Tom Littrell, the former public relations manager for Vari-Lite, is now project director with Ignition! Creative Group, Vari-Lite International's corporate event company. "While he will be much missed within Vari-Lite, this move will provide Tom with opportunities for growth as well as employment of theatrical and creative skills that were underused in his previous position," says Rusty Brutsche, president and CEO of Vari-Lite International.
Brendan Quigley, meanwhile, has exited his position as university outreach manager to pursue other opportunities. Jim Waits, a 19-year Vari-Lite veteran who played a key part in developing the three-year-old program, assumes the role. "His background as a Vari-Lite programmer and an educator, as well as his deep commitment to the importance of this program, make him the perfect person to continue developing university outreach," Brutsche says.
Vari-Lite Los Angeles, meanwhile, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with an expansion scheduled to be completed by year-end. The company is looking to relocate into a facility that has more than 60,000 sq. ft. (5,400 sq. m) available, and will join Vari-Lite Production Services by adding comprehensive production services.
New hires at the office include 20-year industry veteran Tim Lamb, to head up its concert touring sales division; Brian Howard, most recently with Production Lighting Systems, as technical sales manager; and Anji Petruso, ex of The Obie Company, as customer service manager for LA-based productions.