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UK - The Theatres Trust's eighth annual conference, 'Community Theatres' is open for bookings. This important annual theatre industry event takes place on Monday 28 April 2014 at the City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds.

Conference 14 looks at what makes a community theatre. As new 'Community Rights' give people more of a say on running their local communities, this year's conference considers the role local groups increasingly play as providers of theatres and spaces for theatre.

The conference will look at an inventive range of capital projects and solutions used to secure the future of theatres. These include listing theatres as Assets of Community Value, taking on Community Asset Transfers and raising funds through Community Shares and the Lottery.

Mhora Samuel, director of

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UK - West London based lighting and sound rental and production specialist Entec Sound & Light supplied a full production package for the 2014 Bhangra Showdown event staged at London's Hammersmith Apollo venue by Imperial College's Punjabi Society.

The vibrant event is a full-on dance competition that showcases the colour, style and energy of Bhangra, with eight of the best university Bhangra dance teams in the UK battling for the title. Entec has been involved right since the start of the show in 2008.

This year, the organizers seriously upped the ante when it came to the production and profile of the event which was presented by BBC Radio's Sunny & Shay and also featured live performances from Jaz Dhami and 2010 Britain's Got Talent winners, Spelbound.

Entec asked Simon Tutchener to create a new and eye-catching lighting scheme for the show which included five columns of u

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USA - Free registration is open now for PLASA Focus: Baltimore 2014. This will be the first PLASA Focus event to take place in the Mid-Atlantic region, taking place on Thursday 8 May and Friday 9 May, 2014 at the Reitz Arena, Loyola University, Maryland.

Companies already signed up to exhibit at the show include; Philips Entertainment, Chauvet Professional, Ultratec, 4Wall, James Thomas Engineering, ETC, Elation Professional, Barbizon, Apollo, GLP, Creative Stage Lighting, Altman, Enttec, Harrington Hoists, Drape Kings, Le Maitre, Rosco and TMB, among many others. With many other applications currently being processed, companies interested in exhibiting are advised to move quickly to secure their spot.

Running alongside the show is the highly acclaimed PLASA Professional Development Programme which offers two-days of free educational seminars and workshops. The program feature

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Indochine X PixMob Fan Immersion

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's - 40 thousand LED pixels on a ceiling!!! Indochine's whirlwind tour transports fans to another level of the live experience - immersing them from floor to ceiling with PixMob's X4 wristbands, and an LED ceiling made entirely of its NOVA Minis! With the vision of Indochine's creative team, PixMob used its LED fan-technology to turn attendees and venues into an ocean of effects, and a starry sky of LED magic. Très très cool!

Read more about the Indochine tour in the latest issue of LSi

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UK - Former Westlife front man Shane Filan is currently out on his debut solo tour, complete with another first - a sizeable touring speaker system from Flare Audio. This is the first major tour to use Flare Audio's X5 line array, configured with six X5As and four Q18 bass units aside, powered by Lab.gruppen PLM20000Q four channel DSP amplifiers. With industry veteran Steve Levitt at the production helm, Shane Filan is taking in 18 cities around the UK and Eire, finishing in the star's home city of Dublin on 14th March.

Supported by Orbital Sound, the Flare Audio rig represents an extremely compact system that is fully capable of handling the tour's diverse venues. Steve Levitt has been putting the X5A/Q18 rig through its paces, commenting:

"I am really excited by this Flare Audio system on several levels. Not only is it just about as pure a sound as you can get, but it a

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UK - S+H Technical Support's new Glux 3.9 mm hi definition LED screen was recently used to great effect on an event at The Portsmouth Guildhall in the UK which was produced by Sounds Commercial for Affinion International - a global leader in customer engagement and loyalty solutions.

The event's technical production was designed by Sounds Commercial's head of production design, Matt Willsteed. The company, headquartered in Bristol, owns a large amount of equipment and rents in specialist elements as required for specific projects.

For one, Willsteed explains, the requirement was for a very high definition screen at the back of the stage to project a variety of content and IMAG images.

