Education is a huge part of what we do here at USITT. To support a lifetime of learning for our members, we offer yearly Professional Development Workshops (PDWs) at our Annual Conference & Stage Expo. These courses can be added to your USITT24 registration at check out, and provide hands on learning with industry experts! Check out the article below for a summary of the courses on offer this year!

Know Before you Register

Registration for the following Professional Development Workshops (PDWs) may be completed during your USITT24 registration process. If you sign up for an event that will cause you to miss part or all of a Conference day (Wednesday or Thursday), there will be a discount automatically applied to your conference registration at checkout.

Architecture

Architectural Tour of Seattle Area Theatres SOLD OUT
Wednesday, March 20 - 7:30am-4:30pm
Join an Architecture Commission sponsored event that takes attendees on tour to multiple venues throughout the Seattle area. Transportation and lunch will be provided.
Specific venues TBA. This course provides 4 AIA LU|HSW

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this tour may be canceled. This group will be meeting for the bus on Level One of the Seattle Convention Center at 7:00am for the 7:30am start. The group will be returning to this location at 4:30pm.
 

Digital Media

Pixera - Digital Media Hands-On Experience
Wednesday, March 20 - 9am-4:30pm
Join us for a hands-on experience using Pixera: "PIXERA is a multi award winning 64-bit system for real-time media processing, compositing and management, based on the core theme of usability." Attendees are responsible for bringing their own lap-top.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.
 

Engineering

Introduction To Show Networking Hands On Workshop
Wednesday, March 20 - 9am-4:30pm
This introductory workshop, based on John Huntington’s book Introduction to Show Networking, explores the basics of networks and how they work in show systems such as lighting, sound, video, and even stage machinery. Basic networking concepts, IP addresses and assignment methods, subnet masks, general network operations and physical topologies will be introduced through readings and videos and online meetings, and then explored through hands-on labs. Network device control will be explored and other topics like broadcast storms and VLANs will be demonstrated.

After an online kick-off meeting approximately two weeks in advance of the hands on session (date t.b.d.), participants read several chapters of the Introduction to Show Networking book and/or watch several lecture videos. Then, the group meets online again approximately a week in advance of the hands-on session (date t.b.d.) to review the information and answer any questions from the readings. Finally, the group meets in person to explore these concepts in a full-day, hands-on workshop for which participants bring their own PC or Apple laptop.
This class counts for seven hours of ETCP-recognized training.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.

Ken Vannice Electrical Workshop  
Wednesday, March 20 - 9am-4:30pm
This 1-day workshop is designed to give participants an understanding of electricity, the basics of entertainment electrical systems including grounding, overcurrent protection and associated topics, plus the National Electrical Code® and NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®. The workshop covers many of the items in the ETCP Electrician Candidate Handbook outline.
Attendees will receive PDF files of the presentations and other information at the end of the workshop; ETCP certificants will also receive 6 continuing education renewal credits.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.

Inclusion

A Holistic Approach to Anti-ableism and Disability Inclusion in Theatre - Part l
Saturday, March 23 - 8am-12pm

The workshop will begin with a focus on the current state of disability inclusion in the American Theatre and led by four members of the disability theatre community from varying disciplines and backgrounds.The content will focus on anti-ableist training in both a large format and small group setting, addressing national and individual needs.
                                                                                 
Advanced registration and an additional fee required.
This class is being limited to 100 participants. If minimum attendance is not met by February 19 this class may be canceled.
 

A Holistic Approach to Anti-ableism and Disability Inclusion in Theatre - Part ll
Saturday, March 23 - 1pm-5pm

The second part of this workshop will focus on breakout sessions, narrowing the focus to three areas: artist/employee inclusion, theatre and workspace accessibility, and audience services. Small groups will meet in these areas and then report back to the group at large to maximize time and impact. The later half of this session will consist of small group breakout sessions to address the specific needs of individual companies and theatres brought forward by the participants. The session will wrap up with a Q&A as time allows. Throughout the workshop, examples of successes and failures (and how to avoid those failures) will be presented. Resources and network opportunities will be given to all participants. 

