Presenter: Krista Louden

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Krista
As a native of Owatonna, MN, Krista literally grew up with music and Wenger Corporation. Not only did she work for Wenger during summer and holiday breaks throughout high school, her father spent 40 years with the company. Krista went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and then spent most of her 25+ year professional career in the media and marketing industry. Having lived in some of the nation’s largest cities, she’s held VP and other executive sales leadership roles for companies such as Tribune Company and Philadelphia Media Network. Music, especially piano and vocals, remained important to Krista throughout her life. Accolades include being chosen as a national anthem soloist for the Chicago Cubs, graduating from a vocal program with the Evening Division at the Juilliard School in Manhattan and singing with Singing City Philadelphia. Krista is thrilled to be working in a field she loves so deeply, serving as Wenger’s Regional Sales Manager for NYC and the surrounding area. Contact her at [email protected].

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presented by: David Jones
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

• MBA Lehigh University, 2004
• 25+ years in professional building and architectural design sales and sales management; Pella Corporation, Masco Corporation, Wenger Corporation
• Large Projects include: Villanova University Performing Arts Center, New Brunswick Performing Arts Center, College of the Holy Cross Performing Arts Center, High Tech High School, Secaucus, NJ

Presented by: Pete Svitavsky

ANSI E1.6-1, Entertainment Technology: Powered Hoist Systems, establishes requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, inspection and maintenance of powered hoist systems for lifting and suspension of loads for performance, presentation and theatrical production. We will discuss some of the underlying principles of the standard and review the basic requirements as they pertain to mechanical design. Some examples of component selection will be offered followed with a Q&A segment.

About Pete
Pete Svitavsky worked as a stage carpenter and a rigger before earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has worn a number of hats during his 20+ years with J.R. Clancy and Wenger Corporation. During these two decades his duties have included everything from project management to product design to inspections and field maintenance. Pete is a licensed Professional Engineer, and an inventor of several patented designs. He is a proud to be a member of USITT and ESTA and help work to develop national standards for the entertainment industry. He is a regular contributor to the education of future generations of industry professionals through classes and conferences.

Presented by: Neal Jorgensen (Iowa Bandmasters Conference)

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presented by: Jaed Parker

Welcome to the future of music rehearsal. The VAE® Rehearsal System from Wenger is an amazing instrument that’s reshaping how teachers teach and students learn. Its advanced audio technology enhances your practice room acoustics to accelerate learning.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

Presenter: Edward Kaye

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

Presenter: Ron Freiheit

The study of music is dependent upon the ability to learn and hear differences in intonation, dynamics articulation and balance. This skill, called critical listening, can be developed only in a learning environment with proper acoustics. This session addresses the most common acoustic problems that music educators face in their rehearsal and practice spaces.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presenter: Ryan Vogel

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Teri Anderson

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Teri
Teri Anderson has fifteen years of experience working in the construction, manufacturing and sales of specialty products for the education and performance markets. She has teamed with educators, school administrators and design professionals on critical early planning and design for new and renovated music and performance spaces.

Teri has a BA in Political Science from University of Arizona. She understands and shares with others the importance of creating effective environments to help teachers teach and students learn.

Teri specializes in one-on-one and group forum presentations with educators, administrators and design teams, discussing the assessment and planning tools aimed at addressing the unique design elements of effective music suites.

Presented by: Patrick Finn & Andy Knapp

Safety First. We hear it all the time. But what does it really mean? And how do you communicate it to your staff, students and volunteers? Join us as we discuss what a safety policy might contain, and how to create one for your venue. We’ll even give you a template that you can use to get started.

About Patrick Finn
Patrick grew up in Ohio where he started working in technical theatre at a young age. In addition to educational theatre he spent his summers in high school working in the lighting and scenery departments of the local summer stock theatre company. He continued to work in theatre professionally throughout his college career at Baldwin-Wallace College. After completing his studies he proceeded to work up and down the East Coast at regional theatres and opera companies.

After a particularly rewarding experience with a renovation, Patrick became interested in and found employment in theatre consulting, where he used his experience working in theatre to help others design new and renovated performance spaces. In 2009 he joined with J.R. Clancy and to provide rigging and performing arts equipment to venues across the country and the world. His current position as Performing Arts Product Manager provides him with the opportunity to develop technical and equipment solutions to artistic challenges and to work with designers to help their ideas come to fruition.

About Andy Knapp
Andy grew up in Syracuse, NY, where he discovered his love for theater in high school. He pursued Theater Arts Performance studies at Nazareth College where he ultimately focused on Lighting and Technical Theater. He worked as the Master Electrician at the college Art Center. After completing his studies, Andy moved to New York City to pursue a nine-month internship in Lighting at The Juilliard School. This internship solidified his technical theatre career.

For the next five years Andy was a freelance Master Electrician and Stage Electrician, working for The Metropolitan Opera and The Public Theater (including Shakespeare in the Park, NYC Fashion Week, and Saturday Night Live to name a few). He then worked in Production Management at The Public Theater before returning to The Juilliard School as the Master Electrician of the Peter J. Sharp Theater, a 72 single purchase fly house. In December 2017, he relocated to his hometown of Syracuse, NY, to join the Project Management team at Wenger Corporation’s J.R. Clancy facility. His current position as Service Project Manager provides him with the opportunity to work with end users on annual inspections and renovation assistance while answering questions about their equipment.

Presenter: Krista Louden

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Krista
As a native of Owatonna, MN, Krista literally grew up with music and Wenger Corporation. Not only did she work for Wenger during summer and holiday breaks throughout high school, her father spent 40 years with the company. Krista went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and then spent most of her 25+ year professional career in the media and marketing industry. Having lived in some of the nation’s largest cities, she’s held VP and other executive sales leadership roles for companies such as Tribune Company and Philadelphia Media Network. Music, especially piano and vocals, remained important to Krista throughout her life. Accolades include being chosen as a national anthem soloist for the Chicago Cubs, graduating from a vocal program with the Evening Division at the Juilliard School in Manhattan and singing with Singing City Philadelphia. Krista is thrilled to be working in a field she loves so deeply, serving as Wenger’s Regional Sales Manager for NYC and the surrounding area. Contact her at [email protected].

