The 9th annual Broadway Lighting and inaugural Broadway Sound Master Classes (BLMC and BSMC) successfully engaged nearly 100 up-and-coming lighting and sound designers and proved to be a career refresher for experienced designers.
The two-part training program in professional lighting and sound design took place in New York June 25-29, 2003, at the John Jay College Theatre. In conjunction with the classes, the 11th annual prestigious EDDY Awards ceremony convened on Friday, June 27, with a record 300 attendees.
Creative consultant for the launch of the BSMC is acclaimed sound designer Abe Jacob, considered by the industry as the “godfather” of sound design, who presented the keynote address to kick off the BSMC on Saturday morning. With discussions on sound design for both Broadway musicals and plays, budgets & management and optimization of sound systems by leading sound designers in the industry, as well as a panel discussion among faculty, sponsors, and attendees, the students came away inspired and motivated to learn more.
Cricket Myers, a freelance sound designer enrolled in the MFA program at Cal Arts exclaimed, "I am so excited to see a Sound Master Class. I had a fantastic time talking and learning from the experts in my field."
Both the BLMC and BSMC focus on the creative and artistic side of the design disciplines. The largest Manufacturer Showcase to date with 34 corporate sponsors offered hands-on exploration of exciting new technologies to the attendees.
“We were very pleased to hold both the BLMC and BSMC in New York this year,” said Jacqueline Tien, publisher of Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions, sponsors of the Master Classes. “It was a thought-provoking program for both the BLMC and BSMC as we continue our long-term commitment to this important professional training initiative.”
Below are a few shots taken during both the classes and the manufacturer's showcase.
In his keynote address, "Why Sound Became Necessary in the Theatre, Abe Jacob shows a letter printed in The New York Times back in the 70s which suggests passing laws prohibiting amplification in the theatre above a certain level.
Acme Sound Partners--Nevin Steinberg, Tom Clark, and Mark Menard--discuss their work on the Broadway production of La Boheme.
BSMC students swarm the manufacturer's tables during the showcase.
Sound designer Chris Cronin chats with Meyer's Tim Chapman.
Attendees check out the latest communications gear from Reidel.
Digico's Bob Doyle explains the finer points of the D5 Live board to BSMC attendees.
Cadac's Mark Ray and Tony Waldron--of The Mark and Tony Show--during the BSMC panel discussion.
Chris Evans from Pittsburgh's Benedum Center and Tom Clark from Acme Sound Partners during the panel discussion.