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22 October 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the fourth edition of its proactive annual event the Make A Difference Conference, returning in 2026 with a focus on bridging the gap between formal training and ongoing professional development in the theatre and live performance industry. The day’s theme will be Continuing to Learn Beyond Education.

The 2026 conference will be held on Thursday 16 April 2026 at Bathway Theatre, University of Greenwich.

“This year’s theme will focus on the employment sector as we explore how we can improve learning and development outside our formal higher education training schemes,” say the organisers. “By bringing together both sides of our industry, those that teach and train, together with employers we will break down the discourse between the two sides, and work together

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21 October 2025

Grassroots - Arts Council England is to invest £42m into grassroots culture projects over the next three years of its Creative People and Places portfolio. It represents the largest sum to be distributed so far as part of the programme, which funds community-led creative initiatives in areas where involvement in the arts is below the national average.

The refreshed portfolio of projects to receive funding is also the largest yet, ACE said, spanning 63 local authority areas, with Croydon, Nuneaton and Bedworth among the localities set to benefit from the funding for the first time. Existing initiatives, including Flux in Rotherham and Appetite in Stoke-on-Trent, which promote arts and culture involvement for locals, will be supported to expand their work.

The funding body said that £162m will now have been invested in more than 15,000 grass

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17 October 2025

Japan - Loudspeaker manufacturer Funktion-One has appointed Audio Gears Co as its distributor for Japan and Taiwan, building on the company’s successful presence in Thailand and Vietnam.

Audio Gears Japan will be headed by CEO Osamu Satoh and Audio Gears Taiwan by CEO Joyun Huang. With offices in their respective countries, both executives and their teams bring deep industry knowledge, local market expertise and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences.

Parent company Audio Gears Co is led by founder Jesada ‘Jack’ Pattanatabut (CEO), owner of Production Company and a respected live sound engineer, together with Bob Siripremanant (COO), owner of After Miracle Plus Company. Between them, they bring more than 60 years of combined experience in pro audio rental, live sound and concert production management.

Osamu Sato

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17 October 2025

Europe - Adam Hall Integrated Systems continues to expand its international dealer network. With immediate effect, installation solutions from LD Systems, Palmer, Gravity, Adam Hall Cables und Adam Hall 19” parts are available in Belgium via DigiNet.

Paul Nijsen, product manager live power, DigiNet, comments, “We are delighted to add Adam Hall Integrated Systems' high-quality installation solutions to our portfolio. The one-stop solution approach with matching brands complements our range in many ways. Our goal is to work with Adam Hall Integrated Systems to implement customised solutions for our customers in order to make a long-term impact on the market in Belgium.”

Leon Vissers, account manager Benelux, Adam Hall Group, adds, “DigiNet combines in-depth market knowledge with technical consulting expertise, making it an important strategic p

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17 October 2025

Estonia - HK Audio has named Rock Distribution as its new official distribution partner for Estonia. The company is now the exclusive distributor for HK Audio in the country, offering the German manufacturer’s products to the local market. 

"I am very pleased to announce that we have taken over the distribution of HK Audio in Estonia,” says Edijs Rudzis, CEO of Rock Distribution. “HK Audio is a strong and recognised player in the field of professional audio technology, and we firmly believe in its innovative strength and quality. This partnership strengthens our position in the market and enables us to bring first-class sound solutions even closer to our Estonian customers. We look forward to a successful future together."

“We are delighted to have gained an experienced and committed partner for Estonia in Rock Distribution,” adds Christia

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17 October 2025

South Africa - Earlier this year, DWR Distribution welcomed DiGiCo’s Tristan Mazire and Ian Staddon to South Africa for a DiGiCo masterclass. DWR’s Kyle Robson, who represents the DiGiCo brand at DWR, helped coordinate the visit.

The masterclass took place at DWR’s Johannesburg offices in June and at the GrandWest Arena in Cape Town, with both sessions fully booked. Tristan shared his insights from over 20 years of experience in live sound, post-production, and recording, with a focus on DiGiCo consoles, KLANG, Fourier Audio and Sound Devices integration.

