Advance registration is required for many of the hands-on lab classes. Labs classes can be added during your initial USITT25 registration process. If you have already registered for USITT25, labs can be added by going to your Attendee Service Center. See your registration confirmation email for additional instructions on how to access and edit your registration. 

Our hands-on labs are extremely popular and a staple in many of our attendees' Conference schedules! Please be respectful and limit your lab selections to only your must-attend favorites to give others an opportunity to share in these free, hands-on experiences. 

While some lab experiences have walk-up opportunities that do not require registration, and others offer a sign-up in the description, participation in lab sessions is limited. However, there will be observation seating available! All labs can be found in the Columbus Convention Center | Exhibit Hall B unless otherwise noted in the session description on the schedule.

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Automation Lab

An interactive lab space to use and learn automation basics. Work with equipment from Creative Conners and TAIT to move deck tracks, turntables, and more. Learn the basics of programming and limit switches. Try your hand at reaving a winch. Talk with professionals about how to safely work around and with these machines. All are welcome and encouraged to use the equipment.

Costume Design & Technology Lab

We are DYEing to tell you about our plans for 2025 Costume Design and Technology Lab! The first half of these lab sessions will cover dying, chemical safety, and wig coloring. While the other half will go over topics like EVA foam, bioplastics, and troubleshooting trousers, restoration of antique garments, working with leather, and how to use color for the costume designer. 

Hair & Makeup Lab

Our reimagined Hair & Makeup Lab is back for more in 2025! Come learn and experiment with Theatrical makeup for the 21st century, universal rollersets, easily modify the color of your wig, and ventilating for beginners. 
 

Digital Media Emerging Technology Lab

Get hands-on with the latest in digital theater technology! Experiment with Projection Blending, 3D Object Mapping, and media servers like Watchout, QLab, LightAct and PIXERA. Compare how projections transform on different materials and bring your creative ideas to life. Don’t just learn—create! 
 

Lighting Design & Technology Lab

The Lighting Lab is an educational experience space containing various lighting fixtures and consoles you can explore and learn with, without a sales pitch. A fully hands-on experience. All level of experience and walk-ins are welcome! In collaboration with Barbizon Lighting Company. Sign up links for lab are located in session descriptions. 
 

Management Lab

Paint Lab

The paint lab is mixing up some exciting hands-on workshops this year for Columbus, with Skills labs like how to work intelligently with glitter and how to rock your woodgrain and a paint challenge in shiny objects. Workshop topics include painting on velour, stained glass, foliage and flowers, reflections, sketching drapery, and so much more! This year we are incorporating a few new sessions like “Scenic Art Master Class Live!” featuring Rachel Keebler, Susan Crabtree, Claire Dana, Karen Maness. Come by pick up a brush, get your hands dirty, and try it out!

Physics of Theatre Lab

New this year, the Physics of Theatre Lab will explore just how tied in physics is to theatre. Partnering with UIUC and NIU, the physics of theatre lab will feature interactive elements and demonstrations such as: Friction table, Atwood machine, bridle tower, bendy beam, beam loading demo, etc.

Props Lab

The Props lab this year really runs the gamut of skills used by the scenic designer and technician/practitioner! There are 2d skills like revisiting the foundations with hand drafting, hands on graphic design for props, to using Adobe products to build graphics or webpages. There are 3d skill sessions also like taking trash to make treasure, advanced upholstery, and an introduction to thermoplastics. AND SO MUCH MORE!

Soldering Lab

Step into an engaging, hands-on soldering lab where you'll dive into the very important skill of soldering, no experience needed! In this lab, you'll have the freedom to explore soldering techniques at your own pace, from understanding the basics, to creating small projects you can take pride in. Enjoy open lab time to practice, experiment, and develop confidence under the guidance of skilled professionals. Whether you're a complete beginner or just brushing up, this lab is your gateway to mastering the foundational techniques of soldering in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. While much of the conference the lab is available for walk up hours, the following require pre-registration: 

Sound Lab

This sound studio 2025 is made up of three intimate, interactive spaces that will allow for the exploration of industry-leading software and hardware. Three rooms with different speaker arrangements, consoles, and seating arrangements to allow participants to test and discover. To encourage exploration by beginners and experienced designers, all stations will be available for guided and individual explorations throughout USITT25. Attendees can stop by anytime to play and engage in exciting practical experience with industry-leading software in a low-pressure and rewarding environment!
 

Technical Production Lab

The 2025 Technical Production lab includes chain hoists for non-riggers, destructive testing, and a hands on survey and layout lab. 

Troubleshooting Lab

Unlock the mysteries of troubleshooting in this hands-on lab, designed to boost your skills in a variety of areas (lighting, sound, and technical production). Learn to troubleshoot lighting gear, sound gear, networking, coms systems and ultimately signal flow. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned technicians, this session dives into practical, real-world scenarios that require quick, effective problem-solving. Work through interactive setups to identify, diagnose, and resolve common technical issues that can arise in production environments. You'll leave with a sharper eye for troubleshooting, a toolkit of diagnostic techniques, and the confidence to tackle issues with ease.

ADD A HANDS-ON LAB TO YOUR EXISTING REGISTRATION

REGISTER FOR USITT25