Several of those who received 2004 USITT Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts had the opportunity to spend time with award sponsors during a special luncheon in Long Beach during the Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

By Elynmarie Kazle
VP Membership & Development

Recognizing and encouraging emerging talent is a way to keep the performing arts industry healthy and bursting with new energy. That is why, in 1994, the USITT Young Designers & Technicians Awards were established. Visionary leaders and corporations such as Richard Heusel and KM Fabrics, Bob Cohen from Clear Com, and Jonathan Resnick from Barbizon, were the first to invest in the performing artists of the future.

They were soon joined by George Jacobstein from Rose Brand; Zelma H. Weisfeld; Claudia Longo from Kryolan; Bernhard R. Works; Charles E. Williams; and Stage Decoration and Supplies. Through USITT’s establishment of the YD&T awards, Grants and Fellowships, and other new programs such as the Rising Star Award (recently established via a partnership with the Entertainment Technology Show - LDI, in conjunction with Entertainment Design and Lighting Dimensions), USITT brings together students, their teachers and mentors, and pioneers of the industry in a celebration of excellence.

It is through this interaction that emerging professionals are challenged to better their art and our lives through their work in the performing arts.

Think of all the talented young people you know. Surely one deserves some financial encouragement and national recognition. Take a few minutes to nominate them. It is up to us to encourage the growth of talented individuals for the health of our industry.

Please note the requirements. Photographs, rather than slides or photo CDs are required for submission along with appropriate paperwork, drawings, renderings, and entry fee. The deadline is October 12, 2004. The awards will be given at the USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo in Toronto, March 16-19, 2005.

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