Alfred University Performance Design and Technology students and faculty recently attended the United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) Upstate New York Regional Winter Meeting and Job Fair in Syracuse.
Alfred University students attending the recent United State Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) Upstate New York Regional Winter Meeting and Job Fair in Syracuse.
Photo by Marketa Fantova
The event served as a professional bridge, allowing students to meet with numerous professional theatre companies seeking apprentices and interns for the upcoming summer season. It featured a robust lineup of organizations offering professional employment, internships, and apprenticeships.
Participating companies included Tri-Cities Opera, The Rev Theatre, Playhouse Stage Company, The Glimmerglass Festival, Geva Theatre, NETworks Touring, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Barrington Stage, and The Kitchen Theatre Ithaca. “All of our students were interviewed at least once. This opportunity is very important in bridging students from academic and college level production and design work into the industry. By attending they get a closer look from the hiring companies, and for many students this is their first experience with a professional interview.
Beyond student networking, the department’s faculty contributed their expertise to the event’s educational programming. Professor and Designer Markéta Fantová presented an information session focused on Robe Lighting and the NRG (Next Robe Generation) program, which bridges the gap between students and the lighting industry. Simultaneously, Technical Director Zachary Hamm led a hands-on workshop dedicated to the essential craft of knot tying, reinforcing the foundational technical skills required in professional backstage environments.
The participation of both students and faculty at the USITT Regional Meeting underscores the commitment of the Performance Design and Technology department to maintaining high industry standards and fostering direct connections with professional peers. By engaging with major touring networks, regional houses, summer stock the program continues to position its students for success in the field.
