standards news
Standards News Headlines
12/03/2010
Avitas Announces New Audio Seminars
23/02/2010
ETCP Exams Translated to French
Inaugural ABTT-BECTU Training Partnership Launched
This week the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) and the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) launch the much-anticipated training partnership initiative, creating a new force in UK vocational theatre training.
At a time when the importance of training in the industry is much in the spotlight - with an emphasis not only on those joining the profession but also those with more established careers - this alliance heralds a new phase in each organisation's plans to raise industry standards.
BECTU, with project workers throughout the UK, identified in the ABTT a partner who - as one of the leading training providers - would deliver high quality, industry-recognised training, across the UK, to the benefit of its own and ABTT's members, as well as theatre in general.
The scheme will initially focus on implementing the ABTT's Silver Award in three regional centres: the South West, under the guidance of Martin Roberts, seconded to BECTU as a Learning Organiser two-days-a-week from his Chief Electrician post at Torquay's Princess Theatre; the North West, headed by BECTU Learning Organiser John Crumpton, a freelance audio visual Sound Editor; and finally, the Midlands, with ABTT Council member and BECTU Learning Organiser Sebastian Barnes, Director of the Midlands Off Stage Skills Consortium (MOSC) and a skilled technical manager.
Commencing at the Theatre Royal Plymouth, on 17-18 March, with further dates scheduled at Wolverhampton Grand, Princess Torquay and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, the format is intended to rollout nationwide in the foreseeable future.
Overseeing the partnership's development for the ABTT has been its Training Co-ordinator, Geoffrey Joyce, and its new CEO Andrew De Rosa, who commented, "This alliance cements the ABTT's commitment to working with its established associates and complements our desire to build further relationships with other organisations, dedicated to the advancement of technical excellence in the theatre and performing arts. It also acknowledges the strength of the ABTT's training which is widely recognised as the industry standard".
BECTU's National Official for Education and Training Kate Elliott replied, "BECTU has a long established relationship with the ABTT and welcomes the further development of delivering the ABTT's training programme to our members in theatres around the country. We hope that this pilot will lead to a long-term partnership in skills delivery.
"We recognise that this is a very important time for skills within the theatre and live events industry, with the new National Skills Academy for backstage and offstage skills and the new Apprenticeships for the Creative Industries.
"Much time and effort has been dedicated to the development and agreement of the National Occupational Standards for technical theatre - of which both BECTU and the ABTT have been a driving force - and we look forward to working with the ABTT towards the better future of technical theatre".
This scheme will run alongside the ABTT's ongoing training programme.
Avitas Announces New Audio Seminars
Following its successful audio training course that debuted last September, Avitas has announced a number of one-day and half-day courses for audio and AV professionals. Three separate one-day courses are being offered on Voice Alarm systems - EN54, BS5839-8 and BS7827, a course on BS7909 for temporary electrical systems - and two half-day seminars are available on how to manage installation projects and on digital audio networking. The courses are being run by Steve Jones, James Eade and Roland Hemming.
Steve is a respected audio consultant having designed numerous large-scale systems including Wembley stadium and Ascot racecourse. In addition he sits on a number of British and European standards committees for voice alarm systems.
James is an experienced project engineer having worked on countless installations and live events. He is consultant to the standards department of PLASA and he sits on a number of ANSI and British Standard panels.
Roland has several major projects to his name and has been involved in delivering projects such as Twickenham Stadium, Lord's Cricket Ground and St Pancras station in London. He has also assembled many audio networks, including the world's largest at the Millennium Dome.
The courses are being held in association with Installation Europe magazine at the premises of internationally renowned full service lighting hire and sales company, White Light, based in Wimbledon, London.
The courses, starting 21st April 2010, are sponsored by Application Solutions Limited, Neutrik (UK) Ltd, COMS and Sennheiser UK.
"We are delighted to be associated with these courses," says Richard Lack, sales and marketing director of ASL, who are specialists in voice alarm systems for public transportation networks, amongst other things. "As a company who is so closely involved with safety and security systems, it is important that our customers have the best possible understanding of how they work."
