FAQ's
USITT Membership Questions
What is Pitt USITT?
Pitt USITT is a student-led organization which provides programming for students of all levels interested in theatre design, production, and technology.
What sort of programming do you offer?
Pitt USITT provides workshops, seminars, and activities which further our members understanding of theatre without the pressures of working on a class or show. We work with the university's theatre department and other student organizations in order to provide hands-on learning opportunities that span all interests in theatre production. From scenic design to costume production to stage management to electrics, we work to provide programming for all our members' interests!
How can I join?
Show up to our meetings or sign up for our email list! It's never too late to join so feel free to stop by at any point in the semester! Our club email is [email protected]
When do you meet?
We have bi-weekly workshops on Fridays at 4pm in B20 in the Cathedral of Learning. If you can't make that, no worries! We also have special events and hangouts scheduled for other days of the week at different times. Check out our calendar for more info.
Where do you meet?
When meeting in person, we use room B20 in the basement (floor B) of the Cathedral of Learning.
Are there any requirements to joining?
No!
Pitt USITT is a student-led organization which provides programming for students of all levels interested in theatre design, production, and technology.
What sort of programming do you offer?
Pitt USITT provides workshops, seminars, and activities which further our members understanding of theatre without the pressures of working on a class or show. We work with the university's theatre department and other student organizations in order to provide hands-on learning opportunities that span all interests in theatre production. From scenic design to costume production to stage management to electrics, we work to provide programming for all our members' interests!
How can I join?
Show up to our meetings or sign up for our email list! It's never too late to join so feel free to stop by at any point in the semester! Our club email is [email protected]
When do you meet?
We have bi-weekly workshops on Fridays at 4pm in B20 in the Cathedral of Learning. If you can't make that, no worries! We also have special events and hangouts scheduled for other days of the week at different times. Check out our calendar for more info.
Where do you meet?
When meeting in person, we use room B20 in the basement (floor B) of the Cathedral of Learning.
Are there any requirements to joining?
No!
Pitt Theatre Questions
How do I get involved in theatre at Pitt?
Getting involved can be intimidating! That's why Pitt USITT is here to help. There are tons of ways to get involved in theatre at Pitt. You can join USITT and keep your eyes open for our weekly Popportunities or connect with the department's faculty mentors. You could also join one of the other theatre clubs, such as Musical Theatre Club or Redeye Theatre Project. Any route you go, USITT is here to support you!
Do I need to have experience with tech theatre to get involved?
No! We're at school to learn and try new things!
Where is Pitt theatre located?
Like all arts at Pitt, we are mainly located in a basement, specifically the basement of the Cathedral of Learning. There are also the departmental offices on the 16th floor.
What's an 0880?
0880 refers to the 1 credit THEA 0880 - Theatrical Production course through the Theatre Department. For the theatre major, you need to take 3 of them, and for the minor you need to take 1. This course gives you credit for taking hours in one of the production shops, or working on a crew for a production. Pro tip: Meet with a member of the faculty before signing up! They can give you advice and often place you into an 0880 that best suits your interests.
What are Design/Tech applications?
At the end of each school year, the department will announce the next year's season, and with that come applications to design, stage manage, or be a lead technician on those shows. This process fills most roles on the next year's production teams, including assistant positions.
Annmarie's Advice:
Getting involved can be intimidating! That's why Pitt USITT is here to help. There are tons of ways to get involved in theatre at Pitt. You can join USITT and keep your eyes open for our weekly Popportunities or connect with the department's faculty mentors. You could also join one of the other theatre clubs, such as Musical Theatre Club or Redeye Theatre Project. Any route you go, USITT is here to support you!
Do I need to have experience with tech theatre to get involved?
No! We're at school to learn and try new things!
Where is Pitt theatre located?
Like all arts at Pitt, we are mainly located in a basement, specifically the basement of the Cathedral of Learning. There are also the departmental offices on the 16th floor.
What's an 0880?
0880 refers to the 1 credit THEA 0880 - Theatrical Production course through the Theatre Department. For the theatre major, you need to take 3 of them, and for the minor you need to take 1. This course gives you credit for taking hours in one of the production shops, or working on a crew for a production. Pro tip: Meet with a member of the faculty before signing up! They can give you advice and often place you into an 0880 that best suits your interests.
What are Design/Tech applications?
At the end of each school year, the department will announce the next year's season, and with that come applications to design, stage manage, or be a lead technician on those shows. This process fills most roles on the next year's production teams, including assistant positions.
Annmarie's Advice:
- Apply to anything you're interested in!
- Reach out to the design/tech faculty with questions or ask for advice on what to apply to
- Lighting and Stage Management - Annmarie Duggan ([email protected])
- Scenic and Sound - Gianni Downs ([email protected])
- Costume - Karen Gilmer ([email protected])
- Don't feel pressure when submitting a theatre resume or portfolio! They're part of the application process so students start thinking about developing these materials for when they enter the professional world, but they won't be scrutinized to determine what you're selected for. If you only have high school experience, or have never worked in sound before, don't let that stop you, we're at school to learn!
- We have tips on where to get started under internship + job help
National Chapter + Conference Questions
What does USITT stand for?
USITT stands for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, which is a national theatre-makers organization that Pitt USITT is a part of.
Do I need to be a member of the USITT national chapter to be part of Pitt USITT?
No!
What is the USITT conference?
Every year the national chapter of USITT organizes a conference that brings together theatre-makers, companies, and brands from all over to do networking, product releases, and seminars. It is a great opportunity to meet other students and professionals while learning more about the theatre industry and your interests in it.
USITT stands for the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, which is a national theatre-makers organization that Pitt USITT is a part of.
Do I need to be a member of the USITT national chapter to be part of Pitt USITT?
No!
What is the USITT conference?
Every year the national chapter of USITT organizes a conference that brings together theatre-makers, companies, and brands from all over to do networking, product releases, and seminars. It is a great opportunity to meet other students and professionals while learning more about the theatre industry and your interests in it.
General Theatre Questions
What is this summerstock thing that people are talking about?
When people talk about summerstock, they are referring to professional theatres' summer seasons. These seasons are a great opportunity to get professional experience as many companies hire college interns and staff.
When people talk about summerstock, they are referring to professional theatres' summer seasons. These seasons are a great opportunity to get professional experience as many companies hire college interns and staff.