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 Technical Theatre Students!

Attend Dana's sessions at USITT25 to learn more about BACKstage: BACKstage Exam: Measuring HS Technical Theatre Success and BACKstage Plus: Rountable Discussions for Lights, Audio, Scenic Construction and Rigging.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The BACKstage ExamTechnical Theater Educators Facebook Group
iRigging Tools by JR Clancy
One Shot Training by DeLong Rigging Solutions

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 and the USITT Scene Design Award sponsored by Rose Brand.

Click here to nominate someone for one of our 2025 YDMT Awards including the USITT Scene Design Award sponsored by Rose Brand.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 "TECHnically Speaking" wherever you get your podcasts.

To learn more about Nancy and the DAA in Education, click here.

Interested in registering for our Ken Vannice Electrical Workshop? Click here.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 and the USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com Communications Systems.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 creative process, and more!

Click here to learn more about Tiara Jones and the USITT Makeup Design Award sponsored by Kryolan Professional Make-Up.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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, the innovative teaching methods covered in her article, how these methods can enhance the learning experience for students, and what she hopes the costume history classroom continues to grow into.

The Herbert D. Greggs Award (highest honor) and the Herbert D. Greggs Merit Award promote innovative, in-depth writing about theatre design and technology in TD&T. Named in honor of a highly-regarded former USITT General Manager, the Herbert D. Greggs Award was first given in 1979. The "Merit Awards" began in 1998.

Click here to learn more about Anastasia Goodwin and the Herbert D. Greggs Award.

To read Anastasia's article, click here. Please note you may be asked to sign into your USITT Member account to access this article.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship.

Click here to learn more about donation funds and make your gift to the Institute today
OR text "GIVE" to 844-668-8854.


Click here to learn more about our various committees and how to get involved.

Click here to learn more about our current Board of Directors.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 learn more about Dani and the Sherry Wagner-Henry Board Fellowship.

Interested in sitting on our Board of Directors? Nominate yourself or a fellow Member by Aug. 15!

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.

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 the Barbizon Lighting Company Jonathan Resnick Lighting Design Award.

TECHnically Speaking is a public service of USITT, which seeks to have a broad conversation on topics of interest to its members, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of Institute policy. The views expressed on this podcast by guests are their own and their appearance herein does not imply an endorsement of them or of any entity they may represent. Reference to any specific product or idea does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Views, opinions, recommendations or use cases expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of USITT, its Board members or employees.