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In this issue:

CITT/ICTS News

Message from CITT/ICTS President

Tariff Impact Check-In - Open Forum for Members

Tariff Impact Contact Form - Member Feedback

CITT/ICTS at USITT25

2025 Board of Directors Election - Candidate Slate

Watch: February and March Zoom Sessions

Call for Nominations: CITT/ICTS Awards

EXPO-SCÈNE 2025

Rendez-vous 2025

Regional Section News

Welcome New Members!

Industry News

Resources

Job Board

Members Area

Thanks to our Contributing Members!

VERSION FRANÇAISE

Dear Members,

On the weekend of March 21st, 2025, the Board and Regional Chairs gathered in Ottawa for our annual retreat. The purpose of this retreat was to take a moment to reflect on where we stand and where we want to go moving forward. As an organization led by our membership, it’s crucial for us to come together to reaffirm our members' needs and explore the best ways we can serve them.

During the retreat, we discussed our vision for the next five years and the steps we need to take to get there. Key topics included improving membership engagement, finding better ways to connect with our members, and enhancing support. Additionally, we focused on strengthening the relationship between the Regionals and the Board. This took a significant step forward last year and continues to improve communication and support between both groups. We also considered how to expand regional representation across Canada to ensure that all regions are covered.

US Trade Dispute

A major point of discussion was the ongoing trade dispute with the US. This ongoing dispute is affecting many aspects of our lives—both personally, with so many friends and family across the border, and professionally, within our industries. The constant uncertainty is making future planning quite difficult.

When the first wave of tariff threats emerged in early March, Jacquie, our Executive Director, was preparing to attend USITT2025. We became aware that some Canadian members were choosing not to attend USITT2025. Given this, along with the ongoing trade issues, and the unwarranted disrespect being shown towards Canada, the executive team discussed whether it was still appropriate for CITT/ICTS to attend the conference at all, and wether to use funds entrusted to us by our members for a trip to the US.

Ultimately, the decision was made for Jacquie to attend. We felt it was crucial for CITT/ICTS' voice to be present at the event. We hoped that Jacquie could better understand the level of awareness within the US about the challenges faced by Canadians and to engage with both Canadian and US vendors about their approach to the tariffs. Continuing these discussions with the USITT executive was also important, as it allowed us to emphasize how these issues are affecting our industry and Canadians as a whole.

We were able to secure financial support to cover the cost of the trip, ensuring that no CITT/ICTS funds were used for this US visit. We would like to thank TAIT and USITT for their generous support for making the trip possible.

We believe that these conversations are important in keeping dialogue open with our allies in the US and in preparing ourselves to address the situation more effectively.

During the retreat, we also brainstormed various ways we can serve our members through communication, advocacy, and other initiatives.

Immediate Action Items:

1. Zoom Session: Member Check-In

Title: Tariff Impact Check-In: Members' Concerns and Insights

Date: Tuesday, April 8th, 2:00 PM EDT | On Zoom

- See details below

2. Member Feedback on Trade Dispute

- See details below

3. Special Advisory Committee - Creation

The Board is forming a Special Advisory Committee to help guide us through this crisis.

We’re calling on community members with expertise in cross-border trade or other relevant experience to join this critical committee. If you, or someone you know, has valuable insight into this matter, please reach out to us.

In the meantime, we want to reassure our members that we are actively addressing these challenges and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email or use our Tariff Impact contact form.

Sincerely,

Russell Martin, CITT/ICTS President, and the Board of Directors

CITT/ICTS Board Retreat in Ottawa - March 2025

Bottom row, from left to right:

Autumn Coppaway, Debbie Richardson, Russell Martin, Andrea Lundy.

Top row, from left to right:

Matt Lamarche, Kevin Humphrey, Craig Langlois, Brianne Gwartz, Peter (Spike) Lyne, Sandra Matte, Jacquie Lazar, Joshua C McIntosh, Daniel Bennett, Eric Mongerson.

On screen:

Mimi Abrahams, Crystal Lee (with little Felix Lee-Ermel).