“My experience in South Africa was amazing,” says Tristain. “It’s a beautiful country, and I met so many talented technicians. The training sessions were packed, and delegates were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions about workflows and processes. The level of knowledge here is

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16 October 2025

USA - Midwich Group has announced a reorganisation of its North American leadership structure, designed to better leverage the combined strengths of Midwich US and SFM (a Midwich Group company) while enhancing service and support across the US and Canadian markets.

The new structure formalises a holistic approach to regional leadership while maintaining the distinct business models, local leadership teams and operational independence that drive success in each market’.

The restructured North American leadership team includes the following appointments, effective immediately:

Ghyslain Berger has been named chief executive officer for North America, assuming regional CEO responsibilities. Ghyslain has been part of SFM's executive team for over seven years, six of which as COO, and more recently as president.

Chantal Baraniuk Morin ass

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16 October 2025

UK - The LIVE Trust has published its initial grant making strategy detailing its approach to investing in programmes that benefit grassroots venues, artists, promoters, and festivals. This paper covers the Trust’s planned activities running up to the awarding of the first grants, expected in January 2026.

The strategy builds on principles set out by LIVE when establishing the LIVE Trust and draws on input from trustees, sector bodies, policymakers, and grassroots practitioners from across the UK. It sets out how the Trust will use the first wave of funds generated from tours building the £1 contribution into performances at venues over 5,000 capacity (increasingly the norm for qualifying shows).

In this round, the Trust will fund up to six programmes. “Funded organisations will already exist and have the ability to deliver impactful programmes

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16 October 2025

USA - Nebraska-based Omaha Performing Arts (O-pa) continues to invest in Ayrton lighting fixtures for its venues with the new Tenaska Centre for Arts Engagement due to install Argo 6 FX fixtures and Diablo profiles before its grand opening in March 2026.

Previously, Steelhouse Omaha and The Holland Performing Arts Centre purchased Eurus, Karif LT and Zonda 9 FX fixtures for their spaces. All of the facilities are part of the Dick & Mary Holland Campus, which is centrally located in downtown Omaha. The campus offers a wide spectrum of performing arts experiences and shows and hosts a broad range of education and engagement programmes for the community.

“By staying consistent with Ayrton fixtures across the buildings we’ve gained cross-use, backup and a lot of flexibility,” says Ryan Murray, associate vice president of operations at O-pa. 

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15 October 2025

UK - IPS (Impact Production Services) has announced a major investment in 100 Claypaky Ultimo Sharpy fixtures, creating the largest UK rental stock of the beam moving head. The fixtures are available to hire now from IPS.

IPS’s investment includes the infrastructure to support the deployment of the new fixtures at scale, reinforcing its commitment to providing the latest in high impact lighting technology for the UK’s live events and entertainment industry.

“The Sharpy has always been a legendary fixture in the industry, and the Ultimo takes it to a whole new level,” says James Mason, owner & key account director at IPS. “By being the first in the UK to hold significant rental stock, we’re giving our clients early access to this iconic fixture, with the scale and support they need to bring ambitious creative visions to life.”

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15 October 2025

South Africa - DWR Distribution officially welcomed Epson to its product portfolio on 1 October with a launch event that combined training, live demonstrations.

Held at DWR Distribution’s premises, the event showcased the Epson HBR range, drawing attention to its flexibility and performance. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with Epson’s team, including Lee Harrison, head of video projector sales at Epson Middle East, and Izak Brand, pre-sales and technical specialist at Epson South Africa.

Lee Harrison stated, “Epson projectors continue demonstrating their huge longevity and flexibility. From using Victoria Falls as an iconic backdrop for projection to creative content displayed on buildings or other surfaces, projectors offer unmatched flexibility. Customers can stack multiple projectors to cover any eventuality - from our small compa

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15 October 2025

Sweden - Dalhalla, an open-air amphitheatre set in the former Draggängarna limestone quarry in central Sweden, is popular for its summer seasons featuring a range of music and artists – rock and pop, musicals and sometimes opera.

The venue invested in 20 new Robe iForte moving lights, delivered for its 2025 season which has just concluded. These are a well-received technical upgrade and have been used over the summer, explained the venue’s head of technical, Anders ‘Hebbe’ Herbertzon.

