. Turn to page 88 to get a sneak peak at some of the new products that will be on display on the show floor.