The Student Ambassador Program offers the exceptional opportunity for Student Members to meet and converse with renowned designers and theatre experts who are presenting at USITT26 in Long Beach, March 18-21, 2026. All Student Members are invited and encouraged to apply for this experience. Those selected be paired with one of our three participating international guests based on their shared areas of interest. The connections made at Conference can facilitate ongoing international networking between early designers/technicians and our global community.
Student Members will be chosen for this program based on their field of study, compelling application, and a letter of nomination from their mentor. Student Ambassadors will receive free Conference registration, a luncheon with the three international guests, a portfolio review, and individual time with their guest. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2026. Winners will be announced by Jan. 29, 2026.
WE WELCOME OUR THREE GUESTS FOR USITT26:
Stanislav Callas was born in the USSR and is working in Czech Republic. He studied acting at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts, as well as working as a photographer, videographer, and editor. Using mixed media of generative AI, live cameras, and projections, he developed the vision for the tour of Prague Shakespeare Company’s production of King John. Created to tour in a “plug and play” set, the host theatres were only required to have a projector and sound capabilities.
Tung-Yen Chou is the founder and artistic director of Very Mainstream Studio & Very Theatre Company. His productions focus on reflecting contemporary culture and using new media as a basis to create interdisciplinary theatrical works that merge reality and virtuality in XR- Extended Reality. His productions, including films and documentaries, have been performed and viewed internationally and have received many awards. He is currently a lecturer at Taipei National University of the Arts.
Alejandra Escobar received her BA in Stage Design from Mexico’s National School of Performing Arts (Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura INBAL). She has been practicing lighting design for ten years with a range of notable directors and choreographers. Her designs have appeared in different states in Mexico and around the world in Israel, Cuba, Spain, Argentina, Costa Rica, Czech Republic and the US. Her distinctive creation is a Lighting Pop-up experiences as a free and safe space surrounded by light. She received the First Place Award in the Perfect Light contest in Japan.
Through the connections formed in the Student Ambassador Program, opportunities often continue well beyond the Conference itself. Student Members become part of an ongoing network of international collaboration and creative exchange.
One such connection was made between Lighting Designer Sammy Webster and Deborah Asiimwe Kawe, Artistic Director of the Kampala International Theatre Festival in Uganda.
Sammy Webster shared:
“Participating in the Student Ambassador Program at USITT was a transformative experience that provided me with opportunities to connect with a diverse range of artists and industry professionals from around the world. This immersive program not only expanded my understanding of various artistic communities but also fundamentally altered my approach to being an artist. Through engaging in enriching one-on-one conversations, I had the privilege of receiving invaluable feedback on my portfolio and delving into meaningful discussions about my artistic journey with various artists and working professionals. These interactions within the industry not only fostered professional growth but also cultivated a relationship for the future! The lasting bonds forged through this program continue to inspire and guide my artistic pursuits, highlighting the immense value of collaborative networks when navigating the dynamic landscape of the arts.”
Deborah Asiimwe Kawe reflected:
“The great energy I felt and your intentionality for international participation have not left me the same. I'm so glad that I was able to make it. It was equally thrilling to see how enthusiastic people were about the festival work in Kampala and the possible opportunities for our students to get some training and or mentorship in design and scenography. Sammy was such a great match! We touched on a number of things that we shall be following up on. I will definitely keep you posted. This idea of students connecting with international guests is brilliant! I hope that my connection with Sammy and the work we're planning to do together can be one of those success stories for you to continue making the case for international guest speakers, participation and student ambassador programs.”
APPLICATION INFORMATION AND PROCESS:
Instructors/Mentors should submit a nomination and letter of recommendation. Please include the following information:
- Your name, title, position, and contact information
- Name of your institution
- Student’s name and contact information
- Student’s grade level
- Student’s area of interest
- Student’s unique qualifications
Students will receive a link to complete the rest of their application, including an essay of up to 500 words:
1. Why are you seeking this opportunity?
2. Which international guest would you like to meet?
3. How would your studies be enriched by this opportunity?
4. Submit at least three questions you would like to ask your prospective guest.
Accompanying documentation:
1. Name and contact information
2. Resumé
3. USITT Membership number
4. Sample copies of student’s work (photos, drawing, renderings)