USITT is excited to announce Abby Bilson and Milinda Weeks as the inaugural recipients of our Cobalt Studios Scholarship! This scholarship opportunity is sponsored by Rose Brand, longtime exhibitor, sponsor, and supporter of USITT and the next generation of scenic artists, and hosted at Cobalt Studios in White Lake, NY, a studio dedicated to quality scenic painting & training since 1988.

Our selected recipients head to Cobalt Studios this week to participate in the specialty pro seminar: Perspective for Scenic Artists 2 instructed by Kimb Williamson — scenic artist, USITT Board Member, and Fellow.

We are documenting both Abby and Milinda's journeys at Cobalt Studios and encourage you to follow our official social media channels for a glimpse into their experiences.

Meet our 2024 Cobalt Studios scholarship recipients below!

Abby Bilson

ABBY BILSON (she/her) is a second-year M.F.A. candidate in scenic design at Indiana University (IU) from Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a B.M.E. in Music Education and upholds that equity and accessibility in theatrical design work in tandem with education. Some of her previous credits include Sanctuary City (IU, Scenic Designer), The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (Interlochen, Scenic Designer), Everybody (BW, Scenic Designer), Vox Pop! (IU, Scenic Charge), Head Over Heels (IU, Co-Scenic Charge), South Pacific, Funny Girl, White Christmas, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (MSMT, Scenic Charge). See more from Abby @abbybilsondesigns.

"The support and education from USITT has been instrumental in my journey as a scenic designer and charge artist. Without the valuable opportunities I've experienced through USITT, I would not be where I am today!" -Abby Bilson

 

Milinda Weeks

MILINDA WEEKS is an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University, specializing in scenic design. She earned her MFA in Theatrical Arts with an emphasis in Scenic, Lighting, and Media Design from Utah State University’s Caine College of Fine Arts. Milinda discovered early in her academic career that she wanted to blend her passion for education with design. Thanks to her dedicated mentors, she was able to pursue unique opportunities and began teaching in higher education at just twenty-four years old. From 2010-2022, Milinda taught at Snow College, where she accumulated over 70 design credits, developed and taught more than a dozen courses, directed ten mainstage productions, served as a Faculty Senator, and led the Theatre Design and Technology program. In 2022, she joined the Theatre and Media Arts Department at BYU, where she teaches scenic design, scenic art, theatre technology, and mentors emerging designers. Milinda is an active Member of USITT and the Scene Artists Guild. Some of her recent professional design work includes Cinderella, The Sound of Music, and Newsies at Sundance Summer Theatre; Machinal and Lucky Stiff at Utah Valley University; and The Secret Garden, The Cherry Orchard, and Crazy For You at Brigham Young University. Beyond theatre, Milinda enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, baking, and relaxing with a good book. Click here to learn more about Milinda's work.

"USITT has been an invaluable resource in my growth as both an artist and educator. The professional development opportunities offered have deepened my skillset and inspired fresh perspectives that I can bring back to the classroom and the stage. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities USITT has provided to help me grow and thrive in my career." -Milinda Weeks

 

Cobalt Studios is modeled after the Guilds from the Renaissance. They combine the classroom experience with the workshop experience. They aim to reflect those guilds where a cohesive group of artists nurtured respect for their craft as an active part of their community life, bound together through mutual respect; craftsmen who taught the traditions, skills, and art of their craft and passed this down through their “knowing” hands. Cobalt Studios is a base from which we are developing a pool of successful painters who have a positive commitment to our craft.

This scholarship is sponsored by Rose Brand, a longtime exhibitor, sponsor, and supporter of USITT and the next generation of scenic artists. In business since 1921, Rose Brand is North America’s largest provider of theatrical fabrics, fabrications, and production supplies for the entertainment, event, and display industries. What started as a small, family-run business has grown into a national company employing over 400 people in four locations.