2013 USITT "Ideal Theatre" Student Design Competition

The goal of this competition is to bring together future theatre professionals and architects to develop an understanding of the complexity of issues needed to design their “Ideal Theatre.”

Description
The competition poses the design question, what is the "Ideal Theatre" for your client? This question is to be explored and answered by a “team” composed of at least one theatre student currently enrolled in a college or university theatre program and one architectural student enrolled in an accredited architectural college or university program.
History proves the most successful theatre design solutions take into account all aspects and needs of theatre production, artist presentation and audience interaction. Each team member has a defined responsibility. The theatre students will act as the “Client” and the architectural students as the “Designer.” The “Client” is responsible to teach the “Designer” about the workings and artistry of Theatre! The “Client” will define the detail needs of the theater complex and provide critiques of the design produced by the “Designer.” As in professional practice, the “Client” will remain an active member of the design process. The design solution MUST be the result of a “Conversation” between the “Client” and “Designer.”
Larger teams are encouraged. For example, the “Designer” team could be expanded to include students of engineering, acoustics, and construction technology. The “Client” represent all areas of theatre study, including; actors, directors, lighting technology, stage crafts, costume design, makeup, stage managers, etc. In addition the front-of-house needs of the audience and the overall fit to site must be addressed. The “Client” should also define the type of live performance venue (opera, dance, drama, music, etc.) which fits their particular educational program.

Jury
A Professional jury made up of leading theatre architects, theatre consultants, acousticians, scenic designers, and other theatre professionals

Prize
Each of the three Honor Award: $1,000 and two complimentary registrations to attend the USITT Conference
The Commissioner’s Award from among the three Honor Award Teams (by a vote of all session attendees): an additional $500
Additional Merit Awards: publication

Entry Fee
None

Entries
- A Concept Booklet of up to TWELVE (12) 11”x 17” sheets
- Digital Submission of 36” x 48" Presentation Panel

Submission Address
"Ideal Theatre" Competition
United States Institute for Theatre Technology
315 South Crouse Avenue
Suite 200 Syracuse, New York 13210, USA

Timetable
Judging: early in January 2013
Presentation to the Architecture Commission: March 20 to 23, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Links
Past winners

Organizer
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc.

Official Website
http://www.usitt.org/AwardsGrantsFellowships/Awards....