Best USITT Podcasts (2025)

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Barbizon’s Kearston Dillard-Scott and the USITT25 Lighting Lab 1:09:15

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10M ago1:09:15

1:09:15

On this week’s episode, we chatted with lighting designer and Barbizon Lighting Company Senior Sales Associate Kearston Dillard-Scott about the USITT25 Lighting Lab presented by the Lighting Design & Technology Commission in collaboration with Barbizon Lighting Company. Get insider knowledge of the lab, learn the positives of taking selling out of …

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Dive Into Wenger's Rigging Guide for Performance Spaces with Wenger Consultant Partnership Manager and Systems Integrator Eric Huss 36:50

11M ago36:50

36:50

This week we chatted with ETCP certified Rigger, Consultant Partnership Manager, and Systems Integrator at Wenger Corporation, Eric Huss. Tune into the episode to get the details on Wenger's reimagined and vastly comprehensive Rigging Guide for Performance Spaces, how venues can go beyond the minimum standards of ADA compliance, and how you can con…

1
Breaking Down the BACKstage Exam with Dana Taylor 35:57

1y ago35:57

35:57

In this episode, we're breaking down the details of the BACKstage Exam with educator, USITT Board Member, and co-creator of the exam, Dana Taylor. Learn about how the exam came to be, how educators and students find mutual benefits within its purpose, and how you too can take part in this Basic and Comprehensive Knowledge Exam for High School Techn…

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Reflecting on the Last Year With Executive Director Laura Lee Everett 1:21:42

1y ago1:21:42

1:21:42

We chatted with Executive Director Laura Lee Everett a year and a half after her initial TECHnically Speaking interview to reflect on what she has seen, what she has experienced, what she has accomplished, and what she hopes USITT will accomplish in the coming years. TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad con…

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USITT24 Series with Tianxuan Chen — 2024 USITT Scene Design Award Winner Sponsored by Rose Brand 26:57

1y ago26:57

26:57

This week we're joined by scenic and lighting designer and 2024 winner of the USITT Scene Design Award sponsored by Rose Brand, Tianxuan Chen! We chatted with Tianxuan about her design process, using music as inspiration for design, how "inflatable tube men" can add a unique element to the stage, and more! Click here to learn more about Tianxuan an…

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USITT24 Series with Nancy Uffner — DAA in Education Winner 21:31

1+ y ago21:31

21:31

On this week's episode, we chat with stage manager and educator Nancy Uffner, our 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) winner for her work in Education. Join us as we ask Nancy about her career highlights, her approach to stage management, what advice she has for the next generation, and more! Click here to listen to the episode or search "TE…

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USITT24 Series with Annie Hennen — 2024 USITT Stage Management Award Winner Sponsored by Clear-Com Communications Systems 16:39

1+ y ago16:39

16:39

This week we're joined by stage manager and 2024 winner of the USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com Communications Systems, Annie Hennen! We chatted with Annie about their stage management style, their time at the Santa Fe Opera, a holy grail backstage product they always have on them, and more! Click here to learn more about Annie a…

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USITT24 Series with Tiara Jones — 2024 USITT Makeup Design Award Winner sponsored by Kryolan Professional Make-Up 25:38

1+ y ago25:38

25:38

This week we're joined by licensed cosmetologist, makeup artist, wig designer, and 2024 winner of the USITT Makeup Design Award sponsored by Kryolan Professional Make-Up, Tiara Jones! We chatted with Tiara about her work in fashion, makeup, and wig design, her holy grail makeup product, the challenges she's faced as a young professional, her creati…

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USITT24 Series with Anastasia Goodwin — 2024 Herbert D. Greggs Honor Award Winner 32:41

1+ y ago32:41

32:41

On this week's episode, we spoke with costume designer, educator, and 2024 Herbert D. Greggs Honor Award winner, Anastasia Goodwin about her winning article, "The Costume History Classroom as Laboratory" which appeared in the Fall 2022 issue of our journal Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T). We chatted with Anastasia about her passion for education…

