News & Notices
Announcements
Costume Symposium 2017
USITT Costume Symposium 2017 takes on the theme of “The Use of Modern Sewing Technology in Period Costume Production” and will be sponsored by Bernina of America. Registration ends June 20 or when all spots have been filled. For more information, click here.
USITT Awards Update: Mark Your Calendars!
Nominations for both Distinguished Achievement Awards and Special Achievement Awards will open June 1. The awards recognize excellence and significant contributions in the performing arts and entertainment industry, in the areas of design and technology, honoring established professionals and performing arts/entertainment-focused organizations throughout the world. Nominations for these special awards are accepted from the membership-at-large.
Cirque du Soleil 2017 Symposium
USITT Intermountain Desert Regional Section and Cirque du Soleil will hold an entertainment technology conference on the UNLV campus May 20 & 21 with all presenters and equipment supplied by Cirque du Soleil. The symposium will feature technology, demonstrations, panels, and hands-on experiences with Cirque Designers and Technicians. For more information, click here.
Innovation Grants Call for Proposals
The Innovation Grants are a commitment from USITT to invest in research that will move our industry forward. The Board has approved three grant cycles with each cycle offering up to $110,000 of research funding to explore ideas that will adapt current technology for entertainment use or will create new technology for our industry. Applications are due June 15. Winning projects will be announced in August. Please help us share the word of the Innovation Grants Program. Think big and see if you have an idea that will receive funding. For more details click here.
USITT Featured in Society of Women Engineers
USITT’s Executive Director David Grindle, Board Director Beth Martell, and USITT member Gemma Guy were featured in “Engineering the Magic of Live Entertainment,” an article in a recent issue of Society of Women Engineers. The topic of women in engineering is prevalent throughout the piece as well as the notion that the profession is actively seeking more women to fill positions. “We’re in massive need of engineers right now, and salaries here are comparable to the big aerospace and industrial firms,” Guy said. “We just have to get the word out.” USITT recognizes that technology for live entertainment is all about collaboration and that the more diverse backgrounds and perspectives are brought to collaboration, the stronger its potential, and that diversity must include women. Read the article here.
Phil Watson Named Director of ChamSys USA
Phil Watson will be assuming a new role as Director of ChamSys USA, Inc. In his new position, Watson will be working closely with the CHAUVET Professional sales and support teams to expand the presence of ChamSys in the U.S. even further. CHAUVET Professional will be distributing and servicing ChamSys products in the U.S., while sales in the rest of the world, as well as manufacturing, will continue to be handled by the company’s UK office.
In Memoriam: Herbert L. Camburn
USITT regrets to inform members of the death of Herbert Camburn, long-time USITT member and friend to the Institute. A profile will follow in the next issue of Sightlines.
