Just nominated for Best Lighting Design Of A Musical for 110 in the Shade, Christopher Akerlind shared his thoughts at the BLMC this morning in his session on his designs for both 110 in the Shade and Talk Radio.

As a first time exhibitor at BLMC, I am very impressed. The atmosphere of the exhibit is youthful, vibrant, informative and a joy to be a part of. The Live Design Honors was also an occasion that was great to be a part of. The panel discussion honoring Hal Prince was insightful, humorous, and every bit as good as an episode of Inside the Actors Studio. If you’ve never been to a BLMC, you’re missing a great event like no other in the industry.

- Jeremy Powell

VectorWorks Spotlight

www.vectorworks.net

What a successful evening after day one of the Master Classes…last night was the Live Design Honors, at which legendary director and producer Hal Prince was honored, along with a panel discussion moderated by LD Allen Lee Hughes at the Rosenthal Pavilion of the Kimmel Center at New York University. Participating in the panel were Lisa Aronson, Beowulf Boritt, Judith Dolan, Eugene Lee, Richard Pilbrow, and David Rockwell.

AND, thanks to all the generosity of our guests, ESTA’s Behind The Scenes Foundation raised a whopping $7,210 at the cocktail reception and silent auction before the panel. Whohoooo! Thanks to all those who bid on items and also to those who donated to the auction.

Manufacturers are getting ready now for their second day of presenting to the attendees. We’re going to grab a few to guest blog in a bit.

Its wonderful to be involved with the 13th master class. Judging from the questions asked today after my lecture this is the brightest group of students we have had. I am looking forward to hearing the rest of the talented speakers. See you next year.

Jules Fisher

I enjoyed listening to Jules Fisher’s presentation. It is always beneficial for me to hear the experiences of a lighting veteran, and learn new ways of approaching a project that will make me a better designer. I especially felt enlightened (pun intended) by his recommendation to always try to do something different and to not let your work be predictable. The goal of pushing yourself to new experiences and expectations was well conveyed in his presentation.

At the lunch, I didn’t spend much time looking at the manufacturers’ products (except the VL3500 Wash and the EOS console), but I took advantage of networking with some industry professionals. It was an excellent opportunity to catch up with some fellow industry professionals, and make some new friends.

Jim Ohrberg

Programmer/Designer

Busch Entertainment Corporation