News From:
Regional Sections
Upstate New York: Syracuse Site of Winter Program
Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York will host the USITT Upstate New York Regional Section's Winter Program 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on January 22. The day will include a series of workshops and a job fair. Event details will be available at the Section’s website. The Upstate Section appreciates the assistance of Le Moyne College and especially Technical Director Jason Grasso for his help in coordinating the event. Contact Lynne Koscielniak, Interim Chair, at lk2@buffalo.edu for additional information.
Southern California: Adds Event Info to Website
More information about the January 22 Southern California Regional Section Job Fair and Student Design and Production Exhibit and Competition, including schedules, is now on the Section’s website. The general information flyer is available there. Information on the Student Exhibit and Competition is also available.
Midwest: Program Features Church Production, Next Event Announced
The Midwest Regional Section’s recent program in the Chicago area began at Willow Creek Community Church, the largest production venue east of the Mississippi. The church averages 15,000 worshippers over the three services each weekend in the 7,200-seat auditorium.
Five of the 30 full-time staff members talked about their area of responsibility in production. Joining them was Ryan Bundy, senior account manager at ILC, who helped coordinate part of the program and supplied equipment to the church. Even with a large paid building staff, they rely heavily on volunteers for all aspects of production.
The stage area and equipment was designed to be flexible with an ability to change set-ups quickly. They use video extensively . There is a master control room for camera switching, and insertion of graphics and pre-recorded messages produced in the on-site recording studios. Video is edited using Final Cut Pro in one of three video editing suites. For services, video is projected in the auditorium onto the two 14-by-24-foot LED video screens.
Participants reconvened at Intelligent Lighting Creations where part of the group spent the afternoon learning more about digital media servers from ILC staff members Tom Huston, Matt Grinko, and Ryan. Another group spent their time with Nan Zabriskie of The Theatre School at DePaul University who demonstrated the tricks and secrets of wigs and hair.
On January 22, the Section’s programming season continues at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater featuring workshops on wire frame hat and headpieces, down and dirty white models, using a computer programs to assist with costume renderings, and best practices in stage management. For more information about Midwest Regional Section programs visit www.usittmidwest.org.
