Hands-On Labs
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 Long Beach Convention Center unless otherwise noted in the session description on the schedule.
Advance registration is required for many of the hands-on lab classes. Labs classes can be added during your initial USITT26 registration process. If you have already registered for USITT26, 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.
ADD A HANDS-ON LAB TO YOUR EXISTING REGISTRATION!
REGISTER FOR USITT26
COSTUME DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY LABS
Hands-on labs focused on costume techniques including tailoring, textiles, regalia, prop construction, and special effects for costuming. Presented by the Costume Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Tailoring Fundamentals: Setting the Canvas | 9:00–10:30 AM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Textile Tactics | 12:30–2:00 PM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Native American Regalia of the Great Lakes Region: History, Examples, and Techniques | 4:30–6:00 PM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Crafting for Costumes, Sets, and Props Using Pepakura | 9:00–10:30 AM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Mud and Blood: Reversible and Wash-Resistant Solutions for Costuming | 2:00–3:30 PM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Mud and Blood: Reversible and Wash-Resistant Solutions for Costuming | 4:00–5:30 PM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Distressing Fluids | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
Distressing Fluids | 12:30–2:00 PM | Costume Lab, Expo Hall C
BROADCAST LABS
The broadcast light labs a lab for attendees to learn the basics of broadcast lighting. Topics of interest include lighting with LED backdrops, balancing light for the camera. Presented by the Lighting Design & Technology Commission.
HAIR & MAKEUP LABS
Hands-on labs focused on foundational and advanced hair and makeup techniques for costume designers, including ventilating, facial hair construction, drawing for anatomy, and genre-driven design approaches. Presented by the Costume Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Ventilating for Beginners | 9:00–10:30 AM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
Crafting a Mustache | 12:30–2:00 PM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
From Head to Toe: Drawing Heads, Hands, and Feet for Costume Designers | 4:30–6:00 PM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Ventilating for Beginners | 9:00–10:30 AM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
Crafting a Mustache | 2:00–3:30 PM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
Leading the Horror / Unleashing the Legacy | 4:00–5:30 PM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Leading the Horror / Unleashing the Legacy | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
Figure Drawing for Designers | 12:30–2:00 PM | Hair and Makeup Lab, Expo Hall C
DIGITAL MEDIA EMERGING TECHNOLOGY LABS
An immersive space for content creation and projection experiments. Attendees can work with multiple software platforms and projector setups to explore surfaces of different shapes and textures, testing content in real-time. Get hands-on with the latest in digital theater technology! Experiment with Projection Blending, 3D Object Mapping, and media 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! All levels are welcome.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Digital Media Lab – Thursday Morning | 9:00–10:45 AM | 202C Digital Media Lab
Digital Media Lab – Thursday Afternoon | 3:00–6:00 PM | 202C Digital Media Lab
Friday, March 20, 2026
Speedy Masking Techniques for Amateur Projectioners | 9:45–11:00 AM | 202C Digital Media Lab
Digital Media Lab – Friday Afternoon | 1:30–6:00 PM | 202C Digital Media Lab
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Digital Media Lab – Saturday | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | 202C Digital Media Lab
LIGHTING DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY LABS
Hands-on opportunities to explore lighting fixtures and control systems in an open, educational environment. Participants can experiment with equipment, ask questions, and build practical skills without a sales focus. Presented by the Lighting Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Light Lab – Thursday Morning | 9:00–10:45 AM | 204 Light Lab
Light Lab – Thursday Afternoon | 12:30–6:00 PM | 204 Light Lab
Friday, March 20, 2026
Light Lab – Friday Morning | 9:0Tahoma0–11:00 AM | 204 Light Lab
Light Lab – Friday Afternoon | 12:30–6:00 PM | 204 Light Lab
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Light Lab – Saturday | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | 204 Light Lab
MANAGEMENT LABS
New for the 2026 Management Lab, test your skills calling cues in our show call simulator! NO SIGN UP NECESSARY!!! First Come, First Serve! Join us in the Management Lab microsessions for labs on negotiation techniques; resolving conflicts, contract negotiation, requesting accommodations, as well as the show call simulator our most interactive and collaborative lab to date. We can't wait to see you. Come join the fun! Presented by the Management Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Introduction to Negotiations – Resolving a conflict with a co-worker | 9:00–10:00 AM | S–Ballroom B: PRIMP
Introduction to Negotiations – Resolving a conflict with a person in authority | 1:00–2:00 PM | S–Ballroom B: PRIMP
Stage Management Cue Calling | 12:30–3:00 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Stage Management Cue Calling | 4:30–6:00 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Taping Out the Rehearsal Room - Hands-on Stations | 5:00–6:00 PM | Meet at the lobby and patio area near 104B MGT (the Management Home Room)
