USITT president Joe Aldridge said Valdez was well-suited as the one to open the conference. Valdez, who is credited as the founder of modern Chicano theatre and film, is best known for both writing and directing La Bamba in 1987 and Zoot Suit in 1981. He has extensive writing and directing credits, and has received numerous honors including many LA Drama Critic Awards, and a Rockefeller fellowship.
The Stage Expo will open on Thursday, March 29 at 11 a.m. and be open for three days before concluding at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31. More than 100 exhibitors have already committed and are making plans to introduce new products and services at the event.
A new feature of the 2012 Annual Conference will be a special session bringing together recipients of USITT’s Distinguished Achievement Awards for a discussion of their work. Winners include Michael Devine, scene design; Howard Brandston, lighting; Dana Nye, makeup; Tom Hall, management, and Judy Adamson, education. Kevin Rigdon will moderate the Friday morning All-Conference session.
For details on USITT’s sessions, exhibitors, special exhibits, international presenters, and specialty programs, visit www.usitt.org/2012.
