Sessions are filling up!

• Stage Management Session: Communication, Effective and Efficient, Friday, 11:30-1:00: FULL
• Wardrobe Session: The Resident Shows of Las Vegas, Friday, 2:30-4:00: 3 spots remaining
• Performance Session: Physical Theatre for the Actor, Friday, 2:30-4:00: 6 spots remaining
• Performance Session: Dance Warm up, Friday, 2:30-4:00: 10 spots remaining
• Wardrobe Session: Wardrobe Crafts in the Resident Shows of Las Vegas, Saturday, 9:30-11:00: FULL
• Performance Session: Physical Theatre for the Dancer, Saturday, 9:30-11:00: 8 spots remaining
• Performance Session: Partner Stretch, Saturday, 9:30-11:00: 10 spots remaining
• Performance Session: Dance Progression and Street Styles, Saturday, 11:30-1:00: FULL
• Stage Management Session: What You Need to Know to be Successful, Saturday, 11:30-1:00: FULL
• Wardrobe Session: Makeup Application as a Cirque du Soleil Artist, Saturday, 2:30-4:00: FULL
• Performance Session: Dance Feedback, Saturday, 2:30-4:00: 10 spots remaining
• Performance Session: Improvisation in Dance, Sunday, 9:30-11:00: FULL
• Performance Session: Mock Dance Audition, Sunday, 11:30-1:00: 2 spots remaining

Meyer Sound Audio Sessions

Philips Entertainment Lighting Sessions

Automation Sessions with Tait Towers and Stage Technologies

Production, Carpentry and Props Sessions

Artistic, Dance, and Performance Sessions

Stage Management Sessions

Wardrobe and Makeup Sessions

Rigging Sessions

Course Topics and Schedules subject to change.

Downloadable schedule

Downloadable session descriptions

 

Session Descriptions

Meyer Sound Audio Sessions

Choosing the Right Loudspeaker for the Application
Instructor: Steve Bush

A wide variety of loudspeakers are designed for use in different modern sound reinforcement applications. Examples include line arrays, point-source loudspeakers, loudspeakers with narrow coverage, wide coverage, short-throw, long-throw, and numerous other variations. The primary goal of sound system design is to evenly distribute the sound to the listening audience at the appropriate volume, but it can quickly become overwhelming to know how to best implement the tools available to effectively achieve that goal. This panel presentation will step participants through a general overview of common loudspeaker types and how they are implemented in different sound system design applications.

Basics of System Design and Organization
Instructor: Steve Bush

This presentation provides an overview of the essential principles involved in the design and measurement of sound reinforcement systems. System optimization guidelines are covered along with demonstrations of the tools available for system alignment utilizing Meyer Sound’s SIM 3 audio analyzer and Galileo Loudspeaker Management System.

Getting Ready for the Big Show: What Happens at Sound Check
Instructor: Rob Mele

Discuss how the audio department fits into the grand scheme of the show. Introduce participants to the various elements that go into the Audio Department of a show. Discuss Mic Check, Speaker Check, Wireless Mics and In Ears / IFB, Wired and Wireless Com and the importance of having a routine and daily checks—Minimizing the risks of equipment failure. Demonstrate through cues the functionality of PFL and solo functions to isolate and audition microphones for the purpose of eq and dynamics programming, demonstrate how update and capture process in tech can facilitate quick storing of actor and performer microphone settings as well as level adjustments (Fader, EQ, Dynamics) that remain manual. Demonstrate multi-track recordings of live musical shows along with a couple live mic channels to demonstrate how the tech process exposes workflow problems getting the mix right. (Channel strip and what it means)

Tips and Tricks for Utilizing Playback in a Live Show
Instructor: Rob Mele

Demonstration of show control playback capabilities, how playback "decks" work to fulfill the various synchronous (video or timebase driven) and asynchronous or multisynchronous requirements of production.

• Build a few cues for a hypothetical show and then demonstrate how a new playback cue is built in that context and trigger for demo purposes.
• Techniques of playback interacting with a live performance
• Cueing the show from stage management or actions onstage
• Looping and vamping
• Finding the right sounds for the action - demonstrate the "asynchronous requirements" of scene building

Fun with Consoles, Controllers, and External Targets
Instructor: Rob Mele

Introduction presents a modular interface utilizing Cue Console with an exploration of various features of this type of platform. Demonstrate using OSC or Midi devices to add functionality and control. Work with the class to build a scene and trigger various sound effects.