Open Forum for CITT/ICTS Members

Tariff Impact Check-In on Zoom

Tuesday April 8, 2025 | 2 pm to 3 pm EST | On Zoom

Moderated by:

Russell Martin, CITT/ICTS President

Joshua C McIntosh, CITT/ICTS Treasurer

In this session, Russell and Joshua will check in with our members to discuss how current tariffs are affecting your businesses, operations, and organizations. This will be an open forum where participants can share their experiences, challenges and concerns related to tariffs.

Please join Russell and Joshua to share your concerns and insights, and to explore potential solutions or strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs.

This meeting is open to CITT/ICTS members only and will not be recorded.

→ REGISTER HERE

+ Member Feedback on Tariffs

Share your thoughts via our Contact Form

In addition to the check-in mentioned above, we would like to hear from as many members as possible about the challenges you are facing due to the trade dispute and how CITT/ICTS can support you during this time, whether you are attending the meeting or not. Thank you for your time and we appreciate any kind of feedback.

→ GO TO CONTACT FORM

CITT/ICTS at USITT25

Although short, our Executive Director's stay at the USITT Annual Conference was once again an enriching experience. Again, thank you to USITT and TAIT for their generous support in making this trip possible. Thank you as well to the members who joined us at the CITT/ICTS regional meeting - it was a pleasure to connect and chat!

Candidate Slate

2025 CITT/ICTS Board of Directors Election

A call for nominations for the CITT/ICTS Board of Directors was sent to the membership in January 2025. We are pleased to confirm that an election will be held. There are 3 Director positions up for election and there are 4 candidates:

• Joshua C McIntosh (incumbent, currently Treasurer)
• Crystal Lee (incumbent, currently Director at Large)
• Andrea Lundy (incumbent, currently Secretary)
• Craig Langlois (seeking election)

The ballot will be emailed to members on May 8, 2025, with candidate descriptions and a link to vote. Voting will begin on May 12, 2025, and will remain open for 30 days. The results of the election will be announced at the 2025 Annual General Meeting scheduled on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

February & March Zoom Sessions

Recordings now available

Exploring World Stage Design 2025 & TAC

This conversation explores the upcoming World Stage Design 2025 in Sharjah, UAE, and sheds light on the Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC). Discover how Sharjah will be transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, hosting exhibitions, workshops, performances and discussions that explore the future of design in the performing arts for WSD 2025, and learn more about OISTAT's Architecture Commission by delving into the background of TAC and the reasons for its importance. ▶️ WATCH

From Concept to Stage:

Discover OISTAT's Technical Invention Prize 2025

Curious to know more about the Technical Invention Prize (TIP)? Watch this inspiring presentation, and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and innovation! ▶️ WATCH

Nominate your Peers!

2025 CITT/ICTS Awards

CITT/ICTS is pleased to reinstate its awards in recognition of individuals and companies who are outstanding in their field of live entertainment production in Canada.

The 2025 CITT/ICTS Awards are:

• CITT/ICTS Achievement in Education Award
• CITT/ICTS Technical Innovation and Achievement Award
• CITT/ICTS Lifetime Achievement Award
• Inaugural Emerging Technical Talent Award

The nomination of candidates for the CITT/ICTS Awards is driven directly by the membership. CITT/ICTS members, this is your chance to recognize a company, the contribution of a mentor, a colleague or someone whose work you admire! The 2025 Awards will be presented at the CITT/ICTS 2025 Annual Conference Rendez-vous in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Deadline to nominate is June 13, 2025.

EXPO-SCÈNE 2025

TRADE SHOW ● DEMO ROOMS ● TEC TALKS ● PRE-SHOW TRAINING

An event you won't want to miss! Register now for your free visitor badge.

Pre-show training - Save your spot!

Don't miss the opportunity to learn and improve your skills with great hands-on training.

📣 CITT/ICTS Members: You get a 20% discount on ALL pre-show training! CLICK HERE for instructions and promo codes.

▶︎ ETC Ion Xe Console Training

Only one spot left - Waitlist available.

