When students attend Full Sail University, they can expect an education built on a foundation of industry-relevant skills. One way that Full Sail works to ensure its curriculum is up to date is the input received from the industry professionals who serve as Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members. In several areas of study at Full Sail, designated groups of PAC members regularly advise faculty and students on the latest trends and demands in their respective fields.

Studying show production prepares students with the practical skills in lighting, audio, and visuals to take live events and performances to the next level. Show Production Program Manager David Dean and his team have assembled a diverse group of PAC members through previous working relationships, connections to Full Sail grads, and community involvement.

“[In the entertainment industry], you're two people from knowing everybody,” David says. “It's a very small world and everybody knows everybody or knows somebody who knows somebody.”

Show Production PAC members typically meet in person once a year. They participate in meet-and-greet events with students and speak to classes. They also provide guidance on specific topics covered in classes, what technology the program should invest in, and any other variables that could help position students to succeed in career tracks focused on producing live shows and events.

Chris Murphy, President of Murphy Lighting Systems, is a longtime member of the Show Production PAC. His company, which has provided lighting solutions for events around the globe, initially did some consulting work for Full Sail and has gone on to supply equipment and install lighting systems in campus facilities. Chris recalls a statement he made at a PAC meeting.

“One of my early comments was that knowing all the technical skills in show production is great, but don’t forget about the basic skills – how to read, write, communicate, solve problems, and show up on time,” Chris says.

Chris hopes that his remarks have led to Full Sail students having increasingly received a more well-rounded education. In fact, he says a high percentage of Murphy Lighting’s staff are Show Production grads, including key members of management.

“Not only are Full Sail grads technically astute, but [they] are extremely serious about their work,” he adds.

Other PAC members include:

• Glenn Levine, CEO of NEP US Mobile Units, a company providing production trucks for major televised events
• Robyn Bykofsky, a Training and Education Manager with Meyer Sound
• Brian Carico, a member of the Full Sail University Hall of Fame and a self-employed Video and Lighting Director who has worked with Sir Paul McCartney, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Hunter Hayes, and others

“Full Sail has done a great job choosing people for the PAC whose skills are complementary to each other,” Chris continues. “My perspective is going to be different from someone who does live events or recruiting, for instance. When you put all of those perspectives together, it gives a good roundup of input for students.”

Another direct influence from the PAC is a soon-to-be-added class on computer networking. According to David, a big reason for this is the growth of decentralized productions in the broadcasting world in which crew members can produce a program without everyone being in the same location.

“That's what the world's come to,” David says. “You can't do any of this stuff [these days] without knowing what a switch and a router [are].”

At the end of the day, David can’t say enough about how grateful he is to connect with such a highly experienced group of professionals, and how beneficial these relationships have been for students.

“It’s part of the soup and is one vital element to [the curriculum],” he says. “It affirms what we’re teaching. If you sleep for six months, you’ll be huffing and puffing to catch up to the others out there.”