The Netherlands - Techno-based Rotterdam Rave runs up to 10 underground rave events a year which draw in excess of 50,000 visitors. Originally located in old industrial buildings, the sold-out events have grown rapidly in size, and the organisation recently adopted the 8000-capacity RTM Stage at Rotterdam Ahoy as the newest addition to the Rotterdam Rave territory. As a purpose-built venue, the RTM Stage needed to prove its worth as ‘a genuine rave cave with plenty of underground vibes’.
Helping bring about this transformation at the Rotterdam Rave Kick-Off 2023 event in February was Peitsman Licht en Geluid BV, which supplied two MDG ATMe haze generators to Stöd for show designer, Joël Lemmerling, and lighting designer, Guy van Noorden.
Peitsman’s project leader for the event, Patrick Botterman, explains: “There was some scepticism amongst the rave goers tha

USA - Mike Marcario faced challenges when creating the lighting rig for Rend Collective’s 2023 Whosoever tour. The chart-topping Northern Irish Worship band decided that they would be taking two tour bus trailers on their coast-to-coast US tour, which meant that space for gear was at a premium.
“Space was definitely a big concern,” said Marcario. “With two bus trailers, varying stage sizes, and power limitations the fixtures we selected had to be compact, low weight, and low power draw.”
Complicating matters further, some of the venues have little in the way of house rigs, which means that Marcario and the design team have to rely heavily or solely on their touring package to create the varied and engaging looks in the 75-minute show.
Marcario’s solution was to devise a plan that had each fixture fill multiple roles. “There aren’t a lot of fixture

Poland - Robe was a gold sponsor of the 5th Scena Jutra (Stage of Tomorrow) conference, a high profile two day industry symposium taking place at the Teatr Wielki Polish National Opera in Warsaw, organised by the Stage of Tomorrow Foundation.
An impressive array of high-profile Polish and international speakers and influencers ensured there was plenty of interest in the diverse programme that explored multiple topics and themes all related to stage presentation, scenography, dramaturgy, theatricality, and expression over 50 separate sessions. Debates, discussions and presentations focused on how new and developing technologies - from the latest lighting fixtures and sound systems to VR, real-time visual tools remote tracking and AI - might affect the future creation of emotional experiences for audiences and guests.
Scena Jutra president Rafal Rzeczkowski was delight

USA - Obsidian Control Systems is has introduced the Netron RP2, an intelligent two-way DMX power relay that serves as a protective device for lighting fixtures. The RP2 helps to increase efficiency by reducing power consumption, protecting sensitive equipment and prolonging the longevity of lighting systems. The unit is available and shipping from June 2023.
The RP2 is configurable via an integrated OLED display and encoder with real-time status and power consumption feedback. It features optional smart power sequencing and DMX traffic detection to allow complete automation of fixture power based on DMX status. Simply turn the console on or off, and the system will follow along.
An internal clock allows for independent standalone operation or automate the power outputs to specific days and times. For example, a system could be turned off every day at midnight to avoid

UK - First time visitors to an Epik High show can be forgiven if they think they stumbled upon a family reunion, or an annual gathering of old friends, such is the easy, natural, and very personal back and forth between this South Korean hip-hop trio and their loyal fans.
Tablo, DJ Tukutz and Mithra Jin, the trio that make up Epik High, welcome fans into their world, by sharing stories and experiences. The crowd eagerly accepts the invitation with their warm, enthusiastic (and often loud) response their heroes.
“My biggest challenge was protecting my ears from the sound of the fans around me,” said Aaron Sweatt, the LD and main programmer on the trio’s recently concluded global All Time High tour, which featured a lighting design by Julien Reux. “The emotional connection between these artists and their fans is really very remarkable.”
Given this connect

USA - Lighting designers Mathew Stovall, Tiffany Keys, Pete Thornbury and Michael Appel worked together to provide the League of Legends World Championship Finals in San Francisco with an impressive lighting rig featuring an array of Martin professional lighting solutions, supplied by Christie Lites, with MAC Aura PXL playing a key role.
League of Legends is a team-based multiplayer online battle arena video game by developer and publisher Riot Games. Founded in 2011, the League of Legends World Championship is the annual tournament to decide the best team in the world each year, and regularly attracts viewership in the hundreds of millions, making it the global leader in esports. The most recent edition of the tournament began on September 29 and culminated in the 2022 League of Legends World Championship Final on November 5, 2022 at the Chase Centre in San Francisco.