*All participants of Part ll must have registered & attended Part l.*                                                               

Advanced registration and an additional fee required.
Part ll of this class will be limited to 40 participants. If minimum attendance is not met by February 19 this class may be canceled.

 

Scene Design & Technology

"Visualizing the Imaginary: Twinmotion Techniques for Theatrical renderings and animations"
Wednesday, March 20 - 8am-12pm
In the last decade, the use of digital rendering, VR, 3D drafting, and digital paint elevations have created new ways of communicating our ideas with the use of technology. With most designers creating digital and 3D drafting, the use of highly detailed visualizations and renderings becomes another tool at our disposal to communicate ideas with the production team. This session will go in-depth on the use of Twinmotion software to create detailed and realistic images and stunning videos. This hands-on PDW will enable participants to bring their theatrical visions to life through the creation of captivating virtual environments. The software is incredibly user-friendly; enabling participants to learn to seamlessly translate their artistic ideas into immersive and dynamic visualizations that could streamline their design process. You will be able to observe and get familiar with the capabilities of the software, learn how to troubleshoot common problems, and will specifically learn how to utilize it in a theatrical setting. Participating designers will be equipped to enhance their career prospects in theatre design, collaborate effectively with production teams, and communicate their artistic vision with clarity and impact. Bring your personal computers with Unreal Engine: Twinmotion installed on your computer. Knowledge of 3D drafting in AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Sketch Up or similar, and a good understanding of digital media will allow you to follow along with ease. A sample 3D set will be provided, but a personal project or own design to work on during the session would be even better!

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.


Sign Painting Essentials for the Scenic Artist  SOLD OUT
Wednesday, March 20 - 8am-4:30pm
In this PDW, Rachel Keebler from Cobalt Studios will teach hand lettering for the scenic artist. You'll have plenty of hands-on time as you learn tips and tricks for consistency, style, etc.

Advanced registration and additional fee required. There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.
This class will be held at the Seattle Children's Theatre, a 2-minute monrail ride or 20 minute walk from downtown Seattle.

 

Sound Design and Technology

Challenges of Sound System Design in Live Events
Wednesday, March 30 - 12:30pm-4:30pm
This 4-hour official L-Acoustics training offers certification in the “Intro to Pro Audio by L-Acoustics: Live Sound” course. The course introduces the live sound world and presents the L-Acoustics tools to design and operate live sound events. Participants will learn about the components and signal chain of a live sound system by building a model of a sound system design in L-Acoustics’ professional modeling software Soundvision and design the controlling interface in Network Manager. They will also gain an understanding of the workflow and jobs available in live sound projects. This class is limited to 12 participants with an instructor-led session that is both presentation, discussion, and hands-on tutorials. Participants must bring a laptop and mouse with them and download the latest version of Soundvision and Network Manager software (available for free on the company website). Upon completion of the training, participants gain a certificate of completion and 1 year access to the L-Acoustics Education Platform online learning community.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.


Room Acoustic and Sound System Simulations with EASE 5
Wednesday & Saturday, March 20 & 23 - 8am-12pm
This workshop will teach participants how to use EASE 5 to build a room model, add sources and receivers, and use it for prediction. Results can be maps, impulse responses, ray tracing, and auralization files. We will also talk about obtaining accurate predictions and analyzing the data.
This is an 8-hour class split between two-days, Wednesday 3/20 & Saturday 3/23.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.

Technical Production

AWP/MEWP Operator Training & Certification
Wednesday, March 20 - 8am-4:30pm
AWP (Aerial Work Platform) / MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) Training & Certification This training program allows participants to earn their AWP / MEWP operators card. This course consists of four key areas of learning and proficiency demonstration (Responsibility, Safety, Operation & Hands-On). This is a three part training session, where attendees will receive classroom instruction, as well as hands on training. This will culminate in both a written test and practical evaluation. Upon successful completion of this safety training, attendees will be presented with their AWP Operator's Card. This training covers: Machine Safety Regulations, agencies and requirements Safe operation (components and controls) Inspection requirements.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.


