Skip to content

Articles

Dealing with Loss

This month, I am writing to all of you about a serious situation in our industry. Every production inevitably ends up suffering from this serious condition at some point in preproduction, or even after the show opens. It is time that we all work together as professionals to help reduce further occurrences of this terrible state of affairs. As I am sure most of you reading this are aware, all too often, cues and looks get programmed and never used.

Read More »
LD Kevin (Deuce) Christopher

LD Deuce’s Journey; Candace’s Comeback; Gotye; Arthur’s Day; Short Ozzy Summer; Swingin’ Johnsons

When the lights go down in the venue, and Journey takes the stage, LD Kevin “Deuce” Christopher is ready to rock with their hits and ballads on their North American tour, which runs to December. The hit TV show Glee and the new film Rock of Ages have fueled the fire of interest in the band, with songs “Don’t Stop Believin’” and more bringing in fans of all ages to the shows. Deuce has worked with Journey on seven tours now since 2004.

Read More »
Illustration by Andy Au

…And Then There’s the Other Guy

Last month, I wrote about the benefits of working with some small lighting companies. But this article is dedicated to the shoddy lighting vendors out there. They will promise you the world and an abundance of fabulous gear. But as soon as you get to the gig, it doesn’t take long to realize some salesman/owner of a little company has bent you over a barrel. I’m like an elephant. I don’t forget these people.

Read More »

Road Scholars, Then and Now

Life on the road, living the life of a roadie: What does that really mean? It could mean many different things, depending on who you talk to and what type of tour. Rock legends go on and on about the old days. We have all heard the stories. If not, do a YouTube search and you’ll find plenty of rock stars reminiscing about the “good old days.” One of my favorites has to be Van Halen’s rider that specified a bowl of M&Ms for the dressing room, with all the brown ones removed. If you’re a rock god, I guess you get what you want — but David Lee Roth has since explained that it wasn’t the brown M&Ms that he hated, but inattention to detail, which increases safety risks.

Read More »
Spiegelworlds Empire photo by Thom Kaine

Spiegelworld’s Empire

While Broadway has become a haven for family-friendly entertainment, some people want to spice things up along the Great White Way. That’s where the production of Spiegelworld’s Empire comes in. The irreverent show is a bawdy mix of circus stunts, cabaret performance and vaudevillian hijinks filled with innuendo, naughty jokes and a touch of skin. The circus acts range from a highly agile acrobatic trio clad in lingerie to twirling, high-speed skaters to an amazing balancing act with bones and a feather. It’s a rollicking good time for adults.

Read More »
American Ninja Warrior set photo by Justin Lang

American Ninja Warrior

A TV Lighting Crew Takes On the World’s Toughest Obstacle Course

Japanese TV has long featured contests where everyday people risk public humiliation for a chance at getting on national TV — picture 10 contestants in inflatable bowling pin costumes waddling away from a giant rolling ball. But Sasuke, or Ninja Warrior, a series of TV specials that first hit the airwaves in 1997, is different. These competitions focus more closely on each participant’s Ninja-like qualities: strength and agility.

Read More »