Inspired in self-isolation (13)

Inspired in self-isolation (13) posted: 17/09/2020

With Covid-19 lockdowns worldwide and health authorities urging people to self-isolate and practice social distancing on a massive scale as part of an enormous effort to #FlattenTheCurve of this global pandemic we are reaching out to industry friends, colleagues, associates, partners, etc., and asking them to share their #StayHome and #QuarantineandChill activities with us during this extraordinary time.

A Heads Up with Dave Whitehouse Dave is the theatre products manager' for Robe and talks to A LOT of customers and designers worldwide about theatre, technology, future developments and what can be designed and manufactured to make their theatrical lighting experience easier, better and more dynamic.

Since the pandemic and the UK lockdown, Dave has become an internet star as the anchor of Robe's highly successful and informative The Shed series of videos.

Robe: Where are you right now?

Dave: In my home office in the Buckinghamshire countryside, UK.

Robe: What are you doing to fill the time whilst isolating?

Dave: Designing presentations for our sales and distribution networks. These highlight what makes Robe products unique and what real benefits they give to potential customers.

Robe: What's the most creative thing you're able to do in isolation?

Dave: Well, I can't play with lights, and I make model tanks and figures! I've done it for years. It takes my mind off things!

Robe: Are you looking after anyone else during the crisis?

Dave: Directly no, as my family is far away. However, I do voluntary work for Age UK, and constantly stay in touch with residents at the local care home via technology. Please do not forget them!

Robe: Has anyone inspired you since this started?

Dave: I live in a small village where we are lucky to have a fantastic community spirit. Everyone is really looking out for everyone else, collecting food, checking on the vulnerable and making sure everyone is informed and helped if required. So, in short, my village has inspired me!

Dave Whitehouse

Robe: Favourite book / movie / Netflix series / viral video

Dave: It's BBC iPlayer for me!

I have been watching classic comedy series like Porridge (Iconic 1970's British sitcom set in a prison starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais); Open All Hours (set in a small grocers shop, created and written by Roy Clarke for the BBC, it ran across four series', premiering in 1976 with the final one in 1985) and The Vicar of Dibley (which started in the 1990s starring Dawn French, and is among the most successful British programmes of the digital era!)

I know they reflect different times, but they are side-splittingly funny!

Robe: What's the first thing you'd like to do when we are through this?

Dave: I am under strict orders to get my postponed wedding sorted out!

Robe: Own question / answer / message of solidarity or something you'd want to say?

Dave: Our industry is in this together. Please, please follow the government guidelines, protect the vulnerable and we will all come out of this stronger and more united than ever.

A Heads Up with Faith Boucher Faith is originally from the US, but works as a freelance technician in Dublin, Ireland and is just completing her final year of the Stage Management and Technical Theatre course at The Lir Academy, albeit from home in upstate New York! She's looking forward to flying back to Dublin as well as returning to her work as a lighting technician!

Robe: Where are you right now?

Faith: Currently I am back in Upstate New York with my family, specifically sitting with our dogs avoiding the heat!

Robe: How are things emerging from the lockdown in your region / country?

Faith: Needless to say, things aren't going very well in the US. While things in New York are getting a bit better, much of the rest of the country is in turmoil, both from Covid-19 and the Black Lives Matter' movement.

There is a desperate need for change in the United States.

Re-education of law enforcement and reform for many branches and long-standing organisations of our government are necessary. I am not claiming to be the source of the solutions, but I do urge readers to continue to educate themselves and remain aware, because all too often these

Robe: How did you spend your time during lockdown?

Faith: I've been baking a huge amount! I've discovered a new love of baked goods and am using the time to work on my cake decorating as well as master some more basic recipes!

I've also recently completed my final year dissertation, which was previously occupying a lot of my time, so that has been a huge relief. I investigated future uses of electrically conductive paint in set, lighting, costume, and sound on stage. The paint is still relatively unused in theatre, so it was a fascinating project!

I have also been participating in talks with AIST (Association of Irish Stage Technicians) with other technicians to try and plan re-opening procedures and future problem solving. I continue to look into virtual lighting programmes and considering the various options.

Robe: What are your biggest concerns / considerations as lockdowns ease worldwide?

Faith: I'm not really sure.

As with many others, I'm worried about things moving too quickly. Covid will of course be a worry for years to come, but if people don't respect the guidelines, I fear we could lose the progress we have made.

The US is a perfect example. With many establishments opening too early, the second wave has been drastically worse than the first. Other countries are managing to perform much better than the US, but it is certainly something which concerns me.

Robe: Do you have any thoughts / predictions about how and when live events a

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