More and more event planners and designers must be able to shoot from the hip. Many times new clients are discovered by one’s willingness to plan and execute on the fly. Keny Poovey, owner of Academy Street Productions called me for a lighting plan to light an after party for American Coatings at the Charlotte Convention Center but he didn’t have details about the room or many about the event. Little details were given and nothing was apparent till the day before the event when we met at the space.

The Charlotte Convention center is massive full of ballrooms and rooms large enough to fit small stadiums. The after party wasn’t in a private room as originally thought but in the show room floor. Originally we planned for a 24 ft stage in a med sized room for about 500 people. Using a combination of color changing walls, custom gobos, and moving lights, we hoped to create a mini night club scene. But in a room the size of a football field, color changing walls would be a mute point and would require a ridiculous number of lights. So it was time to redesign.
Keny Poovey has been running ASP since 1992. His ability to roll with the punches is a credit to his experience and the reason for his success. I am young and still resist having to throw away my ideas on the fly. Not only was the space different a second lighting designer was also hired to design the space . . . shaking off the weirdness of the situation, I decided to maximize the potential. Instead of resisting the competition, I embraced the opportunity to work with twice the gear and twice the help.

Unable to get the show floor lights completely off, the 250 moving lights didn’t encompass the room like I imagined but the stage and lounge looked awesome. Sweeping through transitions and saturating the stage with color; the lights mesmerized the small but enthusiastic crowd. One inspired fan jumped on stage. The band let him take the lead mic and that guy performed like a pro. Fun and spontaneous, the American Coatings after party was a success. Although we had to make some major adjustments, we were still able to deliver an outstanding performance. Instead of getting frustrated, I was able to deliver a power packed stage both impressing the client . . . and not revealing my age!