Thank You Everyone & USITT

As I travel back to Washington, DC today, I have been doing a lot of thinking about USITT this past week in Kansas City. It has become clear to me that there is only one word that truly describes my entire experience this week, passion, shear and udder passion.

Every single person I meet and talked to this week was extremely excited to be here at USITT. Not only share, but learn and experience from others whether that be in a session or learning about a new product or technology on the Expo Show Floor to learning something from friends and working professionals.

There was real passion behind everyone’s eyes about technology in the arts. I found myself talking with students randomly at times on and off the show floor about what is new and exciting. The questions and excitement in the voice was so awe inspiring, it got me thrilled to see the level of commitment and willingness to listen, learn and grow.

John, Tyler, Beth, Travis, Daniel, Ralph, Julie, Tom, Brad, David, Nathan, Noah, Renee, Resse and the many many others I talked to during the week, it was a pleasure to meet you. Keep up the excitement and never let the passion of your craft die. It’s enthusiasm like yours that keeps me writing here and encouraged about the future of this industry we all love.

Thanks everyone and USITT, the 2010 Conference and Stage Expo will not soon be forgotten by this guy!

USITT Day 3 On the Floor

Just a little bit ago, the USITT Stage Expo closed here in Kansas City.  All the exhibitors are breaking down their booths and looking to get home.  But there is still one more day here is Kansas City tomorrow with sessions happening.  I have only 99 photos from around the floor today.  There are quite a few from some sessions that I have left out and plan some special writes up to post here along with some great talks, sessions coverage and product demos right from the floor.

As it is getting late quick here is Kansas City, it is time to pack, get some dinner and a beverage with some old and new friends as we close out USITT 2010.  Thanks KC and USITT for all the great times and info!  Look for more in depth coverage to come shortly here on iSquint.

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#USITT Day 2 Photos

Talk about another great day in Kansas City! Not only is the weather awesome, so is the Conference and Stage Expo. Today brought even MORE photos, interviews, videos and just plan fun! I only have a short bit of time to upload 130 photos from today as I do have to make it to some evening events tonight. Look for even more photos and coverage of the USITT show as we get closer to the weekend.

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#USITT – Day 1 Photos

I know, I know, it is a little late today for photos from USITT, but it was AWESOME. I meet some really great people, briefly looked and some great products.  Tomorrow is down and dirty day with getting more in depth about what is out there.  But I have to say, if you didn’t make it to KC for this thing… PLAN ON IT NEXT YEAR.  My goal is to make it feel like you were here, so look for more photos, video, audio and just cool stuff coming.

So to help tide you over, photos from day one of USITT 2010.

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Photos From Setup of #USITT in KC

Here is a sneak peak at what it looks like on the show floor right now. Exhibitors are hard at work finishing setup and programming their booths. In just the couple of hours of being on the ground here in Kansas City, I have ran in to a BUNCH of friends, old and new! There is still plenty of time to meet more this week, so look out!

These photos should hold you over till later tonight when the #KCgaffCrawl begins.

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ChamSys, Arkaos & PAID Internship Interviews @ PRG’s Booth – OH MY

I just got a note from PRG Live, Production Resource Groups Facebook Page, that they will have a wealth of new products in their booth, 1360, at USITT this week. Make sure to stop by and take a look at ChamSys MagicQ 100 Console connected to Arkaos Media Master all being run off my computer of choice, a MacBook Pro.

PRG will also have a PRG Commander console on hand to demo.  The Commander is an automation console for scenic elements and show control.

PRG’s Internship Coordinator Rich Rubin will be on hand interviewing for Summer 2010 internships. These are paid internships in lighting, audio, video, scenic, systems integration, operations, finance and engineering. North American sites may include Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Toronto, NY Metro area facilities, Orlando, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

If you are attending USITT, make sure to stop by and see some cool consoles and products and hey, why not try and get an internship while you’re there!

Show Some iSquint Love @ #USITT50 and I’ll Show it Back

Yes, yes, yes, I can’t say it enough, USITT is right around the corner and it going to be one hecka excellent time! Well I have something special for those of you attending the Expo in Kansas City this week. You show your iSquint love, and I’ll show it right back! Umm, what does that mean?!  It’s simple, At anytime during the conference and stage expo, find me and show me the iSquint app on your iPhone or iPod Touch and I’ll give you a limited edition I heart iSquint button! I do have to limit it to one button per person. One other requirement, I get to take a photo of you and the i heart iSquint button, it’s only fair right?

But what about us Droid and Crackbery users? Well, since the app is not ready for you guys as I had hoped it would be… Surprise me, think of something creative to show and tell me.  We’re all theatre people, be creative!

Now for those of you who couldn’t make it to KC… Have no fear, I’ll have something for you when I get back, i promise.

#USITT iPhone App Updated Right In Time

I just received a message from USITT’s iPhone developer, Useful Development, that a new update to the USITT app has been released to the iTunes App Store. Version 1.0.1 brings a couple of bug fixes from the previous version along with some great additions.  The update brings a searchable database and listing of exhibitors at the Stage Expo along with a pretty handy map of the Expo floor.

