Scenic and Lighting Designer (as well as brother, husband, and father) Michael Philippi will be remembered by family and friends at a Service of Comfort in Appleton, Wisconsin. The service will be held this Monday, November 9th, 2009 at the James W. Perry Hall at the Communications Arts Center, University of Wisconsin Fox Valley, 1478... »
Latest Story
UPDATED: Cirque du Spam?
Numerous reports are appearing on Twitter from bloggers claiming to be getting spam comments promoting Cirque du Soleil’s new show, “Banana Shpeel.” Is this part of a green-lit PR campaign that is getting caught, or something conceived by an outside firm without Cirque’s knowledge? Please... »
IATSE vs Bloomberg News’ (and others) bias.
A recent article in Bloomberg.com revealed that the top 5 IATSE stagehands at Carnegie Hall made an average of $430,543, with the Prop Master earning $530,044. These are high... »
Designer Michael Philippi dies suddenly at 58.
Full disclosure: this is the designer and production that I was to program for this week. I am still in shock as I write this. Scenic and Lighting Designer Michael... »
A hickey that won’t anger your dad
So, here is the answer to yesterday’s little bit of trivia: the lighting hickey. There are various sizes, but essentially it acts as a gap between two threaded pipes to... »
Know your hickeys
Alright lighting and prop folks, who knows what a hickey is? From a recent load-in: M.E.: (while looking at hanging practical fixture that needed a wiring connection before going into a... »
Equity Jeff Awards tonight
Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards for Equity affiliated productions will be held tonight at the theatre centrally located between of all the eligible theatres, and conveniently near public transportation North... »
Relax, and remember
Whenever you get that twinge of intimidation when you are working a show with someone famous: see more Lol Celebs This also applies to nearly every big name designer or director. »

Hudson & Gaines