40 AT 40: Larry Boster
Job Title: Lighting & Show Production Designer

The people are what sets Bandit Lites apart from the rest of the industry. Once a week, for 40 weeks, Bandit will showcase an employee that has made a substantial contribution to the company, whether it be in an office, on the road or somewhere in between. Bandit would not be celebrating its 40th Anniversary without the hard work and dedication of every one these employees.*

*Employee Spotlights are released in no particular order.

Larry Boster started working for Bandit Lites a little over 15 years ago. Now a lighting and show production designer with superstar artists Brooks & Dunn, Boster’s responsibilities include designing a full show production, working with the artist and the artist’s management from conception through its finale exhibition or performance. This process includes everything from overseeing the design’s allocated financial budget, stage-set construction and the development, programming and execution of a lighting design. Here are a few questions we asked to get to know him a little better.

Q. How did you get involved in this industry?
A. On my way to becoming an architect, I started hanging out with a friend that I knew from high school. He was the lead singer in a rock-n-roll band. You know the tale, no responsibility, a great amount of women who liked hanging out with “the band” and well, the rest … as they say … is history. I started working with Bandit because Bandit Lites bid on a Travis Tritt Tour I designed in the early 90’s. Travis & Management were looking for a new lighting company. I ended up parting ways with Travis Tritt but joined Bandit as a fulltime employee.

Q. How has your job changed or evolved over the years?
A. My job title has not changed from day one. Michael Strickland and Mike Golden have let me evolve at my own pace as a lighting designer. Fifteen years ago, I thought I could take on and design any touring act around. I was wrong. The knowledge I have gained over the years allows me to feel secure that as a project moves forward, the finale outcome will be satisfying and rewarding to all.

Q. From your point of view, what are the biggest changes facing the entertainment technology industry right now?
A. The biggest change is the marriage of video and lighting into one working fixture.

Q. Please list something most people do not know about you.
A. I’m a Born-Again Christian, not the best, but trying. The path is straight and narrow.

Q. Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into this industry?
A. If it is your dream to work in the entertainment industry, never give up on your dream. Desire is the way… fall down, get up, stand tall … breathe! But the most important thing is RELATIONSHIPS; they will last a lifetime and carry you through thick and thin. Your talent will only carry you so far, even if you’re the best of the best. If you burn bridges and your ego is out of control, you will be standing in the unemployment line (regardless of your abilities).

Q. Has anyone inspired and/or influenced your work?
A. Albert Einstein … yes really! Here are a few quotes:

“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. “

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”