We welcome Altman Rentals as a new Sustaining member of the Institute. Altman Rentals has launched its own web site, www.altmanrentals.com. It had been part of the larger Altman Lighting website. The new site highlights Altman Rentals' ability to support the needs of theatres, schools, churches, events, concerts, and television/film. Randy Altman in leading Altman Rentals, with John Carver as director of rental operations. In addition to Altman Lighting products, Altman Rentals has an extensive inventory of fixtures, along with dimming, control, distribution, and grip equipment plus expendables.

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SSRC of Greer, South Carolina has also joined USITT at the Sustaining level. The company manufactures connector strips, outlet boxes, multi-conductor cable and accessories, pipe grids and accessories, and custom electrical distribution products. All SSRC products are Underwriters Laboratory listed and labeled. The company's online catalog can be viewed at www.ssrconline.com. They also can provide custom features to meet specific customer needs.

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We also warmly welcome ZFX, Inc. as a member at the Sustaining level. Delbert Hall is the company representative to Stage Expo and Terri Kirsch is the representative to USITT. The company, which has been in business for 10 years, notes that it is the second largest flying effects company in the world with offices on two continents and more than 30 employees worldwide. To learn more about its involvement in projects including Wicked visit www.zfxflying.com.

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Stage Technologies has been awarded a contract to supply and install complete stage rigging systems for two venues aboard the Emerald Princess being built in Monfalcone, Italy. The contract, with Fincantieri, is for one of the "Grand" family of ships and continues Stage Technologies' long-standing relationship with the company. The complete system will include stage elevators, power flying using Stage Technologies' patented BigTow and TanJent products, curtain tracks, motorized lighting trusses, floor tracks, stage flooring catwalks, access ladders, and a complete automation system.

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WYSIWYG Release 14, new from Cast Software, has been launched. Release 14 now includes multiple streaming video display capabilities, plus feature updates including speed efficiencies, found primarily in the CAD engine and shaded views. Other new features include a crossfade function and a tent venue tool for outdoor events, and a new Appearance tab which simplifies application of colors, textures, and materials. For more information, visit the company's website, www.cast-soft.com.

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Bill Sapsis, President of Sapsis Rigging Entertainment Services, Inc. completed his 100th rigging seminar, conducted August 15 and 16, at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, British Columbia. The session was hosted by IATSE Local 168 and was attended by over 65 union members and area theatrical technicians.

Mr. Sapsis has been offering rigging seminars for more than 15 years and in that time has reached more than 3,000 people in North America, Europe, and Africa. USITT members receive a discount on seminars they arrange with Mr. Sapsis.

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For the third time, TOMCAT USA has helped create set pieces for the San Francisco Opera. This summer, TOMCAT completed a tetrahedral barrier designed and built for the production of La Forza del Destino scheduled to run in November. The special barrier is composed of three 37 foot legs of custom medium duty spigoted truss which are connected with slew rings in the center of each section, including spring-loaded pins that lock each section into place when they twist.

Custom stage sockets allow the barrier's legs to lock into the stage floor, after it is lowered from the grid. The design allows the legs to rotate as it is lowered.

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Apollo Design Technologies, Inc. has introduced Apollo Gel in 24 by 24-inch sheets. The company says the innovation provides a simple solution to the waste created when 20 by 24-inch gel sheets are cut into the most popular frame sizes. Apollo's popular, labor-saving PerfGel is also available on 24 by 24 inch sheets. The square sheets should provide better yield and less waste, producing cost savings.

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Main Light Industries is offering High End Systems Catalyst software for their SoftLED draperies. The combination increases visual options for stage, concert, corporate, or trade show use. Main Light customers must ask for the Catalyst option when purchasing the drapery. The combined products were on display at the 2005 PLASA show in London, England.

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