Tuesday, April 15 - Level 2: Enhanced (1 spot left)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Level 3: Intermediate (FULL, waitlist open)

9:00am - 5:00pm on both days | Cost: $235.00 USD per day

You can register for one or both of these sessions, depending on your needs and experience level.

▶︎ grandMA3 Training

The Smashing Buttons Tour 2025 presented by ACT Entertainment is coming to Montréal!

2-Day Course grandMA3 Beginner

April 14 + 15 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM on both days | Cost: USD $500

1-Day Course grandMA3 for the grandMA2 User

April 16 | 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM| Cost: USD $500

Getting to know grandMA3 | FREE!!

April 17 | Morning session: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM + Afternoon session: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

▶︎ Vectorworks Spotlight for Entertainment Workshop

Presented by Vectorworks Canada, this workshop is designed for new Vectorworks Spotlight users in the entertainment industry. If you’re self-taught and looking to fill knowledge gaps, this class is for you!

1-Day Course

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 | 9:00am - 5:00pm | Cost: $406.00 CAD + tx

▶︎ Event Safety Alliance Canada Montréal Regional Forum

A day of event safety programming! ESAC's Montréal Regional Forum will provide a slate of engaging sessions, presented by experts in the field, as well as an opportunity to share your own event safety experiences and expertise with industry peers.

1-Day Forum

Tuesday, April 15 | 9:00am - 4:30pm

Cost:

• ESAC and CITT/ICTS Members | $50.00 CAD + tx
• Non-Members | $75.00 CAD + tx

We are SOLD OUT!

We are pleased to confirm that the 2025 trade show floor is now sold-out, with over 80 exhibitors. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to connect with industry leaders, world-renowned brands, along with Canadian and Quebec-based favorites, in the heart of beautiful Montréal, QC → View Exhibitor List

New this year: Cruise lines are hiring!

Looking for your next gig? EXPO-SCÈNE 2025 will welcome 4 cruise companies, all actively recruiting technicians in lighting, automation, audio, backstage, broadcast/video, and more. Cruises offer day and night entertainment, including stage shows, musical performances, deck parties, casinos, and more, making it a great opportunity to work in stagecraft while traveling!

Special features

EXPO-SCÈNE is always happy to provide great entertainment for it's visitors. Here are some fun attractions you won't want to miss on the show floor :

• A Stageline SL100 Stage will be transformed into a lounge near the CITT/ICTS booth.
• See On-Site Drapery Cleaning's one-of-a-kind Drapery Cleaning Truck in action.
• Test your mixing skills at CAVPA's Play & Learn mixing stations.

Demo Rooms

Demo rooms are located on the 5th floor of the Palais des congrès de Montréal. Visit our website for more information and demo schedules.

AVL Media Group presents the latest from RCF and Midas

RCF Demos | Midas HD96 Demos | RCF Highlights | MIDAS Playground

Room 518 b

d&b audiotechnik Canada presents the new CCL System (Compact Cardioid Line Array), the first product in the new CL Series

After world premieres at NAMM and ISE Barcelona, this exclusive experience is coming to Montréal. Don't miss it!

Room 520 bcef

SFM presents the latest and most innovative products in their catalog

Experience pro audio and lighting solutions in a more intimate and personalized setting while enjoying the best coffee in Montreal... Café Olimpico!

Room 524 c

GerrAudio Distribution Information to come

Room 524 a

Theatrixx Technologies Information to come

Room 520 d

TEC Talks

Free admission - No registration required!

Schedule is now complete for Studio 1 and 2 with 12 engaging TEC Talks from presenters such as Vectorworks, Stageline, Erikson Audio, Schnick-Schnack-Systems and many others! → DETAILS

GerrAudio Studio - Program to come soon.

Stay tuned for more information!

Travel and accommodation offers

Visiting us from outside Montréal? We are pleased to offer preferential rates at hotels near the Palais des congrès, as well as discounts on Air Canada and VIA Rail tickets. Visit our website to learn more! → Hotel & Travel

Sponsor or advertise at EXPO-SCÈNE

Give your company maximum visibility before, during and after the show! As a sponsor, you'll attract the attention of over 1,800 visitors and industry leaders attending EXPO-SCÈNE. Explore our range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities to find the one that suits your needs! → Sponsorship & Advertising

Follow EXPO-SCÈNE!