• Demonstration of client - server relationship
• Laying out the console inputs
• Mixing the show/ Using Groups

Understanding Linearity in Modern Sound Reinforcement Systems
Instructor: Steve Bush

Linearity is a term that is commonly applied in discussions of modern sound systems, however the concept and definition of “What is a Linearity?” is not entirely understood by many audio technicians. This presentation will clarify the definition of Linearity and how it applies to audio reproduction. Additionally the presentation will provide attendees with a comprehensive look at the concept of linearity and explore means of testing and evaluating the linearity of audio systems.

Science, Sound and You: An open forum to discuss the world of sound
Instructors: Steve Bush and Rob Mele

Demonstrate how noise masking changes the relative level of a sound or its perceived frequency content. Demonstrate how delay is introduced on inputs to correct for distance. Demonstrate how beating occurs on signals that are incrementally out of phase. The challenges that live engineers face with level setting, programming, speaker placement and delay, polarity and mic placement.

Philips Entertainment Lighting Sessions

Lighting Technology—Lamps, LEDs and Color Mixing Theory
Instructors: Leonard Miller and Charlie Hulme

In this class we review lamp types, basic LED technologies and compare color mixing theories with side by side comparisons of gels, dichroic and LED sources.

Moving Lights—Operation, Care and Feeding
Instructors: Leonard Miller and Charlie Hulme

In this class we learn the basics of automated lighting form, function and basic maintenance. We will also explore the fun side of creating looks with lamp based spot and wash fixtures, as well as LED wash fixtures.

The All-LED Theatre: Are We There?
Instructors: Leonard Miller and Charlie Hulme

In this class we will explore the current state of LED lighting fixtures available for theatrical stage design using the Philips Selecon line of LED stage fixtures.

Automation Sessions with Tait Towers and Stage Technologies

Introduction to Automation
Instructors: Gemma Guy and Ben Gasper

 

How to Start Your Career in Automation
Instructors: Gemma Guy and Ben Gasper

 

Working with Winches
Instructor: Ben Gasper

Set up, operation, and maintenance of stage winches.

Introduction to Navigator Automation Control Software
Instructor: Ben Gasper

 

Life in Automation at Cirque du Soleil
Instructor: Ben Gasper

"O" case study session.

More Navigator
Instructor: Ben Gasper

 

Automation at TAIT
Instructor: Ben Gasper

Case studies on some of the new, biggest shows.

Production, Carpentry and Props Sessions

Building Props and Scenery for Long Running Productions
Instructor: Matt Sillett

There are many differences between designing & building a prop for a one off production vs. a show that will run for many years. This class will discuss the considerations that you need to make related to materials & fabrication techniques for long running show elements.

Getting Your Production from the Creative Brain to the Physical Stage
Instructor: Jeff Wilson

The ins and outs of project management.

Inspection and Maintenance Routines for Carpentry/Props Professionals
Instructor: Matt Shillett

Just because your show is built and running successfully doesn’t mean that your job is done! We will discuss Inspection and maintenance systems & techniques for keeping your show as safe and fresh looking as it did on opening night.

Keep Pushing Towards the Goal Line
Instructor: Jeff Wilson

What to do when things start to get off-track, conflict and resource management specific to the entertainment industry.

Carpentry/Props After College
Instructor: Matt Sillett

So you just graduated college with a theatre degree, now what…This course will cover: What to expect in the job market, finding a job, the differences between working in large & small productions, creating a resume for entertainment jobs, interviewing tips & the importance of networking.

Resume, Interviewing, and Job Search Workshop
Instructor: Jeff Wilson

Create a resume that gets you the job. Organize your job search. Acing an interview.

11 Hours Until Doors—A Look Behind the Curtain
Instructor: Matt Sillett

Every day we have 11 hours until the audience fills our seats. We will discuss how carpentry & props uses those hours to ensure a safe, high quality production every night. We will discuss the different roles and tasks on an average shift of a day maintenance technician and a show crew technician.

Artistic, Dance, and Performance Sessions

Creative Perpetuity and the Creative Process
Instructors: Krista Monson and Katy Tate

What keeps us perpetually creative as artists and human beings? What keeps a piece of creative work fresh, believable and powerful for not only days or weeks but months and years? What are the essential creative ingredients in a Cirque du Soleil show? Question and answer will follow.

Physical Theatre for Acting Students
Instructor: Krista Monson

Influenced by her work as a Casting Director, Director and Theater Arts Instructor, this session challenges the artist in storytelling, gesture, partner work, improvisation, focus, and theatrical relationships.

Dance Warm up and Contemporary Technique
Instructor: Katy Tate

45-minute full dance warm up followed by contemporary combination of "moving through the music."

