UK - Rose Bruford College of Theatre Performance has been awarded a Gold award in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which was introduced by the Government to recognise and reward excellent teaching in UK higher education providers. The TEF awards were decided by an independent panel of experts including academics, students and employer representatives. Drawing on national data, and evidence submitted by each university or college, the TEF measures excellence in three areas: teaching quality, the learning environment and the educational and professional outcomes achieved by students. Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel (which is made up of students, employers widening participation experts and academics) judged that “Rose Bruford College delivers consistently outstanding teaching learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality f
UK - This year again, Prolyte Group brings a wealth of knowledge to its UK based truss users and owners. A series of Prolyte Campus events is scheduled at several locations, supporting its customer base on the safe use of truss systems. Prolyte Campus is a Prolyte Group initiative to support its customers with the best and most up-to-date knowledge available. Providing the tools and training to use the Prolyte Group products safely and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations will help users perform better and safer. Prolyte Campus offers a complete program of learning activities to create awareness on the safe use of Prolyte products and is organized in cooperation with the Prolyte distribution network. “Here at AC-ET, we’ve long been advocates of specialised equipment training and recognise the responsibility to our customers of ensuring the
Canada - Following the inauguration last year of EM Acoustics North America, the British loudspeaker manufacturer has announced the appointment of Canadian pro audio distribution specialists, Contact Distribution. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Contact covers the whole of Canada and also works closely with a number of trusted contacts in the US. EM Acoustics’ operations director, Mike Wheeler, is delighted with the new partnership. “Contact Distribution is a leading pro audio distributor in Canada with nearly 30 years of specialist pro audio knowledge and experience,” he said. “They only work with the best and have developed their product portfolio based on quality – that is both quality of the products and the quality of the relationships with the people behind the products. “Our partnership is a testament both to the quality of EM Acoustics products and Conta
Germany - In the fiscal year 2016, the Sennheiser Group generated a turnover of €658.4m. This corresponds to a decline of 3.8 percent, primarily due to placing greater focus on the core business. During the reporting year, the audio specialist exited the aviation segment and also ended relationships with third-party brands in the Professional Systems Division. In addition, the termination of governmental subsidies in Japan affected the turnover. The Group's profit before taxes rose by 15.2 percent to €34.9m compared to the same period in the previous year. Research and development were further strengthened: Sennheiser invested €54.5m, which is a total of 16 percent more than in 2015. "Coming from a very strong year in 2015, we were unable to build on the previous turnover growth in the reporting year. This was mainly due to placing strategic focus on core
UK - The Vienna-based Dynamic Projection Institute, designer and manufacturer of the Dynamic projection system, has appointed Polestar Productions as its UK partner. The Dynamic Projection Institute’s high tech Mirror Head system enables a projector’s output to be dynamically moved anywhere within an 180° by 90/162° arc under the control of DMX / Art-Net or the comprehensive software package provided as part of the system’s MDC-X Media Servers. The software's features include Show Automation, Time Scheduling, Media Manipulation, Geometric Corrections, Seamless Transformations, Image alignment with Soft-edge and Show Pre-sets. System Control is Via the MDC-Touch Remote Control, a web-based app or DMX / Art-Net control. The Mirror Head systems versatile design
UK - Universal Pixels, has become the latest rental and video production staging specialist to add Epson’s laser projectors to its product portfolio. Established just six months ago, UK based Universal Pixels has already supplied bespoke video solutions for some of the world’s best known bands. The impressive line-up includes names such as Radiohead, The Killers, Blondie, Robbie Williams, Gorillaz, Rick Astley, Primus and Agnes Obel. Universal Pixels is using Epson’s EB-L25000U laser projectors as part of the staging for Radiohead’s current world tour, Moon Shaped Pool, which includes a headline performance at Glastonbury this weekend. London grime collective, Boy Better Know also used two of the 25,000 lumens projectors to launch its takeover of London’s The 02 on August’s bank holiday weekend, and Rick Astley’s recent tour included a laser projec