Spain - Lighting designer and technical director of PepsiCo Worldwide Events, Steve Nield, brought plenty of magic to the Ballroom of The Hotel Sofia in Barcelona for the PepsiCo International Franchise Forum.
He chose 112 Ayrton MagicPanel R fixtures to introduce an exciting, colourful and versatile element to the backdrop for the evening’s presentations that took place in front of an audience of 400 people. The MagicPanel Rs were rigged in a side orientation, in clusters of 14 units – two wide and seven high - filling the space between large LED screens which formed the backdrop for this 40m x 21m ballroom.
“The intention was to incorporate the MagicPanels into the scenic design to carry complimenting colours and tone across the whole visual canvas,” explains Nield. “The fixtures were run in full channel mode to allow some pixel mapping, however the inbuil

Ireland - Robert Juliat has announced the appointment of PSI Production as its new exclusive distributor for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with effect from April 2023.
PSI Production was established in 1996 to provide high-quality technical solutions to the corporate, arts and entertainment industry.
Its lighting department specialises in all aspects of lighting from theatrical, architectural, live concerts and festivals, to television, conferences and special events. PSI also has an in-house lighting design team, and a network of talented LDs at its disposal.
The company will be responsible for promoting and supporting the entire range of Robert Juliat lighting products. With offices located in Belfast and Dublin, it is well placed to service all clients on the island.
“As Ireland’s principal technical production company, PSI Production

USA/Europe - City Theatrical now offers two standard Top Hats as beam control accessories designed to fit ETC High End Systems’ Halcyon Gold and Titanium lighting fixtures. These Top Hats were developed based on City Theatrical’s understanding of the special accessory needs of lighting professionals, and the high demand for this moving light fixture in the market. Each new Top Hat for High End Systems Halcyon is a beam control product that offers control of stray beams and light spill.
City Theatrical’s engineers and craftspeople design and create beam shaping lighting accessories, like the new Top Hat for High End Halcyon Gold (P/N 2720) and Top Hat for High End Halcyon Titanium (P/N 2725), from their New Jersey-based factory. This product launch also includes a new Screw Kit for Top Hats for High End Halcyon fixtures (P/N 104-00792) to complement the products and ass

UK - Showtec has announced that a major software upgrade is now available for their Lampy DMX consoles, significantly improving and extending their functionality. The new V2 software promises MultiCell capabilities, a completely redesigned and improved user interface, a CIE colour picker, normally only found on much higher-end consoles, and much more. The new Showtec Lampy Re-Load 4 is an expansion kit that adds four universes to any Lampy V2.
The Lampy V2 software promises a host of new features and improvements. The most significant upgrade is the addition of MultiCell capabilities, an important and handy feature when programming LED pixel bars or a complex show, for example. It allows you to easily manipulate multiple identical values within a fixture at the same time. To handle MultiCell, a new Fixture Editor is included in the new V2 software.
Another new feature

UK - The Epsom Clock Tower is a significant landmark in the community and has been a part of the town's heritage since 1847. A well-known landmark loved by locals and visitors alike, it was lit in 2020, during the pandemic, to recognise the NHS. After the success of this, Epsom Borough Council approached Surrey based STLS to upgrade the lighting system of the iconic clock tower as part of its refurbishment.
The old lighting system needed the upgrade to improve visibility and energy efficiency. STLS was able to complete the upgrade using LED technology from Prolights sourced from A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET). This has not only improved the appearance of the clock tower but has also reduced energy costs and carbon emissions, making it a win-win situation for both the community and the environment.
The brief was to install an easy-to-use multipurpose LED soluti

Oman – The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) is one of the most opulent jewels in the world of classical music venues and a spectacular focal point for the region’s performing arts. Recently, the ROHM has carried out an upgrade to its stage lighting system, including the addition of 26 Color Force II 48 LED battens by Chroma-Q, purchased from A.C. Entertainment Technologies (AC-ET).
Standing on Muscat’s main thoroughfare, Sultan Qaboos Street, ROHM – commissioned by Sultan Qaboos bin Said himself – is the leading arts and culture centre in the Sultanate of Oman. This ornate building opened its doors on 12 October 2011, with a production of Turandot, conducted by Spanish tenor Placido Domingo. Today, showcasing a diverse programme of artistic, cultural and educational content, this venue plays host to leading classical and operatic performances from around the

