Thursday, February 27, 2020 (1:00 – 2:15 pm)

Location: CC-LO 08

Join URTA (University Resident Theatre Association) for a panel discussion about tools for success when transitioning from undergrad training and into the profession. The panel will include graduate faculty members, and participants are encouraged to bring their questions!

Panelists: Brackley Frayer (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Kristy Hall (University of South Carolina), Julie Ray (University of Georgia), Jenny Wales (University of Virginia), Jim Wren (University of North Carolina, Greensboro)

Friday, April 3, 2020 (3:00 – 3:45 pm)

Location: Walker Balcony, 2^nd Floor

The University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) and United Scenic Artists (USA) invite you to hone your professional portfolio, practice interview techniques, and research MFA theatre programs in a pressure-free environment. Get away from the non-stop activity of the Expo floor, and chat with faculty recruiters in a casual, relaxed setting. Design/Tech faculty from several top MFA programs and Representatives of United Scenic Artists will be available to offer advice and feedback, and answer questions as well as to chat about grad training – what they look for in MFA candidates and what things you should be looking for in a program, and about the process of applying to become Members of the United Scenic Artists. The perfect respite for students thinking about grad school for the coming year, or further down the road – it’s never too early to start planning for your future!

Complimentary refreshments are generously provided by United Scenic Artists.

Presenter: Bill Digneit

Las Vegas Convention Center, Sat. 11/23/19 10:00 am

Join Bill Digneit, production manager for the LDI Conference Program, for a guided tour of the LDI show floor. This is a great introduction to the LDI show to kick-off your weekend, and learn about many of the industry leaders in entertainment design/technology at the LDI show.

If you are interested in taking part in the Guided Tour, please RSVP here.

Presenter: Frank Brault

Las Vegas Convention Center, Sun. 11/24/19 9:00 am

Join Frank Brault, senior entertainment technologist –at Vectorworks, Inc., for a discussion on career paths in the design and technology fields. There are many pathways to success after university and into the profession. Frank will lead an open discussion – participants are encouraged to bring their questions!

If you are interested in taking part in the discussion, please RSVP here.

Presenter: Michael Warner (The Michael Warner Studio)

Hilton Midtown, Fri. 1/17/20 3:00 pm

In this workshop we’ll explore how to solve the dilemma an actor faces when working on a monologue: How do we activate our circumstance when we have no other actor to work off of.

In addition, we’ll spend the beginning of the workshop strategizing about how to approach callback interviews.

Panelists: Bethany Kay (actor), Ken Perlstein (actor), Marcus Crawford Guy (actor)

Hilton Midtown, Sat. 1/18/20 3:00 pm

A panel of MFA graduates will discuss the realities of graduate school, from choosing the best program for you, to navigating the busy schedule of a grad student, as well as transitioning out into the profession. This panel is discussion-based with plenty of time for Q&A. Candidates are encouraged to bring their questions.

Presenter: Robin Sneller (East 15 Acting School)

Hilton Midtown, Sun. 1/19/20 3:00 pm

A practical workshop with Robin Sneller, Head of the MA and MFA Acting International course at East 15 Acting School in the UK.

This workshop uses textual examples and material from your memorized monologue to explore ways to connect, reconnect, and express yourself emotionally and intellectually through the text. The session will give you methods, tools, and approaches that will help you find your journey through the thought and be in the moment with the word.

Actors attending this workshop should come prepared to work on a memorized Shakespeare monologue from their repertoire.

Presenter: Tom Lapke (Six Legions Media)

Hilton Midtown, Mon. 1/20/20 3:00 pm

The days of hitting the ground running with just a headshot are over. Today’s actor needs a reel to even be considered for film and TV projects. In this class, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of actor reels.  From getting footage, to choosing which footage to use, and how to put together a reel that is a successful instrument for furthering your acting careers.

Presenter: Allison Jones (Kryolan), Caroline Rein (Kryolan)

Palmer House Hilton, Wed. 1/22/20 9:00 am

Presented by Kryolan, an industry leading professional make-up creator and supplier, learn the art of costume distressing and how Kryolan products can help you achieve the perfect look.