The newly delivered S+H product came on-stream just at the right time for them to be able to replace the projection system used on previous events for this client.

Part of the design concept

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UK - Push The Button Ltd (PTB), the specialist electrical contractor for the entertainment industry, has recently completed the creation of a new backstage artists lounge for the Barbican Concert Hall in London.

The Concert Hall, part of the Barbican Centre, is the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, and also hosts a wide range of other concerts, productions and events. "The existing backstage area that greeted those performing at the Hall was quite cold and uninviting," comments PTB's Nick Ewins. "It needed some TLC to provide the welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that the great artists who play here deserve before and after a concert."

PTB was selected by the Barbican to explore how lighting might be able to help transform the existing space. The company presented a number of options to the Barbican Centre, aiming to create a versatile lighting system

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Australia - The National Institute of Dramatic Arts has invested in Shure ULX-D digital wireless systems as well as Furman Power Conditioners, to ensure that their students have the latest and best in technology at their disposal.

"We're expanding our acting course to include a larger stream of musical theatre and so we knew we'd need some wireless headsets," commented Felix Kulakowski, audio & video supervisor at NIDA. "Jands allowed us to trial a unit of Shure ULX-D and the specs and cost, particularly for 24 channels, were great. Obviously being digital the wireless distribution is so much easier than analogue.

"For 24 channels of analogue wireless you'd need a hell of a lot of distribution and the Parade Theatre is appalling for RF. Wireless distribution has been a dream because you can theoretically have sixteen channels on one Shure wireless distribut

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USA - Saint Louis University's newly opened Centre for Global Citizenship is both a practical initiative to bring several campus services under a single roof, and a strongly symbolic move that represents the school's commitment to its internationally diverse student body, drawn from 101 nations around the world.

When this wide-ranging group assembles in the new Centre, it needs powerful and highly intelligible sound, and that's exactly what is provided by RoomMatch loudspeakers and PowerMatch amplifiers from Bose Professional Systems.

TSI Technology Solutions, a division of TSI Global, the integrator used by the University to design and install the Centre's AV systems, assembled a system consisting of six RoomMatch loudspeakers (three RM9020 and three RM9010 modules) and two RMS215 subwoofers, all powered by three Bose PowerMatch PM8500N amplifiers.

The Centre for Global Cit

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Germany - At ProLight+Sound, Dynaudio Professional unveiled a new AIR Control application for Mac and PC, allowing users to carry out advanced calibration and alignment of their AIR monitoring system. The software provides access to advanced tools and features inside AIR monitors and subwoofers including timing and SPL calibration and parametric EQs for each monitor. Air Control allows users to define and store custom setups and presets with selective parameter locking, and a special measurement mode provides EQ line signal out from selected monitors.

"AIR Control will be available as a free download, and we are very excited to offer our current and future AIR users the advantages of this intuitive software that easily and intuitively unlocks all the power of their AIR monitor systems." says Fred Speckeen, global business manager for Dynaudio Professional.

"AIR

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Germany - At Prolight+Sound, Studiomaster featured its new Venture Series high performance ultra-compact professional reinforcement cabinets for the first time in Europe.

Available in both active and passive variants, and represents outstanding performance and value for money.

Director of R&D, Paul Belcher, states, "The performance and quality of the Venture Series matches any 1000 watt compact PA speaker currently available, and at a very competitive price. We engaged in a long testing programme in developing the final design, and the resultant performance of the range has far exceeded our original design objectives. The sound quality is exceptional for such a compact and light weight cabinet."

Venture comprises 12 inch and 15 inch 2-way cabinets, and a matched 18 inch sub; available in both 1000 watt active and passive models. The premium compact speaker series i

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Germany - At ProLight+Sound, Dynaudio Professional unveiled a new AIR Control application for Mac and PC, allowing users to carry out advanced calibration and alignment of their AIR monitoring system. The software provides access to advanced tools and features inside AIR monitors and subwoofers including timing and SPL calibration and parametric EQs for each monitor. Air Control allows users to define and store custom setups and presets with selective parameter locking, and a special measurement mode provides EQ line signal out from selected monitors.