Phil Massey, general manager of Sennheiser UK agrees: "We know that installation projects are complex. These seminars give clarity to everyone supplying to or installing systems so they have a better understanding of what is involved."
According to Lynn Charlton of Neutrik: "As the supplier of products involved with the testing of the performance of these critical systems, we feel that it an important company initiative to be involved with seminars like these. Training is vital to the development of our industry, at all sorts of levels. It's an investment in the future, and we are very pleased to be involved."
Richard Northwood of COMS, a consultancy engineering practice that specialises in integrating audio, video and control systems for buildings and installations, adds: "Audio networks have been the norm for us for many years and as they begin to really hit the mainstream, we are delighted to help with spreading this knowledge out to as many people as possible.'
The courses:
21st April EN54
This one-day seminar is designed to give the basic facts around the introduction of EN54 parts 16 and 24 which will specifically affect pro-audio equipment used for emergency purposes. It will also allow discussion of the issues concerning approvals, compliance and implementation.
22nd April Voice Alarm BS5839-8
This one-day course is to provide specific guidance and grounding in engineering as it applies to sound systems for emergency purposes, notably Voice Alarm. The course content is based around BS5839 Part 8 and attendees will attain a knowledge of the scope and depth of that standard.
29th April BS7827 Sound Systems for sports grounds
This one-day course is to provide specific guidance and grounding in engineering, electro-acoustics and commissioning of sound systems for any large venue or building used by the Public for entertainment, communication or transportation, but especially sports venues. The course content is based around BS7827 and attendees will attain a knowledge of the scope and depth of that standard.
6th May AM Projects - what is a project
This seminar gives a half-day overview of how lighting, audio and audio-visual projects are managed: how tenders work; how to manage project risk; who are all the personalities on a construction project; how projects are priced etc.
6th May PM Audio networking
This seminar gives a half-day overview of what audio networks are, how they are used, what equipment is available, the different networking technologies available and information about their relative advantages and disadvantages.
17th May BS7909 temporary electrical systems
This one-day course is designed to give delegates a good understanding of the contents of BS 7909. It is aimed at event managers, producers and production managers, venue owners, system designers, gaffers, production and hire companies and those supplying equipment. The course can also be tailored to meet the specific needs of electricians, technicians or those responsible for technical equipment such as OB units or rental stock.
Attendee ticket pricing
BS5839 - £225, or £200 with early booking discount
BS72827 - £225, or £200 with early booking discount
EN54 - £250, or £225 with early booking discount
Projects - £75 or £65 with early booking discount
Audio Networking - £75 or £65 with early booking discount
BS7909 - £250, or £225 with early booking discount
For more information, full booking details and online booking, please visit www.avitas-global.com
New Draft Chain Hoist Standard in Public Review
BSR E1.6-3--201x, Selection and Use of Chain Hoists in the Entertainment Industry, is available for public review at http://www.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php through 3 May 2010. The review is over when the posted "Review End Date" of May 4 is reached.
The draft standard is part of the BSR E1.6 powered theatrical rigging system project. This part, BSR E1.6-3, establishes minimum safety requirements for the selection and use of serially manufactured electric link chain hoists having capacity of two tons or less in the entertainment industry. This standard does not address the design or maintenance of these hoists. The standard is intended to provide for the protection of life, limb, and property.
For more information, please contact: Karl G. Ruling, Technical Standards Manager, ESTA, 875 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1005, New York, NY 10001. Phone: 1-212-244-1505, email: standards@esta.org
ETCP USITT Exam Application Deadline Extended
The deadline for submitting applications to sit for the paper and pencil examinations to be given at USITT has been extended to March 12, 2010.
All three ETCP examinations will be offered at USITT in Kansas City, MO. All applications must be submitted to the ETCP office no later than 5 p.m. on March 12, 2010.
Entertainment Electrical Exam: March 31, 2010 (9:00 am)
Arena Rigging Exam: April 1, 2010 (9:00 am)
Theatre Rigging Exam: April 1, 2010 (2:00 pm)
Can't make it to USITT? You can apply to take an examination at a computer testing center near you. All three exams are available at over 190 testing centers in the U.S. and Canada on most business days. The Arena and Electrical examinations will also be given at InfoComm this summer in Las Vegas.
