Technology Innovation and Craftmanship Award

Sponsored by the United States Institute for Theater Technology [USITT] New England Section

Purpose: This award provides recognition to college students who have solved technical difficulties with quality craftsmanship and innovative ideas. It encompasses areas of rigging, scenery, costumes, wigs, make-up, props, scenic painting, electrics, lighting and sound.

Eligibiltiy: The applicant must have been a student at a college or university in the New England region as defined by the American College Theater Festival when the submitted entry was created. This entry must be from either a college/university production or class from the prior year to ACTF New England in January. [example: To submit ideas to the 2005 ACTF New England, the show/class must have occurred between December 1 of 2003 and December 1 of 2004.] The student must also register for the festival and participation in activities is encouraged.

Entry fee: The student must register to attend ACTF in January which will serve as the entry fee.

Procedure: The student will submit a creative new idea/solution to a difficult production problem or a well crafted solution in one of these areas: rigging, scenery, costumes, wigs, make-up, props, scenic painting, electrics, lighting or sound. Projects may be from an actualized production or classroom work. Projects should include paperwork, photographs, drafting or other appropriate material to fully explain the scope of the project. Students must display their idea at the New England Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region I [KCACTF]. From the displayed entries, winners will be chosen by a panel of experts in all areas. Up to three prizes will be awarded.

The entry must include documentation for the idea and/or craftsmanship. Please include:

1. The name of the school
   
   
2. The name of the show or class where this was produced.
   
   
3. An explanation of the situation to solve
   
   
4. Drafting, diagrams, photographs or other paperwork should be included as needed to fully demonstrate the idea/project.
   
   
5. The entries must be displayed at the KCACTF Region I design exhibition in the designated area and time. Students will be responsible for the display set up and strike of their own work and will set up at the same time as the design exhibitors. The display should include appropriate documentation, photographs and the entered item if it can be displayed on a table top or small floor area. See program details for set up and strike times.
   
   
6. Fill out the regional entry form by January 1st. Write “Technology and Craftsmanship” in the design area box.

Judging criteria:

• Innovative and creative solution to a problem, a well executed project, or innovative use of existing technology.
• Clearly displayed and presented the idea
• All necessary documentation is included: drawing, drafting, sketches, plots, etc.
• Originality. Must not have been previously published.

Prizes:

• Prizes with be awarded to outstanding solutions to problems or extremely well crafted ideas.
• The number of winners will depend on the quality of entries with a maximum of four prizes awarded.
• Prizes will include a one year membership to the United States Institute of Theater Technology (national) and a one year membership to USITT New England Section and a gift certificate to be used toward a USITT publication.

Inquiries should be directed to Chase Rozelle at rozellec@easternct.edu