Friday, March 20, 2026
Stage Management Cue Calling | 9:00–11:00 AM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Stage Management Cue Calling | 12:30–3:15 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Introduction to Negotiations – Negotiating a Contract | 12:45–1:45 PM | S–Ballroom B: PRIMP
Intermediate Negotiations – Touring Contract Negotiation | 2:00–3:00 PM | S–Ballroom B: PRIMP
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Stage Management Show Calling | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Taping Out the Rehearsal Room- Hands-on Stations | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Meet at the lobby and patio area near 104B MGT (the Management Home Room)
Introduction to Negotiations – Requesting an accommodation in the workplace | 11:45 AM–12:45 PM | S–Ballroom B: PRIMP
Intermediate Negotiations – Touring Contract Negotiation | 1:00–2:00 PM | S–Ballroom B: PRIMP
PAINT LAB
The paint lab is mixing up some exciting hands-on workshops this year for USITT26. This year our hands-on workshops will be covering scenic painting techniques including glitter application, woodgrain, reflective surfaces, velour, stained glass, foliage, and drapery sketching. Attendees are encouraged to experiment and refine skills with guidance from expert artists. Presented by the Scenic Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Donut Underestimate Glazes, Tinted Sealers for Fast, Faux, and Fabulous Finishes | 9:00–10:30 AM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Paint Lab – Rotating Still Life Drawing | 12:30–6:00 PM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Paint Lab – Seeing the Forest AND the Trees – Painting on Scrim | 2:00–4:00 PM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Paint Lab – “Brick It Up” | 9:00–11:00 AM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Paint Lab – Rotating Still Life Drawing | 9:00–11:00 AM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Marble Explored: Painting Techniques for Eastern and Continental Styles | 12:30–2:00 PM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Paint Lab – Painting for the Movies | 2:00–6:00 PM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
The Scenic of Painting: Geometry, Math, and Magic | 9:00–10:30 AM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Paint Lab – Rotating Still Life Drawing | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
Paint Lab – Scenic Artist Website Tips | 11:00 AM–12:30 PM | Paint Lab, Expo Hall C
PROPS LAB
The Props lab this year really runs the gamut of skills used by the scenic designer and technician/practitioner! Learn 2D and 3D prop techniques, from hand drafting and graphic design to upcycling, advanced upholstery, and thermoplastics. Participants can experiment with a variety of projects under expert guidance. AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thursday, March 19, 2026
random objects become art | 9:00–10:30 AM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Picture This; Emotional Context in Design | 12:30–1:45 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Building A Better Model Box Utilizing Laser Cutting & 3D Extrusion Technology | 3:00–4:15 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Making a Model Staircase | 4:45–6:00 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Hand Drafting; Orthographic Projections. Revisit classic techniques to solidify a strong foundation of mindful design. | 9:00–10:30 AM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Painting Scenic Models | 12:30–1:45 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Molding and Casting Tips and Techniques | 2:30–3:45 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Hand Drafting; Orthographic Projections. Revisit classic techniques to solidify a strong foundation of mindful design. | 4:30–6:00 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Electricity and Electronics for props | 9:00–10:15 AM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
random objects become art | 12:00–1:30 PM | Props Lab, Expo Hall C
SAFETY & HEALTH LAB
Hands-on labs designed to strengthen safety awareness, ergonomic practices, PPE familiarity, and health-conscious techniques in theatre production. Presented by the Safety & Health Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Morning Movement | 9:00–10:45 AM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Ask the Expert | 12:00–1:30 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
PPE Petting Zoo – Open Lab Time | 1:45–3:15 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Heat Safety Awareness | 3:30–4:30 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
PPE Petting Zoo – Open Lab Time | 4:45–6:00 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Morning Movement | 9:00–11:00 AM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Environmental Awareness | 12:30–1:30 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
PPE Petting Zoo – Open Lab Time | 1:45–3:15 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Ask the Expert | 3:30–4:30 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
PPE Petting Zoo – Open Lab Time | 4:45–6:00 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Morning Movement | 9:00–10:00 AM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
Ask the Expert – Rigging Safety | 10:15–11:15 AM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
PPE Petting Zoo | 11:30 AM–2:00 PM | Safety and Health Lab, Expo Hall C
SOLDERING LABS
Hands-on sessions focused on developing practical soldering skills for theatrical and production environments, including connector repair and open lab time for practice with guidance from experienced technicians. Presented by the Lighting Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Connector Soldering, how to finally tackle that bad cable pile | 9:00–10:45 AM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
