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ESTA Bids Fond Farewell to Frances Thompson and Welcomes Laura Hoepker

Frances Thompson

 

After a storied career in the entertainment industry, ESTA’s Membership Manager, Frances Thompson, will be retiring at the end of 2021. For over two decades, she has been a vital force in the growth of the association and a galvanizing presence at trade shows and events. In 1996, Thompson was appointed to the ESTA Board of Directors, after being a part of the Business Resource Group for several years. She then served as Manufacturer Director until early 2000, when she was appointed as an Affiliate Director. Around 2001, Thompson joined the ESTA staff and has since held several titles. On her retirement, Thompson remarked, “I will miss engaging with members and staff. We are irreverent, creative, resourceful, opinionated, and uproarious. But most of my family and friends are as well, so I will be happy.” Thompson may be reached at [email protected] or 865-298-0267 through the end of 2021.Read More »ESTA Bids Fond Farewell to Frances Thompson and Welcomes Laura Hoepker

The Stage Managers’ Association Announces 2021 Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement

The Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) has announced its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management. The 2021 honorees are distinguished theatrical stage managers Ruth E. Kramer and Lynda A. Lavin, television stage manager Arthur Lewis, and in-memoriam legendary Broadway stage manager Charles Allen Blackwell. In addition to these Lifetime Achievement Awards, the SMA will honor the 101 Black Stage Managers celebration with a Special Recognition Award.Read More »The Stage Managers’ Association Announces 2021 Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement

Strand Debuts Acclaim LED Series, a Full Luminaire Solution for Smaller Theatrical Spaces

Dallas, TX—Strand a Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) entertainment lighting brand, today announced the Acclaim LED Series, a complete range of theatrical luminaires ideally suited for education theatre spaces, community… Read More »Strand Debuts Acclaim LED Series, a Full Luminaire Solution for Smaller Theatrical Spaces

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Actors’ Equity and Off-Broadway League Reach New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Actors’ Equity Association and the Off-Broadway League recently announced they have reached a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to deliver a contract that addresses the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and includes new workplace safety guidelines and long-term financial stability for stage managers, actors, and producers. The agreement also has new provisions that strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and protocols for addressing issues of harassment and discrimination.Read More »Actors’ Equity and Off-Broadway League Reach New Collective Bargaining Agreement

Museum of Broadway to Open in Times Square in Summer 2022

A rendering of the Broadway Museum. Courtesy of Paul Bennett Architects, PC

 

NEW YORK – The Museum of Broadway, a museum dedicated to the storied history, legendary artistry, and lasting legacy of Broadway musicals, plays, and theaters, will open next summer in the heart of Times Square at 145 West 45th Street.

This interactive and immersive experience, founded by entrepreneur and four-time Tony Award® nominated producer Julie Boardman, and Diane Nicoletti, founder of award-winning experiential agency Rubik Marketing, will offer guests a unique look at the rich history of Broadway, a sneak peek behind-the-scenes, and a chance to personally engage with the “game-changing” shows that redefined Broadway forever.Read More »Museum of Broadway to Open in Times Square in Summer 2022