Now is the time to jump into MA3 with the ACT Entertainment grandMA3 programming competition.
ACT Entertainment MA3 Programming Competition
The 2024 ACT Entertainment MA3 Programming Competition is here! And we have all the details. ⬇️
The rig is predetermined and outfitted with Ayrton fixtures; however, you can add up to twelve additional fixtures of your choice. You can also add hanging positions for your extra fixtures, so this is the perfect opportunity to get creative and stand out from other entries! ACT has also explicitly stated that video content won't be considered. You have to flex your lighting programming muscles!
All shows must be programmed using grandMA3 software v1.9 or later.
No submissions will be accepted before April 1st, 2024, or after August 31st, 2024. Contestants should submit a video recording with audio, as well as the completed grandMA3 showfile; playback should be recorded using timecode.
The Fine Print
The contest is open to students enrolled in a secondary or higher education program who will compete both for themselves and on behalf of their educational institution.
Submissions must be made to academy@actentertainment.com either by a student with a faculty sponsor copied, or by the faculty sponsor directly on the student's behalf - please include "grandMA3 Programming Contest 2024" in the subject line. Multiple submissions from the same institution will be accepted.
ACT Entertainment has developed a base MVR file (using Ayrton fixtures) that each contestant must use. They''ve also created a Magic Sheet for your reference. Fixture types cannot be changed, nor can positions be altered.
Music & Theme
The 2024 theme is "Songs Composed for Film," you have the exciting task of choosing from iconic tunes crafted specifically for the big screen. Whether it's the disco fever of the Bee Gees, the rebellious energy of Kenny Loggins, the workplace rhythm by Dolly Parton, the adventurous spirit of Paul McCartney, the futuristic beats of Daft Punk, or the vibrant vibes of Dua Lipa, you'll find a track that speaks to you.
Choose one of the songs below to create the most dynamic show:
Stayin' Alive (Saturday Night Fever) - Bee Gees (1977)
Footloose (Footloose) - Kenny Loggins (1984)
9 to 5 (9 to 5) - Dolly Parton (1980)
Live and Let Die (Live and Let Die) - Paul McCartney (1973)
The Game Has Changed (Tron: Legacy) - Daft Punk (2010)
Dance the Night (Barbie) - Dua Lipa (2023)
Now, let's talk about what you're really interested in—the prizes!
Judges & Prizes
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of entertainment lighting professionals and announced at LDI in Las Vegas, NV, in December 2024. This was one of the most exciting parts of LDI last year, with some of the most prolific LDs in the world both involved and invested in giving contestants feedback. This year's panel of awesome judges will be announced later this summer.
The grand prize includes a grandMA3 onPC command wing XT and a grandMA3 viz-key for your educational institution, along with a grandMA3 viz-key for the individual winner.
The first and second runners-up will also receive exciting prizes, including a grandMA3 onPC command wing and a grandMA3 viz-key for their institutions, along with a grandMA3 viz-key for the individual winners.
Additional prizes may be awarded - stay tuned...
More Info
You can find everything you need about the contest from ACT themselves here. This is where you can also grab the showfile & MVR.
