Starship Encounters (1978): A Sound and Laser Light Spectacular

In 1978, Showco provided the sound and laser lighting for Starship Encounters, a science-fiction-themed production presented by the University of Texas at Austin Special Events Center. Combining Maestro Eduardo Mata and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with music inspired by films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Star Wars, the event brought orchestral performance, live sound, technology, and visual spectacle together on one stage.

This collection documents Showco’s role through surviving folders, advertisements, newspaper clippings, and other pieces of production history as they’re identified and preserved.

I’m building this archive by hand and will keep adding items as more materials are located and digitized.

Did you attend Starship Encounters, work on the production, or remember Showco’s sound and laser-light presentation? Please use the Add to Story feature at the bottom of this page to share your memories.