Rendez-vous 2025

Submit your session proposal for our next Rendez-vous!

CITT/ICTS is calling on experts, innovators, and thought leaders from across the live entertainment industry to submit proposals for engaging and impactful sessions that will inspire, educate, and challenge attendees.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Technical & Production Management
• Stage Management & Stage Technology
• Lighting, Sound, Video, and Rigging
• Stage Carpentry, Props, Wardrobe & Design
• Health & Safety, Architecture, EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion)

We look forward to receiving your proposals. Thank you for your interest!

CONFERENCE LOCATION

Rendez-vous 2025 will be held at both the Dalhousie Arts Centre and Fountain School of Performing Arts, on the campus of Dalhousie University.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION

If you are planning to attend this year's conference, we encourage you to book your stay as soon as possible. We have secured preferential rates at two hotels close to campus, and two student residences on campus. For full details, booking links, and Air Canada/VIA Rail discount codes, visit Rendez-vous Travel & Accommodation.

Follow Rendez-vous!

BC-Yukon Section

Announcing 2025 Board of Directors

On March 24th, 2025 the BC-Yukon regional section had its first official AGM as a registered society and we are very pleased to announce our incoming board. We are collectively dedicated to creating more training and networking opportunities in our region, and also to connecting beyond the Vancouver Lower-Mainland. The new board consists of the following members:

• President - Mimi Abrahams
• Vice President - Nicole Lamb
• Secretary - Chengyan Boon
• Treasurer - Jamie Burns
• Director at Large - Nic Timmenga
• Director at Large - Tim Koll

At our March 24 Technical Director and Production Manager’s Roundtable event, we identified a clear need for advocacy about the nature of our work and a broad scope of training fundamentals that need to be addressed. Our members were able to rediscover CITT/ICTS and Banff Centre skills chart projects from the early 90’s-2000’s, and we will be looking for participants to contribute to an update. If you are interested, (not limited to BC-Yukon Members) please let us know via email.

The Vancouver Island mixer on March 28th was a huge success, running overtime, and attracting 55 participants. A big shout out to Nic Timmenga for driving this event, our venue sponsor: University of Victoria, Roger Bishop Theatre, and also to our breakout table leaders: Spencer Kanaka, Nicole Lamb, Don Parman, Monica Arthurs, Jame Burns, George Scott, Dan Pedlow, Nicole Lamb, and Mya Wilson.

Mimi Abrahams,

BC-Yukon Section President

Québec Section - CQICTS

TEC Talk at EXPO-SCÈNE 2025: TD-Networks, a pooling project initiative

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 2pm to 4:30pm

Presenters : Éric Fontaine, Luc Vallée and Bruno Matte.

Free admission, registration is not required.

In the course of analyzing inter-sectoral communication networks, CQICTS noted the existence of multiple micro-networks, and would like to connect them in order to improve exchanges between stage production stakeholders.

Firstly, representatives of the Regroupement des Directions Techniques - Ville de Québec will be present to discuss their micro-network and the advantages it offers them. Then, in the form of a discussion table, participants will be invited to share their initiatives and discuss their networking and intra-network communication practices.

A summary of the discussions will be drawn up to enable CQICTS to determine what actions need to be taken to create an effective communication macro-network that meets the needs of its members.

After attending this meeting, participants will be able to:

• Improve their current exchange network
• Initiate their own approach to structuring a cluster in their sector of activity
• Be part of the movement towards the creation of a macro-network

Details + visitor registration

Make sure to register for your free visitor badge to have access to the trade show hall!

We hope to see you there!

PROFESSIONAL

Devy Breda, Brampton, ON

In Loving Memory

Rachelle Curran (formerly Robson)

Rachelle was a familiar face at many of our events and trade shows over the years. She was a dear friend to the CITT/ICTS community. She had a smile that lit up the room, and she never lost her energy, even on the toughest days. CITT/ICTS was deeply saddened to hear the news of her passing. Our hearts are with Ultratec Special Effects, her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She will be deeply missed.

