ASTC:Notes

Spring 2025

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Greetings from ASTC

It seems we are at the midpoint of the year. All of the ASTC members I talk to seem to be busy, for which we should all be thankful. Let’s hope the design and construction work we depend upon continues, despite cost pressures.


Many of our group gathered in Columbus for the USITT Conference where we met for a meal and a meeting. A big reason for being there was our ASTC-USITT Renovation Challenge, which you can read about below. We had four teams present their projects, and the quality was outstanding. Oberlin College was awarded the Edgar L. Lustig Honor Award, while Mesa Community College took the USITT Director’s Award. The other teams from University of Oklahoma and The Ohio State University also acquitted themselves well. We will do it again in 2027.


As part of ASTC’s spring meeting, two of our board members have stepped down after years of service. Scott Crossfield, FASTC has been a great partner these past few years and it’s been great to get to know him better. Heather McAvoy, ASTC is a past President and a long time member of the board. Her work has been exemplary. They will both be missed. I’m excited by our new board members, Chris Sprague and Cathy Bachman. Welcome aboard.


Finally, I’d be remiss if I did not recognize a retiring Fellow of ASTC, Robert Shook of the firm Schuler Shook. Bob has always had great perspectives on a variety of matters. I’ve especially appreciated his help on the Publications Committee, but he has accomplished so much more over the years. Bob has been named Emeritus within ASTC. Congratulations on your retirement.


Have a great summer!


Paul Sanow, ASTC

President



In the Spring Newsletter:

Accessibility on the Aisle

by Robert Jenista & Bill Conner, FASTC


Quietly Teaching Rock 'n' Roll

by Howard Glickman, ASTC


Planning for the Crew

by Paul Sanow, ASTC

Backstage Art - Spring 2025

by Joe Chapman, ASTC


ASTC - USITT Renovation Challenge 2025

by Robert Jenista


ASTC New Board of Directors and New ASTC Member

by Joe Chapman, ASTC

Accessibility on the Aisle

Robert Jenista & Bill Conner, FASTC

Designated Aisle Seat in a theatre. Photo by Kurt Wehmann, ASTC

Performance venues offer a range of accommodations for patrons such as wheelchair spaces, assistive listening devices, and sensory-sensitive performances or areas. One accommodation that theatregoers may not be familiar with is designated aisle seats. 

...READ MORE

Quietly Teaching Rock 'n' Roll

Howard Glickman, ASTC

A load in at the Armory for the Arts, New York City. Arena-style lighting is common for entertainment events (Photo by Paul Sanow, ASTC).

ASTC Member Howard Glickman reflects on how performance lighting has changed over the years. Those changes have got him thinking about how systems might be designed to better train students of today for the work of tomorrow, regardless of their career trajectory. Every consultant has different approaches to the design of lighting controls systems. This is an idea Howard considers a possible path.  

...READ MORE

Planning for the Crew

Paul Sanow, ASTC

A crew room, complete with secured lockers, and kitchen area. Jigsaw puzzle is optional. (Photo by Kimberly Corbett Oates, ASTC).

While it is important to understand the unique needs of performers and the public, another group is often forgotten in space planning. Just because they wear a lot of black and stay out of the public’s view, it does not mean their needs should be forgotten. Let’s find some room for the stage crew.

...READ MORE

Backstage Art - Spring 2025

Joe Chapman, ASTC

A view of one wall of the loading ramp at the LA Forum as seen in 2014. (Photo by Paul Sanow, ASTC).

Continuing our series of art found backstage, a different look at how a venue remembers the shows that have come through a building. This time a look backstage at the LA Forum in Inglewood (now Kia Forum).  

...READ MORE

2025 ASTC-USITT Venue Renovation Challenge

Robert Jenista

Oberlin College, Edgar L. Lustig Honor Award. From Left to Right: Paul Sanow, ASTC President, Alexis Merane Hart, Nelson Gutsch, Charlotte Stephenson (behind), Lorelei McCarthy (front), Andrew McCrackin (behind), Sam Hechler (front) Howard Glickman, ASTC mentor.

The results are in for the 2025 ASTC-USITT Venue Renovation Challenge. The competition was fierce and amazing. Four teams competed at the annual USITT Conference for two prizes.

     ...READ MORE

ASTC New Board of Directors and New ASTC Member

by Joe Chapman


Two ASTC Board of Directors have left the Board, and two new ASTC members will serve on the Board. Plus, the ASTC announces a new member, Kurt Wehmann, bringing the total membership to 82. The Board of Directors determined that the new member met the professional qualifications for membership in the ASTC. 

       ...READ MORE

Thanks so much for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please email us!  newsletter@theatreconsultants.org
 
 
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