We welcome ALLROUND-Stages Forneberg as a new Contributing member of USITT. ALLROUND, based in Leipzig, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of portable stage platforms and portable dance floors in Europe. The company provides customized production and prides itself on the quality and engineering of its products which are made in Germany. ALLROUND exhibited as part of Stage Expo 2005 and has a web presence at www.stages.de.

To Top

USITT also welcomes Future Light as a new Contributing member of the Institute. The company, headed by John Seaman, introduced Version 3 of its Virtual Light Lab lighting visualization software at Stage Expo 2005. Future Light provides innovative products and services to the industry by developing solutions for designers, consultants, and technicians. To learn more about its Virtual Light Lab, EdgeLight safety markers, PoleCat TileMount, C-Clip, or SwivelPar offerings, visit www.future-light.com.

To Top

Hoffend has added the Vortek I-Curtain System as part of a new Vortek hoist unit that will allow a grand or other drape to raise, lower, or bi-part and traverse to either side of the stage. The screen of Hoffend's Vortek Automation Center (VAC) can display a live depiction of the bi-parting curtain. The system made its debut at USITT's Stage Expo in Toronto. The hoist module and the VAC are components in the complete Vortek automated rigging system. To see more, visit www.hoffend.net.

To Top

SECOA, the Minnesota-based stage equipment company, has formed Lighting Systems Integration Group to spearhead SECOA's efforts in sales and service of performance lighting systems. Ben Cox will lead outside sales for the group. SECOA veterans Jerry Kraft and Cherie Gallinati will handle inside sales and project management. SECOA is also expanding its lighting system service capabilities as an authorized service enter for major lighting, dimming, and control system manufacturers. For more about its expanded capabilities, visit www.secoa.com.

To Top

Vari-Lite's VL1000s are lighting up the new 160,000-square foot Black Oak Casino in Tuolumne, California. "The customer was looking for automated lights that ran silently, delivered a wide range of looks and colors, and allow the casino to project messages and logos. The Vari-Lite VL1000 TD fixtures were perfect for the application," said Gary Guberman, lighting manger for Quantum, Audio and Video, the supplier and installer of the project.

To Top

Lighting renovation of DeVos Hall, the premiere performance space in Grand Rapids, Michigan, was recently completed by Schuler Shook. The classic 1970s venue presented a challenge for the design team to enliven the space and provide a more modern look. Work on renovating the 2,400-seat hall was completed in just 90 days and included new perimeter house lighting. Todd Hensley of Schuler Shook said "Re-lighting DeVos Hall was challenging considering the concrete structure and the tight renovation schedule. The new house lighting helps integrate the architecture, making the space feel more unified and energetic through color."

To Top