The new iFortes have replaced 18 x Robe MMX Spots that had been in service since 2012. Still going strong, these are now redeployed in another venue operated by Dalhalla’s management company, Rättvik Event in nearby Falun, which runs for the winter season.

Dalhalla still has 12 of Robe’s first generation of LED theatre luminaires – DLS Profiles

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14 October 2025

Vietnam - Outline has signed a distribution agreement with Thang Long Audio, strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2016 by Mr Viet Trung Nguyen and partners, Thang Long Audio has introduced advanced sound systems to major venues and projects nationwide.

Under this partnership, Thang Long Audio will provide technical consultancy, system design, and professional training to Outline users across Vietnam, ensuring that each project fully benefits from Outline’s technology and performance capabilities.

Mr Viet Trung Nguyen, CEO of Thang Long Audio, comments: “Our mission is to deliver world-class sound experiences in Vietnam. Partnering with Outline – globally recognised as one of the most respected names in professional audio – aligns perfectly with our goals. Together, we aim to bring new levels of performance and reliability

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14 October 2025

Strike Preparations - Actors’ Equity Association in the US is to continue with "strike preparations" in New York, after the union and the Broadway League failed to reach an agreement following two days of mediation. The union and trade association the Broadway League have been in negotiations since August over the production contract, which contains the terms of employment for stage managers and actors on Broadway. The last three-year contract ended on 28 September.

A central issue of the negotiations is healthcare and the Broadway League’s financial contribution to the union’s healthcare fund. AEA is asking Broadway League to "pivot toward humane scheduling, including providing paid time off", to pay its "fair share toward our health insurance" and to "reasonably and safely staff our workplaces to foster safety and prevent emergencies". 

An u

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13 October 2025

World - The latest issue of LSi is out now, and can be read online free-of-charge here.

Visitors to this year’s PLASA Show may well already have insider information about two of our major features this month, as both Soho Theatre Walthamstow and the situation facing production professionals living and working in Ukraine during the on-going war formed the basis of panel discussions in the show’s brand-new LSi Theatre. If you missed these sessions, or had your interest piqued, you can find Rob Halliday’s article on Soho Theatre Walthamstow and Louise Stickland’s report from Ukraine in our October edition.

Plus, don’t miss our bumper PLASA Show Review, as we round-up all the product launches, business news an

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13 October 2025

UK - Fisher Productions has announced its appointment as a re-accredited supplier to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London.

The Royal Opera House, home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal Opera, and The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, hosts a diverse range of performances, events, and private functions. As an accredited supplier, Fisher Productions will support the venue’s programme of artistic and corporate events.

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10 October 2025

UK - Unusual Rigging is celebrating a landmark achievement after its Northamptonshire headquarters was named Best of the Best at the 2025 British Council for Offices (BCO) National Awards. The building, which was delivered by architects Corstorphine & Wright, and designed and constructed entirely around circular economy principles, also won the Corporate Workplace category.

The BCO National Awards, held on 7 October at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, brought together more than 1,200 senior figures from across the workplace design, development and property sectors to celebrate excellence in the built environment. Judges described Unusual HQ as a “model for how modern offices can combine innovation, sustainability and long-term vision.”

Tom Harper, managing director of Unusual Rigging said: “Winn

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10 October 2025

Europe - As part of a ‘group-wide restructuring of product development’, Yamaha and Steinberg have announced that Yamaha is taking over Steinberg’s hardware business, with Steinberg hardware products now rebranded as Yamaha.

This means that Steinberg will focus exclusively on software development and sales, with the aim of provide users with ‘a refined, integrated product experience’.

Steinberg joined the Yamaha Group in 2005, with the first hardware products jointly developed by the companies launched in 2008.

Since then, Steinberg has delivered reliable, hardware solutions for all types of user - from first-time creators through to professional studios - which have been embraced by users worldwide. These have included the UR, UR-C, UR-RT and ultra-portable IXO series audio interfaces.

Yamaha will now carry the development

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10 October 2025

UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) has announced the updated release of Guidance Note W3: Mental Health & Well-being in the Workplace, which will be published today, Friday 10 October, to coincide with World Mental Health Day.

