The Director Sector

Some incredible things are happening in the world lately.

In Texas, the state Congress introduced a bill that would effectively outlaw the vast majority of theatrical lighting designers.  The bill would have required licensing and permits that, quite frankly, most theatrical lighting designers don’t have the time, money or experience to get.  So what’s to be done?

Protest, of course.  Thanks to the incredible, tireless efforts of @travisbedard and @jimonlight, as well as hundreds of others from Texas and even the rest of the country, over the last 48 hours, the bill is now in the Senate having its language modified.  I don’t think anyone truly blames the legislature for this oversight, because that’s what it was — an oversight.

But that’s another good reason why we, as Americans and citizens and workers, need to keep an eye on our government.  If nobody had paid attention, theatre in Texas would have been shut down for months while the legislature tried to sort out the problems.  Fortunately, this problem has been (or will shortly be) resolved.

Impressed? I sure as hell am.  Hats off to @travisbedard and @jimonlight and thanks to everyone else who defend the rights of theatre people across the country.

Added bonus: I don’t have to pay health insurance premiums until November! Score!