__________

Ultratec Special Effects social media post - March 7th, 2025:

It is with great sadness that Ultratec Special Effects announces the passing of Rachelle Curran (formerly Robson). Rachelle was loved and respected by her peers throughout the live event industry.

Rachelle came to Ultratec Special Effects in 2010 and made it her mission to know everything she could about our theatrical atmospheric effects products. Every position she held, whether in customer service, operations, or sales, gave her the opportunity to learn procedures and practices at a detailed level. Once she learned them, she worked to improve them. Yet, the systems were not where Rachelle contributed the most.

People engagement was her superpower. Owners, co-workers, and customers could count on Rachelle to bring the caring and humour that made working with Ultratec productive and enjoyable. When it came time several years ago to codify Ultratec’s core values, we chose Dedication and Passion, Customer First, Integrity, Reputation, and Fun. From the beginning, it was clear that Rachelle was the poster child for those values.

Moving past this loss will not be easy, but a great way for us to honour her is to live every day with the attitude she brought to Ultratec in all aspects of our lives.

On behalf of the Ultratec family and to all who knew her, we pledge to do justice to her loving memory by striving to live up to the core values she inspired and adopted.

Adrian Segeren and Marnie Styles

Founders and Owners of Ultratec Special Effects Inc.

Pyrotechnics Safety and Legal Awareness Virtual Course

Next course: Saturday April 5, 2025 | 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (ET)

Special Effect Pyrotechnics (Type F.3) are high-hazard pyrotechnics articles designed for use by professionals. These articles include items such as Gerbs, Mines, and Comets. These articles would be used in theatre productions, concerts and on film sets. This course is the mandatory first step to a certification as Pyrotechnician - Fireworks/Operator by the Explosives Regulatory Division (ERD). This is a Federal certification, required and recognized from Coast to Coast.

This course is hosted on ZOOM.

CITT/ICTS Members get a $25 discount! Visit your Members Area for details.

Regular price is $225.00 + HST = $254.25

Price for CITT/ICTS members: $200 + HST = $226.00

→ LEARN MORE & REGISTER

PACT Webinar

Risk Management for Performance Institutions: 

Protecting People, Productions & Places

Wednesday April 16 2025 1PM ET | Free

Join PACT for a session with Front Row Insurance who will lead a session of common risks for performance organizations, insurance essentials and types of coverage, and discuss emerging issues and ways to prevent liability. The session will go over insurance essentials, and answer all your questions about liability, coverage and protection for the people, productions, and places that are key to a healthy, thriving organization. 

→ LEARN MORE & REGISTER

ArtsVote 2025

Raise your voice during this election.

With the Canadian election approaching, it is vital to be united in our call for support for the arts and culture sector and make our voices heard. Cultural workers and anyone who wants to preserve cultural expression in Canada need to speak up at every opportunity: from hanging a sign in your window, to asking your candidates questions, to being part of a debate in your community.

To support this, the Canadian Arts Coalition has launched ArtsVote 2025 with home election kits that can be downloaded from their site, along with social media tools that anyone can use. ArtsVote 2025 aims to ensure that the role of the arts in our communities is part of the national conversation. It invites all Canadians to participate in a path forward for Canada where arts and culture hold a central role. The kits include posters to hang in windows, social media picture frames, and questions to ask candidates to ensure the conversation is being had in every riding. The social media tools encourage all Canadians to promote the importance of arts and culture online.

→ LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED

Call for Candidates

Chair of OISTAT Architecture Commission

Deadline: May 19, 2025

OISTAT Architecture Commission facilitates communication and understanding about theatre buildings among architects, scenographers and technicians worldwide. OISTAT would like to thank the current Chair Maaike Westinga for her achievement and commitment that opened up various possibilities for OISTAT Architecture Commission. Hoping that the succeeding Chair will lead OISTAT Architecture Commission in the following four years with equal success.

OISTAT Centres*, Associate Members and Individual Members are encouraged to send nominations to OISTAT Headquarters no later than May 19, 2025. The Chair Election will be held at the Architecture Commission online meeting on September 19, 2025.

