Space is still available in several of USITT's pre-conference Professional Development Workshops. To register for a specific workshop, visit www.usitt.org/Toronto 2005.

Show Control Focus of Workshop

Introduction to Show Control encompasses the connection and synchronization of multiple show disciplines such as lighting, sound, video, pyrotechnics, and mechanized scenery. The workshop will run Monday and Tuesday, March 14 and 15 before the start of the Annual Conference & Stage Expo.

Show control technology can allow one operator (or no operators) to run an entire show such as those found at a theme park, or, in more traditional theatrical or concert settings, can allow portions of a production to be performed reliably with cuing precision beyond what humans can achieve.

This two-day workshop is for beginners who want to get a basic introduction to the techniques and technology of show control. Classroom instruction will include control system basics, serial communications, MIDI, MIDI Show Control, MIDI and SMPTE Time Code, and a brief overview of Ethernet. The hands-on lab portion of the workshop includes tutorials and exercises to learn show control techniques using Stage Research’s SFX software. The session will close with a round table discussion by attendees, manufacturers, and professional system integrators.

The course will be taught by John Huntington, associate professor of entertainment technology at New York City College of Technology and author of the only book covering show control, Control Systems for Live Entertainment, which is required for the session (discount pricing available). Stage Research will provide its SFX software, and representatives of the company will be involved in the workshop.

Developing the Design Idea

Developing the Design Idea, will feature Ming Cho Lee, Ursula Belden, Nic Ularu, Ron Naversen and Marianne Custer in a two-day workshop March 14 and 15.

Space is still available for this intensive look at the little-addressed process of approaching the initial phases of a design. PDW Chair Ann Cadaret notes "We particularly recommend this PDW to teachers and those who are expecting to teach design. A Certificate of Attendance can be provided for your tenure or other personnel file."

This is a unique opportunity to get one-on-one time with leaders in the field in an informal, collegial atmosphere. Enrollment is limited to 25 participants, so those interested are urged to register soon.

Constructing the Classical TuTu

Anyone looking for an unprecedented opportunity to learn this process in a short time span will be interested in this special Professional Development Workshop to be held March 14 and 15. In this two-day hands on workshop participants will learn the process of constructing the classical tutu. Using materials provided, participants will construct and keep a 10 layer classical tutu composed of basque, skirt, and knickers Discussions on the Romantic Tutu and how to add decoration for a more complete look will also be included.

This is an unusual opportunity to learn these techniques from Caroline O'Brien, a master cutter draper who is based at the National Ballet School in Toronto. She has also spent more than a dozen years collaborating with Peggy Baker, a prominent Canadian choreographer and solo dance artist. Currently she is working on the White Act of Swan Lake for the National Ballet School as well as costume designs for Gioconda Barbuto with Ballet Jorgen.

To take advantage of these unique opportunities or the other available Professional Development Workshops, visit www.usitt.org/Toronto2005/PDWs.html.

To Top