USITT is excited to welcome four new faces to the USITT Board of Directors beginning July 1, 2025: Eben Alguire, Jonathan Allender-Zivic, Jeffery Bazemore, and Jeff Sherwood! Each of them brings their own mix of experience and passion for the industry. They've been longtime USITT Members, volunteers, and advocates who are now stepping up to help shape the future of the Institute. Take a few minutes to get to know them and hear what drives their commitment to USITT!

Eben Alguire

"I am delighted and humbled to have been elected to the Board of USITT. The Institute has been a huge part of my professional life for the last 16 years and I can't wait to do my part to help guide it for the next few years."
About Eben:

Eben Alguire (they/them) is a former technical director, a long time theatrical production educator, and is currently the Chair of the Arts and Entertainment Technology track at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. They enjoy taking things apart and trying to put them together again, spending time with their family, and, of course, petting the combined 110 pounds of fuzzy pets living in their house.

How Eben Got Involved with USITT:

Eben started getting involved with USITT in 2008 while a senior in college. Their theatre program was quite small and didn't even house a student chapter but their technical director, George Sherlock, encouraged them to go. They have since been at nearly every conference as an attendee, presenter, committee member, and lab facilitator. Nearly every job they've held since college has been because of USITT and the number of friendships and industry connections they've made through the Institute are staggering.

Jonathan Allender- Zivic

"Jonathan is excited to learn more about the governance side of USITT and help bring more transparency and insight to the Members who don't quite understand what the board does."
About Jonathan:
Jonathan Allender-Zivic (He/Him) brings over 25 years of experience in theatrical design, production, and education. His career spans both academic and professional spheres, including 12 years as an associate professor before founding his own company Munkey Industries LLC, where he now works as a trainer, consultant, designer, author, and inventor.

He travels nationally designing lighting, scenery, and projection for a wide range of theatres. A certified ETC Trainer, Jonathan spends a significant portion of his time teaching others to program and operate lighting control systems—an extension of his lifelong passion for education.

In 2019, he invented and patented Cable Munkey®, an innovative cable management device designed to enhance efficiency and safety in entertainment and industrial environments. His drive to improve behind-the-scenes workflow continues to inform his work as both a designer and inventor.

Jonathan is co-author of the 2nd edition of Stage Management Basics, a widely used textbook that introduces stage management concepts from the ground up, assuming no prior experience. He holds an MFA in Lighting Design and Technology from Western Illinois University.

He currently serves as a Commissioner for the Lighting Design and Technology Commission of USITT, helping to shape content and programming for the Annual Conference and Stage Expo. A USITT Member since 2006, Jonathan values the organization’s lasting impact on his career and remains committed to giving back through leadership and mentorship.

How Jonathan Got Involved with USITT:

Jonathan first got involved with USITT in 2006 as a college student, encouraged by a professor to attend the Louisville conference. Then a biology and theatre double major, he wasn’t sure a theatre career was realistic—until he stepped onto the Expo floor and saw the industry in action. That moment changed everything. Since then, he’s attended every conference, built a strong professional network, and credits USITT with shaping his career. Today, Jonathan stays involved to help give students and early-career Members the same inspiration and opportunities he received.

Jeffery Bazemore

"I'm thankful to serve an institute that has been of service to me. I look forward to having a great impact on the future of the American Theatre."
About Jeffery:
Jeffery Bazemore is the Senior Production Manager at Arena Stage in Washington DC. He is the former Director of Production for Baltimore Center Stage and Apprenticeship Coordinator through the Department of Service and Civic Innovation, Maryland Corps, Service Year Option. In addition to his work leading the BCS Production staff, he uses his skills in theater leadership and social work to develop programs for workforce development, working to provide technical and other career opportunities for young and early career artists and technicians. Jeff has been engaged and a Member of USITT for over 15 years, serving in multiple capacities with the USITT Volunteer Assistant Conference Program, USITT Development, Nominations, and Bylaws Committees. He has served on the 2021 Conference Planning Committees as a Regional Programmer, Co-Curator for USITT 2021 Large Props Special Exhibit, Lecturer for USITT Baltimore Professional Development Workshop (PDW) Props Lab, Host of USITT 2024 Seattle & 2025 Columbus New Product Showcase, and serves as a mentor for USITT’s Gateway Program.

