Victoria Ashmore, a junior theater major from Havertown, Pa., enjoyed the many benefits of participating in a conference sponsored by the U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology from March 16 to 19 in Salt Lake City. In January, Ashmore was selected from more than a dozen technical theater students at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival to represent Region Two at the national conference.
During the ITT event, Ashmore presented her work to a panel of professionals including representatives from Cirque du Soleil, Phillips Entertainment, Vari-Lite, Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas, and other professional designers.
The conference provides a forum for theater students to boost creativity, network and learn from practitioners involved in all aspects of the entertainment and performing arts. Ashmore took advantage of a number of workshops to hone skills and learn new technology, and get valuable feedback about her portfolio and resume.
“It's one thing to be complimented by professors who have helped build your skills, but getting feedback from a representative of Cirque du Soliel or Stagecraft about what was impressive or needed improvement in my work was an amazing experience,” said Ashmore. “I appreciate the efforts of my mentors, Elizabeth Wislar and Jay Innerarity, who pushed me to make the absolute most of the opportunity.”
Also attending from Lycoming College was Jay Innerarity, chair of the Theater Department.
World-renowned visual designer Tupac Martir, as the keynote speaker, welcomed the participants and encouraged them in their endeavors. Martir has been featured at the New York Festival of Light, Victoria and Albert Museum, and at Fashion Week in Milan. He has toured with Beyonce and Elton John, and worked in New York and London with designers such as Vivian Westwood and Alexander McQueen.