Stage Automation
Wednesday & Thursday, March 20 & 21 - 9am-4:30pm & 9am-12pm
This PDW will include discussions that will cover Stage Automation from the very Basics through how control systems run Stage automation. The two days will cover machinal elements, Horse Power, how simple machines are the building blocks for most Stage Automation systems, Motors, Gearboxes , Limit Switches, Different types of Encoders and Estop Systems.

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.
 

USITT  Special Events

Foundations of Entertainment Rigging
Wednesday & Thursday, March 20 & 21 - 9am-4:30pm
While there is no substitute for experience when it comes to rigging, this class will present the fundamental concepts that underpin good rigging practices. Taught by trainers with more than 40 years combined experience in the field, topics are derived from the ETCP list of critical knowledge areas for riggers and will vary to suit the learners in the room. Presentation of information will be approachable for early career participants while also providing a depth of discussion through examples and case studies that will bring value and engagement to more experienced riggers. In addition to instructional content, resources for further learning and reference will be featured and explored. Participants will walk away with improved confidence, knowing more about both the "how" and the "why" of entertainment rigging. This is a two-day class run on both Wednesday 3/20 & Thursday 3/21 9am - 4:30pm

Advanced registration and additional fee required.
There will be a one hour lunch break where attendees will be on their own.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.

OSHA 10 - General Entertainment Safety
Wednesday & Thursday, March 20 & 21 - 9am-4:30pm
This customized OSHA 10 Training is brought to you by the IATSE Entertainment and Exhibition Industries Training Trust Fund and USITT as a part of the alliance between these organizations and OSHA. The OSHA 10-hour program provides a variety of training on general industry safety and health regulations for both entry-level and experienced workers. Upon completion of both days you will have earned your OSHA 10 card. It covers OSHA policies, procedures, and standards, as well as general industry safety and health principles. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA general industry standards. Special emphasis is placed on those areas that are the most hazardous, using OSHA standards as a guide. This training is customized for and uses examples from the Entertainment Industry. This is a two-day class run on both Wednesday 3/20 & Thursday 3/21 9am - 4:30pm. Lunch will be on your own. 

Advanced registration and additional payment required.
If minimum attendance is not met by February 19th this class may be canceled.

Exhibitor

ETC Eos Family Console Level 2 SOLD OUT
Wednesday, March 20 - 9am-4:30pm
Build on the basics for better programming!

Ready to move beyond the basics with your Eos family console? Build the skills you need to take your programming to the next level. Going beyond our Level 1 training, this class will get you going with additional features and functions of your console and get you on your way to programming like a pro.

It is highly recommended that you are familiar with ETC consoles before attending this Level 2 class.

Level 1 videos and the workbook are available online: http://www.etcconnect.com/EosFamilyVideos/Level-1/

Session Highlights:
• Understand display layouts and workspaces
• Record and recall Snapshots
• Record and recall Palettes and Presets
• Set up and use Direct Selects
• Take advantage of Discrete Timing and Multipart cues
• Create and use Relative and Absolute Effects
• Create and use a basic Magic Sheet ETCP Certificants will also receive 6 continuing education renewal credits. 

   
ETC Eos Family Console Level 3
Thursday March 21 - 9am-4:30pm
More features to help work faster and more efficiently
Think you know all there is to know about your console? Our Level 3 class will teach even the most seasoned professionals a thing or two about the features of their console. This class is perfect for programmers who are proficient with the functions covered in Levels 1 & 2 training and ready to learn more.

!!!! Ideally you have completed a Level 2 class BEFORE taking this advanced class.

Session Highlights:
• Define and use Highlight, Lowlight, and custom RemDim
• Use the Fan function on encoders, the command line, and for references
• Apply and store Filters
• Use manual playback functions like Make Null, Make Manual, Capture
• Create advanced palette and preset modifiers
• Use advanced cues, like Multipart, and Multiple cue lists
• Create and use Macros
• Additional Magic Sheet features ETCP Certificants will also receive 6 continuing education renewal credits.