Information Session for USITT Conference
for Technical Theatre, Design & Stage Management
Friday, Sept. 29, 2 pm
Empie Theatre
Conference is March 20-23, 2024 in Seattle
Junior and Senior technical theatre, design and stage management students who are looking for an opportunity to attend tech theatre workshops, see the newest gear, and network with industry professionals outside of the “Muhlenberg Bubble” may be interested in attending the USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo over spring break.
Find out more information about the conference here.
There are few organizations that can offer the same opportunities as the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). This is an internationally recognized organization that sponsors the growth, education, and communication between practitioners, educators, students, and emerging artists. While there are many facets of the organization that run continuously throughout the year, USITT holds an annual conference each spring that acts as a focal point for their activities. This year’s annual conference will be held this March 20-23 in Seattle, the week AFTER Muhlenberg’s spring break.
Every year the conference acts as a celebration of designers and technicians’ past work and emerging artists’ future promise. Throughout the week there are over three hundred workshops, presentations, juried design and technical displays, and interview opportunities for independent designers and technicians. The conference also includes trips and backstage tours to local theatres and design exhibits, professional development workshops to learn advanced techniques, a portfolio review service for students/early career individuals, and opportunities to learn from international designers, to explore training programs, and participate in job interviews.
The conference has eleven commissions covering different areas of emphasis in technical theatre—each commission is responsible for scheduling workshops, speakers, and presentations that highlight their field. It is an opportunity to learn about techniques and approaches to your chosen profession through the workshops of each commission.
USITT has always been an incredible national network for theatre artisans, and attending the conference is the first step to begin to lay the foundation for developing your connections within that network. The Stage Expo is the only trade show in the US featuring all areas of theatre design and technology, from lighting and sound to costumes and software. You will be able to research all aspects of design and technology, which will lead to more innovative designs and solutions for your academic and production work.
The total cost of the conference, including airfare, hotel, registration, and fees is about $1,700-2,000, allowing room for taxes on airfare and hotel stay. DUE TO A GENEROUS GRANT FROM AN ALUM, THE COLLEGE IS ABLE TO PROVIDE SOME FUNDING TOWARDS THIS EXPENSE FOR INTERESTED, DEDICATED STUDENTS.
The opportunity to attend the variety of programming sessions, expo floor, and to network with 6,000+ technical theatre artists, professionals, and educators, provides an exciting complement to your Muhlenberg experience.
\If you are interested in finding out more about attending the conference and receiving some additional funding, please plan to attend this meeting!
If you can't make it to the meeting but are interested, email JESS!
