USITT Sponsors Annual Collaborator Party

Theatre practitioners across the nation are set to participate in the fourth annual Collaborator Party on June 10, sponsored by USITT.

The Collaborator Party’s inaugural event came after the Tony Awards eliminated the awards dedicated to sound design in 2014. Following the 2017 reinstatement of the sound design category, the event has blossomed into a party for all who work, contribute to, and collaborate in a theatrical setting.

Parties in four cities will have set venues. The main event will be thrown at Houston Hall in New York City with satellite soirees in Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. All parties are free but require advanced sign up.

If you’re not local to any of the above areas, sound designer and Collaborator Party co-founder Lindsay Jones encourages you to throw your own Collaborator Party and connect with other industry professionals on social media using #collaboratorparty on Facebook and Instagram and #collaboratorp on Twitter and Snapchat. Show everyone you’re a collaborator by downloading the official sign and sharing on social media.

“Honestly, the only thing you really need to do is have a place where people can meet, enjoy each other’s company, and watch the Tony Awards,” Jones said. “It’s really about the idea that we’re all this community of people who really care about making great theatre and working together.”

Industry professionals not traditionally recognized in award shows have been invited to co-host this year’s event. Professions such as props, projection designer, wig and hair, general and stage management, music direction, and production management are expected to be represented.

Co-hosts include Barbara Cohig (scenic artist), Jay Duckworth (props designer), Carol Fishman (general manager, Playwrights Horizons), Jeff Harris (production manager, The Public Theater), Caite Hevner (projection designer), Nikiya Mathis (hair designer), Jared Mezzocchi (projection designer), Cheryl Mintz (stage manager), Rona Siddiqui (music director), Rick Sordelet (fight director), and Amanda Spooner (stage manager).

“If you don’t feel you’re being specifically represented in an award show somewhere, all the more reason for you to come because we really want you to be there,” Jones said.

Jones said to expect food for sale, a cash bar, fun, surprises, and fellowship.

“It’s a chance for everybody who works in theatre to come together and celebrate one another and the great work they do to make theatre special,” Jones said.

Earlier this year, USITT presented Jones and Collaborator Party co-founder John Gromada with a Special Citation recognizing their work in creating the event.

“We are pleased to sponsor the Collaborator Party again this year,” said USITT Executive Director David Grindle. “Collaboration makes all theatre and entertainment production possible and those efforts deserve to be celebrated. I hope that all of our members will join us in celebrating our collaboration on Tony night.”