Lighting Sessions

Wednesday, March 19

A panel of experts discuss how to effectively incorporate theatrical lighting for multiple needs (i.e. from traditional for teaching to concert lighting with intelligent fixtures and atmosphere enhancers) of music/worship, teaching, and HDTV broadcast.

A distinguished panel of lighting designers is joined by a choreographer/designer to discuss the concepts first presented by Alain Bernardin, a Parisian entrepreneur and lighting designer. The Crazy Horse Paris was created in 1951 by Alain Bernardin, who wanted to create a show that was more striking than a traditional striptease, where the dancers are flawless, the lighting is imaginative and every scene is seductive. He experimented with light and color projections, strobe effects and more. His use of projection on the human body transforms the form into an exciting vision in movement. In 2001, when the Crazy Horse Paris celebrated its 50th anniversary, the show La Femme was introduced to Las Vegas. It was renamed MGM Grand's Crazy Horse Paris in 2007. Lighting and shadows play an integral part in this fantasy show. Dancers' body parts become mysteriously invisible, through a kaleidoscope of colors. Each trained in ballet, the show's dancers come directly from the original Crazy Horse dance troupe; the light designs that play upon their bodies are created by a master at work.

This session will examine the design aspect of moving lights and how to integrate them into the process.

In this open session, participants can share ideas for future Lighting Commission programming and projects, and meet the Commission leadership. Everyone is welcome, especially new members and students. A great first step to getting involved with lighting at USITT.

A Health & Safety session of the Lighting Commission looking into safe practices for large transformers, generators, and non-U.S. voltage.

Grad schools, internships, employments – do we give students the skills they need to succeed in the ever-changing world of lighting?

Thursday, March 20

Using conventional fixtures, the lab will explore and demonstrate how to project different images using some of the technology available today.

The ins and outs about putting together a lighting text book by today's leading authors and assistants.

Steve Shelley will examine, discuss, and use instrument focusing techniques as put forth in his book A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting. The session will show the observer how to better utilize available time and personnel in order to complete a focus call. Will also provide insights on how to better organize design paperwork to the same end.

Friday, March 21

Members will finalize programming for the 2009 USITT Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. Projects and future events in the Lighting Commission also will be discussed. Everyone is welcome.

Three student designers will be given the same scene from a dance, opera, or piece of theatre and will have their work reviewed by a distinguished group of panelists.

An examination of the different types of LED fixtures and their application in design.

This seminar will provide an in-depth look at building a design career in a major regional city outside the New York market. Using Houston as a backdrop, resident designers and lighting supervisors from the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, and other companies within the city, as well as freelance designers who work within the city will discuss their own career paths, the opportunities for design in the regional market, and how one can build a career and life as a designer who is based outside of New York. Co-sponsored by The Hemsley Lighting Programs and the USITT Lighting Commission, this annual seminar seeks to bring together young designers and noted professionals for a unique look at specific areas of careers in lighting. Moderated by Mark Stanley, Resident Lighting Designer, New York City Ballet.

Open for all members, the reception allows participants to meet others in the Commission. Free food and cash bar.

Saturday, March 22

A panel presentation on the highlights of the lighting sessions at Scenofest during the 2007 Prague Quadrennial.

A panel discussion on international lighting equipment and its integration into United States markets. Topics may include: the influence of international stage lighting equipment on domestic equipment inventory; uniqueness of international designs; U.S. market interest; impact of corporate mergers on individual product identity and global vs. national product design and marketing; stand alone companies vs. European products absorbed into U.S. product lines; and how this equipment is marketed and sold in Europe.

The second in a three-part series examining international approaches to teaching lighting design. Korean and British instructors approach lighting in their respective parts of the world.