What is the MIdwest Design Competition?
The Midwest Design Competition is a chance for you to show off your skills, network with students from across the Midwest, and have your work critiqued by theatre professionals. The competition is open to college students of all ages and skills, including undergraduate and graduate students. There are three competitions: Mechanical, Design/Tech Poster, and Hodge-Podge to Collage. In the Mechanical competition, students build a small, working prototype for a specified machine- trebuchet, cannon, dart shooter, etc. and then test them out at the regional competition in May. The poster competition highlights the design or tech process. It is open to technicians, showing the construction or mechanical design for one object, or to designers, where the poster will illustrate the design process for an entire production. The posters can be realized, from a class project, or from a student's independent work. In the Hodge-Podge to Collage, students will be given a show scenopsis, list of characters, and a stack of random objects. They will have two hours to create an object that represents their design for the show and 5 minutes a piece to explain their concept and collage to a panel of judges. Creativity, clarity and brevity are key to this competition. So many ways to enter. Even more ways to win.
How Does It Work?
The 2012 competitions will take place at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on May 5th from 9:30 am to 5pm. Register soon, because each competition is limited to 30 participants. You can enter one competition or all of them. Each competition costs just $20 and any full or part-time college student can enter. Register early to make sure you get a spot and so you can start early to craft your poster or build your prototype. On the day of the competition, bring your prototype, poster, or creative spirit. Along with the chance to show off your skills and gain valuable feedback, we'll also feed you lunch, supply you with an MDC t-shirt, and make sure that you are registered with the Midwest Section of USITT so that you can take full advantage of workshops and events year-round. It's a laid-back event with a lot of benefits: no specified shows, posters for all kinds of projects are accepted, and the Hodge-Podge requires no prep work at all - just show up and be creative. The poster and Hodge-Podge are both perfect for beginning students looking for more feedback or seniors and grads looking to get their name and work out there. The mechanical competition is just plain fun. Where else do you get university and college sanctioned support to throw things? Everyone knows that technicians like a good challenge. Here you go - show us what you can do with it. For more information on any of these competitions, download the rules (Mechanical, Poster, Hodge-Podge to Collage) and day-of-competition schedule.
What's at Stake?
The overall winner of each competition will receive a full-conference pass to the 2013 USITT National Conference and Expo and an acrylic trophy. There are special award categories just for undergraduates and rookies (first-time competitors). Everyone has a chance to win. See the rules for full details.
What Is This Year's Mechanical Design Project?
Bean bags anyone? The 2012 project is a take on one of our favorite Tailgaing games - the bean bag toss. Register soon to get started.
How do I Register?
E-mail the following information to bmartell@illinois.edu. Once registered, you will be sent more information, including an address to send the $20 (non-refundable) registration fee for each competition. Each competition is limited to 30 participants, so send in your registration today.
Student Info
Name
School
Phone
e-mail
Address where information can be sent during the school year (Street, City, State, Zip)
Grad/Undergrad
Academic Year (Freshman, Sophomore, etc)
Registration fees can be mailed to:
Beth Martell
Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
500 S. Goodwin
Urbana, IL 61801
Please make all checks payable to the "University of Illinois" and include "Midwest Design Competition" and your name in the notes.
Registration fees can also be payed via the USITT Midwest Section Paypal System. Ask for details.
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