May 31, 2007 - Major Industry Employers Begin Mandating ETCP Certification

Two major industry employers, Live Nation and Global Spectrum, have announced the signing of collective bargaining agreements with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) which phase in a requirement for ETCP Certified Technicians in a variety of venues operated by the two companies.

May 24, 2007 - ETCP ANNOUNCES TRAINER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

The ETCP Council is pleased to announce a new program which recognizes individual instructors who have met specific criteria to become ETCP Recognized Trainers. The Certification Council has worked closely with leading trainers in the industry to craft a program that recognizes experienced trainers while allowing them the flexibility to adjust each class to the needs and skills of their attendees. Trainers are awarded qualification points based on a number of criteria including prior teaching experience, attendance at teacher training courses, ETCP Certification, standards writing, and subject matter expertise. 

May 17, 2007 - PAPER AND PENCIL EXAMS OFFERED AT LDI 2007 IN ORLANDO, FL
If you're a rigger or an electrician, get ready to show the industry what you know! All three ETCP examinations will be given at the November 2007 LDI show in Orlando, FL.The entertainment electrician exam is scheduled for Friday, November 16^th; the arena rigging exam is to be given the morning of Saturday, November 17^th and the theatre rigging exam is scheduled for that afternoon.  Candidates who wish to take multiple exams will receive a discount for the second exam. Interested applicants must submit their application, along with supporting materials and fee, postmarked no later than October 1, 2007. Space is limited, so submit your application today! Those who pass these rigorous tests will become ETCP Certified - and will be recognized as the industry's best.

March 26, 2007 - COMPUTER-BASED TESTING QUARTERLY APPLICATION DEADLINE LIFTED FOR RIGGING AND ELECTRICAL EXAMS
ETCP is pleased to announce, due to new arrangements with our testing company, that the quarterly deadlines for submitting applications for computer-based exams have been eliminated. 

February 25, 2007 - TWENTY-EIGHT ETCP RIGGING CERTIFICATIONS AWARDED IN VANCOUVER

The ETCP Council is pleased to announce that twenty-six arena rigging and two theatre rigging certifications were recently awarded to riggers working in British Columbia and Alberta. Safety & Health in Arts Production and Entertainment (SHAPE), a B.C. based arts health and safety service organization, teamed up with Riggit, a provider of custom rigging in Western Canada, and IATSE to offer the examinations in Vancouver on January 21st.

January 04, 2007 - ETCP CERTIFIED ENTERTAINMENT ELECTRICIANS ARE HERE!
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program Council is proud to announce the first ETCP Certified Entertainment Electricians! These individuals have passed the rigorous, competency-based electrical examination which took place in October 2006. Congratulations to the electricians who have made this important professional commitment to safely serve the entertainment industry by becoming ETCP Certified.

December 11, 2006 - ETCP Announces Exam Administrations at USITT 2007
The ETCP Council is pleased to announce the electrical, arena rigging, and theatre rigging examinations will be offered at the USITT Conference and Stage Expo on March 17, 2007 in Phoenix, AZ. Those who pass these rigorous tests will become ETCP Certified - and will be recognized as the industry’s best. Employers have already begun seeing the benefits of ETCP Certification in reduced insurance rates as well as attaining more work because their services are being performed by certified personnel.

December 01, 2006 - ETCP FAQs
What will this certification do for me? ETCP helps qualified riggers and electricians distinguish themselves by giving them a credential – ETCP Certified – that unmistakably says, "I know what I am doing." ETCP Certification helps employers immediately identify riggers and electricians with proven capabilities.

The listing of ETCP Certified Riggers is available on the ETCP website, and in late 2006 the ETCP Certified Entertainment Electricians list will be posted. Employers have already begun using the website when seeking qualified personnel.

Also, many major employers and unions have devoted many hours and dollars to this program with the intention to integrate this certification into job bids, contracts, etc. Service contracts are already requesting, and in some cases demanding, ETCP personnel.

August 24, 2006 - ETCP INTRODUCES NOVEMBER NEW YORK/LA EXAMS
The ETCP Council announces two new exam administrations will be held in 2006 in addition to those held at LDI. The electrical, arena rigging, and theatre rigging examinations will be offered in New York, NY (for IATSE Local One members only) and the Los Angeles area on Saturday, November 11, 2006.

