Charlotte USITT conference

What an excellent conference! The sessions have been very full and there were way too many to choose from. I have learned some great things, and one of the most immediate is that USITT members get a 20% discount from Lowes. Now I will know who is reading the blog—when I get asked to shop for them.

I took notes at all the sessions I attended, and can share them with folks that are interested. The first one was on Sculpting and Foam Carving. Best tip from this was to learn about the riffler tool set. Digitally Printed Scenery Solutions was a session given by Rose Brand. The key thing on this was to hear that it cannot replace the scenic artist, and the file quality is key to the final product. Before even designing, you should call to see if this is the right application and to find out just how to go about getting the file.

Perhaps the most interesting thing to think about was the 5D forum called "Breaking the Box" which was a continuation and preparation for next year in Long Beach. One panelist was Holger Förterer, who is an artist and projection designer. His work includes the Cirque de Soleil show Ka. What he shared was fabulous!

Scenery restoration is an area that is in great need of people to work. Only the two women who gave the presentation are working in this field, and there is much work to be done. One works in New England and takes more of an archival approach; the other works with Masonic temples and takes more of an artist's approach. Both repair and restore the work, and both involve the community as volunteers in the process.

The Alternative Careers workshop showed the amount of tech work that is out there in areas that are entertainment but not theatre per se. The demand is high for technicians.

The last session I was able to make it to was on Service Learning and it was very informative; we learned how we can integrate projects into our curriculum that will both enhance the community we live in and reinforce the lessons we are learning and teaching.

Student work and professional work is on display, which is very inspiring.

I have plenty of notes I can share, so contact me (checker@kent.edu) if you want them. The expo was very informative, with great new products and lots of meeting up with old friends and making new friends. I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of a conference when they can. It opens one's eyes to the many possibilities about the work we are engaged in.

--Connie Hecker

Dedication Ceremony for the New Erdmann-Zucchero Theatre!

It's hard to believe, but little over a week ago Grease closed. It's always sad to see something you've put so much work into coming to an end, but the plus side is moving on to new projects! Speaking of which... the dedication of the black box theatre is April 8th! Student Theatre Fest is included in the festivities, but it also runs the 9th and 10th. The dedication will feature songs and scenes from shows that Bill Zucchero and Lou Erdmann (the men the theatre is being named for) were involved with during their time here. There will also be short pieces directed and written by students. I will directing one of my own short, original works.

It's shaping up to be a wonderful event, with a wide variety of pieces. Comedy, tragedy, dance, music, and everything in between. We're so lucky to have this new amazing space; it'll be great for us all to come together and celebrate it. The evening will provide an excellent chance for us to appreciate past artists at Kent State, while looking into the future work that can be accomplished.

--Sarah Coon