The UK-based Association of Lighting Designers (ALD) introduced its two newest Honorary Members during the recent ABTT show in London: Brian Croft and John Simpson. "This category of membership is to recognize individuals who have supported the work of lighting designers and no two individuals could better represent service to the lighting industry and designers more than Brian and John," says ALD chairman, Rick Fisher, this year's Tony Award winner for his lighting of Billy Elliot, The Musical.
Croft’s career took him from stage management at the Royal Shakespeare Company in its early days in Stratford into the world of rock music presentation with the forerunners of Vari-Lite and PRG through which he supplied lighting to countless tours and shows around the globe. He continues to be active in the industry even in retirement and is on the board of the National Youth Theatre.
Simpson is one of the founders of White Light and he has helped to fashion this company into a leader in supply, service, rental, and training across all aspects of the lighting world. He too is very active in other areas within the industry serving as a trustee of Light Relief and on the board of the Motley theatre design course.
The ALD welcomed the chance to celebrate the extraordinary careers of John Simpson and Brian Croft by presenting them with plaques at the ABTT awards ceremony in London on June 10, 2009.
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