More details from USITT (www.usitt.org and www.usittshow.org):
Fans agree that the Conference & Stage Expo outdoes itself every year, and Cincy will not disappoint. Highlights include:
* The new Opening Night Party and New Product Showcase moves “Brag & Swag” party time to Opening Night on Wednesday, while the formal awards night moves to day two on Thursday.
* 2015 Keynote Speaker is the dynamic Terrence Spivey, artistic director of Karamu House, the nation’s oldest African-American theatre. Spivey’s Wednesday morning speech officially opens 200-plus sessions on every aspect of live entertainment design and technology.
* 2015 is a Light Lab year, so expect flashy production for main stage sessions, plus hands-on chances to explore the latest LED lighting technology throughout the show.
* Backstage celebs being honored include three Broadway legends — costume designer Jane Greenwood, projection design educator Wendall Harrington, and scenic designer Doug Schmidt – plus much-admired TCG Executive Director Teresa Eyring and theatre tech guru Loren Schreiber. Don’t miss a chance to see all five USITT Distinguished Achievement Award Winners in Conversation on the same stage Friday morning.
* Stage Expo is already bigger and better than ever, with more than 220 companies signed up to exhibit the latest stage products – and it’s only November.
* USITT also has a brand new app – USITT 365 – that will make planning and participating in USITT 2015 even easier & more fun. Get it free at www.usitt.org/mobile.
