We just finished the fourth annual Broadway Sound Master Classes, and I can safely say it was the best one yet. I managed to snag the BSMC faculty chair, Abe Jacob, who’s volunteered to offer some insights about the event:

“It has been extremely gratifying for me to see the great interest in theatre sound design demonstrated this wekend at BSMC 2006. Not only the large turnout of students but also the passion, dedication and intelligence expressed gives me great satisfaction that the art of theatre sound design is alive and well. I want to thank all the students, the presentors, the manufacturers and especially, David Johnson and the Magazine staff for once again believing in these classes and providing the means for their continued existence.”

Thanks Abe, and no, I didn’t pay him to say that. In all honesty, the BSMC is Abe’s baby; he’s the one who makes it possible. Thanks Abe, for all your efforts, both for the classes and for theatre sound design in general.

This year’s show seemed to be the biggest one yet in terms of attendance. I noticed the enthusiasm was quite high among the attendees and I could tell that being at BSMC has really paid off for us in terms of our brand recogition. It seemed that most of the attendees were aware of Lectrosonics and what we do, so it was a pleasant change that I could concentrate more on the product and less on trying to get people to know who we were and what we do.

For me, NYU was far and aware the best venue yet and the logisistic worked out really well for me.

It’s also a great show for networking and I always feel like I’ve made a lot of new friends. Can’t wait to do it again!

Howard Kaufman

Lectrosonics

Let’s hear from our friends at d&b, exhibitors with us this year at the BSMC. Here’s William Cornell…

We’ve had a great time this year. Our first system design seminar in New York was held on Thursday at City Center Theatre, and it was such a smashing success, we’ve decided to do another in September. Six of our European colleagues joined us for the week, so we had plenty of tools on hand. An plenty of fun. But not nearly enough knobs….

We’re all very happy to be associated with this event, which provides a great amount of insight to the many participants, all of whom are eager to learn from the pros.

Hope to see you all next year.

Simon Johnston of d&b, is attending the BSMC as a coporate sponsor, all the way from Nailsworth, Stroud, Glouchestershire, England, UK… Simon, what are your impressions of the BSMC?

Simon says…. It’s been great to be with everyone, we’ve had a lot of fun and learned some new tricks, so it’s been time well spent! It is always good to meet students on days like these, they’re the future of our business.

ELG: Hi, I’m here at the BSMC, with Paul Fronc from Show Concepts and Systems in Baltimore, MD, who is a BSMC veteran, attending for the third time. Paul, what are your impressions of the classes this year?

PF: A large group is in attendance this year, and the discussions have been many, and varied relative to equipment and technological areas. The presentations and presenters are friendly, open, and more than willing to give of their time and attention to help educate and inform, without thought of your “standing ” in the industry, pro or novice. Thanks so much to all of them! However, there may be vaiue in discussing the “life” of a designer, especially in the theatre world. That is, on a day-to-day basis, what does a person involved in the creation of a production, do? How do you, in a design function, market your services, write a contract with producers, ( and for what benefits? ie. design fees, rights protection for your efforts, future income over time, points/ percentages, etc.) In a nutshell, especially for younger people, students, etc., how is the “business” of design operated and run? And, is it right for you!

ELG: What is happening in the sound arena for the corporate and commerical projects that you specialize in, and how do the sessions at the BSMC inform or inspire you?

PF: Currently, my work is generally geared toward providing sound services for A/V multimedia special events in the Washington, DC area. There is typically a greater focus and concern placed on the visual component of an event, although sound is gaining in importance and priority. The line array is becoming the norm, and digital consoles are appearing more often on site. There is not too much need, in my market, for complex cueing, and/or memory storage of show info, mostly due to the “one-off” type of shows we do.

The BSMC classes are very helpful in keeping up-to-date with the advances, and future possibilities, of the gear and designs of systems. It’s also the ONLY place to meet, greet, brainstorm, and create with the BEST in the fields of sound design, equipment manufacturers, and to contact the pros for suggestions and help in clarifying your thoughts on the subjects at hand! Every time I’ve attended, I find my energies rejuvenated, and passion restored!

True, my years of operating for many theatrical tours and concert events are not directly aligned with the “cut-and-dried” world of talking heads at podiums, and video playback/ projection. There is, however, great value in bringing “performance/ show biz” energy and values, to the rather staid world of the suits-and-ties set!!!!!

“AIN’T SHOWBIZ FUN!”

ELG: Thanks Paul. And as they say, “Same Time Next Year.!”