He is the former President and member of the Society of Props Managers (SPM). Before Production Management, Jeff served as the Properties Director at BCS for five seasons. He has worked professionally in props in Theatre, Film, and Television across the United States. He was a Board Member of the former Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas (SILV). Jeff has led workshops, panels, and guest lectured for different Colleges/Universities in Props Making and Management. Jeff currently serves on the USITT Nominations and Bylaws Committees. Mr. Bazemore received his MFA in Production Technology from Ohio University, his MSW in Social Work from Capella University, and a BA in Theatre and Communications from Berea College.

How Jeffery Got involved with USITT:

I originally got involved with USITT through the Volunteer Assistant (formerly Student Volunteers) Program. This involvement helped lower the cost, allowing me to attend the conference, which has led to multiple employment opportunities and career advancements.

Jeff Sherwood

"I am so humbled and honored to have been elected by the USITT Membership to serve as a Member of the USITT Board of Directors. I am excited for what the future of the Institute holds and the role it plays in the future of our art and craft, artisans and craft persons. I look forward to playing an active role in building and connecting communities within the arts."
About Jeff:

Jeff Sherwood (he/him) is a Korean American award-winning sound designer, composer, audio engineer, and educator specializing in theatre and digital media. He is an Assistant Professor of Sound Design & Sonic Arts at the University of Georgia and has worked Off-Broadway and regionally including with The Public Theater, The New Group, Signature Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre Company, City Theatre Company, Playmakers Rep, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Bucks County Playhouse, Theatre Aspen, Cape Playhouse, and others, in addition to work on podcasts and film.

He has been involved with USITT activities at student chapter, regional, national, and international levels including USITT Conference Committee, USITT YDMT Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award, International Young Ambassador Program, Young Designers Forum, Sound Lab Supervisor, Student Volunteer/Conference Assistant, USITT Elite Training at Cirque du Soleil, conference presentations, review panels, and more.

He also serves as Vice Chair of the Sound Design Sub-Commission of OISTAT, and as Co-Vice Chair of Design, Technology, and Management for Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 3 Conference.  He is a proud member of USITT, United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 IATSE, Local ACT IATSE, Audio Engineering Society (AES), and Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association (TSDCA).

His research interests include new work and exploring how the entire theatrical experience functions as a form of music, large-scale sound system design and documentation, as well as teaching pedagogy and instructional design.  His personal interests include traveling, exploring new cultures, and keeping local restaurants in business.  MFA: Purdue University. BFA: Oklahoma City University. Learn more about Jeff's work here.


How Jeff Got Involved with USITT:

I have been serving this Institute every year of my consecutive 13-year Membership, in big and small, official and unofficial capacities, starting with my first year when I volunteered to help strike the inaugural Sound Lab in Long Beach. I quickly got involved as a conference assistant in loading in the subsequent Sound Labs and I immediately found a close-knit community of professionals, educators, and students who are passionate about their craft and genuinely care about each other and welcomed me with open arms.  I hope as the Institute continues to grow it will also continue to be a springboard for ideas, connections, launching careers, and inspiring innovation.

My first-hand participation in many USITT opportunities has shaped my career. My passion for USITT has driven me to engage in conference assistant work, review panels, and now serving on the Conference Committee as Main Stage Sound Coordinator. Combined with my work as an educator and working professional USA 829 sound designer, this provides me access to understanding the needs, wants, and perspective of a wide body of our Membership—students, fellow educators, early-career and seasoned professionals, and manufacturers/vendors/employers. I am honored to make sure your voice is heard when considering the future of the Institute. 

My passion for this Institute and its powerful opportunities drives me to continue to advocate for current and future members. I am committed to shaping a sustainable and impactful future of the Institute in support of its Mission as a Director on the Board of Directors.