Presenter: Charles Murdock Lucas (San Diego State University)

Palmer House Hilton, Thur. 1/23/20 9:00 am

Advancements in technology have made Digital Painting more than just a 1:1 replacement for traditional media. It is a flexible, powerful, and fully expressive method of developing the design idea for the busy freelance artist.  This session will introduce participants to digital “Brush Painting” which uses brush tools to emulate the painterly qualities of traditional media, and “System Painting” which relies on non-brush techniques to create images. The presenter will discuss and demonstrate digital rendering techniques they have developed and use as part of their regular professional practice. The session will include discussion of the latest graphics tablets and software.

Presenter: William “Bill” Digneit (Northern Michigan University)

Palmer House Hilton, Thur. 1/23/20 2:15 – 3:00 pm

Students are invited to join a discussion with the current production manager for the LDI Conference Program, William “Bill” Digneit (Northern Michigan University). Bill will focus on how to apply your theater skill sets to other employment opportunities. The session will encourage students to think outside of the box, looking beyond theater, when it comes to technical career choices after graduation.

Participants are welcome to bring their lunch to this session

Presenter: Frank Brault (Vectorworks)

Palmer House Hilton, Fri. 1/24/20 9:00 am

Discover how Vectorworks tools can help you to realize all of your design concepts. Across disciplines, Vectorworks has software solutions to help bring your ideas to life and take your designs to the next level.

Presenter: Matt Walters, United Scenic Artists Local USA829

Palmer House Hilton, Fri. 1/24/20 2:15 – 3:00 pm

A discussion with Matt Walters (Central Region Business Representative of United Scenic Artists Local USA829) about the many challenges and decisions early career designers face. Learn to critically examine and evaluate the different types of design work, teaching opportunities, when to join the Union, and what to consider when looking at graduate school. Bring along any questions!

Participants are welcome to bring their lunch to this session.

Presenter: Paul Shillinger (Parlights)

Palmer House Hilton, Sat. 1/25/20 9:00 am

Presenter: Tracy Nunnally (Northern Illinois University)

Palmer House Hilton, Sat. 1/25/20 8:00 pm

What does a TD do? Am I cut out for it? What do I need to know? Is college/university the right way to go? The multi-faceted job of the Technical Director can be one of the most rewarding roles in the entertainment industry. Join professional Technical Director, Tracy Nunnally, for a discussion of the role of the Technical Director in today’s theatrical setting.

Presenter: James Thomas (Wayne State University)

Palmer House Hilton, Sat. 1/25/20 3:00 pm

Active Analysis is the innovative rehearsal method Stanislavsky developed in his final years. By uniting “mental analysis” and “etudes,” Active Analysis puts an end to the mind-body dualism and formalized text memorization that traditional rehearsal methods foster. Thomas is the author of A Director’s Guide to Stanislavsky’s Active Analysis. He will historicize and explain Active Analysis from a director’s perspective and for actors who seek to enhance their creative involvement in the process of play production.

Panelists: Michele Vazquez (actor), James Knight (actor)

Palmer House Hilton, Sun. 1/26/20 3:00 pm

A panel of MFA graduates will discuss the realities of graduate school, from choosing the best program for you, to navigating the busy schedule of a grad student, as well as transitioning out into the profession. This panel is discussion-based with plenty of time for Q&A. Candidates are encouraged to bring their questions.

Presenter: Rebecca Curl (Kryolan)

Palmer House Hilton, Mon. 1/27/20 3:00 pm

Presented by Kryolan, an industry leading professional make-up creator and supplier, learn the transformative art of special effects make-up. In today’s session, we will focus on old age make-up.

Presenter: Jennifer Hasty

UCLA, Fri. 1/31/2020 3:00 pm

There are many pathways into the acting profession. LA actor, Jennifer Hasty, will share her journey into the industry and share tips she’s learned along the way.  Candidates are encouraged to bring their questions.

Panelists: Israel López (actor)

UCLA, Sat. 2/1/2020 3:00 pm

A panel of MFA graduates will discuss the realities of graduate school, from choosing the best program for you, to navigating the busy schedule of a grad student, as well as transitioning out into the profession. This panel is discussion-based with plenty of time for Q&A. Candidates are encouraged to bring their questions.