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Sound Designer Kyle W. Jensen and the Power of Membership 34:18

1+ y ago34:18

34:18

Have you ever wondered how to get more out of your USITT Membership? Are you curious about opportunities like committee involvement and Board fellowship? Join us for this week's episode as we chat with sound designer, past Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellow, committee member, and donor Kyle. W. Jensen. Click here to learn more about Kyle and the Sher…

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Minisode: Meet Our Incoming Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellow Dani Ranisate! 15:29

1+ y ago15:29

15:29

On this week's episode, we sat down with our incoming Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellow and scenic artist, Dani Ranisate. We chatted about her process of being selected for the fellowship, her work on forming a USITT Student Chapter, the connections she's made with our Board of Directors, and more! Help us welcome Dani to the Board! Click here to le…

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USITT24 Series with Xotchil Musser — 2024 YDMT Barbizon Lighting Company Jonathan Resnick Lighting Design Award Winner 19:16

1+ y ago19:16

19:16

On this week's episode, we sat down with special guest Xotchil Musser — our 2024 Barbizon Lighting Company Jonathan Resnick Lighting Design Award winner, to talk about their design process, their study of the connection between lighting and mental health, advocacy for anti-racist theatre, and more. Click here to learn more about Xotchil Musser and …

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USITT24 Series with Dawn Chiang — DAA in Lighting Design and Technology Winner 40:01

1+ y ago40:01

40:01

On this week's episode, we chat with Lighting Designer Dawn Chiang, our 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) winner for her work in Lighting Design and Technology. Join us as we ask Dawn about her creative process, impactful industry relationships, her work on the Great White Way, and more! To learn more about Dawn and the DAA for Lighting De…

1
Mental Health Tools and Resources with Behind the Scenes 21:07

1+ y ago21:07

21:07

*Trigger warning: This episode touches on the topics of mental health, suicide, substance abuse, bullying, and therapy. Please listen with caution. Over the past month, we partnered with the Behind the Scenes charity to share their resources on Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention, bystander intervention, and more for Mental Health Awareness…

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USITT24 Series with William Lowe — 2024 Rising Star Award Winner 44:07

1+ y ago44:07

44:07

On this week's episode, we're joined by theatrical and game audio designer and our 2024 Rising Star Award winner, William Lowe. Join us as we chat about the storytelling of sound, how keeping up with industry trends can be a full-time job, and working in the vast world of game audio design. To learn more about William and the Rising Star Award spon…

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USITT24 Series with Andrew Riedemann — 2024 YDMT Bernhard R. Works, Frederick A. Buerki Scenic Technology Award Winner 29:54

1+ y ago29:54

29:54

On this week's episode, We sat down with special guest Andrew Riedemann— our 2024 Bernhard R. Works, Frederick A. Buerki Scenic Technology Award winner, to talk about the live entertainment industry, life in technical production, working overseas, and more! Click here to learn more about Andrew Riedemann and the Bernhard R. Works, Frederick A. Buer…

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USITT24 Series with Aholibama Castañeda González — 2024 YDMT KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award Winner 22:42

1+ y ago22:42

22:42

On this week's episode, we sat down with special guest Aholibama Castañeda González — our 2024 KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award winner, to talk about the live entertainment industry, technical production in the festival world, what the award means to them, and what’s next in their career! Click here to learn more about Aholibama Castañed…

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2024 Student Engagement Grant Winner Marisa Lawrence 16:10

1+ y ago16:10

16:10

TECHnically Speaking is back with a brand new episode featuring 2024 Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant winner and interdisciplinary artist, Marisa Lawrence! In this episode we chat with Marisa about her research on integrative Costume Technology applications beyond the stage and screen, how she keeps up with the ever-evolving tech world…

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USITT23 Series with Huhao Yang — 2023 YDMT Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award Winner 17:08

