Inside DEViATE’s 5-City Dance Tour: How Starlite Delivered Seamless Production Every Step of the Way

Inside DEViATE’s 5-City Dance Tour: How Starlite Delivered Seamless Production Every Step of the Way

Inside DEViATE’s 5-City Dance Tour: How Starlite Delivered Seamless Production Every Step of the Way

Five Cities, One Seamless Experience: How Starlite’s Jeff Bettencourt Elevated The Deviate Dance Competition Experience

 

From the very beginning, Deviate Dance Competition knew they wanted to take their dance tour on the road. But touring isn’t just about reproducing identical shows —it’s about creating a high-quality AV and lighting experience in each city, no matter the room, layout, or crew dynamics. That’s where Starlite shines.

In 2025, Deviate’s tour spanned five cities:

Dulles, VA

Atlantic City, NJ

Spartanburg, SC

King of Prussia, PA

Troy, MI

Each stop brought its own unique challenges—from ballrooms with low ceilings to convention halls with strict timelines. But Jeff and the Starlite team delivered a seamless setup every time. Whether it was the first show of the year or the final weekend of the tour, the lighting, stage, and energy were consistent—because the prep, planning, and partnership never wavered. Since 2022 the partnership between Starlite and Deviate has blossomed into something much deeper than logistics and lighting. That kind of collaboration doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from mutual trust, deep preparation, and a shared sense of purpose: to make events that matter.

“I’m not just some guy that shows up with the stage and lights. I’m part of their crew, their family. I’ve worked with some of them for over three years now, and they’ll jump in and help with anything—even if it’s not technically their job.”

Jeff Bettencourt

Laying the Groundwork for Flawless Execution

Every Deviate weekend begins well before the first dancer takes the stage. Jeff’s prep starts weeks in advance—reviewing floor plans, communicating with venues, specifying the AV and lighting equipment and accounting for every detail.

“The reason things go smoothly on-site is because we’ve put in the hours ahead of time,” Jeff explains. “From gear pulls to packing to coordinating with the venue staff—it’s all about prep. That’s what eliminates surprises.”

That level of diligence is essential when you’re touring five different cities, each with its own venue quirks. Whether it’s a hotel ballroom or a sprawling convention center, Jeff adapts the production plan to the room, the stage size, the dancer count—even the local prop dimensions. When things are seamlessly happening, it’s usually because people are working together and planning was done right-and that’s what Starlite’s Event Technology team prides itself on.

AV and Lighting Gear That Works As Hard As the Dancers

Starlite provides full production support: a 28’x48’ stage, performance lighting, and technical expertise throughout the weekend. Lighting design is clean and impactful—designed to make every dancer shine, whether in person or on the live stream.

Key gear includes:

  • ETC Ion XE console

  • Chauvet MK2 Spot fixtures with custom Deviate gobos

  • GLP X4 bars and Martin Mac Aura XBs
  • ETC Source4wrd Lekos and Chauvet Ovation Lekos
  • 100′ of 20×20 truss and 150′ of black velour drape

     

Interested in our equipment…check out our rental catalog!

 

The custom gobos add an immersive brand element, with Jeff able to project Deviate’s logo anywhere in the room, changing colors and positions dynamically throughout the day. The goal at the end of the day is to make the dancers feel confident on stage. Lighting is key to add the elements needed for the performers to feel their best and perform their best.

Leading With Experience—and Enthusiasm

Jeff’s role goes far beyond technical direction. He leads with trust, flexibility, and a calm, seasoned approach that sets the tone for everyone on site.

His crew is a hybrid: Starlite technicians and Deviate staff who double as AV and lighting production support. Over time, Jeff has built a system of clearly assigned roles that keep things moving efficiently and safely on this dance tour.

“One of the best lessons I’ve learned is not to judge a book by its cover,” he says. “The Deviate crew might be dancers by trade, but they work just as hard and effectively as any tech crew I’ve worked with.”

This shared commitment is what transforms a production into a partnership. And it’s why Starlite has become a trusted part of Deviate’s DNA.

