This class introduces Adobe Photoshop as a versatile creative tool for costume designers and costume design illustrators, focusing on how various digital illustration techniques can be applied to meet the needs of a project.

Rather than presenting a single fixed workflow, the session explores multiple approaches to digital rendering, including translating hand drawings into digital form, building layered collage-based images, and developing texture and surface effects. The emphasis is on process, judgment, and adaptability, understanding a variety of approaches and which techniques are most effective at different stages of design, communication, and production.

Through concrete examples from professional practice, the class demonstrates how Photoshop can support everything from early visual exploration to presentation-ready images and production-oriented files. The session is demonstration-led and designed to be accessible regardless of individual hardware setup, making it suitable for remote participants. Please note: This class will be limited to 20 participants.

We’re thrilled to announce another Benefits 101 orientation, led by your Benefits & Support Services Liaison, Sid Solomon! This 90-minute session will take a friendly and accessible look at how our members qualify for health coverage, pension benefits, and participate in annuity and 401(k) plans, while also digging into other benefits & support services to which you're entitled. And while it’s especially geared toward newer members, everyone is welcome. Seriously, if you’ve always been a little confused by how your benefits worked but weren't sure who to ask, Benefits 101 is for you.

This class introduces all designers to Vor, an application for macOS, iOS, and iPadOS, and how the power of a camera and some data can elevate your workflow to a whole new level.

Taking a camera feed, multi-track audio, and data inputs (lighting, sound, video, automation, etc) Vor creates a composite video in real-time, overlaying cueing information, recording multi-track audio, and gives your production instant replay, allowing you to give context to what happened, when.

While created by lighting professionals, this discussion seeks to draw in people from all disciplines to learn how you can make the creation process just a bit easier by utilizing Vor. We encourage attendees to come with questions and an open mind for how you can welcome new technology into your process.

Pre-requisites
An understanding or interest in learning how photo and video tools elevate the creation, archival, and maintenance process of production for all departments.

Takeaways
Upon completion, attendees will be able to...
Utilize existing software in a new and engaging manner to elevate their production collaboration
Critically assess their workflow and determine how existing software tools can aid their process

Supporting Info
Subject Matter Experts (owners of Vor App, documentation and archive enthusiasts)
Presenter Qualifications (associate designer, programmer for Broadway+extensive commercial theatre)

HODI
A driving principle for our business is ensuring software is easily approachable from both a financial and a technical standpoint. Access to game changing technology should not be limited to those who are financially privileged or those who are exceptionally gifted with advanced technology - it should be approachable by all theatre practitioners and make everyone’s job just a bit easier.

Can I negotiate for myself? How can I get the best deal for my upcoming job? If these questions sound familiar, or you have others about the business of working as an art department or costume department coordinator, this workshop is geared specifically towards the business aspect of being a Coordinator in Motion Pictures.

The session will explore essential negotiation principles and provide practical tools to strengthen your approach at the bargaining table. Whether you're new to negotiating or looking to refine your skills, this workshop offers valuable insights to help you advocate effectively for yourself and your work.

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a crisis, and help connect them to the appropriate care.

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack, or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by teaching you how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen non judgmentally and give reassurance to someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

Mental Health First Aid is an international training program that was created in Australia in 2000, brought to the U.S. in 2008, and is now in 24 countries around the world. Upon completing the course you will become a certified Mental Health First Aider which is valid for three years.