"AIR Control will be available as a free download, and we are very excited to offer our current and future AIR users the advantages of this intuitive software that easily and intuitively unlocks all the power of their AIR monitor systems." says Fred Speckeen, global business manager for Dynaudio Professional.

"AIR

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UK - Adastras' new SC series of slimline column speakers is suitable for indoor applications, especially where discretion is a necessity, says the company. The speakers are made from extruded aluminium with a white protective finish, fitted with a white metal grille and white plastic end caps. The high quality speakers provide crisp, clear sound reproduction and come with a 100V line transformer.

The series is supplied with mounting brackets and adjustable volume tappings. Adastra has been supplying installers for over 60 years with recent installations including: Frankie & Bennies, Marks & Spencer, Costa Coffee, Sainsburys, Ikea, Tesco and more.

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USA - Lighting Designer Scott Warner is utilising four of Robe's new Robin Cyclones for the award-winning Swedish DJ duo, Icona Pop, while they perform as the opener for Miley Cyrus on the US leg of her much anticipated Bangerz world tour.

The Cyclone units - a product developed by Robe after an initial design idea by Warner - are being supplied by Theatrical Media Services of Omaha, Nebraska and are making their touring debut after being launched at PLASA London 2013.

The functionality of the Cyclone is very similar to what its name suggests. "It's a high-powered LED wash light with a built-in DMX-controlled fan," enthuses Warner, who is quite literally "blown away" by the fact that he is using four for the first time on this tour.

The Cyclone is an innovative moving head integrating lighting (a ring of 24 high powered RGBW multichip LEDs) and a f

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UK - Fran Healey, the lead singer of Travis, and Marti Pellow, the lead singer of Wet Wet Wet, are the latest in the growing list of vocalists to switch to DPA Microphones' d:facto Vocal Microphone. In both cases, the artists made the change on the recommendation of their live sound engineer, Tom Wiggans.

"I have no problem recommending DPA's new d:facto microphone because I'm so impressed with the results it has delivered for Fran and Marti - and for Dougie Payne, Travis' bass player, who is also using one for his backing vocals," says Wiggans. "Before I tried d:facto, I had tried quite a few vocal microphones that made big promises, but always ended up comparing to the microphone that people have been using for over 40 years.

"However, the d:facto's clarity and ability to capture the true sound source without extraneous background noise has made a real di

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UK - HSL supplied lighting equipment and crew to the recent Avicii tour, once again working with tour director Curly Jobson and production manager Robin Scott following a successful collaboration for the Swedish House Mafia.

Says HSL project manager Mike Oates, "We were very pleased to be involved in this tour with another leading EDM artist with an awesome stage show and high production values right at its core."

The stunningly visual Avicii show was designed by Simon Barrington and Ian Tomlinson, both renowned for their innovative and stylish work in the EDM genre. The show was directed live by video artist and VJ Harry Bird, and was a high-octane collage of lighting, video visuals, pyro, special FX and lasers, energized together in real-time with Avicii's invigorating set.

The overhead lighting was rigged on two 20ft front trusses and a 65 ft back truss which al

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Germany - Philips Showline premiered the SL NITRO 510C today at Prolight+Sound in Frankfurt last week. The unit features full RGBW capabilities within the same compact fixture as the SL NITRO 510, while maintaining similar output, multiple zone control and continuous-on abilities.