2y ago17:08

17:08

This week we're joined by USITT23 Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award winner and sound designer, Huhao Yang. From designing in China during his undergraduate studies to his large-scale work with Toyota and Wyndham, we covered it all in this week’s episode! Click here to learn more about Huhao Yang and the Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award…

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USITT23 Series with David Budries — 2023 DAA for Sound Design & Technology Winner 23:29

2y ago23:29

23:29

This week we're joined by sound designer and 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) for Sound Design & Technology winner, David Budries. We chatted about about his illustrious career in sound that he assures us is NOT over — even now during his retirement, his passion for the industry, where he gathers design inspiration, and how he paved his o…

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USITT23 Series with Ying-Syuan Zeng — 2023 YDMT USITT Makeup Design Award sponsored by Kryolan Professional Make-Up Winner 8:02

2y ago8:02

8:02

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by visual artist and 2023 USITT Makeup Design Award sponsored by Kryolan Professional Make-Up winner, Ying-Syuan Zeng. Hear us chat about her work in many facets of the industry including wigs, makeup, and scenic design, her creative process, favorite show to work on, and more! Click here to learn more about Yin…

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USITT23 Series with M.J. Hromek — 2023 YDMT Zelma H. Weisfeld Costume Design & Technology Award Winner 11:50

2y ago11:50

11:50

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by costume designer and 2023 Zelma H. Weisfeld Costume Design & Technology Award winner, M.J. Hromek. Click below to learn about M.J’s creative process, her best advice for those new to the industry, and what this award win has meant to her. Click here to learn more about M.J. and the Zelma H. Weisfeld Costume D…

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Creation of Student Engagement Grants with Howard Vincent Kurtz 23:36

2y ago23:36

23:36

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by designer, educator, and costume commissioner Howard Vincent Kurtz to discuss the creation of Student Engagement Grants. These new grants encourage and support emerging theatre artists, and are funded by Kurtz each year to support our student members. Student Engagement Grants nominations close Nov. 9! Click h…

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USITT23 Series with Kelsea Sibold — 2023 YDMT USITT Stage Management Award Sponsored by Clear-Com Winner 14:40

2y ago14:40

14:40

On this week’s episode, we’re joined by stage manager and 2023 YDMT winner of the USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com, Kelsea Sibold. We chatted with Kelsea about her favorite events to stage manage, lessons learned from working with different teams, her best stage management advice, and more! Click here to learn more about Kelsea a…

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USITT23 Series with Mia Irwin — 2023 YDMT USITT Scene Design Award Sponsored by Rose Brand Winner 11:31

2y ago11:31

11:31

On this week’s episode we’re chatting with 2023 USITT Scene Design Award Sponsored by Rose Brand winner, Mia Irwin. We talked with Mia about her award win, her paint work on over 50 productions, her creative process, and more. Click here to learn more about Mia and the USITT Scene Design Award Sponsored by Rose Brand. All episodes of our USITT23 se…

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USITT23 Series with Adam J. Thompson — 2023 Rising Star Award Winner 24:09

2+ y ago24:09

24:09

On this week’s episode of TECHnically Speaking: USITT23 Series, we are joined by 2023 Rising Star Award winner and video designer Adam J. Thompson! We chatted about digital design, his passion for interactive and responsive design environments, and his work with The Deconstructive Theatre Project. Adam J. Thompson is a video and graphic designer wo…

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USITT23 Series with Emma Dickerson — 2023 YDMT Barbara Matera Award for Costume Making Winner 9:44

2+ y ago9:44

9:44

On this week’s episode we chatted with 2023 Barbara Matera Award for Costume Making winner, Emma Dickerson. We talked about her award win, her work for television, fil, and Broadway, what she loves about the build and design process, and more. Click here to learn more about Emma and the Barbara Matera Award for Costume Making. All episodes of our U…

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How an Industry Book Comes to Life with Cary Gillett 15:43

