Sign-ups for USITT25's hands-on labs are opening soon! Check back in January to grab your seat. Spots are limited, so we wanted to give you a sneak peek at the labs on offer this year so you can start planning! We offer hands-on instruction with industry experts in a multitude of subjects. Plus, we're offering some brand new options to celebrate our 65th Annual Conference & Stage Expo! We can't wait to Catch you in Columbus March 5-8 so you can learn everything you can about powering live entertainment!

Advance registration is required for lab classes. Labs can be added during your initial USITT25 registration process. If you have already registered for USITT25, labs can be added by going to your Attendee Service Center. See your registration confirmation email for additional instructions on how to access and edit your registration.

While some lab experiences have walk-up opportunities that do not require registration, participation in lab sessions is limited. However, there will be observation seating available! All labs can be found in the Columbus Convention Center | Exhibit Hall B.
 

Automation Lab

This year's Technical Production Lab will offer hands-on opportunities to teach you how to reave winches, set limit switches, compare power and control cables, and so much more! Attendees will try out and run different makes and models of Stage Automation machines and controls. Industry professionals will be standing by to assist.
 

Costume Design & Technology Lab

We are DYEing to tell you about our plans for the 2025 Costume Design and Technology Lab! The first half of these lab sessions will cover dying, chemical safety, and wig coloring. The other half will cover things like EVA foam, bioplastics, troubleshooting trousers, restoration of antique garments, working with leather, and how to use color for the costume designer. 
 

Hair & Makeup Lab

Our reimagined Hair & Makeup Lab is back for more in 2025! Come learn and experiment with Theatrical makeup for the 21st century, universal rollersets, easily modify the color of your wig, and ventilating for beginners. 
 

Digital Media Emerging Technology Lab

The Digital Media Emerging Technology Lab is an immersive hands-on experience space. All levels of experience and walk-ups are welcome!

At USITT25, the Digital Media Lab will allow explorers to work on content creation as well as working with two different projector setups! You will be able to create content and then test it out on a variety of surfaces with different shapes and different textures. Featuring multiple different software, projector setups, and much more! Come play!
 

Lighting Design & Technology Lab

The Lighting Lab is an educational experience space containing various lighting fixtures and consoles you can explore and learn with, without a sales pitch. A fully hands-on experience. All levels of experience and walk-ins are welcome! In collaboration with Barbizon Media.
 

Paint Lab

The paint lab is mixing up some exciting hands-on workshops this year for Columbus! With skills labs like how to work intelligently with glitter, how to rock your woodgrain, and a paint challenge on shiny objects. Workshop topics include painting on velour, stained glass, foliage, flowers, reflections, sketching drapery, and so much more! This year we are incorporating a few new sessions like “Scenic Art Master Class Live!” featuring Rachel Keebler, Susan Crabtree, Claire Dana, and Karen Maness. Come by pick up a brush, get your hands dirty, and try it out!
 

Physics of Theatre Lab

New this year, the Physics of Theatre Lab will explore just how tied in physics is to theatre. Partnering with UIUC and NIU, the physics of theatre lab will feature interactive elements and demonstrations such as a friction table, Atwood machine, bridle tower, bendy beam, beam loading demo, and more!
 

Props Lab

The Props lab this year really runs the gamut of skills used by the scenic designer and technician/practitioner! There are 2D skills like revisiting the foundations with hand drafting, hands-on graphic design for props, and using Adobe products to build graphics or webpages. There are 3D skill sessions that cover topics like making treasure out of trash, advanced upholstery, and an introduction to thermoplastics. Plus so much more!
 

Soldering Lab

Step into an engaging, hands-on soldering lab where you'll dive into the very important skill of soldering, no experience needed! In this lab, you'll have the freedom to explore soldering techniques at your own pace, so you can learn the basics of creating small projects you can take pride in. Enjoy open lab time to practice, experiment, and develop confidence under the guidance of skilled mentors. Whether you're a complete beginner or just brushing up, this lab is your gateway to mastering the foundational techniques of soldering in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment.
 

Sound Lab

This Sound Studio 2025 is made up of three intimate, interactive spaces that will allow for the exploration of industry-leading software and hardware. Three rooms with different speaker arrangements, consoles, and seating arrangements will allow participants to test and discover. To encourage exploration by beginners and experienced designers, all stations will be available for guided and individual explorations throughout USITT25. Attendees can stop by anytime to play and engage in exciting practical experience with industry-leading software in a low-pressure and rewarding environment!

 

Troubleshooting Lab

Unlock the mysteries of troubleshooting in this hands-on lab, designed to boost your skills in a variety of areas (lighting, sound, and technical production). Learn to troubleshoot lighting gear, sound gear, networking, coms systems and ultimately signal flow. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned technicians, this session dives into practical, real-world scenarios that require quick, effective problem-solving. Work through interactive setups to identify, diagnose, and resolve common technical issues that can arise in production environments. You'll leave with a sharper eye for troubleshooting, a toolkit of diagnostic techniques, and the confidence to tackle issues with ease.