Impact That Lasts Long After the Final Curtain

The Deviate Dance Competition draws over 1,000 dancers and more than 50 studios. It’s not just a competition—it’s a celebration of art, effort, and growth. Dancers compete one day, then spend two more days taking masterclasses with professionals from Broadway, cruise ships, and theme parks. It’s high-energy, high-impact, and high-stakes for the kids involved.

“Success to me is seeing those kids smiling on stage,” Jeff says. “Knowing that we helped create a moment they’ll remember forever—that’s what it’s all about.”

 

That heart—shared by Jeff, the Event Technology team, and everyone at Starlite—is what powers every production we’re a part of. From dance competitions to concerts to corporate meetings, we don’t lose sight of what these events mean to the people attending them.

We bring quality gear, yes. We bring skill, absolutely. But above all, we bring our niche enthusiasm and energy for the world of AV and lighting.

Looking Ahead

As Deviate continues to grow, Jeff and the Starlite team are already planning ways to streamline load-ins, evolve the lighting design, and add subtle but meaningful upgrades that keep the event fresh year after year. With another city added to the tour in 2026 and thousands more dancers to inspire, this is more than just a show. It’s a shared journey. And Starlite is proud to be along for the ride.

Want to partner with Starlite on your next event?

Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

When Philadelphia celebrates, the entire city shines—literally. As fans filled the streets in the wake of the city’s championship victory, two of its most iconic landmarks—City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art—stood illuminated in a brilliant green glow, serving as powerful symbols of the city’s pride and unity.

At Starlite, we understand that moments like these require flawless execution. With years of experience providing professional lighting, event technology, and systems integration, we take pride in delivering reliable solutions for high-stakes events where the whole city—and beyond—is watching.

City Hall: A Landmark Brought to Life


Starlite’s integration work at Philadelphia’s City Hall has transformed this historic landmark into a dynamic centerpiece for citywide celebrations. The new lighting system is powered by ReachElite fixtures by Color Kinetics, delivering vibrant, energy-efficient illumination. The system is controlled by an ETC Mosaic show controller, with control signals distributed across remote buildings. This uses a combination of Pathway Connectivity devices and City Theatrical Multiverse wireless DMX products. Additionally, Village Controls equipment enables remote access for programming, testing, and monitoring—allowing seamless adjustments for any occasion. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, City Hall can now be instantly transformed to reflect Philadelphia’s spirit, whether for a championship win, cultural celebration, or holiday event. But for this occasion, the historic landmark was draped in the iconic Kelly green.

“We were thrilled to be part of the celebration and help Philadelphia show some love for the team. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is such an iconic building, and being asked to highlight it was an honor. The feedback we received from all parties was really positive.”

Jason Danowitz

Vice President of Event Technology, Starlite

The Philadelphia Museum of Art: A Beacon of Victory

In preparation for a drone show to hype up one of the big games, Starlite’s event technology team provided lighting support for another one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This cultural icon served as a bacldrop and reflected the excitement of the moment. We used Chauvet Colorado Q40 panels, chosen for their powerful output, uniform coverage, and ease of use. Because this was a static installation, we could fine-tune the perfect shade of green on-board without the need for external control. Additionally, the fixtures’ IP65 rating ensured they withstood multiple instances of heavy rain and snow, making them an ideal solution for this high-profile outdoor installation.

Why Starlite?

While large-scale celebrations come with challenges, from technical complexities to tight timelines, Starlite’s expertise ensures that everything runs smoothly. We provide trusted support so event organizers, city officials, and the community can focus on celebrating—without worrying about the technical details.

For decades, Starlite has been at the forefront of event technology and integration, helping Philadelphia shine in its most important moments. From championship celebrations to major productions, we’re proud to offer the expertise and support that make unforgettable events possible.

Want to partner with Starlite on your next event?

National Bible Bee Competition

National Bible Bee Competition

National Bible Bee Competition

About the National Bible Bee:


The National Bible Bee Competition is an annual event that combines faith, education, and community through religious study. With participants from across the nation, the event highlights the dedication and talent of young contestants competing for top prizes and scholarships. 