August 09, 2006 - AUGUST NEWS: FINAL DEADLINE EXTENSTION TO SEPT 1, REDUCED RETAKE FEE
Due to the nature of our industry, ETCP understands that many candidates can not register until nearer to the examination date. Therefore, ETCP will extend the deadline one final time to September 1, 2006. This extension will accommodate those entertainment riggers and electricians who wish to take the October 2006 examinations in Las Vegas so they can attend the LDI show as well.

July 21, 2006 - August 1st Deadline Approaching!
Applicants who wish to take the first ETCP Entertainment Electrician examination must have their applications postmarked no later than August 1, 2006. Arena Rigging and Theatre Rigging candidates also need to have their applications sent by this date as well. Those who pass these rigorous tests will become ETCP Certified - and will be recognized as the industry’s best. Employers have already begun using the online ETCP Certificant listing as their first step when seeking new employees.

July 05, 2006 - ETCP EXAM DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 1ST
Due to overwhelming interest and an increase in space availability, the ETCP Council has voted to extend the application deadline to August 1, 2006 for the first ETCP electrical examinations, as well as for the Arena Rigging and Theatre Rigging examinations. Space is limited, so submit your application today! Those who pass these rigorous tests will become ETCP Certified - and will be recognized as the industry’s best.

June 05, 2006 - ETCP Electrical and Rigging Exam Deadline Approaching
July 1, 2006 is the application deadline for the first ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) Entertainment Electrician examination, as well as for the Arena Rigging and Theatre Rigging examinations. Space is limited, so submit your application today! Those who pass these rigorous tests will become ETCP Certified - and will be recognized as the industry’s best.

May 12, 2006 - ARENA CITED: $75,000 FOR FALL PROTECTION VIOLATIONS
ACTS FACTS

THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM ARTS, CRAFTS AND THEATER SAFETY (ACTS)

May 09, 2006 - ETCP Rigging Computer-Based Deadline Approaching
The next application deadline for the ETCP computer-based rigging examinations (arena and theatre) is June 1, 2006. Accepted candidates will be allowed to sit for their exam(s) in the third quarter (seating in July, August, and September). Those who pass this rigorous test will become ETCP Certified Riggers - and will be recognized as the industry’s best. Many employers are now searching for ETCP Certified Riggers online and have stated they may require certification in the future.

April 18, 2006 - Find an ETCP Certified Rigger Online
The listing of ETCP Certified Riggers is now available online at http://etcp.esta.org/cert_technicians/certificant_search.php. These individuals have passed the rigorous examination in arena and/or theatre rigging. By using the search map or form, you can easily find an ETCP Certificant in your area. Direct contact information is available for many of these individuals.

April 03, 2006 - ETCP ELECTRICAL EXAM INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Council is pleased to announce the electrical candidate handbook and application forms are now available. The first ETCP electrical examination will be held in October 2006 in conjunction with the LDI tradeshow. Candidate information, including eligibility requirements and application forms, are available on the ETCP website (http://etcp.esta.org).

March 16, 2006 - ETCP ANNOUCES RECOGNITION FOR EMPLOYERS & LABOR PROVIDERS
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Council is pleased to announce the release of the Employer and Labor Provider Recognition Programs. These programs have been initiated to recognize employers who utilize ETCP Certified Technicians, as well as labor providers who provide ETCP Certified Technicians to job sites. Employers and labor providers who sign the best practices agreement will also agree to encourage their employees and workforce to become ETCP Certified Technicians. Organizations who agree to these best practices show a commitment to the enhancement of safety and reduction of risk in the workplace in our industry.

February 21, 2006 - ETCP ANNOUCES TRAINING RECOGNITION PROGRAM FOR RENEWAL CREDITS
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Council is pleased to announce the Rigging Training Recognition Program guidelines, application, and licensing requirements are now available. This program has been initiated to recognize rigging training programs for ETCP Renewal Credits. ETCP Certified Riggers are required to participate in on-going professional education to maintain their certification. After the launch of the Entertainment Electrician Examination in October 2006, ETCP will begin recognizing electrical training programs.