The app is still a FREE download and FREE upgrade to current users.  Before you head out the door next week for USITT in Kansas City, make sure to head over to the iTunes App Store and get/update your USITT iPhone App.

Thanks Josh!

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iSquint & JimOnLight Announce #USITT50 Kansas City’s Evening Party Plan

So over the last several months we’ve been talking about that convention that’s happening in Kansas City next week, and how @lekogirl and @a_mandolin are going to be going head-to-head in a Gaff Dress Challenge at the BMI Supply booth (which is booth 1010, by the way).  Even though apparently none of the lighting bloggers in this world are cool enough to report on the USITT convention in Kansas City, we’re still gonna be there having a good time!

We’ve been discussing the idea of having a one-night Gaff Dress Prom event for all of us crazy entertainment industry people to get gaffed up and have a great time together, do some networking, you know – standard fun stuff.  What I’ve come up with to solve the problems of convention evening scheduling, trying to find a place that will not only let us party but also work on our lighting blogger’s budget (which is typically negative $14 bucks).

Instead of disappointing the masses by having one party night, we’ve decided that we’re going to have a party EVERY NIGHT of USITT, at a different establishment in close proximity to the conference hotel and convention center so that everyone can walk to and fro!  There are some events scheduled between the expo floor’s closing and 10pm most nights, I think, so we’re going to start partying around 9pm each night and go until we’re partied out!

Did I mention that if you come to the party dressed to the nines in gaff tape, you’ll get entered in for some prizes to be given away each night?!  Also, Jim and I will buy you a beverage!  If you’re over 21, it’ll be whatever you want.  Under 21?  Then I will buy you sodas all night!

So:  What have you REALLY got going on that you can’t come hang out with us EVERY NIGHT YOU’RE AT USITT?!

We’re going to announce each location during that day, so keep your eyes on Twitter and Facebook for the hashtag #KCGaffCrawl to pop up and get RT’ed all over the place!

Stay tuned!

SeaChanger Open Mic Contest at #USITT

This years Conference and Stage Expo is going to be one huge party and learning fest to help celebrate the 50 years for USITT.  SeaChanger is adding to the fun by having an Open Mic Contest in their booth at USITT. Following the American Idol method, SeaChanger would like to see or hear your 5 minute “audition” before USITT.  You can submit your routine to SeaChanger via almost ANY media to SeaChanger by Skype, Email, YouTube, Phone… any way you can think of getting it to SeaChanger.

At USITT, performers will have a 5 minute spot at the SeaChanger booth to perform their routine which will be video taped.  All entries will be loaded to the SeaChanger web site where we will have a chance to vote on the winning routine.  Voting on the entries will be open to the public until April 15th, Tax Day!  Everyone that performs at USITT will receive a SeaChanger t-shirt and the ever famous USITT 2010 edition SeaChanger Duck.  The winner, chosen by the public, will be featured on the SeaChaanger web site and win not only a ColorBUG but an iPod Touch as well!

So how do you get in on the action? Contact/Send your 5 minute routines to SeaChanger by Contact Beth Weinstein.

• Twitter: @SeaChangerET
• Skype: SeaChangerET
• Email: Beth.weinstein@oceanthinfilms.com
• Phone: 727-545-0741

Yes Mrs. Beth, You will be missed at USITT. But have no fear, Photos and Videos will be posted just for you!  And to help get those creative juices flowing, I have included a couple of YuoTube videos to spark your creativity.

Rumor Mill: USITT iPhone App in the Works

Everyone loves a good iPhone app.  I have heard through the grapevine that there is another iPhone app for us lighting people.  From the pieces and parts that I have heard, USITT is in development of an iPhone app that will benefit not only those attending the USITT conference and Stage Expo next month, but also those that cannot attend!

If my source is correct, think of what Live Design did with the iPhone Web App for LDI.  From experience with the Live design Web App, you are able to pull up the schedule of events and conference sessions and so forth.  One thing that did lack in the Live Design Web App was a scrollable floor plan of the show.

Is this what we can expect from the USITT iPhone App?  Since the Conference and Stage Expo is right around the corner, one assumes that if this were true, an announcement of this App should happen anytime… That is if it is true!

Keep your eyes peeled for more information in the near future.

Early Registration for USITT Ends Tomorrow – Feb. 18th

Are you planning on attending the USITT Conference and Stage Expo in Kansas City? If so, I’ll see you there.  That is if you have your registration in! If you have not registered yet, why pay full price?  Tomorrow, February 18th is the deadline for early registration for the show! After tomorrow, the prices increase!

There are all kinds of work shops and sessions to attend as well as the Stage Expo to see some of the latest and greatest lighting products. You can hear Broadway Lighting designer Jennifer Tipton talk about lighting the stage and how it relates to painting in time and space.

The USITT Conference and Stage Expo runs from March 29 through April 3rd with the Stage Expo open from March 31st to April 2nd. All of this takes place at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

So what are you waiting for?  REGISTER NOW!