The Archive Committee of the Institute has worked many long and tedious hours to get the archives ready for the Institute's upcoming 50th anniversary in 2010. Unfortunately, huge gaps in the photo records of conferences and other activities were found.

There is virtually nothing from the conferences of the 1960s, and very little from the 1970s. There are no conference photos from 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1987. Any photos from these conferences, or any Institute activities from the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s would be greatly appreciated!

Of course, color slides, negatives, or digital formats would be the preferred types of medium. But archivists aren't picky; any donated photos (black and white or color), slides, negatives or tintypes would be greatly appreciated.

For those who do not wish to donate the originals outright, USITT will be happy to reimburse donors for reasonable duplicating costs up to $50. Simply send the receipt along with the photos and include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for reimbursement and send to USITT Archives, 6443 Ridings Rd., Suite 134, Syracuse, NY, 13206.

Archivist Rick Stephens extends his appreciation to members who take the time to look into personal photo collections and help bring the archives up to date. 

To Top

The Long Reach Long Riders are setting their fund-raising sights at high for their 4th annual ride, aiming to raise $75,000 for the ride that begins on July 29, heading for their first stop in Syracuse, New York and a visit to the USITT and J.R. Clancy staffs.

The ride benefits two industry charities;  The ESTA Foundation's Behind the Scenes program and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Bill Sapsis, one of the ride organizers observed, "It's great to see all the folks come back year after year and make donations. But what's even better are all the new faces this year."

Greg Williams, another organizer, noted that "The riders all pay their own way so the donations go directly to the charities."

The popular trip diary will be available on the website starting July 28th after the kickoff party. The riders are theatre technicians of one stripe or another and hail from around the country. To make a donation, join the ride or for more information please visit the website. 

To Top

Congratulations to Rosalie H. Contino, PhD, who recently completed and published her autobiography, Born to Create, through Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc. A 20-year member of USITT, Ms. Contino's book discusses her professional transition from a seventh-grade teacher to creative career as a costume designer, costume historian, playwright, and lecturer.

To Top