CLICK HERE for more information.

* CITT/ICTS is the Canadian center of OISTAT. If you are a CITT/ICTS member and wish to submit your nomination, we invite you to learn more about the nomination process and required documents at the link above.

Discount for CITT/ICTS members

Tickets are on sale for World Stage Design 2025 in Sharjah, UAE

Held Oct 18 - 25, 2025

OISTAT members receive a 10% discount on the Voyager Pass for WSD 2025 with an exclusive promo code. CITT/ICTS members: Visit your Members Area for details.

Learn more about WSD 2025 | Get your tickets

+ ONGOING - Call for entries:

Theatre Architecture Competition (TAC)

➤ Seeking: Innovative ideas in theatre architecture

➤ Open to: Students and emerging architects

➤ Deadline: April 14, 2025

​

Technical Invention Prize (TIP)

➤ Looking for: Simple, creative stage inventions/devices

➤ Open to: Theatre technicians

➤ Deadline: June 15, 2025

Happy Fifty ETC!

Celebrating 50 years of Art and Education at ETC

Art: Since 1975, ETC has developed professional lighting tools that are accessible to everyone. From small venues like schools, restaurants, and churches to large-scale environments such as theatres, casinos, and opera houses, our products have empowered artists, designers, and technicians worldwide. Whether in a local theatre or a grand performance venue, ETC lighting solutions are trusted to help bring creative visions to life.

Their story began with a vision. On Christmas Eve, 1975, an 18-year-old college student proposed the idea of creating a state-of-the-art lighting console, one that could transform lighting control. By the following year, this idea led to the Mega Cue, the first product from ETC and the beginning of our journey in lighting technology. → Read more

Education: ETC has always been dedicated to backing their products with the highest quality service and support. As the company expanded its product portfolio, user base, and global reach over the course of 50 years, education came forward as one of the central pillars of ETC's service philosophy.

For many years, ETC has placed increased emphasis on education and training opportunities across the globe. While some other lighting companies have manuals and datasheets online, no other manufacturer offers ETC’s sheer breadth of educational resources. → Read more

+ Unveiling Rigging Innovation: ETC is bringing the art back to manual counterweight rigging with Prodigy Balance, a revolutionary approach to traditional counterweight rigging. ETC has improved century-old technology through innovative engineering to encourage safer backstage environments, making rigging easier for staff and making it possible for students to learn the theory behind, and practice of, manual counterweight rigging. → Learn more

News from Stageline

Stageline Acquires Scène Éthique and Strengthens its Position as a world-leader

Stageline Mobile Stage Inc., a global leader in the design and manufacturing of mobile stages and hydraulic stage structures, today announced the acquisition of Scène Éthique, a company specialized in the design and manufacture of stage infrastructure and mechanized welded equipment for the entertainment and large-scale event sector. This strategic acquisition, which brings the company's workforce to nearly 300 employees, is part of Stageline's commitment to meet the strong international demand for its products. → Read News

Stageline Accelerates International Growth with Christine Latour Joining Executive Team

Building on its recent acquisition of Scène Éthique and driven by sustained growth momentum, Stageline, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of mobile stages, announces the appointment of Christine Latour to the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer and Head of New Market Development. This appointment underscores Stageline's ambition to expand its international presence, support its global objectives, and ensure a robust strategic position for the future. → Read News

ESTA Standards Watch

The latest issue is now available.

ONLINE READS

from our Media Partners

LSA

March 2025

Read online now

TFWM

March 2025

Read online now

Qui Fait Quoi

March 2025 (in French)

Read now (pdf, $5)

JOIN OR RENEW

It’s About Networking, Best Practices and Sharing of Knowledge!

CITT/ICTS members represent multiple fields of interest and expertise in all areas of production for the live entertainment industry. Join CITT/ICTS or renew your membership today to strengthen the voice of the Canadian live performance community.

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MEMBER BENEFITS

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New offers for CITT/ICTS members are added regularly throughout the year. Visit your Member Area to learn more!

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