You’re probably wondering; who is this new girl writing for iSquint? Let me start this out by introducing myself! My name is Allison, and you’ll be hearing from me a lot in the next couple weeks, as I’m going to be posting blog entries from USITT 2011. I’m here to provide a student’s perspective of the show floor, the booths, and all the other aspects of the conference that are the reason so many of us go. As a theatre design/technology student at Emerson College in Boston, I think that conferences are not only fun, but are also a necessary part of the college theatre experience. Shows like USITT, and LDI, allow current students like myself to be aware of what is happening in the theatre world, get educated in the newest technological developments, network, network and network!

Over the last year I have attended both USITT in Kansas City and LDI in Las Vegas, and have found both conventions to be worth while trips, only because I put in the effort to make them so. Like all optional educational experiences, simply attending to say you did so or to hand out cards isn’t really worth the money. I hope to inspire students to attend these types of events to explore new job opportunities, learn what is going on in their industry around the world, and be active in learning about new technology on the show floor.

If you’re attending USITT this year (especially if you’re a student), look for me on the show floor! I would love to hear your thoughts on the conference, or to just say Hi! You can find me by shooting a tweet to @a_wonderland, or just wander around looking for the girl with the R50 hair. I’ll see you there!