Presented by: Pete Svitavsky

ANSI E1.6-1, Entertainment Technology: Powered Hoist Systems, establishes requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, inspection and maintenance of powered hoist systems for lifting and suspension of loads for performance, presentation and theatrical production. We will discuss some of the underlying principles of the standard and review the basic requirements as they pertain to mechanical design. Some examples of component selection will be offered followed with a Q&A segment.

About Pete
Pete Svitavsky worked as a stage carpenter and a rigger before earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has worn a number of hats during his 20+ years with J.R. Clancy and Wenger Corporation. During these two decades his duties have included everything from project management to product design to inspections and field maintenance. Pete is a licensed Professional Engineer, and an inventor of several patented designs. He is a proud to be a member of USITT and ESTA and help work to develop national standards for the entertainment industry. He is a regular contributor to the education of future generations of industry professionals through classes and conferences.

Presented by: Jaed Parker

Welcome to the future of music rehearsal. The VAE® Rehearsal System from Wenger is an amazing instrument that’s reshaping how teachers teach and students learn. Its advanced audio technology enhances your practice room acoustics to accelerate learning.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

Presentador: Toby Smith

Esta presentación describe las necesidades del usuario final mediante ejemplos y fotografías de la vida real. Estos casos de estudios ayudarán a arquitectos y diseñadores a comprender los principios y el lenguaje de un diseño acústico correctamente implementado y su importancia en el resultado de actuaciones y presentaciones exitosas.

Objetivos del aprendizaje

Comprender cómo los diferentes tipos de espacio de presentación requieren diferentes soluciones en su diseño de tratamientos acústicos. Los tipos de espacios cubiertos que veremos incluyen auditorios, fosos para orquesta y escenarios en cafeterías.

Comprender los requisitos acústicos para el escenario (extremo de emisión), y la sala de audiencia (extremo de recepción) en varios espacios de presentación.

Comprender los lineamientos de diseño recomendados para tiempo de reverberación y los criterios dimensionales para auditorios y espacios de presentación.

Aprender cómo la tecnología de sistemas activos de acústica proporcionan una solución efectiva para que los espacios de presentación sean flexibles y se adecuen a espacios de uso múltiple.

Presented by: Joe Boardwine

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

About Joe

Mr. Boardwine has been with Wenger Corporation and GearBoss for six years, serving High School and College Administrators and Coaches, Architects and General Contractors as an Athletic Territory Manager and Athletic Sales Representative across a large region of the United States, providing consultative services in design for athletic equipment locker and storage solutions.

Mr. Boardwine spent 10 years serving high schools and colleges as a teacher, coach and athletic administrator. He has been a successful coach for over 20 years serving youth through NCAA D1 and professional athletes as both Head Coach and Assistant Coach in the sport of wrestling.

Mr. Boardwine earned a Teaching License and bachelor’s degree from Kent State University (OH) where he was an NCAA D1 athlete, 3x Team Captain and MVP and graduated with high academic honors. He earned an M.Ed. and Principal’s License in Education Administration from Drexel University (PA), graduating with the highest academic honors.

Mr. Boardwine successfully led national non-profit athletic organizations, serving administrators, coaches and their programs for many years as a State Director and eventually as an Associate Executive Director and finally Executive Director.

Mr. Boardwine is still a competitive athlete. He trained for and competed in the 2017 and 2018 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, winning the Gold Medal in both World Championships. He also won the 2017 IBJJF Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu and 2015 IBJJF New York Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championships.

In addition to athletics education, Mr. Boardwine enjoys the music education side of Wenger Corporation and the teachers and programs it serves. He is a professional musician. He performs regularly as an acoustic guitar, singer-songwriter and has written material that has been played on regional radio in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.

Presented by: Michael Duba

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presenter: Jeff Kirkpatrick

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presenter: Ron Freiheit

The study of music is dependent upon the ability to learn and hear differences in intonation, dynamics articulation and balance. This skill, called critical listening, can be developed only in a learning environment with proper acoustics. This session addresses the most common acoustic problems that music educators face in their rehearsal and practice spaces.

About Ron

Education
Graduated from Southern Technical Institute (a division of Georgia Institute of Technology, now Southern Polytechnic Institute) in December of 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Currently pursuing graduate-level studies in Acoustics at Penn State since 1999 (summer program – Masters in Engineering of Acoustics).

Professional Experience
Before coming to Wenger Corporation in 1991, worked as an electrical engineer for the Owatonna Tool Company (now SPX) for 12 years in design of handheld microprocessor-based automotive diagnostic systems. Responsible for the development of the world's first microprocessor-based, automated, handheld automotive diagnostic tool for AMC. Became Engineering Manager for group of 20 software development engineers responsible for handheld automotive diagnostics tools at OTC. Since 1991 until December of 2001 at Wenger Corporation, was a Product Manager for Sound Modules® and acoustical panels. Currently the Director of Design Engineering at Wenger Corporation.

Honors and Societies
Elected a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) in 2003. Served as secretary for the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics (TCAA) from 1994 to 1997. Served as chairperson of same committee from 1998 to 2001. A member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineers (INCE) since 1992. A member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) since 1976. A member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) from 1984 to 1993. Chaired the SAE committee on communization of Vehicle System Acronyms from 1986 to 1988. Serving as a TCAA liaison with the Newman Award, ASA and Wenger Corporation to provide an ongoing sponsorship of the Student Design Competition for the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics. Granted a U.S. patent in 1996 (5,525,765) for Acoustical Virtual Environment.

