SYRACUSE, NY — USITT will again be giving its Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts based on a review of portfolios and letters of nomination from current USITT members. Students can start the nominations process at http://www.usitt.org/YoungDesignersTechnicians.aspx. USITT, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc., has been giving YD&T awards since 1995, starting with the KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award. Since that time, more than $90,000 in prizes has been awarded.
In addition to the financial support given to young professionals at the very beginning of their careers, YD&T winners are also awarded registration to USITT's Annual Conference & Stage Expo where they meet with the award's sponsors and enjoy the accolades of their peers.
The entire process can be completed online, with nominations due by October 30, 2009 at http://www.usitt.org/YoungDesignersTechnicians.aspx. Nominees then have until November 20 to submit portfolios and additional information.
Nominations are currently being accepted for:
- KM Fabrics Inc. Technical Production Award
- Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award
- USITT Lighting Design Award sponsored by Barbizon Lighting Company
- USITT Scene Design Award sponsored by Rose Brand
- USITT Costume Design & Technology Award sponsored by Zelma H. Weisfeld
- USITT Makeup Design Award sponsored by Kryolan
- Frederick A. Buerki Golden Hammer Scenic Technology Award sponsored by Bernhard R. Works
- USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com Communications Systems
- USITT W. Oren Parker Undergraduate Scene Design Award sponsored by Stage Decoration & Supplies, Inc.
Specific criteria concerning who is eligible for each award, and complete information about the electronic application process, can be found at www.usitt.org/YoungDesignersTechnicians.aspx or visit www.usitt.org and follow the links to awards, or call 800-938-7488, ext 101.
Those nominated for YD&T Awards must, generally, be in their final year of study for an undergraduate or graduate degree, or have recently graduated.
All those nominated will have their portfolios reviewed by a panel of adjudicators. Winners will be notified by mid-January and awards will be presented as part of USITT's 50th Annual Conference & Stage Expo to be held March 31 to April 3, 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri.
For designers who are in the beginning years of their careers, the nominations process for USITT’s Rising Star Award opens October 1 as well.
For more information, please visit www.usitt.org.
