Listen to this articleA record 475 students and recent graduates are expected to attend the 5th Live Event Career Exploration Conference at Rock Lititz Friday.
Rock Lititz said the attendees will get authentic perspectives of the lives of roadies, production and tour managers, makers and more in Pod 2 at Rock Lititz, the 250,000 square-foot collaborative hub of the 108-acre Rock Lititz campus, and the new rehearsal Studio 2.
From the mechanics and safety of flying on-stage performers and gear to the process of loading in a touring show, students will get a gritty, behind-the-scenes view of the live events that are conceptualized, constructed and rehearsed within the Rock Lititz community of 50 live-event related businesses.
The immersive day of learning provides students from 18 states and more than 78 colleges and universities, as well as individuals from technical schools and the military, to gain hands-on, realistic views of what it’s like to work in the live event industry.
More than 75 professionals will spend the day sharing their experiences and career responsibilities to give students a look at how events are built.
Rock Lititz said the day will begin and end with a real-time setup for a touring act, showing the multi-layered roles and skills that a successful live event requires.
“Rock Lititz has a forward-looking view of the live event industry’s need for workforce development for the next generation,” said Andrea Shirk, Rock Lititz president and CEO. “We want to raise awareness about the tremendous variety of careers available, both in the STEM track and for creatives.”
Two $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to an attending student enrolled in a two- or four-year program at a higher education institution during the conference. Rock Lititz said the selection is based on the student’s demonstrated dedication to a career in the live event industry and content of their essay submitted during the application process.