Presenter: Jim Roy

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

About Jim

• 6 years with Wenger/Gearboss- cover NE 14 states
• Reside in Western Massachusetts – Married for 35 years with 3 children
• High school 1st team all-state in Baseball & Basketball
• Inducted into the HS athletic hall of fame for both Baseball @ Basketball
• Attended American International College in Springfield MA on a full baseball scholarship-4 year starter
• Held the school record for season and career home runs and RBI’s for 8 years after graduation
• Made the College All- New England first team freshman and Junior year
• Today my passion is family, cooking and golf

Presented by: Jaed Parker

Welcome to the future of music rehearsal. The VAE® Rehearsal System from Wenger is an amazing instrument that’s reshaping how teachers teach and students learn. Its advanced audio technology enhances your practice room acoustics to accelerate learning.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

Presented by: Michael Duba
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presented by: Justin Winterhalter

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

About Justin
As a life-long supporter of the arts with a specific interest in education, Justin is well versed in the challenges of making Fine Arts programs more functional and accessible in the school environment. During his early career as a union performer, he traveled extensively on educational tours, providing the opportunity to see numerous national programs in their “natural habitat.” This firsthand knowledge was further expanded via teaching experience and as Performing Arts Coordinator at one of the largest public high schools in the upper Midwest. Justin knows well the challenges faced by fine arts faculty, administrators, and students as well as the critical role that proper planning can play in addressing those challenges. In addition to working closely with school districts and educators, he spends a great deal of his time assisting the architectural and construction community to conceptualize, design, and ultimately deliver successful, modern performing arts learning and performance spaces for their clients.

Presented by: Pete Svitavsky

ANSI E1.6-1, Entertainment Technology: Powered Hoist Systems, establishes requirements for the design, manufacture, installation, inspection and maintenance of powered hoist systems for lifting and suspension of loads for performance, presentation and theatrical production. We will discuss some of the underlying principles of the standard and review the basic requirements as they pertain to mechanical design. Some examples of component selection will be offered followed with a Q&A segment.

About Pete
Pete Svitavsky worked as a stage carpenter and a rigger before earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has worn a number of hats during his 20+ years with J.R. Clancy and Wenger Corporation. During these two decades his duties have included everything from project management to product design to inspections and field maintenance. Pete is a licensed Professional Engineer, and an inventor of several patented designs. He is a proud to be a member of USITT and ESTA and help work to develop national standards for the entertainment industry. He is a regular contributor to the education of future generations of industry professionals through classes and conferences.

Presenter: John Owens

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About John
John Owens, Jr. joined Wenger Corporation in 2013 as a Regional Sales Manager and has worked in the theatre and performing arts industry for over 20 years. John draws on his diverse experiences ranging from his first job as a stagehand at a theme park to touring Europe in his role as a technical expert in production planning and support for the United States Army Europe Band and Chorus. Through these experiences, John has developed a deep knowledge of the unique needs and challenges of performing arts spaces. In his current role at Wenger, he works with theatre industry professionals including technical and artistic staff, architects, consultants, and construction managers. John strives to maximize resources and institute industry best practices across projects, resulting in modern, safe, and high quality performing arts venues. John holds a BA from the University of Texas.

Presenter: Jim Roy

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

About Jim

• 6 years with Wenger/Gearboss- cover NE 14 states
• Reside in Western Massachusetts – Married for 35 years with 3 children
• High school 1st team all-state in Baseball & Basketball
• Inducted into the HS athletic hall of fame for both Baseball @ Basketball
• Attended American International College in Springfield MA on a full baseball scholarship-4 year starter
• Held the school record for season and career home runs and RBI’s for 8 years after graduation
• Made the College All- New England first team freshman and Junior year
• Today my passion is family, cooking and golf

Presented by: Patrick Finn, Eric Huss and Andy Knapp

As performance spaces begin to reopen it is essential that we keep safety at the forefront. There are numerous reopening guides, resources and new safety protocol information available within the industry, and this course will specifically review inspection information for your theatrical equipment. From rigging, to seating, acoustical shells, pit lifts, lighting systems and production shops; join our panel as they discuss safety as theatres reopen.

About Patrick Finn
Patrick grew up in Ohio where he started working in technical theatre at a young age. In addition to educational theatre he spent his summers in high school working in the lighting and scenery departments of the local summer stock theatre company. He continued to work in theatre professionally throughout his college career at Baldwin-Wallace College. After completing his studies he proceeded to work up and down the East Coast at regional theatres and opera companies.

After a particularly rewarding experience with a renovation, Patrick became interested in and found employment in theatre consulting, where he used his experience working in theatre to help others design new and renovated performance spaces. In 2009 he joined with J.R. Clancy to provide rigging and performing arts equipment to venues across the country and the world. His current position as Performing Arts Product Manager provides him with the opportunity to develop technical and equipment solutions to artistic challenges and to work with designers to help their ideas come to fruition.

About Eric Huss
Eric joined Wenger Corporation in 2013 as a Systems Integrator. Prior to this he worked as a theatre consultant for seven years on a wide variety of projects. Most recently, while working for Artec Consultants, he worked on projects including Darat King Abdullah II Performing Arts Centre in Amman, Jordan; Dr. Phillips Centre for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Fla.; Grand Theatre du Bouregreg in Rabat, Morocco; and the Star Performing Arts Centre in Singapore. He also spent time as a project manager for a scene shop building sets for Broadway, cruise ships, and industrial shows around the world.

About Andy Knapp
Andy grew up in Syracuse, NY, where he discovered his love for theater in high school. He pursued Theater Arts Performance studies at Nazareth College where he ultimately focused on Lighting and Technical Theater. After completing his studies, Andy moved to New York City to pursue an internship in Lighting at The Juilliard School, which ultimately shaped the rest of his technical theater career.

For the next five years, Andy freelanced as a Master Electrician and Stage Electrician, working for The Metropolitan Opera, The Public Theater (including Shakespeare in the Park), NYC Fashion Week, and Saturday Night Live to name a few. He then worked in Production Management at The Public Theater for a number of years before returning to The Juilliard School as the Master Electrician of the Peter J. Sharp Theater, a 72 single purchase proscenium fly house. In December 2017, he relocated back to his hometown of Syracuse, NY, to join the Project Management team at Wenger Corporation’s J.R. Clancy facility. His current position as Service Project Manager provides him with the opportunity to work with end users on annual inspections and renovation assistance while answering questions about their equipment.

