Off to USITT (With Supercells?)
I'm flying off tomorrow to the spring break hotspot of...Kansas City. w00t! I'm going out for the USITT Conference. I haven't been in a few years, and this year I'm on two panels. The first is Wednesday from 1:30-3pm, with the boys from Stage Research, called:
Integrating Show Systems Without Resorting to a Sledgehammer
With so many systems that need to be integrated for a successful show, Stage Research will explore some of the possible tools and devices used to coerce unlikely systems into proper etiquette for communication. Not for the faint of heart.
The second is Saturday from 3 to 4:15pm, on an interesting panel set up by Rich Dionne from Purdue:
The Future of Graduate TD Programs
Examining instructional design theories and models and their application to teaching the complex skills that technical directors would ideally possess.
Rusty Cloyes from the UT Austin is also a panelist, and this actually could be a pretty interesting panel, since Mr. Dionne has found some very interesting research about changing learning styles.
I'm flying out tomorrow to, I hope, do some storm chasing before the conference. Of course, as of today, it looks like the severe threat may be Thursday or Friday (and if that happens, I might dissapear from the conference for a day or two). My backup plan is to knock off one or more two states off my list. I've been to 44 now, and just have Iowa, North Dakota, Michigan, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Hawaii left. If there's no decent severe weather I'll try to knock off Iowa and North Dakota on this trip. Any recommendations of what I should see?
[photo links lost]
12:00 PM - 4:45 PM
A meeting of the elected officers (and at selected meetings office staff, contractors, and invited guests germane to committee discussions) of USITT. Current issues, new topics, study and review of business from Institute areas overseen by officers will be discussed and action proposals developed.
8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
A meeting of the elected officers (and at selected meetings office staff, contractors, and invited guests germane to committee discussions) of USITT. Current issues, new topics, study, and review of business from Institute areas overseen by officers will be discussed and action proposals developed.
10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
The annual meeting of the Design Expo Committee will take place at Stage Expo at the Design Expo exhibit.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
The USITT Board of Directors, which includes the Executive Committee and Directors at Large, convene at the Conference (one of two annual meetings) to enact the business of the Institute, which may include: approval of the annual budget, adoption of rules and regulations for the conduct of all meetings, establishment of the dues structure, establishment of the policies for any services rendered by the corporation, review and act on all contracts, and advising the President and other officers on matters pertaining to the operation of the Corporation and other duties as may be prescribed by the By-Laws. Board Meetings are open to all USITT members.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
An organizational, business, and planning meeting of Commissioners and Vice-Commissioners of USITT.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
The USITT Finance Committee meets to review the current year budget, work on the budget draft for the upcoming year, and review overall USITT finances.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Business meeting for the technical production commission. We will discuss all of the ongoing projects, new undertakings and general commission business. People who are interested in starting new projects or taking on responsibilities within the commission are welcome to attend. General commission announcements, programming, and other business will take place at the Commission Meeting & Reception on Thursday.
A Blonde's Expose for Highly Technical Humans - Sally Struthers
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Start the 50th Conference off with a smile as Sally Struthers talks about "Maintaining a career in a world that passed me by years ago or.. what in the hell was an Altman ellipsoidal 360." Ms. Struthers, award-winning actress and humanitarian, will speak from her unique perspective. USITT's Annual Meeting, an opportunity for members to hear about the start of the organization, will be part of this session. The Thomas DeGaetani Award will be presented to the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The opening of Stage Expo will follow immediately after the conclusion of Ms. Struthers' event.
11:00 AM - 1:15 PM
The committee meets to evaluate grant and fellowship proposals received during this funding cycle and make recommendations to the USITT Board of Directors for potential support.
11:00 AM - 4:45 PM
USITT-USA, PQ 2011 National team committee meeting.
11:00 AM - 4:45 PM
USITT-USA, PQ 2011 Student team committee meeting.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
A discussion of United Scenic Artists' representation of those employed members working in the entertainment mediums of theatre, film, and television, including designers, scenic artists, and associated positions.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
This session will focus on the Federal OSHA and Department of Health regulations requiring dust collection and ventilation systems in theatrical workspaces. Methods for determining if the system in your workplace is really doing the job will be discussed, as well as options for bringing your system into compliance if it is not.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Here's a chance to get involved with the Institute and make a difference. Meet other professionals, educators, and students who share passions and concerns for education. This time will also include a poster session of tools, projects, and techniques for infusing even more excitement in your classroom. Make sure and stay until the end, as the meeting will close with a reception-which means free food!
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
A reception designed to help first-time Conference attendees get the most from their Conference experience and learn more about how USITT works. Representatives from Commissions and interest groups highlight projects and programming. Discussion on the special resources and hidden treasures available at the 2010 Conference & Stage Expo. One of the best ways to find out how to participate in and become involved with USITT. Sponsored by the Caucus on Human Issues.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Often, change does not come easily. Learn some techniques for incorporating the skills and techniques you learn in classes, at the conference, or at your last job into your new job.
Integrating Show Systems Without Resorting to a Sledgehammer
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
With so many systems that need to be integrated for a successful show, Stage Research will explore some of the possible tools and devices used to coerce unlikely systems into proper etiquette for communication. Not for the faint of heart.