UK - A popular waterfront structure was lit up in time to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III thanks to a collaboration between two West Cumbrian organisations.
The Wave landmark is one of the first things residents and tourists see when they arrive at Whitehaven Harbour by land or sea. The Wave, which used to be lit up for all to see from miles around, has remained in the dark for several years.
Now, thanks to a collaboration between not-for-profit organisation Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and solution specialists Forth, the Wave is set to shine once again. It’s the latest revamp of Whitehaven Harbour’s landmark structures, including renovating its famous lighthouses.
Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners CEO John Baker said: “We’re thrilled to announce the relighting of the iconic Wave installation on Whitehaven Harbour. It’s been a long time

USA - Fashion is constantly changing, evolving, and moving in new directions. Now, fashion runway shows are following the same course, integrating headliner acts and outside-the-box design concepts into their overall presentations.
This was evident in the event fashion design house Mugler and global retailer H&M held at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Armory earlier this spring to introduce their collaboration, which will launch on 11 May.
This show, which featured a scenic design by Niklas Bildstein Zaar and his Berlin-based team at SUB, commanded the attention of guests including Pamela Anderson, Charli XCX, and Chloë Sevigny, as soon as they entered the space. The design was a balance of art and technology with its circular set, spiral runways, four large, curved video screens, and a mosh-pit like space at its centre.
Adding emotional power to this panorama, an

UK - Aerial visual arts company AeroAVA marked the official flight launch of its new fleet of high-performance drones on Coronation Weekend with a 100-drone display featuring a coronation motif.
The event was held on 6 and 7 May at the company’s new test and demo home at the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) headquarters in Buckminster.
In March, AeroAVA received final certification from the Civil Aviation Authority to provide displays for outdoor events, broadcast entertainment, public celebrations and marketing campaigns in the UK.
Company co-founder Tom Rees said: “Since receiving official CAA approval we’ve been getting enquiries from a wide range of clients - from broadcasters, events owners, marketing agencies and tourist attractions, so we were delighted to officially kick off our 2023 season on such a historic weekend by crowning the event wit

USA - Claypaky demonstrated the engineering of its Xtylos laser-source lighting fixtures at an invitational event held by another engineering innovator in Silicon Valley.
Bicoastal Studio RRD used a large complement of Claypaky Xtylos provided by Christie Lites to transform an empty office building into a spectacular futuristic, cyber-style rave to mark the announcement that Tesla Motors will base its global engineering and AI headquarters at the former Hewlett Packard Enterprise campus in Palo Alto, California.
Lighting fixtures, such as Xtylos, Minuit Une lasers and other units, crafted a rave atmosphere for invited guests celebrating the news.
“We incorporated Xtylos fixtures in an exterior courtyard visible through the office windows to create an immersive experience that transported guests to a different realm,” explains Rob Ross, founder of Studio RRD,

Morocco - Terry Di Isernia will take on a new role in the Robe France subsidiary, co-ordinating customer and commercial relations for the whole of French North Africa – Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia – in addition to continuing as a salesperson for southern France.
The move by Robe Lighting France is to develop and strengthen the brand’s business, opportunities, and presence in North Africa generally, and specifically in these important French-speaking countries, recognising the potential of the region.
Terry has been working as a part of the Robe Lighting France team since 2019. The new role is an integration of what he’s already been doing across southern France and will offer great continuity for these dynamic countries, all with their own style, culture and unique environments.
The scope of Terry’s work will include discussing and pitching for new and

Italy - ARRI has opened a new office in Rome to further promote and support the film and audio-visual industry in Italy. To celebrate this milestone, an opening ceremony took place on 3 May, 2023. More than 100 guests from the Italian film industry, including cinematographers, producers, directors, business partners, postproduction and rental professionals gathered together to toast the new premises.
The event was also attended by members of ARRI’s global management team. “It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the opening of the new Rome office,” says Christian Richter, general manager sales & solutions EMEAI at ARRI. “The Italian film industry has an incredible heritage that needs no introduction. ARRI already has a long history in Italy. ARRI’s new presence in the Italian capital shows the will to be an integral part of this community to bring support t