Presented by: Jaed Parker & Michael Duba

In this course, we will discuss the benefits and functions of our Soundlok modular practice rooms. We will also compare and contrast to stick-built (constructed) practice rooms. We will explore beneficial add-on teaching tools and features that set these rooms apart from traditional practice rooms; an example being the Virtual Acoustic Environments (VAE) option for virtual acoustics.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

Moderated by Ryan Cole, Project Manager, and Patrick Finn, Performing Arts Product Manager

The theatre industry is far more broad than most students realize. In addition to performance there are rewarding careers in education, regional theatre, union work, production shops, touring productions, theatre planning and consulting and permanent equipment and installations. Join our panel of experts for a discussion on what opportunities exist in theatre production and how you can set yourself up for a career in these fields. This class is targeted at high school students and individuals interested in a career in theatre and will be recorded for teachers to integrate into their classroom instruction.

Panelists include: Randy Steffen, Dave Piccola, Ben Neafus, Rachael Claxton and Heather McAvoy

Randy Steffen, Technical Director, Syracuse Stage; Instructor, Theater Design and Technology, Syracuse University
In addition to his role as a part-time instructor, Randy Steffen also serves as the full-time technical director for both the Department of Drama and Syracuse Stage. Randy received his B.A. from the University of Northern Iowa and hold an M.F.A. from Yale University.

Dave Piccola, Director of Venue Installations, Mountain Productions
David Piccola currently serves as the Director of Venue Installations for Mountain Productions. In this role, he works closely with decision-makers from various venues, stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters to design and implement customized, permanent solutions, including fall protection systems, arena reduction systems, sub-grids, automated intelligent control systems and virtually everything in between. He is dedicated to improving venue logistics for the organizations he works closely with, while saving their time and budget.

Dave’s passion for the entertainment production industry manifested while he was still in high school, where he spent all of his free time enrolled in shop and art courses and producing for a friend’s band. Continuing to pursue his love of all things mechanical and art-based, Piccola spent the next several years rigging, touring and taking calls through his IATSE local chapter, before rigging and advising the production of Cirque du Soleil based in Las Vegas. He brings with him thirty years of experience in the event production industry.

Ben Neafus, ESFX Technician 2, Sight & Sound Theatres
Benjamin Neafus has an accomplished career in theatre. He has worked in the entertainment business for the past 19 years. He has toured on multiple Broadway national tours such as: Les Miserable, Mary Poppins, and South Pacific as an Automation Programmer and Rigger. He has also been a Production Manager over several tours including: Blue Man Group, We Will Rock You, and Elf. He has worked all over the world in different capacities in the entertainment industry such as: Automation Programmer for Wicked in Brazil and South Korea, and Head Carpenter at Los Premios in Mexico. Ben has also worked as an Automation Specialist for PRG. In 2017 Ben decided to take a step off the road. He took a job at Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson Missouri where he is able to dedicate more time to his family. At Sight and Sound Ben gets the best of both worlds, being able to be with his wonderful wife and 2 great kids and work with cutting edge technology in theatrical automation. He is part of a specialized team that is constantly working on new ways to develop new technology and pushing the bounds of current tech.

Rachael Claxton, Charge Scenic Artist, 3dx Scenic
Rachael has worked across the country in theatre, television, and museum fabrication. Some of her favorite projects include time spent with the Cleveland Play House, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Lookingglass Theatre, and Harpo Studios. She is currently the Charge Artist with 3dx Scenic in Cincinnati, Ohio where she works on theme parks, theatre, and live events, and has served on the Board of the Guild of Scenic Artists for the past 2 years.

Heather McAvoyASTC, Principal, Schuler Shook, Inc.
Heather is a recognized leader in theatre planning and consulting, emphasizing collaboration and creativity in her approach to each project. She is a pragmatic and detail-oriented planner and designer with an extensive background in lighting design for live performance. She joined Schuler Shook in 2016, after thirty years as a theatre planner, principal and director for another firm, with involvement in over 250 theatre planning projects.

She brings to each project a fundamental knowledge of the process of live performance, with extensive experience not only in lighting design, but in stage and production management and technical direction. As a community volunteer, she is dedicated to promoting the value of theatrical production as an essential part of a quality education for the youth who are the future of our industry.

Ryan Cole, Project Manager, Wenger Corporation
Ryan joined Wenger | JR Clancy as a Project Management Intern in 2015 for his last year of graduate school before becoming a full-time Project Manager upon graduation in May 2016. In this role, he collaborates with teams of engineers, general contractors, architects, theatre consultants, and end users on projects both domestically and internationally. Prior to coming to Wenger | JR Clancy, Ryan worked as a Technical Director for the Contemporary American Theatre Festival and a Scenic Carpentry Intern for CENTERSTAGE Theatre. He holds a BFA in Theatre Arts: Design & Production from East Carolina University and a MFA in Technical Production from Florida State University.

Presented by: Jackie Berg

The success of your new or renovated facility depends on your plan. At Wenger, we’ll help you plan and layout your ideal environment while balancing budget, needs and space. Wenger Corporation provides innovative, high-quality products and solutions for music and theatre education, performing arts and athletic equipment storage and transport. For more than 70 years, we’ve helped educators and administrators get the most out of every dollar. In this course, designed specifically for Interior Designers, we will review the product selection process, walk through product design and function, and demonstrate tools to help designers outfit and layout these unique spaces.

About Jackie
Jackie is currently the Manager of the Acquisition Sales team at Wenger, where she has worked for the past 24 years. In her current role, Jackie leads the strategic development and execution of the sales team focused on furnishings, fixtures, and equipment within the unique spaces of music and athletics. In her previous role as a Sales Representative, she worked and sold into a variety of states and educational institutions. Jackie is also in her 4th year as Chair of her local school board where she has served for 8 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Communications from the University of St. Thomas.

Presented by: Andrew Forsberg and Jacob Rodilosso

Do you need a portable stage that sets up fast, operates with ease, and provides all the functionality of a performance stage? The Wenger Showmobile® Mobile Stage & Canopy features a full-scale, thrust-style stage with a cantilevered canopy and a state-of-the-art acoustical shell that’s finished inside and out. This webinar will take you on a virtual tour of the Showmobile® unit and go in depth on the newest advancement. LED Lighting Packages. Join us to learn more, ask your questions and see what’s new in stage technology!