This updated version of Guidance Note W3 includes revised content, new graphics, and dedicated guidance on being a witness to bullying - offering essential advice for those who observe bullying and harassment in the workplace. These enhancements aim to promote a safer, more respectful, and supportive culture within the performing arts sector.

To support the launch, the ABTT will host a free online seminar on Thursday 17 October at 12:30pm, where attendees can learn more about the updates and how to use the guidance effectively in their workplaces.

ABTT Guidance Note W3 provi

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10 October 2025

Germany - twoloox has signed a purchase agreement with Christie Digital Systems Germany GmbH to acquire the Pandoras Box and Widget Designer product lines, a proposed transaction that was previously announced involving an acquisition corporation to be created and owned by industry professionals. The owners of twoloox are Daniel Kaminski, Barbara Battaglia, Daniel Schäfer, and Andre Maier. The anticipated closing date is 31 October 2025.  

twoloox is led by a team of experienced experts who have extensive experience providing custom AV solutions and immersive media experiences for live events, museum installations, and interactive brand spaces. The twoloox team has been connected to Pandoras Box products, technology, and customers for years and acquiring these two product lines is a strategic and logical milestone.

The twoloox team will be attendin

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10 October 2025

UK – This year’s Get Ahead event is being held at Principality Stadium on 6 November 2025.  Open to ISCVE members and non-members, Get Ahead is a one-day event designed for professionals in the sound, communications and audio-visual sectors and offers attendees a rare opportunity to explore the installation and design of large-scale stadium audio systems through expert-led seminars, listening demonstrations and guided tours of the venue.

Event Highlights include insights into the project pathway for the installation of the stadium’s sound system, while delegates will be able to explore the venue and experience the system in action.

Designing for Stadiums – An Engineering Perspective, A session led by Nexo’s engineering support director, will cover the unique challenges of stadium sound system design.

Get

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09 October 2025

USA - Audinate Group has announced the release of its all-new 3rd Edition Training for Dante Certification Levels 1, 2, and 3. Designed for ‘today’s fast-evolving AV landscape’, this update equips professionals with cutting-edge networking and AVoIP expertise, while offering up to 19.75 AVIXA Renewal Units (RUs), says Audinate.

Participants will gain deeper insights into foundational networking concepts, including IP addressing, VLANs, QoS, and multicast, as well as advanced Dante-specific topics such as system design, cloud-based production, the latest AES67/SMPTE ST2110 integration with Dante controller, enhancements to Dante AV, and expert-level troubleshooting.

Participants can earn AVIXA RUs for CTS, CTS-D, CTS-I, and ANP upon certification (Level 1: 5.5 RUs, Level 2: 8 RUs, and Level 3: 6.25 RUs). Courses are offered fre

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08 October 2025

Serbia - Production Pool is an established technical production and design company based in Belgradeworking across the country, the Balkans region and internationally. Founded in 2014 by Milos Sorgic, who is also a prolific lighting designer, the company is known for its production values.

These were boosted last year with a major investment in Robe products – 20 Paintes, four ProMotions - plus another 10 T1 PCs recently delivered by Robe’s Serbian distributor LSD (Light and Sound Design.

Serbia is still an emerging market for the world of entertainment production. While there is plenty of potential, it is challenging, highly competitive and being successful requires flair, imagination, and the ability to think ‘out-of-the-box’.

Milos highlights the importance of the relationship and support from the local supplier as essential to inv

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07 October 2025

UK - Brompton Technology welcomed the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London, Mr Randeep S. Lall, to its headquarters in West London for a special handover ceremony of the King’s Award for Enterprise, awarded in the Innovation category for the Tessera SX40 LED processor and presented on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.

Brompton CEO, Richard Mead, reflected on how important the award is to the company, saying: “We pride ourselves on our innovation and it is wonderful to have that recognised with such a prestigious award.”

Speaking to employees and partners gathered for the occasion, Mr Lall emphasised how proud everyone should feel about receiving the coveted award, which goes through a stringent selection process. He said: “What is so special about the King’s Award is that it is a distinction you have all worked for an