SHSU To Serve As Theatre Symposium Site

Sam Houston State University will play host for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc.’s 2006 Southwest Regional Section Winter Symposium Jan. 14-15.

The event will include Huntsville fiber artist Tamara Chasteen leading a hand-on workshop, lighting designer for Cirque du Soleil Luc Lafortune giving portfolio reviews and Jim Kemerling, from West Texas A&M University, will be a featured artist.

In addition, Lafortune will discuss his experiences designing shows such as “Mystere,” “O,” “Zumanity,” and “Ka” as the keynote speaker, Joe Tawil from GAM Products will present a demonstration about color, scenic artist and Rosco representative Jen Knott will highlight new paint products with a demonstration, and Electronic Theatre Controls representative Heidi Stewart will be on hand to demonstrate new control systems.

The hands-on workshop on Sketch Up and a computer animation workshop will also be held, but are limited to 20 attendees.

In addition to the presentations, student designers from SHSU, as well as other universities, will have the opportunity to have their works judged and critiqued by Lafortune, Kemerling and others. Prizes include WYSIWYG Design Software, Vectorworks Software and LDassistant Software, as well as prizes from Sapsis Rigging, GAM Products, Rosco, Norcostco and Secoa.

Approximately 80 from SHSU and other schools have reserved places for the event, according to theatre manager Kandice Harris.

USITT is the association of design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry.

Symposium registration is $25 for USITT members, $45 for non-members and $30 for student non-members.

For more information, contact Don Childs at 936.294.1331 or childs@shsu.edu

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SHSU Media Contact: Jennifer Gauntt
Jan. 11, 2006
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