If you would like more information or would like eligibility requirements or applications sent to you, please contact Meredith Moseley-Bennett, ETCP Certification Manager, at certification@esta.org or 212-244-1505. Complete information is also available on the ETCP website: http://etcp.esta.org. The ETCP fifty-question practice examinations are now available at www.esta.org/etcppracticeexams.
The ETCP Council members are key leaders drawn from entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia representing the diversity of the entertainment industry. Membership includes AMPTP, BASE Entertainment, Broadway Across America, The Broadway League, Cirque du Soleil / MGM MIRAGE, CITT, Disney Theatrical Productions, ESTA, IAAM, IATSE, InfoComm, Live Nation, NBC Universal, PRG, SHAPE, TEA, and USITT. ETCP is an ESTA initiative created to promote industry safety.
Showsec Partner University of Derby Corporate in Education Initiative
Showsec and University of Derby Corporate launched the Foundation Degree in Applied Professional Studies specialising in Crowd Management last month. This bespoke, work-based learning initiative highlights Showsec's continued investment in future-focused education within the security and crowd management sector.
The new course has been developed by the University in close partnership with Showsec to meet the needs of learners, contributing to the longer-term development of the organisation and resulting in a formal qualification in the area of crowd management and event security. So far, 22 junior and mid-operational management executives have embarked on this flexible programme, combining academic and theoretical knowledge with work-based skills.
Conor Moss, Workforce Development Fellow at University of Derby Corporate says:
"The commitment from both parties on this project has been exemplary; the programme fits in well with our extensive selection of courses based around the events industry.
"The foundation degree has been developed to recognise the existing experience and knowledge of the individual learners, the employees, to enable them to achieve components of the course at a speed that suits them."
Showsec's Academy training manager Keith Hackett and the university have driven the initiative over the last six months, creating a fit for purpose qualification programme that is relevant to the current commercial environment.
Keith says: "Showsec chose University of Derby Corporate because it is one of the leading forces in Work Based Learning. They have succeeded in translating the content of our courses, developed at the Showsec Academy, into a University framework. They have a proven record of industry-wide qualifications and experience combined with a genuinely innovative approach to learning. Add this to its' capability to provide a full range of relevant qualifications from Level Two to Level Seven it is the ideal institution.
Matt Bromley, assistant subject manager for Events Management at the University of Derby says: "Showsec as a company has devoted a substantial amount of time and resources to the development of this course, which illustrates their ongoing commitment to education in the industry. We look forward to developing a range of learning solutions in the future."
Showsec managing director Mark Harding says: "This is the first of a series of projects planned with The University of Derby Corporate, including a number of research projects. The university embraces the industry's needs and fully understand Showsec's requirements, allowing us to develop a programme that delivers far greater benefits than a more theory based course. We pride ourselves on being the driving force behind change and education in the sector, and this groundbreaking course formulates another key element in our desire to create a clearly defined career development path for all our operational staff."
In picture: Showsec Foundation Degree students and course tutors at University of Derby Corporate.
New Edition of Illustrated Theatre Production Guide Published
This new and fully updated edition of the Illustrated Theatre Production Guide takes a step-by-step approach to the most common and popular theatre production practices.
New is an accompanying Website with how-to videos give an exclusive visual on how to do crucial backstage tasks such as properly tying knots, building a chandelier, and constructing an outdoor stage.
The title features hundreds of unique hand-drawings illustrate lessons to give dimensional detailed instruction This book covers important issues related to the construction of wooden, fabric, plastic, and metal scenery used on the stage. It examines theatres and their equipment, tools and materials, and scenery construction, as well as the principles of electricity and implementation of a lighting design.
Illustrated Theatre Production Guide second edition offers techniques and best-practice methods from an experienced industry expert, creating a foundation on which to build a successful and resourceful career behind the scenes in theatre production.
The author, John Holloway, is an Associate Professor and Technical Director for the Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky.
ISBN 13: 978-0-240-81204-5. US price $44.95; euro price €32.95; GBP price £22.99.
ETCP Exams Translated to French
The Conseil québécois des ressources humaines en culture (CQRHC) and CITT have announced that the ETCP exams for entertainment riggers will be available in French as of spring 2010.