February 02, 2006 - ETCP RIGGING EXAMS BEGINNING MARCH 15, 2006
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Council announces the ETCP Rigging Examinations will be available at computer centers around the United States and in Canada beginning March 15, 2006. All interested riggers are invited to apply today.

January 16, 2006 - ETCP CERTIFIED RIGGERS ARE HERE!
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program Council is proud to announce the first ETCP Certified Arena and Theatre Riggers! These individuals have passed the rigorous, competency-based examinations in arena and/or theatre rigging which took place in November 2005. Congratulations to the riggers who have made this important professional commitment to safely serve the entertainment industry by becoming ETCP Certified.

October 27, 2005 - ETCP ANNOUNCES ELECTRICAL SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program Council announces the appointment of Electrical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These individuals, all highly respected in their field, have agreed to volunteer considerable time to the development of the industry’s first electrical certification. Selected for their breadth and depth of knowledge, the SMEs will work closely with the Council’s selected psychometric services provider, Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), to develop the examinations.

April 05, 2005 - ETCP RIGGING EXAM INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) Council is pleased to announce the rigging candidate handbook and application forms are now available. The first ETCP rigging examinations (arena and theatre) will be held in November 2005 in conjunction with the ETS-LDI tradeshow. Candidate information, including eligibility requirements and application forms, are available on the ETCP website at http://etcp.esta.org/candidateinfo/riggingexams.html.

March 01, 2005 - THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN THEATRE AND PRODUCERS JOINS ETCP COUNCIL
New York, NY – The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is pleased to announce that the League of American Theatres and Producers (the League) has accepted a seat on the ETCP Council. The League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League’s 500-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers in over 140 North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry.

February 03, 2005 - ETCP Announces Rigging Subject Matter Experts
The Entertainment Technician Certification Program Council announces the appointment of Rigging Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). These individuals, all highly respected in their field, have agreed to volunteer considerable time to the development of the industry's first rigging certifications. Selected for their breadth and depth of knowledge, the SMEs will work closely with the Council's selected psychometric services provider, Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), to develop the examinations.

August 27, 2004 - ETCP ANNOUCES PRG’S $100,000 DONATION
New York, NY – The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is pleased to announce that Production Resource Group (PRG) has made a substantial $100,000 donation to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). PRG’s contribution brings the total pledges received to date to just over $600,000.

July 14, 2004 - ETCP Council Contracts for Test Development
New York, NY – The Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) is pleased to announce that Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP) has been chosen to perform the job analysis work which is the first step in the development of the ETCP examinations. AMP is a leading provider of licensing and certification examinations for professional organizations and has over twenty years of experience in the design, development and administration of licensing and credentialing examinations. ETCP will evaluate the proficiency of technical personnel working in the entertainment industry and certify technicians who demonstrate a high level of knowledge, skills and abilities.

June 18, 2004 - PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is pleased to announce that Production Resource Group (PRG) has accepted a seat on ESTA’s Certification Council. PRG is one of the world's leading suppliers of entertainment technology equipment and solutions. PRG provides lighting, projection, audio, video, scenery and labor services for theatrical productions, trade shows, corporate events, sporting events, special events, television and film productions, themed attractions and environments, concert tours and automotive industry events.

April 27, 2004 - CLEAR CHANNEL ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDES MAJOR DONATION TO ETCP
New York, NY – The Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) is pleased to announce that Clear Channel Entertainment has accepted a seat on ESTA’s new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians. Clear Channel Entertainment, the leading producer and marketer of live entertainment events, has named Steven Ehrenberg, Director of Technical Supervision - Theatrical; and Alan DeZon, Vice President, Operations, CCE Music / Los Angeles as their representatives to the Council.

April 19, 2004 - IATSE LOCAL ONE Provides Major Support to ETCP
New York, NY – At its recent meeting, the Executive Board of Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) voted to contribute $50,000 to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). Upon announcing the donation, Local One’s President Edward McConway commented, “This donation is an investment in the future of our membership. ETCP will bring us into the next generation of skills craftsmen that will perform our work safely. Hopefully, for the next 100 years.”