2+ y ago15:43

15:43

This week we’re getting an inside look at what it takes to create a book for the live entertainment industry. Stage manager, USITT Board member, and co-author of The Production Manager’s Toolkit Cary Gillett discusses how the book idea came to life, the thoughtful changes that came with the second edition, and why this book’s existence is important…

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USITT23 Series with Mia Sara Haiman — 2023 YDMT KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award Winner 7:44

2+ y ago7:44

7:44

On this week’s episode we chatted with 2023 YDMT KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award winner, Mia Sara Haiman! We discussed her work both regionally and abroad, industry challenges she’s faced, her biggest win, and more. Click here to learn more about Mia Sara Haiman and the YDMT KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award. All episodes of o…

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USITT23 Series with Elynmarie Kazle — 2023 Joel E. Rubin Founder's Award Winner 31:24

2+ y ago31:24

31:24

Join us this week as we chat with our 2023 Joel E. Rubin Founder’s Award winner, Elynmarie Kazle. On this episode we discuss Elynmarie’s long history with USITT, her favorite programs she’s been a part of, and why winning this particular award is so special to her. Click here to learn more about Elynmarie and the Joel E. Rubin Founder's Award. All …

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USITT23 Minisode with Epson & Show Sage 7:45

2+ y ago7:45

7:45

*Please note that the audio from 00:36 to 1:10 is lower in volume. This is remedied at 1:10 and does not last for the entirety of the episode.* Join us this week for our exhibitor “minisode” featuring Ramzi Shakra of Epson and Jim Hinz of Show Sage — two of our USITT23 exhibitors! We discussed their perspectives on what makes USITT a great show for…

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USITT23 Series with Judith Dolan — 2023 DAA for Education Winner 14:57

2+ y ago14:57

14:57

This week we're joined by costume designer, director, Distinguished Professor of Theatre and Dance at UC San Diego, and our 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award (DAA) for education winner, Judith Dolan. We chatted about her award win, where her passion and style of teaching stems from, what her hopes for the industry are, and what's up next for the…

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USITT23 Series — Tyler DeLong Talks One Shot Training Updates 12:35

2+ y ago12:35

12:35

On this episode of our USITT23 series, we’re featuring 2023 exhibitor Tyler DeLong of DeLong Rigging Solutions. Click below to hear us chat about upcoming updates to their successful and free One Shot Training and get the lowdown on some of their current projects Click here to experience One Shot Training. Click here to learn more about DeLong Rigg…

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USITT23 Series — Jay Sheehan Talks TPMT’s Second Edition 12:19

2+ y ago12:19

12:19

Join us this week as Jay Sheehan talks about The Production Manager’s Toolkit’s second edition, co-written with production and stage manager, Cary Gillett. We chatted about its industry importance, what to expect from this new edition, and how USITT played a role in its creation. Click here to purchase The Production Manager's Toolkit! Click here t…

1
USITT23 Series with Laura Lee Everett 41:23

2+ y ago41:23

41:23

TECHnically Speaking is back and we're kicking off our return with the first episode of our USITT23 series featuring our new Executive Director, Laura Lee Everett! Join us as Laura Lee talks about her vision for the Institute, ideas for membership, and how her relationship with USITT has grown over the last 10 years. To learn even more about Laura …

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USITT23 Series Trailer 1:15

2+ y ago1:15

1:15

Stay Tuned! Our TECHnically Speaking podcast returns NEXT FRIDAY with our USITT23 series. These new episodes feature USITT Executive Director Laura Lee Everett, 2023 award winners, members, exhibitors, and more!By USITT

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Expand Your Industry Connections with Rachel Stiles 36:48

3y ago36:48

36:48

Join us for this week’s episode with Rachel Stiles of Stage Creatives Network as we talk all things industry networking. Want to improve your resume? Need to perfect your pitch? Interested in more than one facet of the industry? We chatted about it all! Rachel Stiles is a union member, makeup/wig artist, dresser, and industry/career coach residing …

