Because we clearly haven't gone through enough changes around here in the last couple of years, we decided to reconfigure the Master Classes, the pre-eminent educational event in entertainment technology. This year's Broadway Lighting and Sound Master Classes will be held a month earlier than usual, May 19 to 24, at a new venue, New York University.
Jules Fisher returns as chair for the Lighting Classes (May 22 to May 24) at NYU's Jack H. Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. An exciting new lineup of designers includes Chris Akerlind, Howell Binkley, and Phillip Rosenberg, as well as returning LDs Peggy Eisenhauer, Bev Emmons, Clifton Taylor, and Brian MacDevitt. Projection designer Wendall Harrington will speak again and participate in a panel discussion on projection and lighting design. Attendees will see Broadway's The Light in the Piazza, designed by Akerlind.
Abe Jacob returns for the Sound Classes, (May 19 to 21) at the Abe Burrows Theatre at Tisch School of the Arts. The lineup includes Tom Clark and Nevin Steinberg of Acme Sound Partners, Steve Kennedy, John Shivers, Peter Hylenski, and Jon Weston. Sessions will also include Todd Meier and Steve Bush of Meyer Sound, David Bullard, and Rick Thomas. This year's show is the musical The Drowsy Chaperone, designed by Acme.
We're modifying the structure of the classes this year to provide more networking opportunities for attendees, sponsors, speakers, and local guests. The schedule will include a sit-down lunch and the participation of local designers and programmers, as well as a cocktail reception. There will also be a Broadway technology breakfast held the last day of the classes.
Our inaugural Projection Master Classes were very well received last year, and we intend to make it an annual event. However, we're moving them to LDI in Las Vegas this year in order to allow attendees to see the vast array of cutting edge projection design and technology in that desert boomtown. Our goal is to alternate the projection master classes between New York and Las Vegas.
One other change: we've also decided to incorporate our annual EDDY Awards and LDI Awards into one big blowout celebration, to be held during LDI. This event is still in the early planning stages, but we'll continue to honor individual designers, technicians, and other luminaries in the world of entertainment technology, as well as the best in products released during the year and promising new products at LDI.
The best way to stay updated on these events is through our website, www.livedesignonline.com, and by subscribing to our free e-newsletters. But if you have any specific questions, contact me at [email protected] or Ellen Lampert-Gréaux at [email protected].
See you in May!