What is CDI (Crew Development Institute)?
CDI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing free, world-class production training for Africa's live entertainment industry. Co-founded by Blake Brady, Keith Bernard, and Erica D. Hayes, CDI trains local technicians in audio, lighting, video, and rigging to global standards.
Is CDI training free?
Yes! CDI's Tier 1 Stagehand Fundamentals program is completely free. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 41-4211056), CDI is committed to making professional production training accessible to everyone, regardless of economic background.
Why does Africa need production crew training?
85% of African live events currently rely on imported technical crews, with over $2 billion leaving the continent annually for foreign labor. Africa's $5B+ music industry is growing at 13% per year, but lacks formal training infrastructure. CDI addresses this gap by building local capacity and keeping economic value within African communities.
Who founded CDI?
CDI was co-founded by three industry professionals united by a vision to build Africa's live entertainment workforce:
Blake Brady — Executive Director of CDI, with extensive experience in nonprofit management and community development initiatives.
Keith Bernard — A veteran production professional bringing decades of hands-on technical expertise and industry connections.
Erica D. Hayes — Program Director of CDI and one of the top lighting designers in the United States. An IATSE Local 728 member with 16+ years of experience designing for arena tours, award shows, and major concerts. She's also a professor at California Baptist University and founder of Endangered LX and Endangered Creations.
Together, they bring complementary skills in operations, technical training, and industry relationships to make CDI's mission a reality.
Where does CDI operate?
CDI offers training in four locations across two continents:
🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California — US headquarters and training programs
🇺🇸 Detroit, Michigan — Midwest training hub
🇬🇭 Accra, Ghana — West Africa flagship, home of the Illumin8 Training Center
🇳🇬 Lagos, Nigeria — West Africa expansion
We partner with local venues, production companies, and events in each region to provide hands-on training opportunities.
What training programs does CDI offer?
CDI offers a tiered training approach:
Tier 1 — Stagehand Fundamentals: Free 2-day program for 100 trainees quarterly. Covers safety protocols, cable handling, load-in/load-out procedures, and department workflows.
Tier 2 — Specialized Tracks: 3-day intensive programs in Audio (FOH mixing, monitors, RF coordination), Lighting (GrandMA3 programming, rigging, show design), Video (LED walls, camera systems, Resolume), or Rigging (arena rigging, motor control, safety certification).
How can I apply for CDI training?
Training cohort announcements are made through our social media channels and newsletter. When enrollment opens, you can apply directly through our website. No prior experience is required for Tier 1 — just enthusiasm and commitment to learning. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of upcoming training dates.
How can I support CDI?
There are several ways to support CDI's mission:
Corporate Sponsorship: Partner with us for naming rights, branded training programs, or equipment sponsorship.
Equipment Donations: Donate professional audio, lighting, video, or rigging equipment.
Instructor Volunteering: Share your expertise by teaching a training module.
Financial Contributions: Donations of any size help us train more crews.
Contact us at
Erica@EndangeredLX.com to discuss partnership opportunities.
Is CDI a registered nonprofit?
Yes. Crew Development Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our EIN is 41-4211056. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