Project Overview:


Starlite has proudly partnered with the National Bible Bee Competition for the past two years, delivering professional AV and lighting support to ensure the event’s success. In 2024, our team faced unique challenges when the originally planned venue in North Carolina was rendered inaccessible due to devastating damage from hurricane Helene. Starlite pivoted as per the new requirements to a new venue in Florida, showcasing our adaptability and commitment to excellence.

Challenges:

Venue Change: With the original location unavailable, the event’s logistics had to be reimagined in a compressed timeline.

High Stakes: Since contestants are pursuing large prizes, the stakes are high and the event’s AV and lighting should be seamless so as to not interfere with the goal of the competition. The National Bible Bee’s programming includes speakers, contestants, and audience engagement, requiring exceptional sound clarity, lighting precision, and visual support.

Our Solutions:

Preliminary Planning and Coordination: Despite the challenges, our event team quickly reorganized plans and worked closely with all stakeholders to accommodate the venue shift. We ensured clear communication and a seamless setup in Florida.

Professional AV Equipment: Starlite provided video projection, full audio support, IMAG, and scenic integration.

Dynamic Lighting and Visual Support: Lighting plays a vital role in setting the tone for each session of the event. Starlite’s team implemented the lighting designer and programmer, Paul Turner’s,  brilliant vision and plan that enhanced the ambiance, creating an engaging environment akin to a gameshow style of lighting.

Results:

Seamless Transition:


The event successfully took place at the new venue without compromising quality or schedule.

Positive Feedback:


Contestants, speakers, and attendees praised the technical quality and production value of the event.

Strengthened Partnership:


This project further solidified Starlite’s relationship with the National Bible Bee, demonstrating our reliability and commitment.

 Stage and Controls

Why Starlite? With over 40 years of experience in AV and lighting, Starlite is equipped to handle events of any size and complexity. Our team’s dedication to client satisfaction, professionalism, and adaptability makes us a trusted partner for large-scale productions nationwide.

Whether it’s navigating unforeseen challenges or enhancing the experience of every guest and participant, Starlite ensures exceptional results every time. We’re proud to support meaningful events like the National Bible Bee and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.

Want to partner with Starlite on your next event?

Princeton Festival

Princeton Festival

Princeton Festival

The Princeton Festival Experience through Advanced and Versatile Audiovisual and Lighting Solutions

The Princeton Festival, a prestigious three-week arts celebration held every June, showcases a rich array of performances ranging from symphonies and operas to ballets with live music. For the third consecutive year, Starlite provided critical audiovisual and staging support for this esteemed festival. The event is set against the backdrop of historic Princeton, with notable venues including the Morven Museum and Garden and the Trinity Episcopal Church. Starlite’s primary focus was on transforming a large clear-span tent at Morven into a fully equipped theater.

Venue and Historical Context

 

The Morven Museum and Garden, the primary venue for the festival, is situated on the grounds of a former governor’s mansion built in the early 1700s by Richard Stockton. The venue’s historical charm is complemented by its stunning gardens. This backdrop provides a picturesque setting for the festival’s performances in historic Princeton.

Technical Specifications and Requirements

Starlite’s role involved addressing a variety of audiovisual and lighting needs to accommodate the diverse range of acts at the festival.

Key requirements included:

 

  1. Versatility:The audiovisual and lighting systems had to adapt to different performance types and unexpected technical challenges.Preparing for the unknown is key.
  2. Audio Quality: Delivering exceptional audio quality was a priority. Starlite’s on hand SRX 906LA line array from JBL, one among many items within the Starlite catalog, was crucial in achieving this. It offered a lightweight design to adapt to the rigging limitations of the tent. It also provided wide coverage to ensure clear sound across the venue. The use of subwoofers and front fills further enhanced the audio experience. The performance manager software enabled Starlite to fine tune the execution of each box as well as monitor the PA’s performance.
  3. Lighting and A/V Systems: The systems needed to support various performances, requiring flexible configurations and redundancy to manage pop-up technical needs efficiently. 

