hands-on training in cutting-edge live entertainment technology
Summer 2013 registration is now open!
What makes SILV special?
- The entertainment capital!
- Cutting edge topics!
- An unparalleled faculty!
Why SILV?
Forty years of involvement in theatre education brought late SILV founder and director Don Childs to a simple conclusion: it is almost impossible for traditional educational institutions to train live entertainment production technicians at the level required in today’s arena.
In most schools, faculty have limited experience with state-of-the-art technology and school facilities lack the budget to acquire emerging industry standard equipment and systems. Time constraints effectively dictate that learning in a university situation is limited to current production needs. Though this is a valuable training device, it limits new skill learning opportunities for both students and faculty.
Students who choose not to go to college have no place to turn for training that would make them employable in state-of-the-art live entertainment technology. The financial and time cost of attending four years of college to learn a skill set that borders on archaic prevents many talented young people from pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas strives to fill a need that traditional schools cannot provide.
Why Vegas?
It’s all about the experience. And anyone looking for a broad spectrum of experience will find it in Las Vegas. Starting with shows like Jubilee, developed nearly three decades ago and still running today, right up to Kà, Cirque du Soleil‘s biggest show which astounds audiences with its amazing mechanics and effects, entertainment technology has been defined by the Vegas model. Las Vegas is the home of emerging technologies, new technology developers and manufacturers, and a growing demand for technicians trained in these cutting-edge technologies.
Hands-on Training
Tell me and I will forget;
show me and I may remember;
involve me and I will understand.
SILV is dedicated to teaching by doing. All the instructors at SILV are individuals who believe in the hands-on approach. They are also all working professionals who know what is important and are dedicated to sharing their experiences with the students. Every week at SILV is hands-on.
What’s Included?
Some (But Not All) Meals
An SILV-provided lunch is served on every class day. SILV also hosts one grill chat barbecue dinner each week, which is also a great, informal networking opportunity with one or more faculty members. Students are responsible for all other meals.
Class-Related Transportation
An SILV staff member will pick you up and drop you off at the airport. Transportation to and from classes, tours, and shows is also provided from the SILV hotel. Busses and taxicabs are the best choices for personal transportation needs. Please note that if you will be arriving on Sunday after 6:00pm or departing on Friday before 7:00pm you will need to make your own arrangements. Students who make alternative housing arrangements must provide their own transportation to either the SILV hotel in time for our van departure or to the class location.
A Tour and a Show
Each session includes a bonus tour of either an industry facility or backstage at a show as well as a ticket to a Las Vegas show that exemplifies the week’s topic. Specific details for these events cannot be confirmed until closer to the actual dates, but in the past have included: Jubilee, Phantom of the Opera, Kà, The Lion King, Blue Man Group, Viva ELVIS and LOVE.
Housing
Is at the Extended Stay Deluxe at 1550 E. Flamingo. Both single rooms (1 king or 1 double bed) and double rooms (2 double beds) are availble. Check out the hotel’s website. All suites have kitchenettes, free local calls, and high-speed internet. The hotel has laundry facilities, a swiming pool, and a fitness center, and is within easy walking distance of restaurants, a grocery store, and a drugstore. You will receive more information about making reservations once you have finalized your SILV registration.
For students interested in sharing a room and room costs, please indicate that preference on your application and SILV will connect you with other students also seeking roommates. SILV assumes no responsibility for roommate choice and will not become involved in conflict resolution.