Bernie Works shares a light-hearted moment with Chris Brown, the winner of the Frederick Burke Golden Hammer Award, one of 10 Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts before the awards ceremony at the 2008 Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Houston, Texas.

Photo/Tom Thatcher

Outstanding young professionals who wish to be considered for USITT's prestigious Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts (YD&T) should be collecting portfolios and be prepared when the 2009 awards cycle begins in early October.

For the past two years, the USITT YD&T nominations process has been conducted online. This allows those who nominate students for an award to do so online, and lets those nominated transfer information, portfolios, and materials electronically.

USITT's Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts provide a monetary prize and recognition to 10 young, talented professionals each year. This level of commitment is made possible by the financial support of the program's sponsors including KM Fabrics, Inc.; Robert E. Cohen; Barbizon Lighting Company; Rose Brand Theatrical Fabrics, Fabrications, and Supplies; Zelma H. Weisfeld; Bernhard R. Works; Kryolan; Clear-Com Intercom Systems; Stage Technology; and Stage Decoration and Supplies, Inc.

Students should be recent graduates or be completing their college or university education. Specific awards are given to undergraduates or graduate students in areas ranging from lighting, to sound, to scene design, make-up, stage management, and technical direction.

Beginning October 6, award nominees can submit applications through the USITT website. Each submission will require an entry fee and specific materials which may include photographs, paperwork, drawings, and renderings. All nominees and nominators must be current USITT members. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit www.usitt.org/activities/awards/YDTAward.html for more information.

The program is highlighted in brochures which are being mailed to all current USITT organizational and student members. All educational institutions are being encouraged to nominate individuals who should be considered for this great opportunity for students to receive recognition and financial support.

All registrations must be received by 12 p.m. E.S.T. on November 10, 2008. The deadline for submissions is November 17.

Award winners are announced in early 2009 and are honored at a private event with sponsors and adjudicators. Winners also will be publicly acknowledged on Thursday evening as part of USITT's 2009 Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Cincinnati. Ohio.

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