UK - The d&b GB team has announced a new two hour installation showcase exploring the latest pro audio solutions for optimal sonic results and visually unobtrusive design. Hosted by the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (RCSSD) the presentation will run twice, first at 11:00, and again at 14:00 on Thursday 13 July at the Embassy Theatre in Swiss Cottage, London. “This is a great opportunity for anyone who would like to know more about the dedicated installation products and what can be achieved, even in the most challenging of venues,” says Steve Jones from d&b Education and Application Support. “With lots of listening we’ll experience the smart and scalable xS-Series loudspeakers – particularly the 10S, 12S and newly released 24S, alongside their counterpart subwoofers. We’ll also look at the 10D and 30D amplifiers, with their installa
South Africa - Just over two years ago, Bernard Gramann became the sole owner and founder of Core Productions, a Cape Town rental based company. In this time, his equipment retinue has grown to include Robin 300 LEDWash fixtures, Robin Mini Pointes, Spikies, the MVS Hazer, base plates, a Beavis and Huey Distro, Prolyte trussing and much more. “It’s been quite a ride over the past few years,” Bernard is now able to say with a smile. While he has had his fingers burnt on a few occasions by people he trusted, the challenges have moulded him to make a difference in the establishment he now runs. “In a short time, we have built an amazing company with amazing people in it,” said Bernard. “There isn’t much more to say other than we are an honest, ethical and an exciting team to work with who love what we do and respect those who we do it with, and for!.<
UK - Northwest based technical production supplier, Sterling Event Group, has continued its dedication to investing in its equipment by purchasing the latest lighting gear from Clay Paky. After success with other industry leading Claypaky products, such as Alpha Spot and B-eye and Sharpy fixtures, Richard Bowden, MD of Sterling, decided to invest further by purchasing the Mythos 2 Hybrid fixture, which is currently specified by leading designers for many TV shows and concert tours. Richard commented: “We have had great success with our previous Claypaky fixtures in terms of performance and reliability, we are looking forward to using the Mythos 2 in the coming months across lots of our client’s events. In fact, the fixtures are already straight out of the door on a fashion show for one of the UK’s best known retailers.” Other recent additions to the Ster
UK - Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance is London’s International Drama School. Students from over 40 different countries study on the 15 different vocational and professional degree courses, with notable alumni including Gary Oldman, Hayley Squires and Tom Baker. Every year, the College hosts a Graduate Exhibition in order to give its graduating students a launchpad into the industry. Having worked with the College for over ten years now, White Light was called upon to provide the complete technical solutions. This year’s Graduate Exhibition was named Beginner’s Call and took place at the Ugly Duck in central London. The head of production was Anthony Sammut, the production manager was Toscane Luckett whilst Sam Jackson was the technical manager. Sam states: “My role on the exhibition was to work closely with Ollie Brennan (technical superv
UK - The eighth Rigging Conference, being held again during PLASA 2017 at Olympia, London, on Monday 18 September, sees a change in its format and the focus of its content as it moves away from more traditional presentations allowing more time for discussion with delegates and panels of experts. With a keynote presentation delivered by Morris Lyda, former tour truck driver, roadie, latterly prodigious production manager and owner of the Morris Lyda Organisation, the Conference targets a broader audience, focusing not only on rigging topics but on production and safety issues as well. Content will be themed around questions raised by the rigging and production communities over the past 12 months and will continue to be developed as additional, pertinent issues are highlighted and will be very much a ‘talking shop’. “In previous years, we’ve had traditiona
UK - All Spotlight and Headline Sponsors have been confirmed for the 10th anniversary edition of The Knight of Illumination (KOI) Awards, which will be held once again at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London on 17 September. One of the biggest nights in the Entertainment Technology industry calendar, the KOI Awards celebrate the exceptional creative talents of international lighting and digital content designers working in the UK across the sectors of television, theatre and concert touring & events. Awards in each of these sectors are sponsored by individual industry organisations known as the Spotlight Sponsors. Coming on board for the first time as Spotlight Sponsors this year are ADB sponsoring the Theatre Award for Plays, Altman Lighting sponsoring the Television Award for Small Studio, Avolites sponsoring the Concert Touring & Events Award for Stage