About Jacob Rodilosso, Design Engineer – Acoustics
Jacob graduated from Iowa State University’s Mechanical Engineering program in 2019 with a strong focus in acoustics and a passion for music. His performance experience stemmed from touring Europe as a part of an ambassador orchestra. He was involved in numerous theatrical and music entertainment programs throughout his youth which enhanced his technical and artistic ability. Jacob joined Wenger Corporation’s Acoustic Team in 2019 as a specialized engineer for electro acoustic enhancement systems. Outside of work, Jacob continues to be an entrepreneur designing and operating lighting for concert entertainment across the US.

The theatre industry can offer multiple career options. In addition to production and education you can have a successful career in performance. Join our discussion with Sasha Hutchings as she talks about her dance and musical performance career. This webinar is targeted at high school students and individuals interested in a career in theatre performance and will be recorded for teachers to integrate into their classroom instruction.

Moderated by Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager

Presenter: Sasha Hutchings, Performer

Sasha Hutchings is an actress, foodie, lover of manatees, and collector of too many house plants. She most recently performed on Broadway as Laurey Williams in Oklahoma!, winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Revival. Sasha is notably a member of the original cast of Hamilton and can be seen in the newly released Hamilton film on Disney+. Her additional theatre credits include the Broadway companies of My Fair Lady, Rocky, Motown, and the Memphis, and the off-Broadway revival of Sweet Charity. Sasha appeared as Paula Kelly on Fosse/Verdon (FX), additional TV credits include The Bold Type (Freeform), Jessica Jones (Marvel), Master of None (Netflix),Blue Bloods (CBS), and The Dangerous Book for Boys (Amazon). Sasha sits on Council for the Actor’s Equity Association and she is also a teaching artist with the Arthur Miller Foundation, Epic Theatre Ensemble, and New York City public school theatre programs.

Presented by: Jackie Berg

The success of your new or renovated facility depends on your plan. At Wenger, we’ll help you plan and layout your ideal environment while balancing budget, needs and space. Wenger Corporation provides innovative, high-quality products and solutions for music and theatre education, performing arts and athletic equipment storage and transport. For more than 70 years, we’ve helped educators and administrators get the most out of every dollar. In this course, designed specifically for Interior Designers, we will review the product selection process, walk through product design and function, and demonstrate tools to help designers outfit and layout these unique spaces.

About Jackie
Jackie is currently the Manager of the Acquisition Sales team at Wenger, where she has worked for the past 24 years. In her current role, Jackie leads the strategic development and execution of the sales team focused on furnishings, fixtures, and equipment within the unique spaces of music and athletics. In her previous role as a Sales Representative, she worked and sold into a variety of states and educational institutions. Jackie is also in her 4th year as Chair of her local school board where she has served for 8 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Communications from the University of St. Thomas.

Presenter: Krista Louden

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Krista
As a native of Owatonna, MN, Krista literally grew up with music and Wenger Corporation. Not only did she work for Wenger during summer and holiday breaks throughout high school, her father spent 40 years with the company. Krista went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota and then spent most of her 25+ year professional career in the media and marketing industry. Having lived in some of the nation’s largest cities, she’s held VP and other executive sales leadership roles for companies such as Tribune Company and Philadelphia Media Network. Music, especially piano and vocals, remained important to Krista throughout her life. Accolades include being chosen as a national anthem soloist for the Chicago Cubs, graduating from a vocal program with the Evening Division at the Juilliard School in Manhattan and singing with Singing City Philadelphia. Krista is thrilled to be working in a field she loves so deeply, serving as Wenger’s Regional Sales Manager for NYC and the surrounding area. Contact her at [email protected].

Presenters: Mike Mills and Gary Schaltholt

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presented by: Justin Winterhalter

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

About Justin
As a life-long supporter of the arts with a specific interest in education, Justin is well versed in the challenges of making Fine Arts programs more functional and accessible in the school environment. During his early career as a union performer, he traveled extensively on educational tours, providing the opportunity to see numerous national programs in their “natural habitat.” This firsthand knowledge was further expanded via teaching experience and as Performing Arts Coordinator at one of the largest public high schools in the upper Midwest. Justin knows well the challenges faced by fine arts faculty, administrators, and students as well as the critical role that proper planning can play in addressing those challenges. In addition to working closely with school districts and educators, he spends a great deal of his time assisting the architectural and construction community to conceptualize, design, and ultimately deliver successful, modern performing arts learning and performance spaces for their clients.

Presented by: Michael Duba
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

Presenter: Edward Kaye

This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will help to prepare architects and designers with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed theatrical and auditorium lighting systems are critical to a successful performance and a safe environment for cast, crew and audience members alike.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the background of theatrical lighting theory in order to apply its concepts to theatre building design.
2. Investigate different types of performance venues and locations within, that typically receive stage lighting fixture placement to safely support the integration of the fixed and flexible requirements of theatrical lighting required by production lighting designers.
3. Summarize recommended architectural lighting illuminance values for critical front of house, back of house and theatrical support spaces applying safe levels of general illuminance in the variety of before, during and after show lighting conditions presented by theatrical production.
4. Identify theatrical specialty code provisions associated with lighting life-safety elements, interfaces and functionality required in assembly occupancies to protect cast, crew and audience member alike.

Presenters: Greg Hanbaum, Mike Mills and Gary Schaltholt

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Neal Jorgenson

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Neal
With experience in college and after in theatre as well as construction experience building pole sheds, Neal understands much of the need for safety and the desire for efficiency. Neal has served on boards for non-profit organizations so understands the demands of effective design within budget while reducing risk. He has been helping designers and end-users with effective and safe designs for the last 24 years and offers insights that may invigorate your plans.

Presented by: Jaed Parker

Welcome to the future of music rehearsal. The VAE® Rehearsal System from Wenger is an amazing instrument that’s reshaping how teachers teach and students learn. Its advanced audio technology enhances your practice room acoustics to accelerate learning.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

Presented by: Mike Stermer and Dan Cormier

In this course, we will discuss the benefits and functions of our Soundlok modular practice rooms. We will also compare and contrast to stick-built (constructed) practice rooms. We will explore beneficial add-on teaching tools and features that set these rooms apart from traditional practice rooms; an example being the Virtual Acoustic Environments (VAE) option for virtual acoustics.

