USITT25 Mentorship
Gateway Program
Learn about the Gateway Program from our USITT24 Cohort!
USITT’s Gateway Program was launched in 2014 in memory of our colleague, Tayneshia Jefferson, who fought for underrepresented populations in the industry. This unique, customizable mentorship program fosters opportunities for those who identify with an underrepresented population. It allows an individual to work with a mentor to tailor their learning goals and career development while attending the upcoming conference with the financial support of USITT. In addition, mentees gain access to a vast network of industry professionals to learn from and engage with during their time at USITT and beyond.
The Gateway Program is a brave space with the intention of building community. It provides the tools and resources to empower our mentees and mentors by working to cultivate intentional, lasting relationships through collaborative, community-based mentorship. It is also a training program that will provide some career development curriculum and other resources to mentees during their time at the USITT Conference. This program is for students currently enrolled in an academic program or recently graduated, individuals re-entering the industry, and folks seeking resources that have not been easily accessible to them during their time spent in the arts.Learn More
Carolyn Satter Production Management Mentorship Project
Our inaugural Carolyn Satter Production Management Mentorship Program (Satter PMMP), generously funded by Immediate Past President and Fellow, Carolyn A. Satter, is here to support an individual who has begun their professional career as a production manager in live entertainment by providing the chance to manage events and connect with a production manager mentor at our Annual Conference & Stage Expo.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at how USITT puts on one of the largest live entertainment gatherings in the country while you grow your skill set managing large-scale Conference events. Network with industry movers and shakers, expand your experience in the professional world of production management, and do it all with your mentor by your side! Your mentor will be a well-established production manager. They will guide you through each event and become a fixture in your career growth, lending their advice, skills, and knowledge to you for a year post-conference and beyond.
Stage Management Mentor Project
Hear about the program from our USITT24 participants here!
Selected applicants will be paired with a mentor and assigned the role of stage manager or assistant stage manager for up to three events at our 2025 Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Participation in roundtable discussions about stage management and related areas and skills are also part of the agenda
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Student Engagement Grants
Student Engagement Grants, funded by Howard Vincent Kurtz, Professor Emeritus of Costume Design and USITT Costume Commissioner, encourage and support emerging theatre artists—the future of our industry. These grants support academic expenses such as research, travel to conferences or research institutions, and project completion — including supplementing a realized production. Grants cannot, however, be used for student loan repayment.
These grants are given annually and provide financial assistance to USITT Student Members with up to $1,200 to support academic costs and a complimentary full conference registration for USITT25 in Columbus!
Grant winners will also be matched with a mentor in their discipline of theatre design and technology. Their chosen mentor will work with them for a minimum of six months from the time of award. This six-month period offers time for mentorship, education, and a solid foundation to build a lasting relationship. Up to two grants will be awarded annually.
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Student Ambassador Program
The Student Ambassador Program is an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in conversation with renowned international designers and theatre experts attending the annual conference. Three student USITT members will each be paired with one of the three visiting international guests with shared areas of focus. This connection is intended to encourage international networking between early designers/technicians and our global colleagues.
Learn More and Apply
Conference Assistants
Learn about being a Conference Assistant from our USITT24 team here!
As we gear up for our Annual Conference & Stage Expo, we know it takes a dedicated team of hundreds to make it happen. Once again, we’re turning to our Members for support. Join us as a Conference Assistant, and enroll in a one-of-a-kind industry mentor experience. Plus, secure your spot at the conference for only $25!
Conference Assistant positions are highly sought after each year. Make sure to apply early for these positions. You will be able to work in all areas of Conference such as venue set-up, stage expo floor, bookstore, registration, and more! Conference Assistant positions are available on a first-come, first serve basis. DO NOT WAIT TO APPLY!
The chance to take part in this hands-on mentoring experience in large-scale event production is a member benefit. As such, you must be a current USITT member to be considered. If you are not a member, you must join before you apply. Upon acceptance into the program, you will receive a link to use to register which will give you an exclusive $25 rate*.
The benefits of our Conference Assistant Mentorship Program do not end when the Conference closes. You will have the exclusive opportunity to engage with National Office staff and professionals in the industry through a series of webinars throughout the next year. Additionally, you will receive a code allowing you to take the BACKstage exam at no charge to measure your backstage skills.
Apply Here
