December 17, 2025

Why Terminate DMX Cables?

DMX-512 is a wiring scheme ubiquitous in theatres and many other spaces where high quality dimming of lighting is needed. The industry has been using this control signal for more than 35 years and it has found its way into commercial lighting. Still, one must follow the rules. One of those rules has to do with end of line termination.
December 16, 2025

ASTC Forum Held In Charleston, SC

ASTC members meet twice each year for our business meetings and to exchange knowledge and ideas. This fall we met in Charleston, SC to see the rich architectural history of venues that support the Spoleto Festival USA.
December 9, 2025

Did You Know – Get with the Program?

Did you know it is important to make sure all of the people involved in a project are using the same vocabulary? One word often used in architectural design projects that can be confusing for administrators and end users is “program”. It can mean lots of things to many people and all of them are right!
November 17, 2025

Did You Know – What is a Box Boom?

We are back with another brief article demystifying the sometimes arcane and certainly unique language used in the theatre.  Box Booms have been added to existing theatres and are expected in the construction of new spaces to add valuable lighting positions for the Lighting Designer.
September 26, 2025

New ASTC Members Announced at Fall 2025 Forum

The American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC) welcomes two new members and one new associate during the Forum in Charleston, SC.
June 14, 2025

Accessibility on the Aisle

Performance venues offer a range of accommodations for patrons such as wheelchair spaces, assistive listening devices, and sensory-sensitive performances or areas. One accommodation that theatregoers may not be familiar with is designated aisle seats.
June 2, 2025

Planning for the Crew

While it is important to understand the unique needs of performers and the public, another group is often forgotten in space planning. Just because they wear a lot of black and stay out of the public’s view it does not mean their needs should be forgotten. Let’s find some room for the stage crew.
June 1, 2025

Quietly Teaching Rock ‘n’ Roll

ASTC Member Howard Glickman reflects on how performance lighting has changed over the years. Those changes have got him thinking about how systems might be designed to better train students of today for the work of tomorrow, regardless of their career trajectory. Every consultant has different approaches to the design of lighting controls systems. This is an idea Howard considers a possible path.
May 13, 2025

Backstage Art – Spring 2025

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