UK - On the 6th of May, the world turned its eyes to Westminster Abbey. The coronation of King Charles III was held here in front of 2,300 invited guests.
More than 20,000 visitors attended the official Coronation Concert which was staged in front of Windsor Castle, featured live performances by acts including Katy Perry, Take That and Lionel Richie as well as an emotional speech by Prince William. To light up this special event, which was produced and broadcast live by the BBC, lighting designer Nigel Catmur relied on more than 500 Cameo lights.
In addition to the 20,000 visitors, the live event was also attended by King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and other members of the Royal Family, as well as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The impressive circular stage in front of the illuminated east wing of Windsor Castle, which houses the private chambers of the royal fami

USA - Alexander Lehman and the design team at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg, IN deployed the “art of asymmetry” to give the church a new, captivating lighting design this spring, much to the delight of worshippers.
“As we headed into spring and summer, we wanted to create a fresh environment on stage,” said Lehman, the church’s lighting designer. “Our previous stage rig had been up since December of 2022, so we felt it was time to give our space something new. To do this, we wanted to try something fresh and different. This led us to the asymmetrical design.
“We know how to do beautiful symmetrical clean looks,” continued Lehman. “We also realised that it would be more challenging to do an asymmetrical design that felt purposeful and intentional. So, we embraced this challenge; our goal was to bring something different to the world

Singapore - The 45-year old Lighthouse Evangelism in Singapore has undergone a major refurbishment of its two halls which, set over two campuses at Woodlands and Tampines, have a combined capacity of 3,500 people.
A complete revamp of the entire church stage, LED wall and lighting design was called for, with the latter being undertaken by well-known lighting designer, Michael Chan of Lighting Insomnia, for which he chose 14 laser-sourced Ayrton Cobra, eight Ayrton Khamsin TC profiles and nine Ayrton Zonda 9 Wash fixtures. These were supplied by Total Solution Marketing and installed by systems integrator Soundsmith Solutions.
“I am always happy to work with a good lighting manufacturer,” says Mr Chan who explains why he chose to work with Ayrton fixtures to enhance the weekly services of praise and worship.
“The design concept needed to fulfil a few objecti

USA - Austin Opera’s Long Centre presented a production of the classic Sweeney Todd this spring, with an uncompromising series of lighting states created by LD James Sale using Vari-Lite VL2600 Wash luminaires from Signify.
“I wanted to put Sweeney Todd in the audience’s faces, which to me meant he needed to be bright,” says Sale, who has designed the lighting for shows at the innovative Long Centre for more than a decade. “The VL2600s were very bright, which was a big plus. The colour rendition and continuity from fixture to fixture was terrific and they moved very smoothly.”
Sale responded to the play’s blood-soaked, dreary, 1785 London setting by unleashing sinister lighting states that cut through the darkness with searing, rich colours at high intensities. As the play progressed, the looks which Sale describes as “unworldly” started

Japan - To provide Billboard Live’s latest venue in Yokohama with a live setup suitable for a wide range of performances, Hibino and SC Alliance collaborated with Harman Professional Solutions to select and implement a range of JBL Professional audio and Martin professional lighting solutions.
In addition to venues in Tokyo and Osaka, Billboard Live recently launched a third location in the up-and-coming Kitanaka area of Yokohama. The venue boasts a floorspace of approximately 1,000sq.m and a 300-seat capacity. Along with hosting internationally renowned performers and local artists, the venue also provides an unrivalled culinary experience thanks to a carefully curated menu by Japan’s finest chefs.
To elevate the overall guest experience with state-of-the-art live sound as well as immersive and impactful lighting, the Hibino and SC Alliance installation team depl

UK/USA - Backstage Academy has rebranded as the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) and opened a second campus at Rock Lititz in the US to complement the work of the original UK site which is located in Production Park, Wakefield.
A statement from ALT reads: “Since Backstage Academy was founded in 2011, the live experience industry has changed at a rapid pace; new creative and immersive technologies are reinventing how we produce live events and experiences. We recognise that as the industry evolves, so should we.
“From May 2023, Backstage Academy is changing its name to the Academy of Live Technology. The decision to update our name and brand is part of a considered process of evolution to better align ourselves with the changing industry.
“Our new name reflects who we are for both today and tomorrow. What we teach goes beyond ‘backstage’ – we’re a

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