Soldering Lab | 12:30–6:00 PM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Connector Soldering, how to finally tackle that bad cable pile | 9:00–11:00 AM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
LED Match/Cigarette Construction | 12:30–1:30 PM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
Advanced Soldering for Theatrical Scale Models | 3:30–4:30 PM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
Soldering Lab walk in time | 1:30–3:30 PM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
Soldering Lab walk in time | 4:30–6:00 PM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Soldering Lab walk in time | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Soldering Lab, Expo Hall C
SOUNDLAND
Come to the Grand Ballroom and experience SoundLand: a miniature theme park and the Sound Design & Technology Commission's Sound Lab. SoundLand is a playground where you can experience the myriad aspects of designing, producing, and operating sound for themed entertainment. You can try out all the technology and see the backstage operations of this unique venue. Presented by the Sound Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
SoundLand Open Session Time I | 9:00–10:30 AM | Grand Ballroom 1/2 SND and Sound Lab
SoundLand Open Session Time II | 12:30–6:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 1/2 SND and Sound Lab
Friday, March 20, 2026
SoundLand Open Session Time III | 9:00–11:00 AM | Grand Ballroom 1/2 SND and Sound Lab
SoundLand Open Session Time 4 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Grand Ballroom 1/2 SND and Sound Lab
SoundLand Open Session Time 5 | 12:30–6:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 1/2 SND and Sound Lab
SoundLand Open Session Time 6 | 12:30–6:00 PM | Grand Ballroom 1/2 SND and Sound Lab
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION LAB
This year in Long Beach, use a popular web-based simulator to build a digital model of a simple effect and demonstrate some simple solutions to challenges new Arduino enthusiasts often make Work with industry professionals, learning or practicing existing knot tying skills. We'll have rope and webbing on hand. In the mechanical advantage lab, folks will have the opportunity to build multiple types of mechanical advantage systems and see their effects. Presented by the Lighting Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
The Game of Sustainable Strike | 9:00–10:45 AM | Technical Production Lab, Expo Hall C
Oscilloscope training for the entertainment electrician | 12:30–2:15 PM | Technical Production Lab, Expo Hall C
Knot Tying and Rope Work Lab | 4:30–6:00 PM | Technical Production Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Introduction to Arduino Controlled Stage Effects–Part One | 9:00–11:00 AM | Technical Production Lab, Expo Hall C
Taming the Paper Tiger–Automating Paperwork for Lists | 12:30–2:00 PM | Technical Production Lab, Expo Hall C
Introduction to Arduino Controlled Stage Effects–Part Two | 4:30–6:00 PM | Technical Production Lab, Expo Hall C
TROUBLESHOOTING LABS
Hands-on labs focused on diagnosing and resolving common technical issues across lighting, sound, and production systems. Participants will work through real-world scenarios to strengthen problem-solving skills and build confidence in identifying and fixing issues efficiently. Presented by the Lighting Design & Technology Commission.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Troubleshooting Lab – Thursday Morning | 9:00–10:45 AM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Troubleshooting Lab – Thursday Afternoon | 12:30–6:00 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Friday, March 20, 2026
Troubleshooting Lab – Friday Morning | 9:00–11:00 AM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Troubleshooting Lab – Friday Afternoon | 12:30–6:00 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Troubleshooting Lab – Saturday | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Troubleshooters Lab, Expo Hall C
EXHIBITOR LAB SESSIONS
LED Wall Lab
Theater production has always relied on creative stagecraft, lighting, and set design to transport audiences into different worlds. However, the introduction of LED walls has brought an unprecedented transformation, allowing for dynamic, immersive, and visually stunning experiences. Stop by our booth and learn how LED walls are revolutionizing the industry.
ChamSys Lab
Thursday, March 19, 2026
ChamSys QuickQ – Introduction, A Simple Console for Complex Fixtures | 1:00–1:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys QuickQ – Step Up Your QuickQ Programming | 2:00–2:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys QuickQ – Introduction, A Simple Console for Complex Fixtures | 3:00–3:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys QuickQ – Step Up Your QuickQ Programming | 4:00–4:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
Friday, March 20, 2026
ChamSys MagicQ – Introduction, Console Set Up, and Principles | 11:00–11:40 AM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys MagicQ – Theatre Programming, Tracking, and Timing | 1:00–1:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys MagicQ – Busking for Beginners “It’s All Rock and Roll to Me” | 2:00–2:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys MagicQ – Theatre Programming, Tracking, and Timing | 3:00–3:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys MagicQ – Busking for Beginners “It’s All Rock and Roll to Me” | 4:00–4:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
Saturday, March 21, 2026
ChamSys Q&A | 10:00–10:40 AM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ChamSys Q&A | 12:00–12:40 PM | Chamsys Lab Booth #761 – Expo Floor
ADD A HANDS-ON LAB TO YOUR EXISTING REGISTRATION!
REGISTER FOR USITT26
