Protocol

Protocol Protocol is the quarterly journal of ESTA, the Entertainment Services and Technology Association. www.esta.org

Protocol is a quarterly publication featuring columns and articles of interest to professionals in the entertainment technology industry on business and technical topics, current standards issues, certification developments, and trade shows.

Thank you to Eartec for supporting Protocol! Their UltraLITE full-duplex wireless intercom delivers clear, hands-free co...
05/09/2025

Thank you to Eartec for supporting Protocol! Their UltraLITE full-duplex wireless intercom delivers clear, hands-free communication, keeping crews c***ected in fast-paced production environments. We appreciate their commitment to enhancing teamwork and efficiency in the industry.

and enjoy a theatre show with accommodations that improve the experience for all, and more are being provided every day. However, at NATEAC many theatre technicians, artists, and actors with disabilities voiced that the back of house has been slow, or even resistant, to adopt these types of accommod...

🎭 Shadow, Light, and Truth: DC stages—Is it time for AC to exit the stage?With new advancements in lighting, is it time ...
05/09/2025

🎭 Shadow, Light, and Truth: DC stages—Is it time for AC to exit the stage?
With new advancements in lighting, is it time to say goodbye to AC-powered systems? Richard Cadena explores the shift in DC lighting for the stage.

Shadow, Light, and Truth BY RICHARD CADENA DC stages: Is it time for AC to exit the stage? IMAGINE YOU WALK INTO a venue to set up for a show, and you look for the nor-mal 400-amp 3-phase company switch to power your lighting rig. Instead of finding the normal grey metal box with five Cam-lock c***e...

Thank you to Doug Fleenor Design for advertising in Protocol! Known for their expertise in DMX technology, they provide ...
05/08/2025

Thank you to Doug Fleenor Design for advertising in Protocol! Known for their expertise in DMX technology, they provide reliable and innovative solutions for lighting control systems. From DMX splitters to protocol converters, their products keep entertainment technology running smoothly. We appreciate their continued support of the industry.

Editor’s Letter Dear Readers, Although January felt unusually long, it was still a busy and dynamic quarter. Professionally, I traveled to Columbus for another great USITT show, and at home, I watched my kids take part in taekwondo tournaments, belt testing, and science fairs. To top it off, we ce...

📅 Looking Ahead: Upcoming industry eventsMark your calendars! We’ve got the key industry events you won’t want to miss i...
05/07/2025

📅 Looking Ahead: Upcoming industry events
Mark your calendars! We’ve got the key industry events you won’t want to miss in 2025. Where will we see you?

Looking Ahead Upcoming industry events NAB Cine Gear LA Expo June 6 – 7 Since 1996, Cine Gear Expo has grown to become the premier event for the technology, entertainment, and media industry. The Holly-wood community is stretched out far and wide across the world and Cine Gear Expo reunions bring ...

Thank you to Creative Conners, Inc. for advertising in Protocol! Their Spikemark 6 & Console bring precision and reliabi...
05/06/2025

Thank you to Creative Conners, Inc. for advertising in Protocol! Their Spikemark 6 & Console bring precision and reliability to automation, giving designers and technicians powerful control over scenic movement. We appreciate their dedication to innovation and their support of the industry.

Spikemark 6 & Console Transform your next show with stunning motion driven by the most innovative and intuitive stage automation software and control surface. LEARN MORE TODAY! WORK & RUN-OF SHOW LIGHTING IN A SINGLE LINEAR FIXTURE 1-800-292-7490 | RAILITE 4 TH WALL STAGE EDGE SAFETY LIGHTING FIND U...

📅 Looking Ahead: Upcoming industry eventsMark your calendars! We’ve got the key industry events you won’t want to miss i...
05/03/2025

📅 Looking Ahead: Upcoming industry events

Mark your calendars! We’ve got the key industry events you won’t want to miss in 2025. Where will we see you?

