New York (December 22, 2011)—PLASA will present free educational seminars and workshops running alongside PLASA Focus: Austin, PLASA’s inaugural event in North America,on February 22-23, 2012.
“Giving people the opportunity to develop their professional knowledge is key to the success of PLASA Focus: Austin 2012,” comments PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths. “We’re creating an opportunity to talk about the choices behind major projects in the region, from the Austin City Limits studio and The Long Center for Performing Arts, to seminars as broad and far-reaching as the use of lighting in Hollywood.”
The program kicks-off with Green Theatre Initiatives Around the World, which is presented by the Broadway Green Alliance. Aimed at those interested in sustainability in the entertainment industry, the program will feature Charlie Deull, co-chairman of the Broadway Green Alliance, discussing resources available and the common approaches and differences between groups in the US and EU, including Julie’s Bicycle, the Broadway Green Alliance, and The Center for Sustainable Practices, as well as the International Green Theatre Alliance.
Austin City Limits Live! is a seminar about the live music venue that is home to the KLRU-TV produced PBS program Austin City Limits, the longest running music series in American television history. The venue also plays host to 100 concerts a year and lighting designer Walter Olden, production manager Billy Heaslip, and lighting consultant William Strother will discuss the challenges of designing the lighting and technical systems.
For theatre and staging professionals, It’s About the Art… Not the Technology, will be a seminar presented by the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas, debating the role of technology in stage productions.
Practical Applications for Digital Audio Networking, a seminar created by Bob Vanden Burgt of Link USA, will discuss digital audio networking technology, including what it is, how it works, where it’s going in the future, and the obstacles facing the industry.
For pro-audio professionals, Why You Should Never Use a Line Array (or Why You Should) is a non-technical overview of line array theory, plus real world advice on considerations such as size, weight, and design characteristics of modern line arrays. The seminar will explore traditional sound reinforcement scenarios such as theatres, churches, and other small- to medium-sized enclosed spaces.
Alongside the Professional Development Program is an exhibition of new technology, which is free to attend. PLASA Focus: Austin 2012 is PLASA’s inaugural event in North America, which has been designed to shine a spotlight on the entertainment technology community in Texas, and bring professional knowledge to the region’s lighting designers, sound engineers, production companies, dealers and rental houses. It will offer over 80 exhibitors, two days of free sessions and free refreshments. Free visitor registration is open now.
Aspiring lighting designers, sound engineers and video designers can also sign up for Focus: Tech, the live event production workshop running alongside PLASA Focus: Austin 2012, at the Renaissance Austin, on 19-22 February 2012. The 3-4 day hands-on workshop offers a limited number of people the chance to design and run a live concert, which will be performed at PLASA Focus: Austin 2012.
Plasa Focus
www.plasafocus.com/austin
