Cal State L.A. to host USITT Career Fair and Student Competition

Jan. 3, 2013 - PRLog -- The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), California Section, is calling for all college and high school students to participate in its 6th Annual Career Fair and Student Competition. The event, hosted by the University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the State Playhouse on the California State University, Los Angeles campus.  

The USITT (http://www.usitt.org) is a place to network, exchange ideas, and grow. The Institute has been serving professionals and pre-professionals in design, production, and technology for the performing arts since 1960.

The Student Competition is open to all areas of design, technical production and stage management.  Students have the opportunity to showcase their work, and receive feedback from professionals working in the field. Awards are presented and appraised on the basis of quality, effectiveness, originality, and visual presentation techniques.  

This competition is free to currently registered students at a college, university, or high school in California. Students should submit their application for the competition by Thursday, Jan. 13. Winners will receive a free student registration pass to attend the USITT Conference in Milwaukee, WI, March 20–23, 2013.

The Career Fair will feature opportunities for attendees to network and learn from theatre practitioners from all over California. A mini Stage Expo will be held with vendors showcasing their products, ranging from theatrical softgoods and rigging supplies, to lighting control consoles and new LED lighting technology. Universities and training programs will also be in attendance sharing information about graduate degree programs and opportunities.

Additionally, professionals from the Los Angeles theatre community will be at the event conducting portfolio reviews in all areas, as well as leading seminars and workshops. Numerous theatrical vendors and producing organizations will be accepting applications for summer internships and full-time or production hiring opportunities.  

“We are overjoyed that this is the first time that California State University, Los Angeles has had the opportunity to host this event,” said Professor Anne E. McMills, the newly-named head of design at Cal State L.A., in an interview with Stage Directions. “When we first heard there was a venue opening for the event, we jumped on it immediately! Hosting the USITT California Career Fair at our university is a perfect kick-off for us as we work towards the newly-envisioned Design and Production Option curriculum that we plan to unveil within the next year.”

Cal State L.A. is located at the Eastern Avenue exit, San Bernardino (I-10) Freeway, at the 10 and 710 freeway intersection. Public permit parking is available at the upper level of Parking Structure C. For more information, go to the USITT California web site: http://www.socalusitt.org/.

Event schedule:

9:30 a.m.          Members meeting, Student Competition sign-ups

10 a.m.          Welcome remarks

10:30 a.m. to noon      Installation and Portfolio reviews

10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.    Career expo and tour

1-33:30 p.m.          Master classes

3:30 p.m.          Announcement of Student Competition winners