Over $900M requested through BlackRock Future Builders program, skilled trades demand grows

Woodworking Network: The first national Request for Proposals (RFP) from BlackRock Future Builders has closed after drawing more than 1,000 applications from organizations across the country, highlighting the growing demand for resources that help connect more Americans to skilled trades careers.

Illuminating the Careers of Disabled Lighting Designers

HowlRound Theatre Commons: Annie Wiegand is the first, and maybe the only, professional Deaf lighting designer in the theatre industry in the United States. She has been working as a freelance designer in New York City for a decade and is also a professor in the theatre and dance program at Gallaudet University, the only university in the world for Deaf students. Michael Maag is a lighting and projection designer who acquired his disability in a car versus bicycle accident in 2003 and became a T-9 paraplegic. He is the resident lighting designer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and a founding member of Kinetic Light, a disability arts ensemble.

Career Development: Fixing The Entertainment Industry’s Problem When It Is Needed Most

www.forbes.com: Like much of the world, the US has crossed the six-month mark since the pandemic forced most in-person gatherings to halt, which was primarily signified by South By Southwest's cancellation, one of the most well attended entertainment-based events globally. Predictions are now spanning well into 2021 and beyond to return to a "normal" state of events. The entire industry has been impacted, from musicians not able to perform and live crew out of jobs to countless industry professionals furloughed from music companies.

Are theatre's schemes and awards deterring a new generation of talent?

Exeunt Magazine: There’s a scheme that asks you to programme three shows, and do two rounds of interviews, for the chance to be in a pool of potential assistant directors. One that asks for thousands of words pitching a pie-in-the-sky show, right down to the marketing strategy. One that starts with reading eight plays and producing a written proposal about your favourite, then attending a meeting at the theatre and contacting a whole – still only potential! – creative team, then presenting a visual concept with a designer; shortlisted applicants must also produce a full model box, and do a full weekend of directing workshops and interviews.

TEA Advantage: Chuck Fawcett, Animax Designs

TEA - Themed Entertainment Association: I would encourage any company in our industry to join and sponsor a TEA [Themed Entertainment Association] event. The benefits far outweigh any perceived cost. -- Chuck Fawcett, President/CEO, Animax Designs