When you are released into the wild, left on your own to carve your own path to success, joining organizations that are related to your field of study/interest is key. They help you hone your craft, make friends and connections, and help you not to feel so alone in a world that can feel so big and empty. You gain a sense of comradery with people who are in the same boat as yourself and can relate to your struggles. When I researched organizations that were within my field of study, I came across quite a few:
- United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
- Association of Writers & Writing Program (AWP)
- Writers Guild of America West (WGAW)
- The Writers Guild Foundation
The organization I am most interested in joining is USITT. I have always loved theatre, and now I have discovered a passion of mine— Set Design. USITT would be a great organization to join since it comes recommended by my professor (who is also a member) and its conferences are full of knowledge ranging from lighting to sound to set, all aspects of Theatre Technology. I feel like I would be able to learn a lot from attending and also make some useful connections since there are bound to be people there who have been around the block a few times, so to speak.
There are conferences held every year in varying cities and each one has something new to offer. Whether it is refreshing one’s memory on already known technology, keeping everyone up to date about developments in tech and what new gadgets have been created to make cool effects, or even just serving as an introduction to the more specific sections of Theatre, there is always something new to learn.