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Kim Welborn Talks Turning Trash Into Opera 50:42

3y ago50:42

50:42

We’re back! Join us for this week’s podcast episode where we’re joined by Opera in the Ozarks’ costume designer, Kim Welborn. We chatted with Kim about her work on Opera in the Ozarks' recent re-envisioned production of The Magic Flute. What makes it re-envisioned? Its eco-conscious spin to the storyline and costumes constructed one hundred percent…

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USITT22 Series with Dick Block 21:50

3y ago21:50

21:50

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode we sat down with Distinguished Achievement Award for Education winner, Dick Block. Dick Block began his career as an educator over four decades ago after receiving his degree at Northwestern University and has been privil…

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USITT22 Series with Michael Hooker 14:11

3+ y ago14:11

14:11

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode we sat down with sound designer and 2022 Distinguished Achievement Award for Sound winner, Michael Hooker. We chatted with Michael about his long legacy and involvement with USITT, themed entertainment work, his experienc…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Zhang Yu 15:12

3+ y ago15:12

15:12

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the Zelma H. Weisfeld Costume Design & Technology Award, Zhang Yu. Zhang Yu is a costume designer with professional experience in theater, opera, musical, dance and Chinese traditiona…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Kevin Lee McBee 11:28

3+ y ago11:28

11:28

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the USITT Scene Design Award Sponsored by Rose Brand, Kevin Lee McBee. We chatted about his work on and off the traditional stage, both in theme parks and museums, as well as his desi…

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Jody Harris - USITT's Director of Sales and Events 8:54

3+ y ago8:54

8:54

This week’s episode features USITT’s own Jody Harris! Jody joined the USITT team three years ago as our meeting planner and has most recently become our Director of Sales and Events. We chatted about her new role, future goals for the Institute, and what her growth within USITT means for our membership and Conference TECHnically Speaking is a publi…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Cam Camden 15:13

3+ y ago15:13

15:13

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the KM Fabrics Technical production Award, Cam Camden. At the time of recording, Cam was a fourth-year MFA Candidate in the Technical Design & Production Program at the newly renamed …

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Denisse Chavez 9:28

3+ y ago9:28

9:28

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the 2022 Barbizon Lighting Company Jonathan Resnick Lighting Design Award, Denisse Chavez. Denisse received her B.A. in Theatre Arts from The University of the Incarnate Word in San A…

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USITT22 Series with Caitlyn Garrity 8:06

3+ y ago8:06

8:06

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 with creator of the upcoming USITT curated conversations web series, "Success Stories," Caitlyn Garrity. USITT is launching the curated conversation web series “Success Stories”, to begin in July. B…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Sarah Bauch 10:48

3+ y ago10:48

10:48

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the USITT Stage Management Award Sarah Bauch. Sarah fell in love with stage management at fourteen-years-old when she stumbled on to the job at her high school and has never looked ba…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Riley Lathrom 13:57

3+ y ago13:57

13:57

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the Bernhard R. Works Master Crafts Award, Riley Lathrom. Riley is a graduating undergrad senior BFA Design Technology and Stage Management with an emphasis is Scenic Design at Missou…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Maggie Nelson 9:36

3+ y ago9:36

9:36

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT winner of the Richard Hay Undergraduate Scene Design Award, Maggie Nelson. Maggie has been scenic designing professionally for three years, and scenic painting for six. Her most recent work has…

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USITT22 Series with YDMT Winner Emma Craig 12:09

3+ y ago12:09

12:09

This podcast was recorded on the show floor of USITT22 at Studio USITT in partnership with AKG by Harman. On this week’s episode, we sat down with 2022 YDMT Award winner for The Barbara Matera Award for Costume Making, Emma Craig. Emma started her education in the arts in middle school focusing on costuming and theater. In her undergraduate career …