USITT and Me
by Emma Downey
To begin reflecting on my experiences at USITT 2016, I first would like to express how grateful I am to have received The John Mullen Scholarship from Norcostco/Stage Technology. Without this generous scholarship contribution, I would not have been able to attend and experience the annual conference for the first time. What I found at the 2016 USITT Conference was community, passion, and most of all guidance. As a soon-to-be graduate about to enter the world of professional theatre, I discovered that pursuing a career in technical theatre and arts management is possible and fulfilling. I was able to step outside of my academic “bubble” at the conference, which encouraged and validated my professional goals.
My time in Salt Lake City was thrilling, supportive, educational, and very overwhelming. The Stage Expo alone was like an amusement park for theatre-makers. I was able to talk with companies, educational institutions, and fellow theatre artists, which opened my eyes to a national and international network of theatre-makers. I received honest feedback on my work and my career materials. The various sessions I attended also allowed me to learn from a variety of perspectives and years of combined experience within one room. The USITT Conference sessions curate a sense of soul within the art of technical theatre, revealing the why’s and how’s of our passions and professions.
As a senior, I appreciated the opportunity to learn from and alongside my peers and professors outside of the traditional St. Olaf academic setting. I am so grateful for the memories I made with my professors, my peers, and the new friends and mentors I have gained. While making new connections at USITT, I also found my next vocational journey and a bright beginning to my post-grad career. As I look toward my future, I can truly say that it was changed and made possible by the 2016 USITT Conference. [ ]
Emma at lunch with a bunch of people, including Steve Younkins, creator of Q2Q comics.
Emma Downey received The John Mullen Scholarship from Norcostco/Stage Technology to support attendance at the National Conference.