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In Memoriam: Paul Huntley, Wig Designer

Broadway wig designer Paul Huntley died on July 9, 2021, at the age of 88. He passed peacefully in London after a short illness. We at Stage Directions send our sincere condolences to Huntley’s colleagues, friends, and family. Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that Huntley made the decision to retire after working on hundreds of Broadway projects since coming to New York in 1972. His final project was Diana, which had begun previews before the pandemic forced its opening to be delayed. Here’s a video from the American Theatre Wing’s Working in the Theatre series on Huntley:

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CIC News | Showstoppers Costume Exhibit Opening in Times Square to Benefit Industry

The Costume Industry Coalition is putting on a benefit exhibition—Showstoppers! Spectacular Costumes from Stage & Screen—that’s being staged at 234 West 42nd Street for an eight-week limited engagement, running August 5 through September 26, 2021. Showstoppers will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. The 20,000 square-foot space formerly was a Modell’s sporting goods store that design firm Thinc Design transformed into an immersive maze featuring more than 100 of the industry’s most beautiful and complex garments. As guests make their way through the exhibit, they will get to see up close the detail and craftsmanship typically only seen far away on stage or screen. Here’s a video preview from the CIC:

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LumenRadio Creates Unified Standard for Wireless DMX Combining CRMX and W-DMX

GOTHENBURG, Sweden- For over a decade LumenRadio has provided their wireless DMX technology CRMX (Cognitive Radio MultiPlex).  With last year’s acquisition of Wireless Solution, they now own both the W-DMX and CRMX technology. With the focus on user experience and industry standardization; LumenRadio now presents a unified technology platform creating a seamless experience for all users of Wireless DMX.

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S*P*A*Minar | The Art of Authenticity: Making Your Paper Props Shine with Natalie Kearns, July 18th

Have you ever struggled with making your paper props authentic? We all know that they can be an overwhelming and intimidating part of the prop master’s job. Well good news! This month’s S*P*A*Minar, from the good folx at the Society of Properties Artisan Managers, The Art of Authenticity: Making Your Paper Props Shine will take a look at dealing with paper props with S*P*A*M Member Natalie Kearns on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.Read More »S*P*A*Minar | The Art of Authenticity: Making Your Paper Props Shine with Natalie Kearns, July 18th

IATSE Local One and the Metropolitan Opera Reach a Tentative Agreement Paving the Way for Opera Season to Begin – If Contract is Ratified by the Union’s Membership

    NEW YORK – After nearly round-the-clock negotiations at the end of June that lasted into the July 4th holiday weekend, negotiators for the… Read More »IATSE Local One and the Metropolitan Opera Reach a Tentative Agreement Paving the Way for Opera Season to Begin – If Contract is Ratified by the Union’s Membership

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The Society of Properties Artisan Managers (S*P*A*M) Elects New Officers

Last month the Society of Properties Artisan Managers (S*P*A*M) held its annual officer elections. Stage Directions sends its congratulations and welcomes S*P*A*M’s new officers—Jeffery Bazemore as President, Amy Peter as Treasurer, and Erin Keller as Secretary. The S*P*A*M membership thank former President Jim Guy, Treasurer Patricia Olive, and Secretary and Historian Deb Morgan for their many years of excellent service and dedication to S*P*A*M.

The S*P*A*M elections are usually held at its annual conference in August, but the members voted to hold the election a few months early this year to allow a transition period for the new officers. Amy Peter was elected at the 2020 conference.Read More »The Society of Properties Artisan Managers (S*P*A*M) Elects New Officers

Behind the Scenes Announces Mental Health First Aid Training Classes in August for Entertainment Industry Workers

  NY – In response to ongoing demand, the Behind the Scenes Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative has posted new online Mental Health First… Read More »Behind the Scenes Announces Mental Health First Aid Training Classes in August for Entertainment Industry Workers

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Equity Releases New Streamlined COVID Safety Protocols; AEA and LORT Agreement on Safety Protocols

Actors’ Equity Association, the national union representing more than 51,000 professional stage managers and actors in live theatre, has updated its safety protocols for theatres across the country with fully vaccinated companies, including the lifting of masking and testing mandates. These new guidelines have been significantly streamlined compared to previous versions.Read More »Equity Releases New Streamlined COVID Safety Protocols; AEA and LORT Agreement on Safety Protocols

Return to the Stage Final Survey now open until July 14th

RETURN TO THE STAGE, a study of the impact of COVID-19 on Performing Arts workers, is conducting its third and final survey July 1-14. The study authors of the survey, Meg Friedman and David J. McGraw, note that over 4,700 workers participated in the first two surveys. For this final survey they have added some new questions as venues begin to reopen.

If you worked or volunteered in the Performing Arts in the United States from March 2019 through March 2020, please make your voice heard and participate in this study. To read previous reports and to participate in this final survey, visit  www.returntothestage.com. Read More »Return to the Stage Final Survey now open until July 14th