LDI 2016

Renowned inventor, entrepreneur and innovator, Gordon Pearlman, recently received the Wally Russell Lifetime Achievement Award from USITT. For over 45 years, he has contributed to the technology of lighting control for entertainment and architectural lighting with both commercial and artistic success. In the early 70’s, Pearlman was teaching technical theatre at UNC-CH and received a grant from the University. He eventually created the LS/8, the first theatrical computer lighting control console which was used for Tharon Musser’s design for A Chorus Line and opened the door to the acceptance of computer lighting control in the industry. He then moved on to Kliegl Bros. and developed the Performance and Performer line of consoles that saw wide use in both permanent and touring productions. In the mid 80’s, Pearlman started Entertainment Technology(ET) creating products for ET and other companies like Great American Market, Strand, Morpheus and Lightolier. These products made computer lighting control available to all levels of users including concert lighting. Further, Pearlman introduced the IGBT choke-less dimmer which was the first big change in dimming since the advent of the SCR giving effectively silent dimming. In 2010, Pearlman became a Fellow of USITT in recognition of his contributions to the industry. In addition, his contributions to architectural lighting created a family of lighting controls including presets to architectural lighting with the first microprocessor controls that fit into a wall box. This earned Pearlman a Fellowship in the Illumuninating Engineering Society. He is delighted to be at LDI renewing friendships and keeping up to date in the industry .