First Fridays @ Fusion Studio
First Fridays @ Fusion Studio one-hour virtual workshops provide a monthly opportunity to discuss emerging trends in technology in the entertainment industry, engage with industry experts and practitioners, and explore scholarly works.
Next Up
Sept 4, 2026 @ 12pm EST
A Career in Entertainment Technology, Codes and Standards: A Conversation with Mitch Hefter
Join us for a conversation with Mitch Hefter, one of the entertainment industry’s foremost leaders in lighting controls, electrical safety, and technical standards. With more than 40 years of experience, Mitch has played a pivotal role in shaping many of the codes and standards that guide today’s entertainment technology professionals. Mitch will reflect on his career journey, sharing the experiences, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes stories that led to the development of many of the industry’s most influential standards.
First Fridays @ Fusion Studio events are typically held monthly during the academic year, September to December and February to May. You can register to participate in them in real time from this page (when registration is available). You can also watch recordings of previous First Fridays @ Fusion Studio events through the links below.
Industry Spotlight: A Conversation with Matt Jackson of Adirondack Studios
Matt Jackson talks to us about his extensive career in the live entertainment and themed entertainment industry.
Entertainment and Engineering: A Discussion with Bill Gorlin of McLaren, a Division of KCI
Bill Gorlin share valuable insights into the work of live entertainment engineering from his extensive experience as an industry professional.
A Career in Motion: Project Highlights and Strategies for Theatre Technology Professionals with Paul Brunner
Paul Brunner shares highlights from key projects throughout his career and discusses the management strategies and professional insights that have guided his work across academia and industry.
Coordinating the Ride – Systems Integration in Themed Entertainment
Chuck Filson, Senior Control Systems Engineer at Prism Systems, delves into the complex orchestration required to make theme park rides function seamlessly. From safety and network systems to show control and creative direction, he’ll unpack how multidisciplinary collaboration drives project success—illustrated through a recent major ride refurbishment and the unique challenges it presented.
Designing Solutions for the Stage with Matt Jordan
Matt Jordan, Product Manager at PRG Scenic Technologies, explores how custom mechanical and technical solutions are designed for live performance environments.
From Campfire to Concert Hall: Human Instinct, Shared Experience, and the Design of Listening Spaces – with Scott Pfeiffer
Drawing on decades of professional practice, Scott discusses how designers use shared references, collaborative listening, and simulation tools to guide design decisions—often allowing clients to “hear” choices without relying on technical jargon.
Behind the Scenes of Broadway: Engineering, Fabrication, and the Art of Making with Ashley Bishop
Ashley Bishop, rising president of ShowMotion Inc., joins us to explore the intersection of scenic design, engineering, and large-scale production in the live entertainment industry.
Spatial Audio: Shaping Sound, Story, and Audience Experience with Jordan Tani
Join Jordan Tani for a conversation on how spatial audio is transforming storytelling and audience engagement in live entertainment, exploring its creative potential as a three-dimensional tool for shaping immersive experiences.
Designing for Compliance with Wendy Russell
Join us as we talk with Wendy Russell from Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. about how to adapt product design and installation practices to best meet the demands of an ever-changing industry.
How to Get to Sesame Street: Making “Sesame Street: Street Mission” with Logan Zawacki
Join us as we talk with Logan Zawacki, project manager at Sally Dark Rides, about his career in the themed entertainment industry, and his experience managing the development of award-winning, interactive dark ride “Sesame Street: Street Mission”.
Innovation and Technology for Storytelling with Ron Martin
In this presentation we will explore some of the various approaches to innovation, technology, and illusion as it impacts story telling. Where do we start and how do we reach the end goal of presenting story through illusion, and how do we find the balance of traditional theater and new technologies.
Understanding ESTA with Executive Director, Erin Grabe
Learning more about ESTA and its programs with ESTA Executive Director, Erin Grabe.
Demystifying Theatre Consulting with Ian Hunter of The Shalleck Collaborative
Ian provides insights into the trends of facility design in live entertainment, the role theatre consultants play, and discusses the exciting projects that he has been involved with over the years.
The Evolution of Lighting System Design
In this presentation we talk with Heather McAvoy about the evolution of lighting systems in theatre lighting design.
Road to the Sphere: The Industry and the Importance of Adaptability with Josh Grow
Josh Grow joins us to talk about the importance of adapting in a tech environment that is constantly changing and about the evolution of the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada and his role in that project.
Inclusive Design of Immersive Entertainment with Kathryn Woodcock
Join Kathryn Woodcock, Toronto Metropolitan University THRILL Lab, as she discusses participation in amusement attractions and draws lessons for eligibility analysis and inclusive design of immersive…
Behind the Scenes with Sky Elements Drone Shows
Join us as we talk with Sky Elements Drone Shows about working with students from Purdue University to develop a custom drone performance for new student orientation!
The Use and Ethics of AI in Entertainment
Join us in the Fusion Studio on December 1 as we talk with Erica Bondarev Rapach and Eric Sampson to discuss how AI is being used now in the entertainment industry, how it might be used in the future, and some of the ethical…
Entertainment, Engineering, and Internships!
Join us in the Fusion Studio with Reilley O’Loughlin (’25) and Mason Nichols (’25) as they share their experiences completing engineering-based internships with Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios.