Physical Theatre for the Dancer
Instructor: Krista Monson

This class in physical theater influences the dancer to bring in elements of storytelling, characterization to their choreography. Exercises in physical improvisation, relationships will be explored.

Partner Stretch Class
Instructor: Katy Tate

This is an excellent class using techniques of active release stretching and resistance work in partners. Focuses on flexibility and strength.

Dance Progression and Street Styles
Instructor: Katy Tate

Katy Tate leads this class focusing on progressions across the floor in jazz technique followed by techniques in street styles like locking, house, and whacking to name a few.

Dance Own Piece Feedback
Instructors: Krista Monson and Katy Tate

Artists are invited to present pieces no longer than 1 minute in any dance genre Krista and Katy challenge the artist with constructive, honest feedback about technique, truthfulness, character, emotion, storytelling, impact, risk taking. The instructors will help guide the process for the artist to fuse technical excellence, the unique voice of the individual artist and the essential element of connecting with an audience. This balance is critical for emerging professional artists. This class is a must for an emerging artist.

Improvisation in Dance
Instructors: Krista Monson and Katy Tate

In order to become a versatile, well-rounded dancer, it is vital for an emerging or working artist to improvise in their work. This is without a doubt one of the scariest things to ask a dancer. However, when we are out of our comfort zone is when we are growing the most. This class will challenge dancers to dig deep, trust what they have learned and trust who they are as a person to bring forth honest and compelling performances.

Mock Dance Audition
Instructors: Krista Monson and Katy Tate

Calling upon their work as Casting Director and Dance Master with Cirque du Soleil, Krista and Katy conduct an exciting and provoking dance audition with a constructive and honest approach. A variety of dance styles are explored to push the total versatility of the dancer. Develops versatility and better ability to learn choreography quickly (for auditions, master classes, guest choreography). This class pulls emotional performance out ‘instantly’ by learning to listen and react to musical nuances, phrases, and their own personal experience. Show us who you are!

Stage Management Sessions

Communication: Efficient and Effective
Instructor: Stacey Myers

The art of collecting & disseminating information

Stage Management: What You Need to Know to be Successful
Instructor: Stacey Myers

What it really takes to be the best stage manager you can be.

The Forest and Climb
Instructor: Stacey Myers

Two Acts of KÀ Dissected – Front & Back Stage Video (With Calls)

Wardrobe and Makeup Sessions

The Resident Shows of Las Vegas
Instructor: Sandra Fox

We’ll look at the costumes from the seven Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas, highlighting innovations with each new production, as well as challenges for maintaining the costumes for these shows over the years. (PowerPoint presentation with video b-roll and costume display.)

Wardrobe Crafts in the Resident Shows
Instructor: Sandra Fox

We’ll look at Wardrobe craft pieces from the various shows and talk about techniques, materials, courses, challenges, and maintenance for these items. (Costume display and discussion.)

Makeup Application as a Cirque du Soleil Artist
Instructor: Sandra Fox

This will be a hands-on course to teach an application of makeup from one of the shows. We’ll talk through the challenges of the makeup application, and discuss what sets the design on a face. We’ll also touch on makeup corrections when applying a complicated design on yourself or others. (Makeup, sponges, and brushes provided.)

Identifying the Job in Costumes for Me
Instructor: Sandra Fox

We’ll talk about the differences in the theater job market facing anyone who is looking. This will highlight the differences between regional theater, Broadway-style entertainment, opera companies, and corporate theater. We’ll talk about skills that are useful to have in the industry. We’ll also highlight the difference in jobs within Cirque du Soleil’s organization itself. (PowerPoint presentation with question and answer session about jobs in the industry.)

Rigging Sessions

Rigging with Cirque
Instructor: Mike Peters

What it is like being a rigger on a long running show with Cirque du Soleil.

Rigging 101
Instructor: Mike Peters

Choosing the right rigging gear and making good connections.

Basic Electricity and its Relationship to Electric Chain Motors
Instructor: David Carmack

 

Introduction to Fall Protection
Instructor: Mike Peters

Fall hazards and how to deal with them in the entertainment industry.

Begnining Chain Motor Troubleshooting
Instructor: David Carmack

Setting limits and adjusting brakes

Knot Tying
Instructor: Mike Peters

Basic and advanced knot tying techniques used by riggers.

Rescue
Instructor: Mike Peters

Discussion and demonstration of rescue techniques.

 

Purdue University, USITT Midwest Regional Section, and Cirque du Soleil will make every effort to present the workshops as advertised. However, no warranties are made either expressed or implied and all workshops are subject to cancellation due to low enrollment, acts of God, or any forces beyond the control of Purdue University, USITT Midwest Regional Seciton, and Cirque du Soleil.