ETC at 50: A Legacy of Innovation Beyond the Stage
By Emily Lai
Fifty years ago, a scrappy group of engineers and visionaries decided to shake up the lighting world — starting from a basement, because, well, garages were already taken. They aimed to make theatrical lighting control intuitive, powerful, and, above all, reliable. Fast forward five decades and ETC has not only done that, but also grown a global reputation for excellence. While ETC is a household name in the theater world, many don’t realize that its lighting expertise has spread far beyond the stage and into the architectural and commercial sectors.
From Theatrical Roots to a Global Powerhouse
ETC was founded in 1975 by Fred Foster, his brother, Bill, and their two friends, James Bradley and Gary Bewick, who were all driven by a relentless passion for pushing lighting technology forward. Their early breakthroughs in computerized lighting control quickly became the gold standard in theaters, opera houses, and performance venues worldwide. Iconic products like the Source Four fixture and Eos lighting control platform became synonymous with durability, precision, and ease of use. Through it all, ETC has stayed true to its tagline: “The show must go on.”
Expanding Beyond Entertainment
While ETC’s theater cred is undeniable, its expansion into architectural and commercial lighting is a story that deserves more spotlight — pun absolutely intended. Over the past few decades, ETC has been steadily expanding its product line, bringing its signature reliability and sophistication to office spaces, retail stores, schools, industrial facilities, and even medical buildings. If it needs light, chances are ETC has a smarter, more efficient way to control it.
Reliable Solutions for Every Space
ETC’s biggest flex? Engineering solutions that scale seamlessly from massive, high-stakes projects to the everyday spaces we barely think about. Airports, hospitals, and corporate headquarters rely on ETC because their lighting systems absolutely cannot fail. But here’s the kicker — whether you’re managing the lighting for an entire city block or just trying to keep your conference room from looking like a cave, you get the same top-tier quality and support.
Take ETC’s Paradigm and Mosaic systems, for example — they offer sophisticated yet user-friendly lighting management for spaces that need flexibility and efficiency. Then there’s Echo and Echoflex, the no-fuss, wired and wireless distributed solution that keeps things simple and reliable. Whether it’s daylight harvesting in an industrial warehouse or fine-tuned lighting for a medical facility, ETC delivers solutions that make spaces not only function better but feel better, too.
Unmatched Support — No Matter the Scale
ETC isn’t just about building rock-solid products — it’s about standing behind them. The company has earned a reputation on unparalleled customer support, and that commitment extends far beyond Broadway’s brightest stages.
Whether you’re managing a Fortune 500 headquarters or a local high school auditorium, ETC’s global support network and 24/7 technical assistance are there to ensure you’re never left in the dark. The bottom line? When you choose ETC, you’re getting more than great lighting control, you’re getting peace of mind.
A Company Owned by Its People
In December 2023, ETC took its commitment to quality a step further by becoming a 100% employee-owned company. This means no outside investors pushing for profit above all else — just dedicated employees who care deeply about the work they do. Every fixture, every control system, and every support call is handled by people who have a personal stake in ETC’s success. It’s a model that ensures the company’s focus remains where it belongs — on innovation, reliability, and exceptional customer service.
Looking Ahead: The Next 50 Years
As ETC blows out the candles on its 50th birthday cake, the company shows no signs of slowing down. With a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and seamless integration, ETC is shaping the future of lighting control across all industries. If you still think of ETC as just a theater lighting company, it’s time to take another look. Whether it’s a Broadway stage, a corporate boardroom, or a factory floor, ETC is already there, making sure everything is brilliantly lit and flawlessly controlled.
The past 50 years have been remarkable, but ETC is just getting started. And no matter what comes next, one thing is certain: The show must go on.
More articles by Emily Lai
Lighting Control Systems: Why They Matter & How Contractors Can Choose the Right One
The Challenges of Defending Lighting Controls and Gaining Owner Buy-In
Understanding Roles in Construction Projects From Bidding Through Completion: A Recipe for Success
