In our early years we primarily worked with live theaters and performing arts groups.  After a few years we noticed a rapid shift in our clients and almost overnight 90% of our work was done in theme parks and on cruise ships, far outside the world of traditional theater.  Instead of working with directors to get the most impact from a dramatic moment we were dealing with 40 minute musical revues with pre-recorded music, and flashy costumes. Detailed sets had been replaced by glitzy curtains and flashing lights.  The audiences seeing the shows we worked on weren't looking for something that made them think, they just wanted to sit somewhere air conditioned while they took a break from the rides.  From a business standpoint, things were great, but as we looked over our shoulders we saw the theaters that originally supported us were in trouble.

     When TheatreVirginia, a major theater that had been around for over 40 years, suddenly closed its doors in the fall of 2001 it was a wake up call for us.  At a staff meeting just after the closing two things came up - 1) small local theaters were in trouble and 2) our technicians were tired of traveling all the time and wanted to spend their time at home, working in their communities.  At that meeting we decided to return to doing what got us started - helping small local theaters excel.

     In returning to our roots we realized that we'd have to make some changes.  We now try to limit ourselves to jobs that are within four hours of our headquarters in Ridgway, Pennsylvania (depending on our schedule we will take jobs farther away).  We've also realized that most theaters can't afford to pay the going rate for our services so we've come up with a sliding scale system for not for profit organizations.

     While you may still see one of our trucks at the mall servicing a lighting system in a store or catch a glimpse of one of our technicians at a theme park, you'll definitely find us working with local Performing Arts Organizations, providing our equipment and services at reduced cost or, in many cases, at no cost. 

     The Performing Arts are a vital part of our culture and something that's too important to lose.  Next time you're thinking about going out to see the latest Hollywood Blockbuster, why not consider a jazz concert, a play or dance performance?  You just might find something you'll fall in love with.