UK - Newcastle-based Nitelites is the latest UK rental company to become a certified L-Acoustics K1 partner, having recently taken delivery of a full K1 system. Nitelites plans, designs and delivers events both in the UK and around Europe. It was founded in 1983 and is one of the most well-known and respected rental companies in the North of England. Nitelites’ dedication to providing a first-class service and the latest equipment has ensured steady expansion. Its investment in K1 underlines this continued commitment. “Everyone who works for Nitelites has a passion for the technical side of audio,” says the company’s Andy Magee. “This means that we want the best equipment we can get and for a large-scale line array, that means K1.” “The K1 network in the United Kingdom is already top flight,” affirms Paul McMullan, regional sales manager at L-Aco
Bridge Over Troubled Water - Artists including Emeli Sande, Pixie Lott, and Stormzy gathered at London’s Sarm Studios to record a Grenfell Tower charity single. The cover of Simon and Garfunkel's hit Bridge Over Troubled Water was organised by Simon Cowell, a Kensington resident. Sande said: "It's really inspiring to see people come together. It gives you hope in humanity." Live Streaming Tommy - A production with inclusive theatre consortium Ramps on the Moon will be live-streamed to care homes across the UK. Rock musical The Who’s Tommy will be broadcast from London’s Theatre Royal Stratford East on 17 June. Residents at adult social care homes across the UK will be able to watch the production, which is being streamed as part of Ramps on the Moon’s initiative to make theatre accessible to all. Ramps on the Moon work with disabled
USA - Robe’s Spikie has been named as one of the 2016-17 Live Design ‘Products of the Year’, which were selected by a panel of industry experts and aficionados, including designers, programmers and engineers active in the essential production disciplines of lighting, sound and video. Robe’s Craig Burross (national business development manager) went to New York to accept the Award, presented during a special ceremony at the Upper Story by Charlie Palmer in midtown Manhattan. Craig commented, "I was honoured to accept the award on behalf of Robe and everyone in our ‘family’ greatly and sincerely appreciates this new product recognition for Spikie. We would like to say a big thank-you to everyone at Live Design and of course to our amazing Robe Lighting customers!" Bob Schacherl, CEO of Robe North America said, “We are extremely pleased with how well t
South Africa - Phil Blue, sales manager at Green Hippo, joined with DWR Distribution to deliver a week-long training programme to Green Hippo’s South African distributor’s client base. Sessions were led by Phil with logistical and technical support from DWR’s local staff. First stop on the Republic of South Africa schedule was Cape Town, where Phil gave an illuminating session, including using DWR’s Hippotizer Boreal and Karst set-up to take attendees through ZooKeeper – Hippotizer’s interface, which allows for real-time control of the engine and all its components. Phil then flew to South Africa’s east coast to take a session in DWR’s Durban office. The day again covered ZooKeeper, as well as ideas regarding using Green Hippo products in Durban’s churches and theatres, such as the historic Playhouse Theatre. Phil then journeyed to Johannesburg where
Poland - One of the top PA companies in Poland, GMB Pro Sound, selected two of Allen & Heath’s flagship dLive S Class mixing systems from its hire stock to manage monitors at the Polsat SuperHit Festival in Sopot. Polsat SuperHit Festival is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in Poland, and features performances from the biggest stars of the Polish pop music scene. This year, more than 30 artists performed including T.Love, Kortez and Sarsa. Comprising S7000 Surfaces and DM64 MixRacks, the dual dLive system managed all the monitor requirements for the multiple acts over the weekend. The event was also broadcast on national TV, with viewing figures reaching 2.43m. “When managing such a big event, it is essential that equipment is reliable, intuitive and fast. These features are easily achieved by the dLive S Class,” comments Marcin del Fidali
USA - Every four years, audio producer/engineer Tom Lazarus heads to Fort Worth, TX to begin working on one of his favourite projects, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. With much of the classical music world focused on the prestigious event, Lazarus turns to DPA Microphones' d:dicate 4006 Omnidirectional Microphone to showcase the competitors’ amazing piano playing talents. Lazarus has been a long-time DPA user and considers the d:dicate 4006 to be his microphone of choice for piano. “The d:dicate 4006 has the clarity needed for an event that features multiple pianos like this one,” says Lazarus. “The 30 contestants from all over the world that make it to Texas have a choice of one of three Steinways to perform on. The d:dicate 4006 grabs the character of the various pianos exceptionally well. It is a flat and honest microphone that suits this situatio