Beyond the stars on-stage, the off-stage star of the show was Starlite’s recently purchased SRX 906LA line array from JBL.  It checked a lot of boxes for us. We needed something especially lightweight due to the rigging limitations of a tent.  In total, we were able to provide six boxes per side.  Each box covers an impressive 120 degrees by 15 degrees ensuring that there was no bad seat in the house.”

John Andraka

Production Manager

Setup and Logistics

The festival’s setup spanned four days, with meticulous planning ensuring smooth progress. Similarly, the breakdown process was completed in approximately three days. Key logistical considerations included managing power supply, weather impacts, and equipment safety. The festival’s outdoor setting posed challenges, including potential weather-related disruptions, which were mitigated through strategies such as using IP65-rated gear and uninterruptible power supplies.

Audience Experience and Venue Layout

The main stage was set up with dimensions of 96 feet wide by 36 feet deep. This ensured that every audience member enjoyed a consistent experience and required careful attention to sound quality and acoustics. The goal was to create a natural sound experience that felt as though it was emanating directly from the performers, regardless of seat location.

Challenges and Solutions

Addressing the acoustical challenges was crucial. The Starlite team focused on providing uniform audio quality across the venue, ensuring a seamless auditory experience for all attendees. Additionally, backup plans were implemented in case of  equipment failure, including cooling systems for amplifiers and even a bullhorn for emergency announcements. Starlite prides itself on thinking ahead and ensuring events inside or out are ready for any elemental issues.

Improvements and Innovations

Over the years, Starlite has continuously improved its approach based on feedback and past experiences. Being able to work with Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) for three years in a row has afforded the advantage of getting better every year. With technical and industry knowledge, Starlite is positioned to continue to grow and improve amidst an ever changing industry. 

Key enhancements on this project included:

 

  • Stage Design: Adjustments to optimize performance and audience experience.
  • Communication Systems: Enhanced systems for better coordination between stage, dressing rooms, and production trailers.
  • Playback Systems: Upgrades to media and supertitle systems for improved functionality.
  • Rigging and Lighting: Revisions to positions for better performance and visibility.

Reflections and Successes

The greatest strength identified was Starlite’s team, characterized by their dedication and care, referred to as “the Starlite difference” by some. This commitment to excellence and passion for delivering outstanding performances was central to the festival’s success. The partnership with PSO and the festival’s community support highlighted the collaborative spirit that makes the event extraordinary. 

It’s surreal sometimes when you have the opportunity to take it all in. The creativity is everywhere.  You’re surrounded by gardens.  The music is beyond words.  It’s really a special event.”

John Andraka

Production Manager

Personal Insights

Engaging with the Princeton Festival over the years has been a rewarding experience, underscoring the festival’s unique blend of creativity, history, and community spirit. The dedication of the PSO staff and the kindness and support from donors and audiences contribute significantly to the festival’s success. For Starlite, participating in such a culturally rich event is both an honor and a profound experience.

This project consistently illustrates how Starlite’s expertise in AV, lighting, and staging plays a vital role in enhancing the Princeton Festival’s artistic presentations, ensuring a memorable experience for both performers and attendees.

Wigs & Wishes

Wigs & Wishes

Wigs & Wishes

Wigs and Wishes is an annual event hosted by celebrity hair stylist Martino Cartier and the organization he launched, Friends Are by Your Side. The goal of the organization is to restore dignity to women who lost their hair to chemotherapy by providing them with beautifully-styled wigs. It is so much more than wigs, though. Friends Are by Your Side also grants wishes to children and families who are truly in need of a miracle.

 

Each year, Starlite provides all the production support for the Wigs and Wishes event to ensure that the message of this very worthy cause is heard and seen clearly. An LED video wall with satellite 80” LED displays flanking the stage provide the backdrop along with full HD IMAG and engineering with video playback. The event requires all hands-on deck to complete two stages each with its own robust lighting and audio system for the one-day load-in, show, and out. The event has featured performances by Liv Divine, Paula Abdul, and Reuben Studdard.