Looking Ahead Upcoming industry events NAB Cine Gear LA Expo June 6 – 7 Since 1996, Cine Gear Expo has grown to become the premier event for the technology, entertainment, and media industry. The Holly-wood community is stretched out far and wide across the world and Cine Gear Expo reunions bring ...

A huge thank you to Generico Entertainment Products for their support of Protocol! As a trusted provider of affordable, ...
05/02/2025

A huge thank you to Generico Entertainment Products for their support of Protocol! As a trusted provider of affordable, high-quality stage equipment, Generico delivers dependable products and services that help bring productions to life. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes them a standout in the industry. We’re grateful for their ongoing support.

experience. For those with visual impairments, technology can help adjust for reduced contrast or yellowing vision of the elderly. Tech solutions could also include assistive devices for stagecraft like adjustable grip tools or voice-activated controls for lighting and sound. The human element Theat...

🎓 The shows must go on: Educating a rising workforceHow do we prepare the next generation of entertainment professionals...
05/01/2025

🎓 The shows must go on: Educating a rising workforce

How do we prepare the next generation of entertainment professionals? ESTA President Todd Spencer highlights the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship.

Directions BY TODD SPENCER The shows must go on: Educating a rising workforce THE LIVE EXPERIENCE INDUSTRY has long been burnished with star power, attracting talented professionals who work their magic behind the scenes to pull off pro-ductions that delight and astonish audiences. For decades, this...

Thank you to Broadweigh for advertising in Protocol! Their industry-leading wireless load monitoring solutions help ensu...
04/30/2025

Thank you to Broadweigh for advertising in Protocol! Their industry-leading wireless load monitoring solutions help ensure safety and precision in rigging and live event production. We appreciate their commitment to innovation and their support of the industry.

KNOW MORE, DO MORE The Broadweigh ecosystem empowers riggers, event professionals, and venue operators with real-time data to make smarter, safer decisions. From load monitoring to wind speed alerts, our wireless solutions provide the insight you need to act with confi dence. Stay ahead of challeng...

📊 ESTA AGM: 2024 at a glanceCatch up on key takeaways from the ESTA Annual General Meeting and find out what’s ahead for...
04/29/2025

📊 ESTA AGM: 2024 at a glance

Catch up on key takeaways from the ESTA Annual General Meeting and find out what’s ahead for 2025.

ESTA AGM: 2024 at a glance BY JANE PARSON THE 2025 ESTA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING took place on Thursday, March 6, at the Hilton Columbus Downtown during USITT. During the presentation, ESTA’s Lifetime Technical Achieve-ment Award was given to Gary Fails, founder of City Theatrical. The ESTA Board of...

Thank you to GIS-Corp for their support of Protocol! Known for their cutting-edge solutions in the entertainment industr...
04/26/2025

Thank you to GIS-Corp for their support of Protocol! Known for their cutting-edge solutions in the entertainment industry, GIS-Corp offers a wide range of products, including the impressive LPL Series. These advanced lighting systems deliver powerful performance and exceptional quality, making them a favorite for high-demand productions. We appreciate their dedication to innovation and their continued support of the industry.

TSP News | Winter meetings drive Technical Standards progress of interest to the Rigging Working Group (RWG), who maintains multiple standards pertaining to electric chain hoist power and control systems, so collaborations have begun between the interested participants in both working groups. Workin...

💜 Behind the Scenes Charity celebrates two decades of compassion and support.For twenty years, Behind the Scenes has pro...
04/25/2025

💜 Behind the Scenes Charity celebrates two decades of compassion and support.

For twenty years, Behind the Scenes has provided crucial assistance to entertainment professionals in need. Join Rick Rudolph and Lori Rubinstein to learn about how their impact has lasted over time!

Behind the Scenes News BY EMILY DREW Behind the Scenes celebrates two decades of compassion and support THIS YEAR, BEHIND THE SCENES (BTS) celebrates twenty years of lighting the way for our colleagues in the dark. I joined BTS in 2023, and with each passing day, my admira-tion for the charity’s i...

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