Three days of interactive training with a collective of our industry's most illustrious trainers and companies is now available at no charge for a select group through USITT Training Ground. Hone your skills by working with specialist trainers. There is a strictly limited number of persons who can be accepted into this program. To apply to participate in this cohort, make certain you meet the requirements outlined below.
This annual program provides three days of concentrated, hands-on training FREE to a total of 44 participants who specialize in Audio, Lighting, Automation, Projection, Networking & Programing, or Stage Management.This training will take place just off the strip in Las Vegas, Nevada; home to a majority of Cirque du Soleil's Resident Shows.
In addition to learning from entertainment experts at Cirque du Soleil, you will have access to industry-leading companies such as TAIT, Meyer Sound, ROBE Lighting, ETC, and Christie Digital.
Open to college 3rd + 4th year students or or technicians early in their career. Must be 18+ to participate).
Applications for Scholarship opportunities to assist with transportation and hotel will be available
Deadline to apply: Thursday, April 23, 2026
What will I need to apply:
- Resume
- Choose your top 2 area(s) of interest (SEE BELOW)
- Submit written responses to a few short answer questions
- Submit written response to "Why should you be chosen for this Intensive Training Opportunity?"
Location and Cost:
While there is no cost to apply or for participation in the training, those selected are responsible for the cost of transportation to Las Vegas and their lodging for the duration of the training. USITT has secured a contract with a hotel and will coordinate participants looking to share a double room or book a single room. Room rates are approximately $129 per night. If you choose to have a roommate, coordinated through USITT, your room fee would be approximately $64.50. USITT and Cirque will ensure travel from the Hotel to planned activities, but all other transportation and activities will not be covered. There are a limited few scholarship opportunities to assist with transportation and housing costs. These will be awarded at the discretion of the trainers.
Training ground Areas of interest:
This entry-level audio training is designed for early-career professionals and recent graduates looking to build foundational skills in large-scale live sound production, with a focus on Cirque du Soleil shows.
Over three days, participants will explore key sound design concepts, learn about industry-standard tools, and engage in lectures, discussions, and listening exercises at various performance venues. Attendees will connect with Meyer Sound and Cirque du Soleil industry professionals who will tailor the experience to their specific interests.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand core principles of sound design for large-scale productions
- Explore tools and technologies used in the live sound industry
- Participate in guided listening exercises and venue-based learning
- Gain insights from Meyer Sound and Cirque du Soleil professionals
- Customize learning through discussions with industry experts
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of entertainment automation, with a primary focus on the TAIT Navigator control system—a leading platform used in live events, theatrical productions, themed attractions, and large-scale concert tours. Students will explore the principles of motion control, system integration, safety protocols, and real-time show control, gaining practical experience with industry-standard tools and workflows. Through hands-on projects, students will learn to program and operate automation cues, interface with various hardware components, and understand the role of automation in modern show environments. The course emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and technical fluency, preparing students for careers in live entertainment, themed entertainment, and related industries.
Topics include:
- Introduction to automation systems in live entertainment
- Fundamentals of TAIT Navigator software
- Cue programming and timeline management
- Interfacing with automated rigging
- Safety standards and risk mitigation in automation
- Real-world case studies and guest speakers from the industry
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of technical theatre or live event production is recommended but not required.
Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to design and execute basic automation sequences, troubleshoot common issues, and demonstrate a working understanding of how TAIT Navigator fits into the larger scope of entertainment technology.
Step into our world of professional entertainment lighting. Come along to learn new skills and grow your knowledge with us! The Robe Training Experience offers hands-on training directly from one of the world’s leading moving light manufacturers. Robe is recognized for its innovation, quality engineering, and dedication to the very highest production values. Whether you’re learning to troubleshoot and maintain automated lighting equipment, cutting-edge systems like the RoboSpot remote FollowSpot system, or Avolites lighting consoles, this training is designed to equip you with the skills you need to excel in the entertainment industry.
RoboSpot Remote FollowSpot Control System:
Develop an understanding of the RoboSpot FollowSpot system, from how it operates to the steps for setting it up and maintaining it. Gain hands-on experience with real-world applications to ensure smooth and flawless performance in live event settings.
Automated Lighting Troubleshooting & Maintenance:
Learn to diagnose and repair common issues with automated lighting systems through hands-on work with industry-standard gear. Discover maintenance best practices that help extend the life of your equipment, avoid costly downtime, and keep your systems performance-ready for every show.
Avolites Lighting Consoles:
Creative, connected control. Explore the features and functionality of Avolites powerful lighting consoles. Learn how to operate and maintain these systems in high pressure environments and productions of any scale. Discover how to build a setup to meet your needs.
Learn networking and programming with Training Ground's three-part ETC training.
Day one covers the EOS family console essentials—patching fixtures, navigating displays, recording cues and groups, and using basic effects to get your first show up and running. On day two, you’ll build on that foundation with advanced tools and features such as palettes, presets, snapshots, Direct Selects, cue attributes, discrete timing, and Magic Sheets.
The third and final day shifts focus from the console to Networking for Entertainment Systems, expanding your understanding of system connectivity and communication across entertainment networks.
By the end of this three-day training, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to program and manage your Eos system with efficiency and creativity.
After candidates successfully complete this ILT (Instructor Led Training) in-person course, they will have a strong understanding of laser-based projection technology and the M 4K RGB models specifically. Attendees will have proficient laser safety knowledge and know which actions must be taken to guarantee safety for installation, service, etc. In the training, attendees will understand and be able to articulate the differences between the M 4K RGB Series of projectors. The training will also focus on the theory of projector operation, disassembling and reassembling a projector, troubleshooting a warning or error state on the projector, along with many install and maintenance type adjustments/alignments (ex: power connections, mechanical alignments, optical alignments, etc.).
After completion of this course learners will feel confident performing an installation or servicing M 4K RGB projectors, in addition to being eligible for 7.5 CTS Renewal Units (RU’s).
This audit style course is designed for early-career professionals and recent graduates looking to learn the fundamentals of stage management within the context of modern circus, specifically the shows of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.
Over three days, participants will discover the major differences in stage managing for circus and where their skills in other theatre genres align. We will review the proprietary Cirque du Soleil software used for show management, the emergency and contingency protocols for different productions, and students can try their hand at calling a variety of aerial acrobatic acts.
Key Takeaways:
· Understand core principles of stage management as they pertain to large scale, modern circus
· Explore the proprietary software used by Cirque du Soleil for show management
· Participate in discussions and hands on training around the nuances of cirque style stage management
· Network with Cirque du Soleil stage management professionals
· Develop a sense of the Cirque du Soleil stage management role and career path