Presented by: Mary Stiedler

The success of your new or renovated facility depends on your plan. At Wenger, we’ll help you plan and layout your ideal environment while balancing budget, needs and space. Wenger Corporation provides innovative, high-quality products and solutions for music and theatre education, performing arts and athletic equipment storage and transport. For 75 years, we’ve helped administrators, building committees, and educators get the most out of every dollar. In this course, designed specifically for K12 building committees and procurement teams, we will review the product selection process, walk through product design and function, and demonstrate tools to help members outfit and layout these unique spaces.

About Mary
Mary is currently a Strategic Account Representative at Wenger, where she has worked for the past 11 years. In her role, Mary helps customers to plan for furnishings, fixtures, and equipment within the unique spaces of music and athletics. Mary enjoys the outdoors all year round in Minnesota, and plays piano and guitar. She holds a master’s degree in philosophy from Vanderbilt University.

Presented by: Michael Duba

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

As athletic programs on college campuses begin the return to “normal” in 2021, what will that look like? How can we prepare? Hear from a panel of industry experts as they discuss student-athlete wellness, physical AND mental health, and what we have learned from leadership over the past year. Each will discuss best practices for reopening a facility during and after the pandemic.

Presenter: Ron Freiheit

The study of music is dependent upon the ability to learn and hear differences in intonation, dynamics articulation and balance. This skill, called critical listening, can be developed only in a learning environment with proper acoustics. This session addresses the most common acoustic problems that music educators face in their rehearsal and practice spaces.

About Ron

Education
Graduated from Southern Technical Institute (a division of Georgia Institute of Technology, now Southern Polytechnic Institute) in December of 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Currently pursuing graduate-level studies in Acoustics at Penn State since 1999 (summer program – Masters in Engineering of Acoustics).

Professional Experience
Before coming to Wenger Corporation in 1991, worked as an electrical engineer for the Owatonna Tool Company (now SPX) for 12 years in design of handheld microprocessor-based automotive diagnostic systems. Responsible for the development of the world's first microprocessor-based, automated, handheld automotive diagnostic tool for AMC. Became Engineering Manager for group of 20 software development engineers responsible for handheld automotive diagnostics tools at OTC. Since 1991 until December of 2001 at Wenger Corporation, was a Product Manager for Sound Modules® and acoustical panels. Currently the Director of Design Engineering at Wenger Corporation.

Honors and Societies
Elected a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) in 2003. Served as secretary for the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics (TCAA) from 1994 to 1997. Served as chairperson of same committee from 1998 to 2001. A member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineers (INCE) since 1992. A member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) since 1976. A member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) from 1984 to 1993. Chaired the SAE committee on communization of Vehicle System Acronyms from 1986 to 1988. Serving as a TCAA liaison with the Newman Award, ASA and Wenger Corporation to provide an ongoing sponsorship of the Student Design Competition for the Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics. Granted a U.S. patent in 1996 (5,525,765) for Acoustical Virtual Environment.

Presented by: Justin Winterhalter

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

About Justin
As a life-long supporter of the arts with a specific interest in education, Justin is well versed in the challenges of making Fine Arts programs more functional and accessible in the school environment. During his early career as a union performer, he traveled extensively on educational tours, providing the opportunity to see numerous national programs in their “natural habitat.” This firsthand knowledge was further expanded via teaching experience and as Performing Arts Coordinator at one of the largest public high schools in the upper Midwest. Justin knows well the challenges faced by fine arts faculty, administrators, and students as well as the critical role that proper planning can play in addressing those challenges. In addition to working closely with school districts and educators, he spends a great deal of his time assisting the architectural and construction community to conceptualize, design, and ultimately deliver successful, modern performing arts learning and performance spaces for their clients.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presenter: Chris Nasser

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Do you know the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”? Well, we do, however, for rigging safety you never want to wait until something is broken in your venue. Join us for this 60 minute discussion where we will review why you need an inspection, things to look and listen for in theatres, and tips for understanding ANSI standards and documentation. Preventative planning in your theatre is the key to safe productions.

Presented by: Andy Knapp

About Andy Knapp
Andy grew up in Syracuse, NY, where he discovered his love for theater in high school. He pursued Theater Arts Performance studies at Nazareth College where he ultimately focused on Lighting and Technical Theater. After completing his studies, Andy moved to New York City to pursue an internship in Lighting at The Juilliard School, which ultimately shaped the rest of his technical theater career.

For the next five years, Andy freelanced as a Master Electrician and Stage Electrician, working for The Metropolitan Opera, The Public Theater (including Shakespeare in the Park), NYC Fashion Week, and Saturday Night Live to name a few. He then worked in Production Management at The Public Theater for a number of years before returning to The Juilliard School as the Master Electrician of the Peter J. Sharp Theater, a 72 single purchase proscenium fly house. In December 2017, he relocated back to his hometown of Syracuse, NY, to join the Project Management team at Wenger Corporation’s J.R. Clancy facility. His current position as Service Project Manager provides him with the opportunity to work with end users on annual inspections and renovation assistance while answering questions about their equipment.

Presenter: David Jones

This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will help to prepare architects and designers with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed theatrical and auditorium lighting systems are critical to a successful performance and a safe environment for cast, crew and audience members alike.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the background of theatrical lighting theory in order to apply its concepts to theatre building design.
2. Investigate different types of performance venues and locations within, that typically receive stage lighting fixture placement to safely support the integration of the fixed and flexible requirements of theatrical lighting required by production lighting designers.
3. Summarize recommended architectural lighting illuminance values for critical front of house, back of house and theatrical support spaces applying safe levels of general illuminance in the variety of before, during and after show lighting conditions presented by theatrical production.
4. Identify theatrical specialty code provisions associated with lighting life-safety elements, interfaces and functionality required in assembly occupancies to protect cast, crew and audience member alike.

