NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – For University of Oklahoma theater design and technology major Cara Oates, presenting her work at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Annual Conference was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Each year, only 12 students nationwide are selected for the conference’s highly competitive Emerging Creatives Showcase. Oates was chosen from a pool of 50 applicants to present her theater set designs to industry professionals March 5-8 in Columbus, Ohio.
One of just two undergraduate participants, Oates earned the opportunity through a rigorous application and review process, says Jon Young, a professor of scenic design who collaborates throughout the School of Drama and University Theatre’s design and production area.
“Inclusion in the Emerging Creative Showcase is indicative of the quality of Oates’ artistic talents and creativity. The faculty and staff of the School of Drama are proud of her accomplishments and excited for her opportunity to share her artwork with the industry professionals that attend the national conference,” Young said.
The showcase is an adjudicated exhibition highlighting the work of graduating students and early-career professionals in theater design, production and technology. Their displays show technical skills, artistic vision and their ability to create immersive theatrical environments with an application process that includes detailed renderings, set models and production designs.
“My experience participating in the Emerging Creatives Showcase was nothing less than positive. I’ve had the opportunity to showcase some of my scenic and projection designs individually at other conferences, but USITT’s event allowed me to display all my designs from the past three years, including my work within University Theatre productions and outside professional work,” Oates said.
The students were required to attend their display tables for at least one to two hours each day to meet with adjudicators involved in the artist selection process and to receive feedback on their work. Among those Oates met were Tony Award-winning lighting designer Jane Cox and Michael Bateman, technical solutions specialist at PIXERA, a manufacturer that produces components for live shows and AC installations. Networking with industry professionals helped her discover potential job opportunities, Oates says.
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology, founded in 1960, is an organization dedicated to advancing dialogue, research and education in theater design and technology. Through conferences, exhibitions and networking opportunities, it supports professionals at all career levels.
The Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma produces more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, musicals, operas and dance performances annually. Learn more at ou.edu/finearts.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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