Northwestern slates technology conference

Two enterprising students at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, have organized an Academic Conference on Entertainment Technology, which will be held June 13-14, 1998. "The conference seeks to supplement the typical university curriculum by introducing students, faculty, and local professionals to the latest in entertainment technology," says Bryan Barancik, who is coordinating the conference with Andrew Wilder.

This two-day, high-tech exploration of automated lighting technologies features lectures, panel discussions and workshops, and professional designers, programmers, manufacturers, and educators. Guest speakers will include Chris Kuroda, the lighting designer for Phish. Hands-on workshops include a Vari-Lite/DMX workshop, techniques of programming with a Flying Pig Systems Wholehog II, the use of High End Systems automated luminaires, and a WYSICAD workshop. These workshops will be limited to 20 participants each.

Avolites, Electronic Theatre Controls, Clay Paky, Flying Pig Systems/ A.C. Lighting, and the Obie Company/Coemar will also demonstrate their newest technology. The intent is to establish a forum which will introduce new technology and industry professionals into the academic environment. Eventually, the organizers would like to see a similar forum developed on the internet.

Fees to attend the conference are $60 for students, $85 for faculty, and $125 for professionals. For additional information contact the Northwestern University Theatre Department by phone at 847/332-1129 or by fax at 847/467-2019.