After five months of work, CITT is very proud to announce that the inaugural administration of the French paper and pencil ETCP Arena and Theatre Rigging exams will take place in Montréal on Tuesday April 27, 2010 on the eve of the opening of EN COULISSE at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Another first: both French and English paper and pen exams will be administrated simultaneously. In the meantime, interested French-speaking riggers can assess their skills prior to applying for the certification exam by taking the 50-question rigging practice exams, which will be launched on-line on March 1, 2010.
The French certification exams will be available only in the paper and pencil format. CITT, through its regional sections will work towards ensuring Francophone riggers have regular access to the exams throughout the year.
The SMEs for arena rigging were Patrick Chassin, Hugo Hamel, François Laurion, Stéphane Mayrand, Ewen Seagel and Claude Sergerie. The SMEs for theatre rigging were David Charbonneau, Jean-François Dubé, Jean-Yves Laroche, Pierre Masse, Colin Noël, and Brian Parker.
The ETCP Council members are key leaders drawn from entertainment business, labor, facilities, associations, and academia representing the diversity of the entertainment industry. Membership includes AMPTP, BASE Entertainment, Broadway Across America, The Broadway League, Cirque du Soleil / MGM MIRAGE, CITT, Disney Theatrical Productions, ESTA, IAAM, IATSE, InfoComm, Live Nation, NBC Universal, PRG, SHAPE, TEA, and USITT. ETCP is an ESTA initiative created to promote industry safety.
d&b Remote Network Workshop Debuts in New UK Premises
Alongside the English language workshops that take place regularly in Germany, the d&b audiotechnik Remote Network Workshop has now come to the UK. This one-day session will take place on Wednesday March 3 at the new UK office in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire. Controlled by d&b's Steve Jones, the day will explore d&b amplifiers within the network and the d&b Remote network topology. The workshop will look at all the necessary hardware including
cable options along with the R1 Remote control software's installation and preparation as well as a practical session using it to program a user interface.
World's first SAW Electroacoustic Symposium at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
The first ever Electroacoustic Symposium is to be held at Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, in partnership with Sonic Artists in Wales (SAW).
SAW promotes and fosters sonic art across Wales, providing opportunities for sharing, creating and performing Sonic Art.
The inaugural International Electroacoustic Festival, on 25 & 26 March, will include research papers, installations, workshop demonstrations and concert performances as well as a video link keynote speech from the internationally renowned composer Kevin Austin (founder of Concordia Electroacoustic Community).
"I'm absolutely delighted that the Royal Welsh College is hosting this festival which will draw sonic artists and composers from across Wales, providing them with an extraordinary opportunity to collaborate and network with international artists and researchers," says Simon Kilshaw, lecturer in Creative Music Technology at the College. "It will be a hub of creativity and a fantastic experience for our student, affirming the College's status as a leader in the performance of sonic art and contemporary music."
Control Protocols Draft Standards in Public Review
Two Control Protocols Working Group draft standards have been added to the public review page (http://www.esta.org/tsp/documents/public_review_docs.php) on the
ESTA website: BSR E1.30-1-20xx, EPI 23.
Device Identification Subdevice, and BSR E1.20 - 201x, Entertainment Technology -- Remote Device Management over USITT DMX512. The E1.30 draft document is part of BSR E1.30, Application level equipment interoperability for control of commonly encountered entertainment technology devices using ANSI E1.17. It specifies a templated device for device identification as typically used for remote hardware and software devices. BSR E1.20 - 201x is a revision of the existing ANSI E1.20 - 2006, Entertainment Technology-- Remote Device Management over USITT DMX512. The revision is being done to correct errors in the published document and to add a new message enhancing functionality.
The two documents are in public review through March 29, 2010. When midnight UTC between March 29 and March 30 is reached, the reviews have ended and the links will disappear.
Reviewers are also asked to look for protected intellectual property in the draft standards. ESTA does not intend to adopt any standard that requires the use of protected intellectual property, unless that property is necessary for technical reasons and can be licensed and used by anyone without prejudice or preference for a reasonable fee. Any protected intellectual property should be pointed out in the comments.
