Exhibition Details
2026 Merritt Awards
Design Production and Technical Theatre Exhibition
Details for Exhibitors
Exhibit Guidelines
-Exhibitors will have a 6′ x 30″ table shared by 2 exhibitors (3’ and 3’) or 8′ tables shared by 2 exhibitors (4’ and 4’). There are more 6’ x 30” tables than 8’ tables. Tables are first come first serve.
-There room is the mainstage theatre and each table will be lit from above. We will run power to the tables, so please bring the light you need.
-Some tables will be against a wall if you need to lean a board up.
-You are welcome to bring dress forms for costume presentations. Please choose a table at the end of a row or in the center for your costume form(s).
-Exhibitors are prohibited from taping or adhering work to any wall surface.
-We will supply black tablecloths to cover the tables.
-Your table will have a number; please keep this number prominently displayed as it is how judges will find you.
-If you require power for a laptop or model lights, please bring an extension cord. Bring your own power strip as needed.
-Wi-Fi will be available.
-We recommend that you bring plenty of paper copies of your resume.
Venue Entrance
Guests can enter at the UIC School of Theatre at Music upper lobby at
1040 Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Parking
Some free street parking can be found, but it is across the highway and difficult if you have a lot of stuff,
We would recommend that you park close to The School of Theatre and Music at UIC located at 1040 Harrison Street. Parking shouldn’t exceed $13. If the committee can provide vouchers we will let you know.
If needed, you can drop your stuff off in the lobby of the theatre or loading dock on Harrison Street and park your car in the covered garage at 1100 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Event Schedule
Monday May 11th – The School of Theatre and Music at UIC – Lobby and Mainstage theatre
2pm Committee Members will start showing up to set up.
3pm – 4:45p Student and Professional Exhibit set up. Exhibitors please do not arrive earlier than 3pm.
4:30pm Pizza will be available for Exhibitors (We order pizza so that the Exhibitors who have been there since 3pm can have something more substantial that the Mariano’s catering)
5pm – 7pm Exhibition is open to all attendees. Exhibitors should remain at their booths during this time to present their work. Judges are evaluating work and scoring. A dress rehearsal is happening on the stage at 6pm.
7pm – 9pm Awards ceremony (expo closed). Winners for the best student and best professional exhibit will be presented during the second half of the awards ceremony.
9pm – 10pm Exhibit re-opens. Socializing and networking.
10pm – Exhibit strike.
10pm – 11pm Please feel free to stay a while as we close out.
Exhibit Adjudication
– The exhibits will be evaluated by volunteer judges who are Chicago-area theatre professionals. They will identify themselves as judges when asking you about your work.
– Exhibitors will be evaluated on the following criteria: originality and creativity of designs, originality and creativity of exhibit, scope and variety of work, clear presentation of creative process, and overall mastery of the design discipline.
– Winners for the best student and best professional exhibit will be presented during the second half of the awards ceremony. There is a $500 cash prize for the best student exhibit and a $1000 cash prize for the best professional exhibit.
Exhibition Questions?
email leekeenan38 at gmail