USITT is offering up three new webinars this spring! These webinars will make your transition into Conference-mode even smoother by providing Conference-centric information so that you can hit your sessions and the show floor with a healthy amount of preparation and education.

Conference guides, portfolio tips, and making the most out of your time at Conference are all things we would love to master, and now that expertise is in reach! Let your webinar hosts guide you through everything Conference so that you can leave Houston refreshed, connected, and ready to take on the job interviews and networking opportunities you’re sure to secure at USITT 2020!

Resumes, Portfolios, and Networking

This webinar is part of our business of the business series geared to assist freelance theatre technicians as they embark on the world of business management. The cost of this webinar is $5.

Deb Sherrer, Erin Swank, TBA

February 17, 2020

What if you could get a jump on updating your materials BEFORE Conference? This session will discuss the ins and outs of resumes, portfolios, and networking, with a focus on what to prepare for Conference, as well as available resources once in Houston and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain a greater understanding of best practices in resumes, portfolios, and websites.
  • Gain a better understanding of what is available at Conference including the Resume Doctors’ Booth and Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep.
  • Gain a better understanding of informal and formal networking opportunities and how to navigate them successfully.
  • Gain a better understanding of navigating interviews on the Expo Floor.

A Teacher’s Guide to Conference

Deb Sherrer, Erin Swank, Trish Hausmann

January 27, 2020

What opportunities exist for students and teachers at Conference? Should I tell my students to bring anything? How do I help my students navigate this huge event? With a focus on helping teachers help their students, as well as themselves, we’ll go over the ins and outs of navigating Conference from a teacher’s perspective.

Learning Objectives:

  • Teachers will gain a greater understanding of analyzing the options available at Conference through review of the Conference website.
  • Teachers will gain a greater understanding of non-lecture style opportunities available to attendees such as the First Timers Reception, Portfolio Reviews, and Curriculum Reviews.
  • Teachers will gain a better understanding of how to oversee the logistics of bringing a large group of students to Conference, including information about Connections Housing.
  • Teachers will gain a better understanding of how to navigate the Institute’s structure including Commissions, Committees, Sections, and Chapters.

How to get the most out of Conference

Deb Sherrer, Erin Swank, TBA

March 23, 2020

Whether you’ve attended a dozen times, or this is your first trip, Conference can feel like it’s bigger than you can handle. This session will help attendees and potential attendees understand the opportunities available to them, what’s new this year, and how to get the most out of networking opportunities while in Houston.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of how to navigate Conference, including how to understand the Conference website/book.
  • Gain a better understanding of opportunities specifically for first-time attendees.
  • Gain a better understanding of how Conference has changed over the last few years, including newer offerings, such as Stage Expo educational offerings.
  • Gain a better understanding of how to navigate the Institute’s structure including Commissions, Committees, Sections, and Chapters.
  • Gain a better understanding of how to get more involved with USITT through Conference attendance.

Meet your Webinar Hosts

Deb Sherrer is the General Manager for the Weston Playhouse Theatre Company in Weston, VT. After a decade as a professional stage manager, she refocused her career into arts management. With an emphasis on helping arts organizations effectively implement new technology and on increasing financial accountability standards, she has worked as the Director of Finance and HR at Charleston Stage Company and the Business Manager at Emerald City Theatre. She is currently a Director at Large for the USITT where she serves as the Chair of the Board Mentorship Committee, Chair of the Audit Committee, and Co-Chair of the Membership Committee. Deb holds a Master of Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Public Policy and Management and a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in stage management from Point Park University.

Erin Joy Swank is a Denver-based stage manager who enjoys working in multiple genres. She has guest lectured for numerous colleges around the country, both in person and by video chat, and is a past Stage Management Respondent for KCACTF Region IV. Recent credits include a highly technical production of The Nutcracker for Nevada Ballet Theatre in Las Vegas, Boston Lyric Opera, New Harmony Theatre/University of Southern Indiana, and three different opera companies in Texas. Five Christmases were also spent touring with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the Rockettes and three adorable camels. For USITT, Erin coordinates the Portfolio Reviews & Interview Materials Prep (PRIMP) sessions, is a past mentor for both SMMP and Gateway, and hails from the Rocky Mountain USITT region. Member: AGMA, Actors’ Equity (member of the national Stage Managers Committee among others) and the Stage Managers’ Association (Vice Regional Rep and past board member – and known for gathering stage managers for social events around the country).

Trish Hausmann is the House Manager and Patron Services Coordinator for the Indiana University Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance. She teaches Entertainment Management for IU, which focuses on Las Vegas entertainment, cruise ships, and theme parks. She is also a stage manager for new musicals such as Solana, Joe Schmoe Saves the World, Stardust Road, and Sticks & Stones. Trish is the faculty sponsor for the IU Student Chapter of USITT, and is the Vice Commissioner for Arts Management in the Management Commission.