So once again it is time for USITT! It’s like Christmas for technical theatre nuts. A full week of informative sessions, networking and new gear. It’s one of my busiest few days of the year as I run around like mad trying to do everything all at once. This year my USITT experience kicks off as I live-blog and live-tweet a Props/Lighting Session, A Prop Untethered: The Magic of Wireless Dimming. The first session I ever went to at a USITT show was a similar one a few years back, so I’m excited to see how James David Smith of RC4 Wireless and the props and electricians he’s brought together are using the latest gear to bring pop to props. I’ve listed the rest of the sessions I’ll be live-blogging and reporting on below—but since USITT is such a busy show, my schedule is always a bit in the air. The best way to keep track of the show is to follow Stage Directions on Twitter (@stagedirections) and check back in at TheatreFace regularly for all the latest!

So here it is, my schedule for USITT 2014. As I mention above, my conference will start with:

A Prop Untethered: The Magic of Wireless Dimming in 202D

Theatrical props and costumes can often be enhanced with light or motion, but operating these enhancements can be problematic. Rather than settle for effects that are always on, or depend on performers to operate switches or buttons, radio remote control can be used. RC4 Wireless presents various samples of props that make brilliant use of remotely controlled light and motion, with the assistance of several guest prop masters. Presented by RC4 Wireless.

After that I’ll be finding the hotel lobby bar where everyone’s drinking and I’ll be catching up with as many people as possible.

Thursday is the first day of the Show Expo, but before that starts I’ll be kicking off my day at the

Distinguished Achievement Award in Lighting Design from 9:30-10:45 in 201BC

New York lighting designer Shirley Prendergast will receive the 2014 Distinguished Achievement Award in Lighting Design for her ground-breaking career, including becoming the first African-American woman lighting designer to gain admittance to the United Scenic Artists in 1969 and the first to design for a Broadway show in 1973. The session will spotlight her prestigious career, including work for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Negro Ensemble Company, and Crossroads Theatre, among others.

The show opens at 11 a.m., which means a solid hour of students rushing around for swag. I’ll be taking pics and generally staying out of the way.

Friday afternoon there’s two sessions at 1 p.m. I’ll be checking out. First, the Costume Poster Session, which is always full of inspiration and delight for me. And I’m also going to try and get to

Tech Tank: 25 Things in room 202C

A moderated discussion to create a list of the 25 things every young theatre technician should know. How many knots (and which) should you know how to tie? What about (sparks free) wiring? What are the basic skills you need to make yourself useful? All these questions and MORE will be up for discussion. Bring your personal list and we'll fight it out to come up with lists of 10, 20, 25 or more essential skills to learn, (if you're just starting out), or teach, (if you've been around). If time allows, specialized lists might arise for specific fields, (i.e. carpentry, electrics, costumes, sound, props, rigging). LIST-O-RAMA!!!

At 5:30 is the Rosco Users Meet-up Group in room 204A.

And then, for the first time in years, I’ll be attending the New Product Brag & Swag in the Arena at 7:00 p.m.

Friday I’ll be sleeping in, skipping the 8 a.m. session, but starting my day with a bang with the:

USITT Distinguished Achievement Award Winners in Conversation in the Arena at 9:30 a.m.

I’ll definitely be there for this, taking pics and live-blogging/tweeting the whole thing.

A stage full of stellar achievers create a lively environment for the exchange of ideas and the telling of great stories. Listen in as Bob McCarthy, Susan Threadgill, Dana Taylor, Eugene Lee, Shirley Prendergast, and Ann Roth (2014 Distinguished Achievement award winners) talk about their lives in and out of the industry.

This special Friday morning session, moderated by Kevin Rigdon, brings out the unique perspectives each has about their lives and careers as well as about their views of the past, present, and future of our craft.

These august individuals will be in the spotlight throughout the Conference, and receive their awards at individual sessions, but this is the only time they will appear together.

Friday at 1:00 p.m. I’m going to try and get to

Life as an AEA Stage Manager in Ballroom C

Join us for an informal conversation about Actors Equity Association and working as a union stage manager. Topics will include the day-to-day structure of AEA work, the challenges and rewards, and current issues under discussion among the membership.

After the Show Expo closes on Friday I’m going to try and get to

Young Lighting Designers Forum: Getting Started as an Associate/Assistant Lighting Designer

Being an assistant lighting designer has long been a path to a future career as a designer. Whether it be regional theatre, opera, dance, industrials, or Broadway, many current working designers started as assistants. Associate designers are also now an important part of the design team. Discuss getting started as an ALD in today’s market. What skills do you need to have? What can you learn while you are still in school? How do I make the first contact? Is there a choice between NY and other cities? Learn from a panel of professional designers, associates, and assistants about beginning in this field. This session is once again made possible through the partnership and co-sponsorship between the Gilbert V. Hemsley, Jr. Lighting Programs and the Lighting Commission.

And at some point on Friday evening I’m going to hit:

Sound Design & Technology Commission Reception & Playback Party in the Arena from 7:00 – 8:30

An informal reception of the Sound Design & Technology Commission, open to all, combined with our annual Playback Party - bring examples of work as a sound artist and we will play them during the reception.

Saturday I’ll be skipping the early morning sessions (I will have earned the rest) and hitting the show floor hard. There’ll be plenty to do on the Show Floor Saturday, with the Tech Olympics winners announcements, the Behind the Scenes raffle and more.

My USITT marathon comes to a close on Saturday with not one, not two, but three sessions I’d like to check out from 2:00-3:15 p.m. I’m waiting till the last minute to make my decision. If you’re planning on going to one let me know! I’ll recruit you to write a report on one for me!

Creative Projection Surfaces in Ballroom A

Explore projections beyond the screen – expanding our understanding of what a “screen” might be. We will also examine the idea of seamless integration between projection and scenic design.

Risk Management for Flying People in Room 202AB

Representatives from internationally-recognized flying companies discuss risk assessment and risk mitigation in the art of live performer flying. Our good friend Joe McGeough from Flying by Foy is on this panel, which makes it a strong contender…

Programmable Logic Controller Basics in 203A

A discussion with examples of PLCs used for different projects and shows.

And then it’s off to the airport for a short flight back to Vegas!

This schedule is VERY provisional. Distractions abound at USITT and I might find myself being pulled into a couple different directions, or choosing to do something completely different. As I mentioned at the beginning, the best way to know what I’m up to is follow me on Twitter: @stagedirections

See you online, and maybe even in person at USITT!