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Training for Hong Kong Academy 15 April 2008
 As part of its ongoing program of education in automation, Stage Technologies recently worked with the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) to deliver a five day course to its students. The course combines a number of theoretical lectures and practical site visits and presents the students with an overview of theatre engineering and automation systems.
Mark Ager, Stage Technologies’ Managing Director, lead discussions on how automation is used in entertainment venues, including the practical advantages, cost implications and safety issues, as well as giving a technical overview of the equipment used. This information was then augmented with visits to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Wynn and Venetian hotel complexes in Macau, where Stage Technologies has recently completed commissioning several large systems.
Related links:
www.hkapa.edu
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Rapunzel in New York 17 March 2008
 A small, portable Saxis control unit and BigTow winch, from Stage Technologies, is being used to create clever effects for the touring production of Rapunzel. Following a sell-out tour in the UK, the Kneehigh Theatre’s non-traditional rendition of Rapunzel has opened at The New Victory Theater in New York.
Stage Technologies worked with Production Manager and Lighting Designer, Alex Wardle, on this project, and provided a simple, easy to use system, capable of flying a small platform carrying two performers. The red, oval-shaped piece of floor is flown to stage level during the show, to bridge a gap in two circular stages. The same oval piece is also flown approximately six feet above the stage and supports the two performers who use the platform as a swing.
Related links:
www.kneehigh.co.uk
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Platinum Sponsor for NATEAC 12 March 2008
 Stage Technologies is delighted to announce its Platinum Sponsorship of the forthcoming North American Theater Engineering & Architecture Conference. The two day conference will be held in New York on July 20th and 21st 2008.
NATEAC promises to bring together many world-leading theater consultants, architects, engineers, technicians and technical managers. The conference will offer a forum to address issues concerning planning, design, construction and equipping all manner of entertainment venues, from grand opera houses through to school theaters.
Related links:
www.nateac.org
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The BRITs 03 March 2008
 BRIT Awards 2008, Earl’s Court, London
At the BRIT Awards 2008, Stage Technologies’ Saxis unit lifted a huge golden cloth to reveal a sparkling lighting pyramid; the stage for Rihanna and the Klaxons to perform their collaborative remix of ‘Umbrella’ . The Saxis unit and BigTow winch were controlled by a handheld controller, flying the golden cloth out at 6 meters per second to unveil the set below it.
Stage Technologies rented the single axis system to the Outback Rigging Company for the award show, having worked with them on a number of occasions in the past, such as the television show ‘The X-Factor’.
Related links:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GV57lUR_3A www.brits.co.uk
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Thea Awards 2008 26 February 2008
 We are proud of our contribution in the field of automation to projects recently recognised at this year’s Thea Awards which honour "Outstanding Achievement In The Creation of Compelling Places and Experiences". KA's Floating Stages (Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas) won the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award for Technical Achievement' and Walking with Dinosaurs picked up the 'Outstanding Achievement Award for Live Touring Event'.
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) describes itself as "the only international non-profit association representing the world's leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences. Our members bring the experience of engaging storytelling and entertainment to a vast number of casinos, restaurants, retail stores, museums, zoos, theme parks and an ever-growing list of destinations that aim to bring a higher level of visitor experiences world wide. "
Related links:
http://livedesignonline.com/news/tea-thea-awards/ www.themeit.com/thea_14annual/theaprfeb2008.doc
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LOVE at the Grammy Awards! 18 February 2008
 Our US office supplied a Saxis system for a performance at the Grammy Awards this year. The cast of LOVE performed at the awards and the Beatles were awarded two Grammys for best `Compilation Soundtrack Album` and `Surround Sound`.
The New York Times wrote:
"In an elaborate tribute to the Beatles, the acrobatic cast of the Cirque du Soleil production “Love” performed “A Day in the Life” before the performers from the Julie Taymor-directed film musical “Across the Universe” sang “Let It Be” on a full stage under glowing circular peace signs. Minutes later, when “Love” won the Grammy for best compilation soundtrack album, Ringo Starr, accepting the award with the Beatles’ musical partner George Martin, described Cirque du Soleil’s surreal interpretations of the band’s music as “a beautiful dream.”
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A White Christmas 14 January 2008
 Three pairs of beautiful star covered panels were used to add a twinkle of magic to the UK tour of ‘White Christmas’. The UK version of this Broadway hit musical, opened at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff in December 07, in association with the Plymouth Theatre Royal.
Stage Technologies supplied 6 MiniTow winches and a Juggler control console to automate the three sets of sliding panels.
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Fit For A Queen 11 December 2007
 The Queen Victoria set sail on her Maiden Voyage today, amidst celebration and fireworks. The new £300m luxury cruise ship from Cunard is said to be a cut above the rest, with its lavish facilities including an 830 seat Royal Court Theatre.
Stage Technologies have installed and commissioned the complete rigging system onboard the ship’s theatre, working with Fincantieri at their Marghera ship yard in Italy.
Related links:
www.cunard.com/
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World Premiere of Wintuk! 08 November 2007
 The latest creation from Cirque du Soleil opened at New York’s Wamu Theatre in Madison Square Garden last night. The seasonal show, ‘Wintuk’, is an action packed tail of urban street characters, using Stage Technologies’ automation systems to perform energetic acrobatics and stage effects.
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A flying start in Singapore 03 November 2007
 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang got off to a flying start last night when it opened at the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore. The spectacular musical is one of the largest to ever visit Singapore and returns West in February 2008 to continue its UK tour.
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