15 March 2012
The Avolites Titan Training Course, comprising of two two-day sessions in Johannesburg (DWR Distribution Offices), and a one two-day session in Cape Town (The Arena Crew Lounge at the GrandWest Casino), was well attended by delegates across South Africa… and even Namibia!
The course, presented by Avolites’ Emma Thompson and assisted by DWR’s Nick Britz, was fully booked with an estimated 20 enthusiastic delegates per day who brought along their own consoles and laptops for visualisers. A special word of thanks to Sean Caie and the GrandWest Casino who allowed us to their venue for the Cape Town leg of the training.
Emma educates Gobo “It was really good,” said Emma Thompson, who was visiting South Africa for the first time. “At times it was difficult having two different levels of students, some complete beginners to lighting, and some really advanced programmers, but I found I could show even the more experienced users some new tricks. Because I love the software it’s great to train on, and it’s so intuitive that even people who have never used a lighting desk before can pick up the basics quickly. I love meeting new people in the industry, so it’s really nice being over here!” With this great spirit, Emma took delegates through different functions such as quick record palettes, picture legends, fixture overlap, pixel mapping, shape generator, creating and editing cues lists, and many other useful functions. 
Delegates may have been fooled by her youthful appearance (well, she is only in her early twenties!), but Emma became involved with theatre at school when she was 15 years old. “My gran always said it wasn’t a proper career,” she smiles. At college, while Emma may have learnt a lot about colours, shade and theory, a great deal of learning experience came whilst actually working in the industry. Emma has been with Avolites for the past two and a half years and quite enjoyed the well behaved delegates in South Africa!
The course was made possible with the help of Nick and everyone at DWR. We appreciate all your hard work! An enormous thank you to all the trainees. It was good to see you again and value your interest and support.
Lastly, but most certainly not least, our gratitude extends to Emma. We hope having had a taste of Africa, seen the animals and “the mountain”, she will be back again soon.
Emmas next stop will be in Frankfurt, to attend Prolight+Sound 2012, where she is very excited about demonstrating new Avolites software. “We will be showing the preview of Version 6 which has a lot of new functions such as new pixel mapping capabilities, Titan Net, a new patch schedule amongst other things. The first Sapphire Touch production models will also be available at the show.
Below please find photos of the course and a few where everyone could unwind.
Johannesburg
Cape Town 
Lastly, a touch of fun on the side. 
Nicolet Britz (DWR) and Emma Thompson at the Waterfront. 
Costa Champanis (Ultra Events) and Emma. 
Smile for the camera! Emma searching for animals with Bruce and Marlene Riley. 
Just the elephant having a bit of fun… who says they can’t do a great paint job! 
Wonderful to meet you Emma! Hope to see you soon… this time we’ll find the giraffes for you!