UK - Following on from a highly successful event in 2016, creative agency Imagination has once again produced Make the Future London and the Shell Eco-marathon Europe, a four-day event held at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. The event promotes innovation and future technologies, and includes a variety of family-friendly activities and exhibits to educate and entertain. Imagination’s global project director, Lynda Hickey, and event technical director, Matt Francis, called on PRG XL Video to supply lighting, rigging, and video technology for the event, as the company was able to provide technology across all three disciplines. PRG XL rigging account manager, Ade Stead, worked with Imagination’s brief to specify and build rigging structures for the outdoor stages, LED screens and lighting, and truss and supports for the lighting in multiple m
Australia - RÜFÜS is quickly becoming one of Australia’s most in-demand live acts, and for their most recent tour, the band scaled up its audio quality with an Adamson E-Series loudspeaker system provided by Eighth Day Sound Australia. Following no less than five 2016 ARIA Award nominations (Australia’s Grammys), RÜFÜS embarked on their Full Bloom Australian tour in early 2017, hitting 13 markets they missed during their last sold-out run through the country. Wanting to make a statement with a show that reflects their growing stature, the band brought out the Adamson E-Series solution. Systems tech Chris ‘Chopper’ Morrison, who works with top touring acts including The Who, had encountered Adamson’s E15 three-way, true line source loudspeakers at some of the bigger music festivals around the globe and was thoroughly impressed by their performance.
USA - This month, new and classic stars are performing at the iHeartSummer ’17 Weekend at Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, culminating in a TV special and live, two-day national broadcast across 130+ iHeartRadio stations, websites, and apps. Integral to the show lighting’s networking and data distribution are four ProPlex GBS Gigabit switches. “We have four GBS switches on the job - Two at FOH and two at pits backstage,” explains show lighting director and programmer, Michael Appel. “We have an A/B network set up at FOH with A side switch and processing for the main show. B side is a full back-up to an A/B Cat 5switch that feeds down the fibre net to various sACN nodes.” Appel adds: “We have used ProPlex GBS on massive shows including Kids Choice Awards, Teen Choice and the iHeartRadio Festival in Las Vegas. The switches are very robust and we trust them to ha
USA - Voted for and recognised by the industry, AV Stumpfl received accolades for Wings Engine Stage media server and Monoclip screen system, both showing for the first time at InfoComm 2017. On 13 June, Monoclip won the Rental & Staging Award for Best Projection Screen. It has all the features of the Monoblox system with a full clean profile without studs and press snaps. The Monoclip's entire frame block unfolds and the snap joints lock automatically for an ultra-fast set-up process. The MonoClip vinyl surface can be stretched easily and attached to the frame with patented QuickClip hooks. This gives the surface a perfect mat, seamless accurate fit to the projected image. The fully upgraded Wings Engine Stage media server also won a Rental & Staging Award for Best Show Control Product. It combines a durable hardware platform with automatic camera based softed
Europe - German manufacturer of digital audio and networked audio solutions DirectOut Technologies has recently struck an agreement with KDMC to become a distribution partner for Denmark. The cooperation is based on a longstanding and close relationship with KDMC owner, Kim Johansen. DirectOut CEO and sales manager Jan Ehrlich is pleased with the new business partnership: “Kim Johansen has already worked with us for more than six years, from when he was with Soundware. During that time, Kim was very committed to our brand and products. “As an extremely experienced and professional working audio engineer, he is highly respected by the industry and his clients. Doing business with Kim means that we can be confident that the client is covered perfectly in a qualified way.” Johansen has been involved in large A/V and broadcast projects as product manager and s
UAE - Sennheiser has started its Digital 6000 Demo Tour in the Middle East with the aim of giving customers a chance to get extended hands-on experience with its new wireless microphone system. The audio specialist is accepting requests from rental companies, production houses, large scale venues and broadcasters across the region that are interested in experiencing, first-hand, the impressive capabilities of the Digital 6000. Sennheiser’s System Solutions team, with the support of UAE distributor Venuetech, will provide an on-site introduction and feature orientation on the wireless microphone system after which customers will be able to trial the Digital 6000 at their premises or test them in the field. “The summer period offers rental companies time to spring clean, take stock and prepare for the upcoming season. This means that most sound teams are working at t
