StageSpot recently increased its support of USITT to that of a Sustaining member. StageSpot exhibited at Stage Expo in 2008 and is already planning a presence at Stage Expo in 2009. Kevin Richie is the contact for the stage equipment and supplies retailer. Its website is www.stagespot.com.

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On Location Lighting Systems, Inc. has upgraded to Sustaining member status. Based in Erlanger, Kentucky, the full-service entertainment lighting company offers production, rental, technical support, design, and consultation expertise throughout the country. In addition, On Location does permanent installations, project design and specifications, project management, system engineering, field and bench service, and equipment and system-specific training. On Location is already planning to be an exhibitor at Stage Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio where members can become better acquainted with the company.

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Over 100 registered at the Columbus McKinnon booth for the chance to become the next scholar to TOMCAT U -- however, only one could win. TOMCAT USA congratulates the most recent scholarship winner, Chris Mount, a student at University of Texas at Arlington.

The scholarship to the Hoist and Truss Workshop from June 4 to7 includes all instruction and materials, lodging, lunches, dinners, snacks, and all local transportation. Mr. Mount will be responsible for transportation to and from Midland, Texas.

Mr. Mount is earning a BFA degree in design. His primary focus has been electrics, lighting, and sound. When he completes his studies in about two years, he hopes to work in various venues and tours -- including work with touring bands and perhaps the cruise line industry.

In addition to the Hoist & Truss Workshop, TOMCAT will offer the Rigging & Truss Workshop from June 4 to 7. Registration for both courses is open now. For more information, contact Lisa Jebsen at 432-694-7070 or via e-mail at lisa.jebsen@tomcatusa.com.

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Joseph Volpe, former general manager of the Metropolitan Opera and former senior vice president of Giuliani Partners, has joined Theatre Projects as director of strategic development. The company also named Steve Sweet to its technical production team.

Theatre Projects is an internationally renowned theatre design consulting firm collaborating with architects and clients on the design of performing arts buildings. Significant projects include the Kodak Theatre -- home of the Academy Awards, New Amsterdam Theatre on 42nd Street, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

With Mr. Volpe's appointment, Theatre Projects will expand services to both existing and future clients. Volpe will work with clients to develop planning and operational strategies.

Mr. Volpe rose from carpenter to general manager at the Metropolitan Opera, a position he held for 16 years, the third longest term in the company's history. He joined the Metropolitan Opera in 1964 as an apprentice carpenter. His abilities in technical production were quickly recognized, and he was named the Met's master carpenter in 1966, technical director in 1978, and assistant general manager in 1981. He recently published his memoir, The Toughest Show on Earth: My Rise and Reign at the Metropolitan Opera.

Mr. Sweet brings over 20 years of experience as a technical director, rigging installer, and stage manager. His responsibilities at Theatre Projects will focus on the design and selection of performance equipment components such as stage machinery, rigging, lifts, and platforms, as well as field work and commissioning for building quality control of the theatrical function. He was first introduced to Theatre Projects at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (Columbus, Georgia) in 2001 where he was assistant project manager/technical director. He and Theatre Projects worked closely during the final year of construction on the new facility. Mr. Sweet was technical director there for seven years. Before that, he worked as a national freelance rigger and spent many years as the production operations stage manager for the Palace Theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He is an ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certified rigger.

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Stages will shine brighter without putting any strain on the stage crew with the new OSRAM aluPAR 64 1000W lamp series. Used for stage and show lighting, these lamps are up to 50 percent lighter in weight than conventional theatrical PAR 64 lamps.

The reflector in aluPAR lamps is constructed out of aluminum instead of glass making it lighter and making relamping easier. Like the OSRAM aluPAR 56, the aluPAR 64 also contains a patented dual-fuse system that provides an increased level of operational safety for end-users. The new aluPAR 64 series also inherited the family's robust lamp design, which ensures a long service life of 800 hours.

The University of New Hampshire recently used aluPAR 64 1000W lamps in its theatre production of Shakespeare in Hollywood.

Ideal applications for the aluPAR 64 include architectural, stage, studio, film, concert and disco lighting. Due to its high output, the lamp is a perfect choice for large-scale events.

In addition, aluPAR is an ECOLOGIC® product. ECOLOGIC products are engineered to pass the Federal TCLP (Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure) test for hazardous waste determination. At the end of their life, the lamps can be disassembled for glass and aluminum recycling.

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Serapid, a leading manufacturer of stage, orchestra, and piano lifts as well as scenery transfer systems, recently welcomed Ted Chudzik of Sterling Heights, Michigan to its theatre sales team.

Mr. Chudzik brings 10 years of sales and marketing experience. He holds an executive MBA from Michigan State University.

For more information about Serapid's stage engineering solutions, visit its web site at www.serapid.com, call 586-274-0774, or e-mail info-us@serapid.com.

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