February 26, 2004 - ICIA JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – ICIA – The International Communications Industries Association, Inc.® (ICIA®), has accepted a permanent seat on the Entertainment Services and Technology Association’s (ESTA) new Certification Council. ICIA serves as the pre-eminent provider of education, exhibitions, and information services to its worldwide membership and the AV communications industry thus enhancing their ability to conduct business successfully, profitably and competently. The association is widely known for the prestigious InfoComm exhibition and conference. The ESTA Certification Council is the governing body which is managing the development and implementation of the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP), a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

February 12, 2004 - IATSE Provides Major Support to ETCP
New York, NY – At its recent meeting, the General Executive Board of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) voted to contribute $75,000 to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). Upon announcing the donation, International President Thomas C. Short commented, “Assuring safety on the job is of paramount importance to our members. The new certification program is a step toward achieving a more secure working environment for our members.”

February 12, 2004 - AMPTP JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – AMPTP – The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), has accepted a permanent seat on Entertainment Services and Technology Association’s (ESTA) new Certification Council. The AMPTP is the primary trade association with respect to labor issues in the motion picture and television industry. AMPTP negotiates 80 industry-wide collective bargaining agreements that cover actors, craftpersons, directors, musicians, technicians, and writers - virtually all of the people who work on theatrical motion pictures and television programs. The Certification Council is the governing body which is managing the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

December 03, 2003 - USITT Provides Major Support to ETCP
New York, NY – At its recent meeting, the Board of Directors of United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. voted to contribute $75,000 to the development of the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program. Upon announcing the donation, USITT President Bruce Brockman commented, "USITT is pleased to able to support the ETCP and believes that it will have significant impact on the industry and on our members. This kind of professional support is central to the mission of USITT and its members."

November 14, 2003 - J.R. Clancy Kicks-Off ETCP Fundraising Campaign
New York, NY – J.R. Clancy, Inc. has generously stepped forward with a major donation of $25,000 to launch the fundraising campaign for the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program. Bob Theis, Chairman of J.R. Clancy commented, “Since one of Clancy's ‘Key Priorities’ is safety, we felt it essential to support the Entertainment Technician Certification Program. We've been leaders in improving equipment, installation, and user safety through product testing, engineering analysis, and training. It's just natural for us to participate.”

October 30, 2003 - CITT / ICTS JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – CITT / ICTS – the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of the new industry-wide Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP). CITT President Ron Morissette will serve as the CITT / ICTS representative on the Council with an alternate member to be named soon.

September 29, 2003 - TEA JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – TEA – The Themed Entertainment Association, a worldwide trade organization that gathers together, supports and represents the people and firms who create compelling places and experiences, has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

September 24, 2003 - Certification Council Holds First Meeting
New York, NY – The inaugural meeting of ESTA’s new Certification Council took place September 19th and 20th in New York City. The Certification Council is the governing body for the new Entertainment Technician Certification Program and, after being welcomed by ESTA president Mike Wood, Council members quickly got down to work under the leadership of chair Tim Hansen.

June 18, 2003 - IAAM JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – IAAM - the International Association of Assembly Managers has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

June 13, 2003 - USITT JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – USITT - the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians.

May 13, 2003 - IATSE JOINS ESTA CERTIFICATION COUNCIL
New York, NY – IATSE - The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada has accepted a permanent seat on ESTA’s new Certification Council. The Certification Council is the governing body which will manage the development and implementation of a new industry-wide certification program for entertainment technology technicians. The key areas of electrical skills and rigging skills have been identified for initial development in the ESTA Personnel Certification Program.

March 20, 2003 - ESTA ANNOUNCES APPROVAL OF CERTIFICATION BUSINESS PLAN
Minneapolis, MN -- The ESTA Board of Directors has voted unanimously to approve a detailed business plan to establish a personnel certification program for entertainment technology technicians provided the required funds can be raised. Two key areas have been identified for initial development - electrical skills and rigging skills. In addition, a curriculum based certificate program will be created to address essential skills which comprise a fundamental body of knowledge needed to work in the entertainment industry.