Presenters taking part in the 2009 version of the Costume Poster Session in Cincinnati, Ohio were able to show their solutions to costume challenges to more than 200 people.

Photo/Casey Kearns

Donna Meester
Costume Design & Technology Commission

Now that work on fall productions is getting underway, many are discovering new and innovative solutions to various costume problems. Why not share those solutions with others who may encounter them? Submit a proposal by November 16 to the annual Costume Poster Session.

The Costume Poster Session is a time when costume designers and technicians are able to share information that is probably not well-known with colleagues. Many times this is something of their own invention, which includes, but is not limited to, a new solution to an old problem, a new problem and its solution, a classroom or management technique, the results of research, or other ideas, discoveries, or developments in the field of costuming. This session has become one of the most popular events for the Costume Design & Technology Commission, having an average of 200 to 250 people attending.

As an added benefit, poster presentations are widely accepted as meeting the requirements for scholarly publication. Those employed by an educational institution may be able to get the school to fund some or all expenses to the 50th USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Kansas City, Missouri. Poster presenters also may have the opportunity to publish their ideas in TD&T.

All submissions are juried by the Costume Poster Selection Committee. Ideas need to be presented electronically in the form of an abstract - a brief, concise summary of the information to be presented in the poster, no more than 200 words typewritten. E-mail abstracts by November 16 to Donna Meester (dmeester@as.ua.edu.) The deadline is earlier than in previous years in response to requests from those who need to know if a proposal has been accepted to receive funding. Applicants will be notified in December.

As excitement and interest in the poster session grows, ways to archive the presentations are being explored. As a result, there will be several guidelines that will need to be followed. Presenters will be sent a list of guidelines when they are notified of acceptance. All presenters must submit a copy of their presentation and handouts electronically by March 22. Questions or requests for more information can be directed to: Donna Meester, The University of Alabama, Dept. of Theatre & Dance, Box 870239, Tuscaloosa, AL 25487-0239; phone 205-348-9032; or e-mail dmeester@as.ua.edu.

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