Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 1976 - 5

EDITORIAL & NEWS
EDITORIAL

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It is fitting on the occasion of USITT's fifteenth
anniversary that one of the Institute's officers enlighten
old, current and new members on what the organization
has stood for, and can accomplish in the future. Herewith, some sage comment from 2nd Vice-President,
Randy Earle.
A MESSAGE REGARDING BECOMING AN "ACTIVE"
MEMBER OF U.S.I.T.T.
from James R. Earle, Jr., Second Vice-President.
Every arts service organization and professional society
faces, at various times in its existence, the standard questions: "What is this organization doing for the membership?" and "What do members receive, in exchange for
their payment of dues?". As anyone who has held office
in such organizations is aware, the questions are not
always phrased as per the above examples and the language is often more colorful but the substance remains
the same. Officers, ~taff members, and board members
are asked such questions with the expectation of a simple
list of benefits. Such a list appears on the back of our
annual directory but it does not fully answer the question.
While meaningful publications such as THEATRE
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY and the USITT NEWSLETTER and stimulating national conferences may, in
part, explain the use of dues and membership participation, they do not cover some of the most vital services
to the membership. At a time when individual resources
are strained and demands for time, energy, and financial
support from many organizations is greater than ever
before, it may be wise to answer the questions raised in
the first paragraph with greater clarity and precision than
a simple answer can provide.
Because of its strong leadership in the past and present,
U.S.I.T.T. can demonstrate a "track record" in support
of a long list of answers to the questions raised. To begin,
the "Publications Available" list alone lists twenty specific
documents or collections which members can purchase
at a discount. Many of these are not available through any
other source. The list is growing monthly and the "Publications Available" program continues to be an important
service of the Institute. As important as the publications
which result is the individual work by members which
goes into each of the publications and the value of such
to the theatre design and technology profession.
The work which results in publications is largely the
product of the seven commissions of the Institute. Since
the organization of the Commissions, it has become the
responsibility of each to contribute documentation of
projects and to disseminate information through meetings,
seminars, and symposia. The Theatre Orientation Package
(Architecture!, Studies in the Projection of Light and

USITT

Optical Properties of Ellipsoidal Reflectors (Engineering),
Institutional Support for Training in Theatre Arts and
Standards for Designer's Portfolios (Performing Arts
Training and Education!, "The Entertainment Act of
1975" (Safety Codes!, and THEATRE CONSULTANTS
LIST - First Edition are all indicative of recent efforts
by U.S.I.T.T. Commissions and the various individual
members to make meaningful contributions to the total
membership and our profession.
In addition to the publications service to the membership, each year sees an ever-increasing number of
special programs, symposia, workshops, and meetings devoted to specific topics on the regional and national
levels. The projection symposium in Newark, New Jersey
conducted this past Fall is only one of many examples
of opportunities provided for members to view and discuss technology which might otherwise be impossible.
Likewise, special tours such as the one last Spring to
Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Hotel are benefits which
would be unavailable to individuals without U.S.I.T.T.
sponsorship.
Now for another question: "How and where can an
individual member become actively involved in USITT?"
The answer to this question is important because it
helps define the true value of membership in the Institute. The true measure of U.I.S.T.T.'s ability to serve
its membership is a direct function of the active involvement and participation of each member in the work
of the Institute. As a volunteer organization and without
a large paid staff (only the administrative secretary in
New York and Journal Editor are paid), U.S.I.T.T. is
dependent on each member deciding on how he or she can
contribute to its work. Active participation is not only
possible but it is constantly needed. There are many
ways for members to become involved, even those members who do not live close to regional sections. Examples
of ways YOU can become involved TODAY in the work
of the Institute include: completion of Don Calvert's
questionnaire on standard graphic practices (from the
Sept.-Oct. Newsletter); sending information and input
on stage rigging practices to Randy Davidson for the
"Entertainment Code" or sending in critiques of the
code; providing Tom Beagle with input for the revised
edition of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (he is
revising the theatre job titles section and expanding
same to allow for theatre training programs to qualify
for Vocational Education grants); sending Peggy Ezekiel
material for the Presentation Commissions, 'Technical
Guide for Playwrights"; or joining in one of Don Stowell's
many Stage Costume Commission projects. Such work
can be done through the mail and does not require attendance at meetings. Addresses for all of the individuals listed

THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

SPRING,1976

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Spring 1976