What makes SILV special?
- Register today because few spaces remain!
- Housing is included!
- Cutting edge topics!
- An unparalleled faculty!
Why SILV?
Forty years of involvement in theatre education brought 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 of 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.
Earn Credit
All SILV classes are eligible to earn teacher professional development credit. Interested students will be given the necessary forms and information on the first day of class.
What's Included?
A Roof Over Your Head
Thanks to a special arrangement with Extended Stay Deluxe Las Vegas on East Flamingo, SILV is pleased to be able to offer double-occupancy housing included in the cost of the course fees. Housing nights include Sunday through Friday for individual class students and from June 13 through August 6 for full session participants.
If you want to make your own arrangements, you can opt out of the housing and we will deduct that cost from your fees. If you want a room to yourself, you can choose to pay a single supplement. If you would like to arrange for additional nights of housing either before or after the session, you can do so directly through the hotel by calling 702.731.3111. Be sure to ask for the SILV rate.
The hotel is conveniently located just blocks from the Strip and steps away from the nearest bus stop. There are a number of restaurants, shops, and a major grocery store within a one block radius, meaning you'll never have to go far to find what you need.
Some (But Not All) Meals
Both a hotel-provided breakfast and an SILV-provided lunch are 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. If you will not be arriving on Sunday or departing on Friday please let us know so we can make special arrangements. Transportation to and from classes, tours, and shows is also provided. Busses and taxicabs are the best choices for personal transportation needs.
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, and LOVE.
