The USITT Programming Committee consists of recognized leaders with many years of industry experience. The committee’s role is to review, plan and evaluate USITT's educational programming for Columbus 2025.

The selection process involves a review of every complete presentation submitted prior to the deadline.

All presentations are selected based on the information submitted. Those submitting are expected to follow all instructions carefully and provide all requested information. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Proper grammar, punctuation, etc. is also looked at during this process.

Typically, more presentations are submitted than can be accepted. Only complete sessions will be accepted.

All proposed sessions go under committee review. Following review, proposal submitter will be notified that their session was accepted or declined.

The session type is driven by how you plan to deliver the session content. Moderating a conversation? Leading them in practicing a skill?

These sessions will be delivered onsite, in-person, at the Columbus Convention Center.

Conversation/Panel Discussion

Panel or interview style discussion between 2 to 4 people (including author/moderator)

Roundtable Discussion

A facilitator engages all the attendees in a large group discussion of a challenge, question, or opportunity facing the industry. The facilitator’s primary responsibility is to spark discussion among the attendees, keep the discussion in scope, and encourage active participation from as many different attendees as possible. Participants will exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Hands-On-Lab

A facilitator leads a small group of attendees in practicing a skill, using real tools. This facilitation should include explanation and demonstration, but at least 50% of the total session time should be comprised of attendees working directly with equipment and/or software.

Studio

1-3 Facilitators. A facilitator leads a group of up to 15 - 25 attendees in a brainstorming, problem-solving, or rough prototyping activity. At least 50% of the total session time should be comprised of attendees working directly with each other in small groups. Attendees will connect with fellow practitioners over shared interest. Sign-ups or advanced registrations may be required.

Micro-Session

Number of Presenters: 1 to 2 presenters. Speaker delivers a prepared talk explaining a process, skill, or idea in depth. The audience will learn something new or be inspired to think differently.

Meeting

A gathering of a committee, commission, or group for business.

Reception

An event with Food and Beverage, may be paired with any of the other meeting types or stand alone.

PDW (Professional Development Workshop)

Historically, a half, one, or two-day class requiring an extra fee to participants. A facilitator leads a small group of attendees in practicing a skill, using real tools. This facilitation should include explanation and demonstration, but at least 50% of the total session time should be comprised of attendees working directly with equipment and/or software.

Tour

Architecture: The Architecture Commission’s mission is to promote the understanding of the architect’s role in the design of theatres and performance spaces and to provide an architectural resource for members and the professional community on theatre design.

Costume Design & Technology: The Costume Design & Technology Commission provides members with opportunities to share ideas, exchange information, develop professionally, and affect the future welfare and development of those in fields including, but not limited to Costume Design, Costume Technology, Management, Hair & Make-up Design and Technology, Wardrobe and Backstage Technologies, and Education in all aspects of the Entertainment Industries.

Digital Media: The Digital Media Commission provides dialog and the exchange of information about innovation and trends in the field of Projection Design and its related technologies and artistic expressions including, but not limited to, video design, digital media, interactive media, and new media as it relates to theatre and the live entertainment industry. The commission provides a forum for projects and programs that promotes education and the advancement and practical application of design, technology, and recommended practices in the field.

Education: The Education Commission serves students and educators in all areas of theatre design and technology. A diverse group of educators and a student liaison work to develop exciting and innovative programming for each Annual Conference & Stage Expo. The Commission regularly covers such topics as teaching, mentoring, tenure and promotion, curriculum, and student life. In addition, the work of the Education Commission continues throughout the year in the forms of several ongoing projects and archives.

Engineering:The Engineering Commission allows members to exchange information on the engineering aspects of the entertainment industry and promotes the advancement and practical application of technology and standards.

Inclusion:We at USITT know the importance of inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and social justice (IDEAS) in the technical theatre and live entertainment industries. Throughout our history, we have made great strides in the evolution of IDEAS by creating the programs and initiatives that you can learn about on this page.

Lighting Design & Technology:The mission of the USITT Lighting Commission is to serve the lighting profession by providing a forum for dialogue and information relating to excellence in lighting design, technology, and production, associated research and development, and lighting education.

Management:Management Commission provides creative leadership and education to generate strong, dynamic, and effective managers.

Regional:USITT's Regional Sections stimulate the exchange of ideas and information among those within a specific geographical area. Regional Sections and their volunteer leadership have strong ties to the overall USITT organization, which grants them charters, but are independently run organizations. Regional Section activities can include masterclasses, tours, exhibitions, and competitions. Individuals and organizations can join and participate in the activities of more than one section in addition to USITT.

Safety & Health:The Safety & Health Commission provides for training, education, and the exchange of information on all topics that affect the safety, health, and well-being of performers, technicians, and audience members.

Scene Design & Technology:The Scene Design & Technology Commission furthers interest in the areas of scene design, scenic painting, and properties: provides information about innovations and trends within the field, encourages improvements in the teaching of design.

Sound Design & Technology:The Sound Commission provides a center for intercommunication, information exchange, and project activity for people who are interested in the use of sound as a part of dramatic, theatrical, and entertainment presentations. The Commission works actively with other USITT Commissions as well as with members of the profession throughout the entertainment industry.

Technical Production:The Technical Production Commission provides a forum for projects and programs for production people in the performing arts including technical directors, shop managers, facilities managers, craftspersons, stage hands, and technicians. This is accomplished through programming sessions for the USITT Annual Conference & Stage Expo, supporting research projects from the membership, and encouraging the publication and dissemination of information regarding theatre technology.

USITT Meetings & Special Events

No ability level required

Appropriate for those with limited experience of the subject area seeking introductory understanding of the content areas.

All attendees

Appropriate for those with some experience seeking to build on, apply, or enhance existing knowledge using content in practical applications to master concepts.

Appropriate for those with substantial prerequisite knowledge seeking the most up-to-date information to heighten expertise.

When is the submission deadline?: Exhibitors must submit by December 31.

I submitted my proposal. How can I go back in and look at what I submitted?: When submitting, you should receive an email confirming the proposal was successfully sent. If you have not seen an email come through, please check your spam, or you can go to the proposal page and "reset password"

When will I hear if my submission has been accepted?: Proposal submitters will be notified of acceptance/declined sessions in September.

Is there funding for presenters?: USITT considers funding for content/presenters that support our mission, excellence in education, and advancement of studies/conversations in theatre technology.

When is Conference?: The 2025 Conference in Columbus is March 5-8.