3D Scanning Our Stagecraft Heritage with JR Luker
Join us in the Fusion Studio as we chat with JR Norman Luker about his work using 3D scanning technologies to create digital models of historic theatres. JR Norman Luker (he, him) is a Technical Director and Scenic Designer with decades of professional experience in Live Events and…
The Future of Large Scale Solutions – Show Control: Thinking Outside the Box
Join Jason Pontius, Director of Operations of Smart Monkeys, in the Fusion Studio for a discussion about the future of automation technology and controls integration for live entertainment. Jason will share some basics about this field and then engage attendees in a…
Robot Dancers & Droid Domes: Using Pop Culture and the Arts to Engage Students in STEM Learning
Join Denise Szecsei of the University of Iowa and Josh Montgomery of Southern State Community College as they share their exciting approaches to engaging students in STEM learning! Watch as we stream Denise’s robot performers…
Development and Evolution of Show Controls and its Impact on Modern Storytelling
Join John Huntington, author of Show Networks and Control Systems and recently retired from CityTech @ CUNY, as he shares his research on the development history of show technologies. John Huntington led the audio, live video, and network/control areas for many years as a Professor of Entertainment Technology at…
The Engineering Behind Entertainment with Jeff Reder
Join the Co-Founder of Clark Reder Engineering, Jeff Reder, as he speaks about the ties between engineering and entertainment, drawing from his personal design experience with entertainment structures. Join us as Jeff speaks about his experience with the Superbowl (47-49 and 51), ESPN Winter and Summer X Games, Coachella, Electric Zoo…
Sky Elements Drone Shows with Rick Boss and Preston Ward
Join Rick Boss, Head of Business Development, and Preston Ward, Chief Pilot and General Counsel of Sky Elements Drone Shows as they discuss what it takes to develop, produce, and perform a high-technology drone performance. “Telling stories with light and sound, using the sky as our canvas, it is our goal to bring quality aerial light shows to…”
Meet the Winning Team from the 2021 Stage Machine Design Competition
Join us in the Fusion Studio as we chat with the winning team from the 2021 Stage Machine Design Competition! The Stage Machine Design Competition brings together theatre technology students from colleges and universities…
Gamification of Performance: A Chat with David Carpenter of Gamiotics, Inc.
Join us in the Fusion Studio as we discuss the gamification of performance with David Carpenter of Gamiotics, Inc. David Carpenter has worked in live entertainment for over 20 years. He produced the record breaking 3 year run of Puffs…
Disney’s DAHA: Design Assurance and Hazard Assessment featuring Eric Hall
With millions of attendees annually, safety has to be a priority at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. To assure projects meet their high standards, they follow a unique Design Assurance/Hazard Assessment protocol (DAHA). Join us…
Behind the Scenes with TAIT: Exploring Control System Designs
In this session led by Ben Gasper, Technical Sales Manager, and Adam Piotrowski, Senior Control Systems Designer, we will take a walk through TAIT’s control system design and their approach to each customer’s needs and safety requirements.
Perfecting Your Proposal: Turning an Idea into a Conference Abstract
Developing a proposal for a conference presentation and an abstract for a scholarly paper can be daunting. Join Dr. Mary Pilotte and Professor Rich Dionne, co-directors of the…
Themed Experiences and Attractions: A Conversation with Peter Weishar of TEAAS
Peter Weishar, Professor of Themed Experience and Program Director of the Themed Experience MFA track at the University of Central…
The New Product Engineering Design Process for a new Rigging Control System at Wenger/JR Clancy
Dale Hourlland, Engineering Manager, and Patrick Finn, Product Manager, join us in…
Get to Know a Professional: Kimberly Corbett Oates
Join us for a conversation with Kimberly Corbett Oates (ASTC) from Schuler Shook. In this informal discussion, we will discuss her career, her passion for engineering, and explore some of her favorite projects. Q&A to follow. Kimberly’s introduction to the stage was as a young dancer…
Smoke and Mirrors? Art, Engineering, & Science: Acoustics for Entertainment Projects
Join us for a conversation with David Schwind, acoustical engineer and consultant, as he presents a talk entitled “Smoke and Mirrors? Art, Engineering, & Science: Acoustics for Entertainment Projects,” during which he will share a number of highlights from his long…
Collaborating Across Communities: Updates on the 2021 Symposium on Education in Entertainment and Engineering
Join Dr. Mary Pilotte, Co-Director of the Fusion Studio, Dr. Lori Sipe, Associate Professor, Hospitality and Tourism Management, San Diego State University and Chair of the Symposium Committee for the Themed…
Wellness, Productivity, and the Entertainment Industry: A Conversation with Brian MacInnis Smallwood
Join us in the Fusion Studio as we chat with Brian MacInnis Smallwood as we talk about the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well being in the entertainment industry. Brian is the author of Productivity Through Wellness for Live Entertainment…
Timing, Latency, and Live Performance
We are joined this month by Catherine Skokan and Robert Klimek from Colorado School of Mines (CSM) as they discuss the challenges of latency and timing in real-time performance. Q&A to follow. Catherine Skokan is an associate professor emerita of geophysical engineering at CSM and a musician who has played violin with the CSM…
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