Since 1960, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT) has been the country’s leading hub for research, innovation, and education among practitioners of theater design and technology. Its annual conference, held in a different city each year, serves as a gathering space for live entertainment’s best and brightest, which includes the faculty, students, and alumni of Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama.
This year’s conference took place March 18-21 in Long Beach, CA, where attendees took part in participatory labs, professional development workshops, an impressive stage expo, and an awards ceremony where several CMU students and alumni were honored.
Young Designers, Managers, and Technicians Awards
Caifeng Hong
Caifeng Hong (MFA, Costume Design 2025) is the recipient of the Zelma H. Weisfeld Costume Design & Technology Award, which recognizes an exceptional costume artist who is a current student (graduate or undergraduate) or an early career professional (within two years of graduation).
Julia He
Julia He (MFA, Stage & Production Management 2026) is the recipient of the USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com Communication Systems. This award specifically honors students who demonstrate strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to lead collaborative production teams in demanding live performance environments.
Abby Yu Bi
Abby Yu Bi (MFA, Video & Media Design 2026) is the recipient of the USITT Digital Media Award sponsored by PIXERA. This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated excellence or outstanding potential in the area of digital media design or creative technology in the performing arts while pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Distinguished Achievement in Architecture
Len Auerbach
(BFA, 1966; MFA, 1967 – School of Drama)
Len is the recipient of USITT’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Architecture. The Distinguished Achievement Awards honor individuals who have established meritorious career records in specific fields of expertise in any area of design or technology in the performing arts or entertainment industry.
The Distinguished Achievement Awards honor individuals who have established meritorious career records in specific fields of expertise in any area of design or technology in the performing arts or entertainment industry.
In addition to CMU’s award winners, several faculty and alumni led panels and workshops, while students took part in the many creative and practical offerings the conference had to offer.
Earlier this year, senior scenic design student Jordan Pincus won USITT’s poster contest and her design was sold during the conference. (Check out her work here!)
CMU at USITT 2026
Scenic Design students Carolyn Burback and Harshitha Bharghava took part in the offerings of the USITT conference.
Scenic Design alum Scott Tedman-Jones with Professor Dick Block at CMU’s booth on the USITT Expo floor.
Lighting Design alumni Cat Wilson, Crystal Lee, and Mike Berger reunited at USITT.
Stage & Production Management alumna Alana Clapp representing Cirque du Soleil on the USITT Expo floor.
Sound Design professor Stewart Blackwood (left) presented an Introduction to Creating Flexible Sound Cues panel at USITT.
Senior Costume Design student Sydney de Haan and senior Scenic Design student Katie Welker worked the CMU School of Drama booth on the expo floor.
Stage & Production Management alumna Danielle Bergman presented a session on “Creating the Stage Manager’s Toolkit for Sensitive Content.”
Scenic Design students Carolyn Burback and Harshitha Bharghava took part in the offerings of the USITT conference.
Scenic Design alum Scott Tedman-Jones with Professor Dick Block at CMU’s booth on the USITT Expo floor.
Lighting Design alumni Cat Wilson, Crystal Lee, and Mike Berger reunited at USITT.
Stage & Production Management alumna Alana Clapp representing Cirque du Soleil on the USITT Expo floor.
Sound Design professor Stewart Blackwood (left) presented an Introduction to Creating Flexible Sound Cues panel at USITT.
Senior Costume Design student Sydney de Haan and senior Scenic Design student Katie Welker worked the CMU School of Drama booth on the expo floor.
Stage & Production Management alumna Danielle Bergman presented a session on “Creating the Stage Manager’s Toolkit for Sensitive Content.”
Header photo: Alumni Sebastian Zavalza (second from left) and Issac Jo (third from left) served on a USITT panel titled “Integrating Antiracist Practices Into the Design Process.”