Presented by: Greg Haas
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presented by: Mike Stermer and Dan Cormier

In this course, we will discuss the benefits and functions of our Soundlok modular practice rooms. We will also compare and contrast to stick-built (constructed) practice rooms. We will explore beneficial add-on teaching tools and features that set these rooms apart from traditional practice rooms; an example being the Virtual Acoustic Environments (VAE) option for virtual acoustics.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presented by: Neal Jorgensen

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

About Neal
With experience in college and after in theatre as well as construction experience building pole sheds, Neal understands much of the need for safety and the desire for efficiency. Neal has served on boards for non-profit organizations so understands the demands of effective design within budget while reducing risk. He has been helping designers and end-users with effective and safe designs for the last 24 years and offers insights that may invigorate your plans.

Presented by: Brandon Booth
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presenter: Jeff Kirkpatrick

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Michael Duba

This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will help to prepare architects and designers with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed theatrical and auditorium lighting systems are critical to a successful performance and a safe environment for cast, crew and audience members alike.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the background of theatrical lighting theory in order to apply its concepts to theatre building design.
2. Investigate different types of performance venues and locations within, that typically receive stage lighting fixture placement to safely support the integration of the fixed and flexible requirements of theatrical lighting required by production lighting designers.
3. Summarize recommended architectural lighting illuminance values for critical front of house, back of house and theatrical support spaces applying safe levels of general illuminance in the variety of before, during and after show lighting conditions presented by theatrical production.
4. Identify theatrical specialty code provisions associated with lighting life-safety elements, interfaces and functionality required in assembly occupancies to protect cast, crew and audience member alike.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

Presented by Michael Duba and Julie Evers

Ever feel like there is something about your Rehearsal space that could be better? Do you have problems with organization or storage? Or are you about to become a music teacher and not sure how to set up your new room? Wenger representatives have been working with music facilities for over 75 years. We have created specially designed planning guides with pages and pages of helpful information. This session is focused on presenting important information about acoustics, room layout, storage, and other furniture that will give you the knowledge to make your music rehearsal room the most successful room it can be.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

About Julie
Julie Evers is an Acquisition Sales Rep and has been with Wenger since 1997. She works with customers to outfit Music Rehearsal Rooms, Performance Spaces, Storage Rooms, and Athletic Locker Rooms. She is active in her community through 4-H, Meals of Hope, and coaching gymnastics.

Presenter: Jason Berkey

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

Presented by: Donnell Roe
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presented by: Chris Flemming

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presented by: Jaed Parker

Welcome to the future of music rehearsal. The VAE® Rehearsal System from Wenger is an amazing instrument that’s reshaping how teachers teach and students learn. Its advanced audio technology enhances your practice room acoustics to accelerate learning.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

Presenter: Jeff Kirkpatrick

This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will help to prepare architects and designers with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed theatrical and auditorium lighting systems are critical to a successful performance and a safe environment for cast, crew and audience members alike.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the background of theatrical lighting theory in order to apply its concepts to theatre building design.
2. Investigate different types of performance venues and locations within, that typically receive stage lighting fixture placement to safely support the integration of the fixed and flexible requirements of theatrical lighting required by production lighting designers.
3. Summarize recommended architectural lighting illuminance values for critical front of house, back of house and theatrical support spaces applying safe levels of general illuminance in the variety of before, during and after show lighting conditions presented by theatrical production.
4. Identify theatrical specialty code provisions associated with lighting life-safety elements, interfaces and functionality required in assembly occupancies to protect cast, crew and audience member alike.

Presenter: Patrick Finn and Pete Svitavsky

Join Patrick Finn and Pete Svitavsky for a review of the all new J.R. Clancy PowerLift and PowerLite hoists. We will review how hoist designs have evolved over the years, our process for product development and the new features and capabilities of the PowerLift and PowerLite hoists.

About Patrick Finn
Patrick grew up in Ohio where he started working in technical theatre at a young age. In addition to educational theatre he spent his summers in high school working in the lighting and scenery departments of the local summer stock theatre company. He continued to work in theatre professionally throughout his college career at Baldwin-Wallace College. After completing his studies he proceeded to work up and down the East Coast at regional theatres and opera companies.

After a particularly rewarding experience with a renovation, Patrick became interested in and found employment in theatre consulting, where he used his experience working in theatre to help others design new and renovated performance spaces. In 2009 he joined with J.R. Clancy and to provide rigging and performing arts equipment to venues across the country and the world. His current position as Performing Arts Product Manager provides him with the opportunity to develop technical and equipment solutions to artistic challenges and to work with designers to help their ideas come to fruition.

About Pete Svitavsky
Pete Svitavsky worked as a stage carpenter and a rigger before earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has worn a number of hats during his 20+ years with J.R. Clancy and Wenger Corporation. During these two decades his duties have included everything from project management to product design to inspections and field maintenance. Pete is a licensed Professional Engineer, and an inventor of several patented designs. He is a proud to be a member of USITT and ESTA and help work to develop national standards for the entertainment industry. He is a regular contributor to the education of future generations of industry professionals through classes and conferences.

Presented by: Nolan Sauerzopf
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presenter: Jeff Kirkpatrick

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Panel Members:
Mille Dixon, Director at Theatre Projects
David Minnigan, AIA, IIDA, LEED® AP, Principal at ESa
C. Russell Todd, Principal at Akustiks
Kellie Cultice, Wenger Corporation, Project Engineer
Nicholas Grossman, Wenger Corporation, Senior Design Engineer

Belmont University’s new Fisher Center for the Performing Arts opened in September 2021. In 2018, the university began work on a new 1,700-seat performing arts center to accommodate the school’s dance, theatre, and musical performances, as well as the Nashville Opera, traveling Broadway shows and international artists. From the beginning, the expectations were high and the design team had a complicated task ahead. During this panel discussion hear from the theatrical consultant, architect, acoustician and members of the Wenger engineering team to learn how this project came together to create a beautiful and functional space for Belmont University.

Presented by: Brandon Booth

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

Presenter: Donnell Roe

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presenter: Jeff Frost

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly minimize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presenter: Jeff Frost

Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presenter: Michael Duba

This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will help to prepare architects and designers with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed theatrical and auditorium lighting systems are critical to a successful performance and a safe environment for cast, crew and audience members alike.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explore the background of theatrical lighting theory in order to apply its concepts to theatre building design.
2. Investigate different types of performance venues and locations within, that typically receive stage lighting fixture placement to safely support the integration of the fixed and flexible requirements of theatrical lighting required by production lighting designers.
3. Summarize recommended architectural lighting illuminance values for critical front of house, back of house and theatrical support spaces applying safe levels of general illuminance in the variety of before, during and after show lighting conditions presented by theatrical production.
4. Identify theatrical specialty code provisions associated with lighting life-safety elements, interfaces and functionality required in assembly occupancies to protect cast, crew and audience member alike.

