USITT Launches New eSET Testing for Entertainment Techs
USITT is excited to announce the launch of eSET, Essential Skills for Entertainment Technicians!
This new proficiency program for entry level technicians has launched its first online skills and safety tests in three disciplines - Lighting & Electrics, Rigging, and Costuming - as well as the basic Terms & Safety Test required for any eSET exam.
In the coming years, USITT's eSET Council will add exams in other disciplines including Audio, Scenery, Projection, and Wigs & Makeup. eSET offers a way for employers to test their technicians' skills, and for technicians to show their skill sets.
With concern for safety, liability, and best practices taking center stage in the live events world, USITT has developed this unique tool to measure the preparedness of entry-level employees and volunteers who perform technical tasks.
USITT Executive Director David Grindle said the goal is to give employers confidence that someone with an eSET certificate has the basic skills and knowledge to perform a technical job - at a theatre, school, house of worship, or live entertainment facility.
"If two students come to you with degrees in theatre applying for a job as an electrician, how do you know what they know?" Director David Grindle asked. "With an eSET certificate, you know which candidate has a strong knowledge of the subject."
eSET tests are written by groups of professionals who hire entry level employees, and are designed to test proficiency at that level. "eSET offers employers the same confidence in a worker at entry level as ETCP gives them on an advanced level," Grindle said.
eSET comes in two parts. Part 1 is an online exam; Part 2 is a practical exam. Online exams in the first disciplines are live now at www.usitt.org/eset. The first practical exams will be held during USITT 2016 March 16-19 in Salt Lake City. Passing each part earns a certificate; those who pass both written and practical tests also earn an eSET pin.
"Potential employees can bring an employer a certificate stating they have passed only Part 1 of eSET, or Parts 1 and 2," Grindle said. "Seeing an eSET certificate gives you greater confidence in the skill set of the potential employee." Current employees are also eligible to take the exams, which cost only $40 for the first subject and are half- price for additional subjects.
eSET also offers a glossary of terms and a mobile app to help beginners learn over 2,000 terms used in entertainment technology. The app for iPhone and iPad can be found here. The android app is expected to go live on Feb. 1. Look for it, and more info about eSET, at www.usitt.org/eset.
USITT, the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, is the national nonprofit serving the live entertainment design and technology industry. USITT 2016 Annual Conference and Stage Expo is the only complete production event in North America, with over 250 training sessions, hands-on demonstrations, presentations, and networking opportunities, plus 260 exhibitors of the latest tools and resources for creating live entertainment.
Visit USITT at www.usitt.org, and the USITT 2016 show site at www.usittshow.org.
|
Madame Butterfly The Glimmerglass Festival (7/11-8/17) |
|
Oklahoma! The Glimmerglass Festival (7/10-8/17) |
|
|
Wicked Proctor's Theatre (11/05-11/05) |
|
SIX The Stanley (6/01-6/02) |
|
Hell's Kitchen Proctors Theatre (12/29-1/03) |
|
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART PRESENTS Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination The Museum of Modern Art (12/14-7/25) |
|
Elvis My: Way Brandon Bennett sings Elvis Presley Geva Theatre (7/09-7/19) |
|
SIX (Boleyn Tour) Stanley Center for the Arts [Stanley Theatre] (6/01-6/02) |
|
Iolanthe The Summer Savoyards (7/10-7/12) |
|
The Taming of the Shrew Shakespeare Players at the Highland Bowl (7/09-7/25) |