News & Notices:
Announcements
New Navigation for USITT Website
In continuing improvements to the way people can move around on www.usitt.org, there are now “flyouts” on the main information bar of the USITT home page. Information updates, currently on only the home page, will now be available on every page. The main navigation bar has also expanded. Those having trouble locating a favorite page are urged to call 800-938-7488 for assistance.
Electronic Ballots Available Until January 5
Balloting will open in mid-November for USITT’s Board of Directors and officers. The organization again is using a secure online voting process, as it has for the past two years. A new company, Vote-Now, will handle USITT’s electronic voting. Current members will be notified in the middle of the month and be able to cast ballots until January 5. Click here to read about current candidates and their position statements.
Lowest Conference Rate Deadline Near
December 1 is the deadline for the lowest possible registration rates to attend the 2011 Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Visit www.usitt.org/2011 for a complete list of sessions and updated information about major Conference events. Then make the decision to register before rates increase on December 2.
Poster Sessions Deadline November 15
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in either the Costume Design & Technology or Education poster sessions. Submissions are due by November 15 and the process has been streamlined into a simple e-mail. Read more here.
Costume Commission Seeks 2012 Session Ideas
The Costume Design &Technology Commission is thinking of the USITT 2012 Annual Conference & Stage Expo which will be held in Long Beach, California. Those with an idea for a session can fill out the form. That's it. Very simple. Find the form here.
Dust Standard Available for Review
BSR E1.40 - 201x, Recommendations for the Planning of Theatrical Dust Effects is available for public review through November 22.
The draft is written as a recommendation, a document that gives a mixture of guidance "should" statements and mandatory "shall" statements. A great variety of materials might be suitable for dust effects, either as dust lying on props and scenery or as aerosol clouds, so it does not specify exactly what dust must be. However, the standard will help people avoid inappropriate materials, to select those least likely to cause health or safety problems, and to use them with care.
For more information, contact Karl G. Ruling, Technical Standards Manager, ESTA, 875 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1005, New York, NY 10001; phone 212-244-1505; standards@esta.org.
Still Adding Projects to Costume Volume
Projects for Teaching Costume Design & Technology has been an on-going project of the Costume Design & Technology Commission for 12 years. Volume 1, published in 1998 and edited by Pat Martin, inspired everyone from the instructor entering the profession to the experienced teacher looking for a new approach.
The Costume Design & Technology Commission continues to solicit ideas for Volume 2. There are two ways to contribute to the project: share ideas that have been successful in the classroom or try some of the projects and provide feedback. To submit a project, e-mail Judy Adamson: jadamson@email.unc.edu to request a submission form. Twice a year, a master list of submissions in the form of “teasers” are sent to everyone who has submitted or expressed interest in the project. The whole project will be sent to those interested in trying them in class.
PLASA Sees Increased Participation
PLASA 2010 closed on a high note with preliminary visitor figures set to show an increase over 2009 and strong international engagement from across the world. Exhibitors across all the show's sectors raved about the quality of business leads and relished the show's vibrant atmosphere. The event, which filled London's Earls Court 1 and 2, drew over 12,000 visitors, while the international attendance continued to be strong with nearly 30 percent of visitors from 99 other countries.
The exhibition had momentum thanks to a strong exhibitor base, a range of new features and special events, and the addition of two major new conferences running alongside for the first time - the sell-out PLASA International Rigging Conference and the AVNetworks 2010 Conference presented by Pro Sound News and Installation Europe.
Exhibitor commitment to next year's event is already strong and PLASA 2011 returns to Earls Court from September 11 to 14. www.plasashow.com
Harry Box Appointed Manager of PERA Council
Harry Box was appointed ESTA’s PERA Council Manager and will actively reach out to PERA Council Affiliates to update and inform members about ESTA membership benefits. He will work closely with the council to develop new programs to directly promote, improve, and invigorate members’ businesses. He will also focus on expanding membership in the film/video sector.
Mr. Box worked in motion picture and television production since 1989. Over his career, he has done substantial work as a lighting technician, gaffer, camera operator, director of photography, and educator. His credits include major motion pictures, many popular network television series, independent feature films, telefilms, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and industrials.
His book, The Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook (now in its fourth edition), is a reference for lighting technicians in motion picture and television work. Mr. Box has taught university classes in cinematography and lighting technology. He is a member of the Society of Camera Operators and the International Cinematographers Guild (Local 600).
