USITT Board of Directors Nomination Form

This comprehensive application form must be completed by all potential Board candidates. Please read thoroughly before submitting a nomination. The USITT Nominations Committee asks the questions because we value who you are. While some of these questions are optional, we ask that you provide as much information as you are comfortable sharing.

Board members are expected to uphold the Mission and core values of the organization. They are as follows:

USITT Mission

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT) connects performing arts design and technology communities to ensure a vibrant dialogue among practitioners, educators, and students.

Core Values of USITT

• Inclusion - Acknowledging the inequitable structures established by the dominant culture, and the industry's conscious or unconscious participation in these unjust systems, USITT commits to the ongoing struggle to create equitable spaces, to embrace diverse experiences, and to uplift and encourage multiple perspectives.
• Excellence - Recognizing the need for continuous pursuit of the very best in our profession, our industry, and our Institute, USITT cultivates innovation in education, research, and safety.
• Responsibility - Embracing a long-standing imperative to serve, USITT provides value through year-round activities, elevates the work of individuals and organizations, and heightens accountability to our members and the industry.

Role & Responsibilities of Board Members

According to the Institute Bylaws, each member of the USITT Board of Directors is charged with the responsibility to advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assists with the leadership and general promotion of the Institute so as to support its mission and needs. Board members are elected by the membership to serve the Institute, each for a three- year term, renewable for one additional term, with two exceptions: the office of the President (non-renewable) and the Immediate Past President (by virtue of previous office). Officers are Directors who are elected to specific positions that hold additional responsibilities beyond those shared by all Board members.

The USITT Board of Directors is solely a governance body and all operational components of the Institute lie under the direction of the Executive Director.

Each member of the Board of Directors shall be a member in good standing of the Corporation, attend all called Board meetings, and the Annual Conference of the Institute.

Positions Available in This Cycle: Four (4) Director Positions; one (1) Secretary, and one (1) President-Elect 

Please read carefully the position descriptions, qualifications, and expectations outlined below before submitting a nomination form. If elected, Board service will begin on July 1, 2026.

Position Description

Director:

Directors of the Board are tasked to advise and oversee USITT policies and direction of the Institute. They review and act on the annual budget of the Institute; prepare for, attend, and participate in virtual and in-person board meetings and retreats; vote on awards, bylaws changes, committee related business, etc.; actively participate on Board committees, and as chair of a Board Committee, Directors will communicate regularly through annual reports and meeting minutes. All Directors are to abide by the Institute’s Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest, and Confidentiality policies. Directors are to ensure that confidential information is treated responsibly and is not disclosed. Directors are encouraged to professionally express one’s opinion during Board discussions and debates, but then speak with one voice regarding final decisions by the Board.

Secretary:

The Secretary shall serve on the Board of Directors and shall record and file in the national office the minutes of all meetings of the membership and the Board of Directors. In addition, they shall have responsibility for and oversight of the operational documents of the Institute. They shall perform other duties as may be assigned by these bylaws, the Board of Directors or the President.

President-Elect:

The President-Elect, to be elected every third year, shall succeed to the Presidency following the President's third year in office. The President-Elect shall have those duties as assigned by the President and the bylaws and shall serve in this office for a term of one (1) year. The President-Elect shall serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors. After one (1) year the President-Elect will become President for three (3) years, and then serve a one-year term as Immediate Past-President in a non-voting capacity. 

Qualifications

Directors of the Institute must have participation in USITT leadership activities (e.g. commission leadership, exhibitorship, committee service, regional section leadership) for a minimum of three years. They are active in their participation and/or experience in live entertainment-related industry or academic program as a designer, technician, or production-related manager. Directors must have a basic understanding of not-for-profit and/or member organizations. All Directors must be willing and available to commit to a three-year term of elected office, subject to Article IV, Section 2, of USITT Bylaws.

Expectations/Responsibilities

Directors are to promote the mission and needs of the Institute. They are to serve as ambassadors both within and beyond the membership. Directors are encouraged to think strategically about immediate and long-term impacts and sustainability of the Institute. They are to recognize and advocate for opinions other than one’s own and create and maintain a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment in all Institute activities. Directors must participate and build relationships with members, prospective members, and donors while advocating for the Institute. They are to seek awareness of entertainment industry trends and activities, particularly regarding how the Institute can support members. Directors must be willing to commit to annual financial contributions to the Institute at a level of each member’s comfort and ability.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Please fill out this form in its entirety. Forms cannot be submitted with required fields left blank. Demographic information is not required, but provision of this information is encouraged. Look over the form and gather necessary documents prior to filling out the form. You are unable save an incomplete form. The Nominations Committee, at its sole discretion, may choose to accept or reject any nominations received after the posted date.