About Michael
Michael is a Senior Regional Sales Manager at Wenger Corporation. He grew up in and currently lives in the suburbs about 30 miles North of Atlanta, GA. He attended Valdosta State University for both a BA and MBA degrees. A few years out of College, Michael spent 12 years working with a regional J.R. Clancy rigging dealer where he learned about all the equipment used inside Auditoriums and Performing Arts Centers. In late 2015, he joined Wenger Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager. By 2019, he was promoted to Senior Regional Sales Manager. Currently, Michael and his team of Regional Sales Managers cover 10 states in the South and Southeastern US.

Presenter: Chris Nasser

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Zach Barras

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

Presented by: Dan Comier

In this course, we will discuss the benefits and functions of our Soundlok modular practice rooms. We will also compare and contrast to stick-built (constructed) practice rooms. We will explore beneficial add-on teaching tools and features that set these rooms apart from traditional practice rooms; an example being the Virtual Acoustic Environments (VAE) option for virtual acoustics.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presented by: Nolan Sauerzopf
Numerous design and acoustical requirements determine the effectiveness of your secondary school music facilities. This course we will review four critical factors — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage and Equipment — that will help promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for those individuals who teach, learn, perform and experience music in your spaces. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the acoustics in their facility to promote critical listening and effective music education. Participants must pay close attention to cubic volume, room shape, sound isolation, acoustical treatments and properly designed mechanical systems as vital components of acoustical design.
• Examine the layout and design of their music suite/s and determine if the space is effective, ineffective, or even unusable.
• Understand the critical role of storage and its effects on acoustics, traffic flow, equipment management and security in music facilities.
• Understand the procedure of choosing proper equipment to guarantee a successful music suite.

Presented by: Jaed Parker

Welcome to the future of music rehearsal. The VAE® Rehearsal System from Wenger is an amazing instrument that’s reshaping how teachers teach and students learn. Its advanced audio technology enhances your practice room acoustics to accelerate learning.

About Jaed
Jaed Parker, Associate Product Manager within the Wenger Acoustics Group. Started with Wenger back in 2017. Prior to that, working with a small business as a Product and Project Lead. Among other job Jaed was a professional dancer/singer. Jaed is happy to find a job that he can use his B.S. degree in business and still be a part of the theater world.

Presenter: Damon Atwood

The theatre or auditorium is often the most dangerous and overlooked room in a building or school. There is complex equipment, overhead lifting and numerous fall hazards in these spaces. However, new equipment and planning during the design phase can greatly mini- mize safety risks. This course will review the history of safety in theatres, identify key theatre equipment, evaluate safety hazards and provide information regarding how to implement safety features into your space during the design phase. Having a safe performing arts space provides the owners, staff, performers and audience with peace-of-mind and the ability to focus on the operation of the facility and remarkable performances. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Analyze safety considerations at the design phase of any theatre or performing arts space. Theatres need to be safe by design and a number of considerations need to be taken into account throughout the design phase.
• Evaluate the critical consequences for not incorporating safety into the design of a performing arts space.
• Describe the main functions and key safety criteria of crucial theatre equipment such as rigging, lighting, railings, fire curtains, seating and flooring.
• Identify the importance of informing operators and all persons in a theatre or performing arts space of the incorporated safety features.

About Damon
Damon Atwood, Performing Arts Specialist-North America, joined Wenger Corporation in 2015. Damon has spent the last 38 years of his career working in the theatre and entertainment industry. He has held myriad roles including theatrical lighting designer, Executive Vice President for an automated hoist manufacturer, head of new product development for a rigging and automation company, and in his current role with Wenger Corporation, he supports theatre consultants in the design of performance venues. Damon’s hobbies include aviation and building aircraft in which he actually flies.

Presenter: Michael Duba

Never overlook fire curtain safety in your performance space. Join Michael Duba for this presentation discussing the importance of fire curtain safety and maintenance. This presentation will explore different fire curtain materials, types of fire curtains, emergency operation, codes and standards, and inspections and testing.

Presenter: Zach Barras

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.

Presenter: Chris Flemming

So often, the athletic support spaces are overlooked during the planning phases. During this presentation participants will learn how to design appropriate spaces to safely, securely and efficiently store athletic apparel and equipment. Communication and implementation methods of how to distribute these design ideas to your end users, customers, school boards and educators will be reviewed and discussed. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Improve the overall program function with support spaces in athletic areas. This portion of the course will focus on accessibility, sanitation, safety liabilities, security issues and building HVAC and mechanical requirements.
• Analyze design considerations to facilitate the extreme requirements of athletic equipment with an emphasis on space utilization, safety, accessibility, sanitation, security and the welfare of staff and athletes.
• Understand how design, building materials and equipment affect health, safety and sanitation. Detailed design ideas will be discussed with participants to ensure cleanable facility layouts are implemented to promote reduction of mold, mildew, and bacteria, creating a healthy and safe environment for staff and athletes.
• Discuss design considerations that promote a consistent presentation of program pride and image resulting in a positive experience for building users. Participants will focus on the impact of improved accessibility, organization and athletic program traditions.

Presenter: Greg Haas

When designing and planning a performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. This presentation describes end-user needs through real-life examples and photos. These case studies will provide you with a shared language and understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance. During this presentation you will have the opportunity of learning how to:

• Understand why different types of performance spaces require different solutions for acoustical design and treatment. The spaces covered in this presentation include Auditoriums, Orchestra Pits and Cafetoriums.
• Understand the acoustical requirements for the stage house (sending end), and the audience chamber (receiving end) in various performance spaces.
• Understand recommended design guidelines for reverberation time, floor space and dimensional criteria for auditoriums and performance spaces.
• Learn how active acoustic technology systems provide the ultimate solution for making performance spaces flexible for multipurpose use.