You will be offered a position as a lab company designer at the Hangar Theatre, a nationally-recognized professional theatre located on the edge of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York.

SETC collaborates with the Hangar Theatre Lab Company Design program which provides emerging designers the time, space and resources to practice as a designer rather than a technician during the summer to offer this award.  Eight designers (two in each discipline) are selected via a competitive national search. Two of the 2009 lab company designers - one costume and one scenic - will be chosen from the SETC Graduate Design Competition.

THIS AWARD INCLUDES:

• Designing during the June to August 2009 Summer Season:
• Six shows as principle designer
• Four designs in the Wedge season
• Two designs in the KIDDSTUFF season
• Opportunity to design plays directed by Drama League directing fellows
• Opportunity to observe and assist Mainstage designers
• In addition you’ll have a chance to attend Master Classes offered by the main stage designers in conceptualization, director/designer collaboration, designing a new play and a portfolio review.
• Professional photos of each play for your designer’s portfolio are available at the end of the season
• Theatre Company Housing
• $1100 ($600 from SETC and $500 from the Hangar Theatre) to defray personal expenses

The winners of the awards will be chosen by representatives from the Hangar Theatre based on the  portfolio review and personal interview. In the event that a winner can not be named from the 2009 Design Competition, SETC reserves the right to postpone awarding this until 2010’s Design Competition.

The winner will receive an all expense paid trip to the Vari*Lite factory in Dallas, TX and will attend a four day technician training class that covers repair and maintenance of all Vari*Lite automated lighting fixtures. At the end of the class, upon passing a written test, the winner will become a Certified Vari*Lite Technician for a two year period of time with a certificate of completion. Winner will also receive a factory tour to see Vari*Lite fixtures and also Entertainment Technology, Strand and Lightolier Controls dimming and controls being manufactured. Trip includes deluxe accommodations at the Crowne Plaza, all airfare, transportation and meals. 

In addition, the winner will receive the opportunity to spend an entire day from load-in to load out with a major concert tour (artist to be named at the 2009 Design Awards Ceremony, Friday March 6th) when the tour stops near the winner's home town. Transportation will be provided if needed by Vari*Lite. Winner will also receive a full complement of Vari*Lite t-shirts, lanyards and other promotional merchandise as part of the prize package. 

SETC offers $600 to help defray personnel expenses.  The winner must participate in the award experience to receive the monetary prize.

The winner of the award will be chosen by the 2009 Design Competition Adjudicators. In the event that a winner can not be named from the 2009 Design Competition, SETC reserves the right to postpone awarding this until 2010’s Design Competition.