January 2016

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January 2016

News & Notices

New for USITT 2016: Overheard in the Network Nexus

Tim Kelly USITT Fellow

USITT’s Fellows boast a wealth of experience, talent, and war stories. At USITT 2016, they’ll be sharing that wealth in three new sessions planned for the USITT Nexus at Stage Expo.

Overheard in the Network Nexus presents notable Fellows being interviewed by their fellow Fellows during Stage Expo Only time on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the show.

These casual Salon style tête-à-têtes will feature Richard Durst at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sonny Sonnenfeld at 4 p.m. Friday, and Joy Spanabel Emery at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The lineup:

Richard Durst

Lance Brockman

Bruce Brockman

Thursday, March 17, 4 p.m. -- Richard Durst, former president of Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio, former Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota, former president of OISTAT, and former president of USITT, will share his stories with Fellows – and brothers -- Lance and Bruce Brockman. Lance Brockman is a retired professor of scenic design at the University of Minnesota, and Bruce Brockman is director of the School of Theatre, Film and Television at the University of Arizona. There will no doubt be a spirited conversation when these three Fellows and longtime friends discuss Dick’s considerable accomplishments!

Sonny Sonnenfeld

Joe Tawil

Friday, March 18, 4 p.m. -- Sonny Sonnenfeld, legendary lighting consultant to be honored with USITT’s 2016 Distinguished Achievement Award in Lighting Design & Technology, will discuss the history of theatre lighting in America and share his experiences in developing some great advances in lighting instruments and controls. His Fellow moderator will be Joe Tawil, founder and president of GAMPRODUCTS, INC., theatrical lighting and special effects in Los Angeles, himself a significant figure in the development of lighting equipment for entertainment.

Joy Spanabel Emery

Sylvia H. Pannell

Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m.Joy Spanabel Emery, curator of the Commercial Pattern Archive, professor emerita at the University of Rhode Island and USITT 2016 Distinguished Achiever in Costume Design & Technology, will talk costumes and patterns with her fellow costume designer and Fellow Sylvia Hillyard Pannell. Pannell is professor emerita of theatre and film studies at the University of Georgia. Who better to encourage stories from Joy Emery than one of the Institute’s very best costumers, past presidents and inveterate storytellers?

The Fellows invite any and all attendees to join the fun in eavesdropping as these industry notables discuss their lives in The Business!