VARI-LITE:

BORN FROM SHOWCO

Vari-Lite began inside Showco, where a small team of innovators set out to solve a challenge presented during preparations for Genesis’ 1981 Abacab tour. Their work produced a groundbreaking computer-controlled, color-changing lighting system—and helped launch a new era in concert production.

Developed by Showco engineers and technicians, including Jim Bornhorst, and first operated on tour by Tom Littrell, the original Vari-Lite system transformed what was possible onstage. What began as an experimental Showco project grew into an independent company whose technology reshaped live entertainment worldwide.

This page preserves the photographs, stories, people, and archival materials behind Vari-Lite’s Showco origins—and the remarkable team that changed concert lighting forever.

The first Vari-Lite console was built for the first system of 55 VL1 that Genesis used on their ABACAB tour in 1981. Photo- Lewis Lee

The first Vari-Lite console was built for the first system of 55 VL1 that Genesis used on their ABACAB tour in 1981. Photo- Lewis Lee

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The very first Vari-Lite public performance with Genesis in 1981 at the Plaza de Toros Monumental in Barcelona. Photo- Jim Bornhorst

The very first Vari-Lite public performance with Genesis in 1981 at the Plaza de Toros Monumental in Barcelona. Photo- Jim Bornhorst

Vari Lite Crew on Governors Row in Dallas, 1982 Curtis Hartung, Eric Fredrick, Dale Polansky, John Covington, Jim Bornhorst.

Vari Lite Crew on Governors Row in Dallas, 1982 Curtis Hartung, Eric Fredrick, Dale Polansky, John Covington, Jim Bornhorst.

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Tom Littrell, Jim Bornhorst-Courtesy of David Alley

Tom Littrell, Jim Bornhorst-Courtesy of David Alley

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Larry Sizemore

Larry Sizemore

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1994 VARI-LITE-EMMY AWARD-Larry Sizemore

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1994 VARI-LITE-EMMY AWARD-Larry Sizemore

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Kinks Vari-Lite Showco shirt 1983

Kinks Vari-Lite Showco shirt 1983

Kinks Vari-Lite Showco Shirt 1983

Kinks Vari-Lite Showco Shirt 1983

Paul McCartney Showco Vari-Lite Polo Crew shirt

Paul McCartney Showco Vari-Lite Polo Crew shirt

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Judas Priest 1986 Vari-Lite shirt

Judas Priest 1986 Vari-Lite shirt

SAGA 1983 Showco Vari-Lite shirt

SAGA 1983 Showco Vari-Lite shirt

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38 Special Strength in Numbers Tour 1986 Vari-Lite Bowling Shirt

38 Special Strength in Numbers Tour 1986 Vari-Lite Bowling Shirt

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Further Reading

The following independently published articles offer additional history and perspectives on Vari-Lite, Showco, and the development of the modern moving light.

The Genesis of Vari-Lite
PLSN
The story of Vari-Lite’s beginnings inside Showco and its breakthrough with Genesis.
Read the article ↗

The History of Vari-Lite — Colin Baldwin
Read the article ↗

Tom Littrell: ETC, Showco & Vari-Lite Lighting History
Theatre Wolf Podcast — Episode 33
Listen to the episode ↗