Note: Lone Star College-Montgomery's Audio Visual System Specialist Open House scheduled for Wednesday, January 13 has been cancelled due to construction.

LSC-Montgomery offers one of the few audio visual systems specialist (AVSS) programs in the area and registration is open for spring classes.
The AVSS program offers three levels of training-a Level I Certificate, which can be completed in one year; a Level II Certificate, which can be completed in a year-and-a-half; and an associate of applied science degree, which can be completed in two years. Courses for the certificates apply to the associate of applied science degree, and many courses will transfer to other colleges as a springboard for a degree in other fields including technical theatre and computer systems management.

"Specialists trained in the audio visual field can work in just about any industry they want to because this market is growing beyond the traditional borders of the theater and concert halls," said Chase Waites, associate professor of theatre at LSC-Montgomery. "More and more corporations and churches have production needs, as well as colleges and universities, hotels, and sporting venues. Technicians can also work for manufacturers, production companies, rental houses, design agencies, and as consultants. The possibilities are endless."

According to the America's Career InfoNet Occupation Report, there will be an 18 percent increase in this field over the next seven years, and in Texas, technicians average $13.51 an hour and can earn more than $24.48 an hour.

Rob Kreps, program director of AVSS and associate professor of theatre at LSM-Montgomery, said success of elaborate stage and office productions hinge upon an ability to work with the audio visual equipment that provides sound and lighting.

"It's more than just plugging in some lights and having a player for music," he said. "We are talking about some very intricate and highly technical computerized systems that work together to provide the best sound and lighting experience. Most people have seen a huge production at some time, but most probably don't think about the work that goes on behind the scenes with the lighting and sound."

Audio visual systems specialists set up and operate specialty lighting equipment and audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, wires and cables, sound and mixing boards and related electronic equipment, Kreps said.

"LSC-Montgomery has an audio video lighting lab with the latest and greatest state-of-the-art equipment, as well as information and guidance from top industry professionals," said Waites. "Students work with companies like Bright Star, Audio Visual Professional Group and Woodlands Church during internships offered for both the Level II Certificate and the AAS degree."

"It is a very well rounded experience for students, from the training to the internship and then, hopefully, right into employment, which shouldn't be a difficult transition given today's needs," said Waites

For more information about the AVSS program call Chase Waites at (936) 271-6127 or visit www.LoneStar.edu/audio-visual-systems-specialist.

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.

Lone Star College System consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Center, LSC-University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. With more than 58,000 students in credit classes this fall, LSCS is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and third largest community college system in Texas. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.