Showlight 2013
18-21st May, 2013.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic.
If you are passionate about what you do and open to ideas, both new and old, then Showlight 2013 is for you.
At the only international lighting event organised by and for entertainment lighting professionals, you will:
- hear from some of the leading names in the industry
- see the latest products in the associated exhibition
- enjoy a truly interesting and entertaining social programme
- network with those whose reputations have been established and others who are just starting out.
Showlight takes place once every four years, always in a different location. This time, it is the turn of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic. The venue is a fairy tale castle in this traffic free, UNESCO Heritage Site. Travel to Český Krumlov is easy, with six flights a day from Heathrow to Prague plus direct flights from other UK and major European cities. Showlight will provide complimentary luxury coaches from Prague, Linz, and Brno airports to Cesky Krumlov for those arriving for the opening of Showlight, and departing at the close.
Sparkling line up for Showlight 2013
With Showlight 2013 set in the Czech Republic, it is only right that among the first subjects to be announced for this event is Josef Svoboda, creator of the Svoboda light and the most influential scenographer of the 20th century. Christopher Baugh, Professor of Theatre at Hull University, met Svoboda at London’s National Theatre and is an expert on the man who was the first to use a light curtain and one of the first to combine lighting and projection.
On the subject of projection, we come bang up to date with one of the most-watched events in 2012, the Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. Durham Marenghi and his colleagues will be letting the Showlight audience into some of the technical secrets behind that stunning projection onto the front of the Palace, as well as the spectacular lighting rig round the Victoria Memorial.
Between the creation of the Svoboda light in the 1960s and the events of 2012 a lighting revolution took place. Francis Reid focused his first Patt 23 in 1954 and his last in 2001, so knows first-hand about the key technological advances in between – and reviews which of the more recent ones have made him jealous!
This brings us neatly to the Formation of a Lighting Archive, presented by Tony Award winning LDs Beverly Emmons and Ken Billington. What does the younger generation know about the lighting plots of 30 or 40 years ago? If we looked at say the Broadway production of Guys and Dolls, would we be astounded by the lack of equipment? Concerned that the history of lighting is being lost, Beverly is working on the formation of a lighting archive.
Showlight 2013 also gives Bill Klages the chance to entertain with part two of Lighting Art and Technology, his hilarious stories about lighting TV spectaculars in the USA. For those who didn’t make Showlight 2009, where Bill was so rudely interrupted by the Chairman for overrunning, you can watch highlights here: http://www.youtube.com/user/ShowlightVideos/
Showlight, with Robe as the main sponsor for 2013, is known for its social side, which gives everyone the opportunity to catch up on old friendships and make new ones. The intimate company dinners provide an opportunity for lighting designers to tell manufacturers exactly what they need from particular products, while the Conference Dinner remains the highlight of the whole event, enabling delegates, speakers, students and exhibitors to relax in each other’s company.
From the Welcome Drinks reception for those arriving on the Saturday evening, to the close of the event on the Tuesday, Showlight offers excellent value for money – full delegates get access to all the seminar presentations, the trade show, full participation in the visits programme, lunch and refreshments throughout the day and a place at the main Conference Dinner.
For full information visit www.showlight.org, telephone +44 (0)1323 524120 or email info@showlight.org
Companies wishing to take an exhibition stand, or anyone wishing to register as a delegate, can email info@showlight.org