"The SL NITRO 510C is a cutting-edge RGBW LED strobe luminaire that delivers intense bursts of coloured and white light and dynamic effects," says Philips Entertainment lighting product manager, Brad Schiller. "The tightly packed array of 264 high power fixed white LEDs and 264 RGB LEDs ensures maximum output for both traditional white effects and an almost infinite choice of colour with full field and even distribution across 120º. The rugged construction, Showline standard LCD menu system, continuous-on operation and lower power consumption guarantee the SL NITRO 510C is the perfect s

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Germany - Since April 2013, several loudspeaker series from Electro-Voice have been certified compliant with EN 54-24, the section of the European standard for fire detection and voice alarm systems that applies specifically to loudspeakers. The following Electro-Voice loudspeakers systems are certified to conform with EN54-24: Sx600 series two-way loudspeakers; EVF-1122S front-loaded systems; EVH-1152D horn-loaded systems; and Zx1i series two-way loudspeakers.

Now, Bosch Communication Systems, owner of the Electro-Voice and Dynacord loudspeaker brands, has announced that it has further expanded its portfolio of EN54-certified equipment.

"We noted a trend in the market towards combined fire warning and voice alarm systems," says Oliver Sahm, director application design with Bosch Communications Systems. "With the certification of our Dynacord Promatrix 8000 syst

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The Netherlands - The new DuraStage PRO-Stage platforms from DuraTruss are both lightweight and solid, with a TÜV-tested loading capacity of 500kg/sq.m (tested under ISO EN14122). The stages are designed to be used both as touring stages and in permanent installations. A universal aluminium profile with module clamps allows for setup in seconds and the adjustable legs level any unevenness in the floor by a simple turn of a screw.

The black anti-slip hexagon style surface is permanently waterproof to allow for outdoor use as well. DuraStage PRO-Stage platforms come in many different shapes, allowing you to design your very own customisable stage.

A wide range of accessories such as various types of stairs, rails, connectors and adapters, as well as a wide range of legs, complete the line. Furthermore, the company adds, owners of older stages, can easily extend their range with

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Germany - Just in time for Prolight and Sound in Frankfurt, DuraTruss announced the hiring of Karsten Steinbach as sales and marketing manager.

Karsten, who has extensive experience in the trussing business from both his education and former employment, has wasted no time in getting started in his new role, having already been involved in the planning of the upcoming show where DuraTruss will exhibit a host of new products.

Along with the internal and external DuraTruss sales team, Karsten's main role is to support key customers and guide larger projects. Furthermore, he will be working together with product development to increase the number of products offered. In the area of marketing, Karsten will work closely with ADJ Group Marketing to increase market presence of the brand, including launch of the new DuraTruss catalogue this summer.

Dirk Kast, CEO of the ADJ Group, of

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France - Following the worldwide success of its flagship K1 touring PA system, L-Acoustics has launched the new K2 system which, the company says, "offers K1 performance in a rescaled package". Pitched as a replacement for the company's successful V-DOSC system, the K2 system's flexibility makes it suited to both permanent installation and touring applications, from theatre to stadium productions. The main system components are the K2 full-range element, with Panflex horizontal steering, operating from 35Hz to 20kHz; the K1-SB low-frequency element, reinforcing LF contour down to 30Hz or LF throw down to 35Hz; the

SB28 low-frequency element, extending the operating bandwidth down to 25Hz; and the LA4X/LA8 amplified controllers or LA-RAK, touring rack fitted with three LA8s.

With its 3-way quad-amplified design, K2 has "an exceptional ability to perform in many a

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Germany - Cadac launched its MegaCOMMS System Network at last week's Prolight+Sound exhibition in Frankfurt. Built on the company's proprietary digital audio protocol and based around the MC CDC Router, MegaCOMMS System Network incorporates the CDC I/O 6448 and CDC I/O 3216 stage boxes, and the MC MADI Bridge and MC Dante Bridge, allowing the configuration of large-scale digital audio networks of up to 3072 audio channels.

Cadac's proprietary protocol offers advanced performance advantages over current systems, with superior bandwidth and latency, supporting 256 bi-directional channels of 96kHz 24bit audio, along with all control data and clock synchronisation, on co-axial cable with runs of up to 150 meters (492 feet). MegaCOMMS networks have only 0.2 milliseconds of delay per link, so even after several links in the network there is negligible aggregated latency. An extensive

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