Q&A with student member, Elite Training participant, and designer, Ellen Reid.
What is your background in technical theatre? How did you get your start?
Growing up, my parents were very supportive of my and my siblings’ activities, always encouraging us to try new things. When I was in high school, my homeroom teacher was the choir director who served as the music director of the school musicals. My brother and sister (I’m a triplet) were more sports inclined with tennis and golf, but that was never my strong suit. My sister and I saw the fall musical our freshman year and wanted to be a part of the spring musical. My sister auditioned, and I ran the followspot. From then on we worked on the school shows, school district summer musicals, and local community theater.
What is your educational background?
Once I graduated from high school, I had the privilege to go to the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where I received my Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Theatrical Design & Technology in the fall of 2016. I also took part in post graduate studies with the Yale School of Drama in the Technical Internship Certificate program, a year-long program for professional scenic carpenters, sound engineers, projection engineers, properties masters, scenic artists, costumers, and master electricians. I studied projection engineering during my time in the program.
What is your dream job?
As I have been starting my career, I have become less defined with a specific company or region regarding a dream job. What I have focused on the more I work is finding a workplace in which I am reaching my full potential surrounded by colleagues that I am excited to collaborate with every day. That’s harder than naming a specific place to work, but I look forward to meeting the challenge.
What is your biggest inspiration in terms of your work?
Typically, the biggest inspiration in terms of my work are my fellow colleagues. I have been lucky enough to work with excellent collaborators who bring out the best each other. I find that I do my best work with folks I trust and respect. Everyone brings their own experience to the table and has something to contribute, which is why our work is so special and needed in times of social change like these.
Who are your biggest mentors/influences?
My biggest mentors have been my teachers. My advisors at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point; Scott Wirtz-Olsen, Jeffrey Stephens, and Gary Olsen helped grow my love of theater from high school into a passion for my work and a drive to be the best version of myself in life. My advisors at the Yale School of Drama; Erich Bolton, Shaminda Amarakoon, and Anna Glover gave me insight into the larger scale of our work facilitated through ArtsEquity training and Yale’s commitment to promoting the development of a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community and future generation of theater makers.
You have worked at the Conference in the past. What has that been like for you? What does that job entail?
I attended in Cincinnati, Salt Lake City, and Fort Lauderdale. In order to afford the conference fees, I have been a Student Volunteer. My conference registration fee was waived for 15 hours of volunteer hours. I helped out with the Expo load-in and helping presenters with the A/V office. Last year in Fort Lauderdale through my work with Yale School of Drama, I assisted in the video prep, load-in, and running of the main events. Blackmagic Design supplied quite a bit of equipment and I ran the video switcher for the Keynote, New Product Showcase, Distinguished Award Winners Conversation, and Early Career Honors. I really enjoyed being able to help facilitate such wonderful conversations and ceremonies.
What is the best part of Conference for you?
The best part of the conference for me is the networking opportunities. Taking a minute after an engaging presentation to chat up the presenter and follow-up with a question or a handshake to thank them for their work. The USITT Conference hosts the leaders of our industry and it’s an excellent opportunity to meet them and hear what they’ve got to contribute to the overall conversations.
What are your favorite/most memorable USITT programs?
I had the privilege of attending USITT Elite Training this past May. It was an incredible experience in which Cirque du Soleil welcomed us into their theatres for a weekend of training with companies such as Tait, Meyer Sound, CM Tech, and Coolux. We got to attend Blue Man Group, KÀ, Love, and had backstage tours of the Cirque shows. I had a great time and made some invaluable connections. Most of the connections I have made in the industry have been facilitated through USITT events.
What advice do you have for those still in school and are looking to break into the industry?
I would encourage everyone in school looking to break into the industry to research any aspects of the industry that excite them. Look into those companies that interest you and to explore what you want to do and how you would get there. The best thing you can do is reach out to professionals in the industry. Emailing someone who you don’t know yet can be one of the best ways to get a foot in the door toward reaching your career goals. Find what you want to do and work toward it. Looking for work is a full-time job in and of itself. You can’t wait for an opportunity to find you, you have to go out and find it.
How do you/have you found a balance between school, USITT, and working?
When I was in my undergraduate program, I had two part-time jobs in addition to class and production work. Looking back at my schedule, it was quite a balance to make it work. The best advice I got was to treat school like a full-time job. If you’re not in classes, you’re working on homework until you’re done and then you can take a moment to relax and unwind. Thankfully, I was able to get a release for USITT Conferences as they never lined up with my spring breaks. It’s all a matter of organization and keeping on top of your responsibilities.
Tips for someone who is attending USITT for the first time?
If it’s your first time at the Conference, find some sessions that interest you and attend them. Don’t be afraid to ask the presenters a question or meet an exhibitor on the Expo Floor. If they’re worth their salt, they’ll be happy to chat with you. We’ve all been in your shoes. Take it all in, it’s a great experience.
How has USITT played a role in your life so far?
USITT has played an instrumental role in facilitating events that have excellent networking opportunities. There is no other organization that I can think of that looks out for students and early career professionals as much as USITT. They serve as the fast track between school and the larger industry as a whole.
