Terry Lowe, executive director of Pro Production 2002. "We’re very pleased to establish the Parnelli here at Pro Production 2002. And there is no more fitting recipient for a lifetime achievement award than Brian Croft." Croft, whose production career spans 40 years, was a founding member of Britain’s National Youth Theatre, and studied at the Old Vic Theatre School in Bristol. He broke into the business as a theatrical stage manager, and in 1970, segued into rock ‘n’ roll, joining the legendary Chip Monck’s lighting crew on a Rolling Stones tour.
Croft combined both theatrical and concert work for several years, then, with John Brown, formed ESP Lighting Ltd and went on to provide lighting services for such acts as The Who, Queen, and The Moody Blues, while continuing to production manage Rolling Stones tours. Since 1977 he has run the subsequent ventures that grew out of ESP, including Samuelson’s and eventually Vari-lite Europe Ltd.
The award will be presented at the industry reception, a highlight of Pro Production 2002, the trade show being held from January 11-13, 2002 at the San Diego Convention Center.
