What is GOTTS?

The Guild of Technical Theater Students (GOTTS) is a training and mentorship program designed to prepare students and their schools for success behind the scenes. GOTTS delivers professional-level education in audio, lighting, video, and stage management while building leadership, teamwork, and confidence that extends far beyond the theater.

Bring GOTTS Educators directly into your school for hands-on training.
Workshops are tailored to your school’s specific systems and needs, and can be offered as:

• One-off training events

• Crew prep leading up to a show

• Part of a theater or technical theater class

GOTTS Educators are fingerprinted with the NYS Department of Education and comply with BOCES standards.

High schools can form their own GOTTS Chapter, giving students access to a network of peers and opportunities.

• Each school year, chapters attend 6 GOTTS PRO Workshops, led by Broadway and industry professionals. These sessions explore advanced topics that go beyond the standard GOTTS curriculum and give students unique exposure to career pathways in live entertainment.

GOTTS Chapters

All GOTTS students are eligible for a scholarship from IMPAVL that fully covers their ticket to the annual USITT Conference.

• High school chapters fundraise as a club to cover travel and lodging costs.

Scholarship Award

🎓 College & career-ready skills in audio, lighting, and live event production

🤝 Community connections across schools and districts

👩‍🏫 Educators and staff gain the confidence to support concerts, plays, and events with proper technical knowledge

GET INVOLVED!

Schools: Host a GOTTS workshop or launch a chapter.

Students: Ask your teacher about starting a GOTTS Chapter today.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION
OR TO SCHEDULE A MEETING

gotts@IMPAVL.com

Workshop Menu

Sound System 101

Learn the fundamentals of how sound systems work, from microphones and digital mixers to speakers and understanding signal flow. Students gain hands-on experience setting up and troubleshooting a complete PA system.

SCHEDULE A DEMO WORKSHOP FREE!

Wireless Mic Placement & Troubleshooting

Discover best practices for mic’ing performers in a theatrical setting. This workshop covers mic placement for clarity and consistency, plus tips for avoiding feedback, dropouts, and common RF issues.

Mixing a Broadway Musical (Parts 1 & 2)

A deep dive into the art of live mixing for musical theater. Part 1 introduces core concepts and programming for line-by-line mixing; Part 2 serves as a lab period to put those techniques into practice, mixing on a simulated live show.

QLab Basics & Intermediate Programming

Master QLab, the industry-standard playback software for sound and video cues. Students learn how to build cue lists, integrate audio and projection, and program transitions for professional-level productions.

Basic Audio/Lighting Production for Concerts

Learn the essentials of running sound and lights for school concerts and assemblies. Students/Teachers set up a PA system, build a live mix, and set basic lighting looks for a professional concert-style look and feel.

Fundamentals of Lighting Design

Explore how lighting shapes storytelling and mood. Students learn the principles of color, angle, and intensity, and how to create dynamic looks that support directors and performers.

Lighting System 101

An introduction to the components of a modern stage lighting system. Students learn about fixtures, dimmers, DMX, patching, and how to safely power and connect equipment for complete control.

Programming on ETC EOS (Intro & Intermediate)

Hands-on training with the ETC EOS lighting control platform. From patching and groups to cueing and effects, this workshop is taught in ETC’s Augment3d 3D Visualizer environment where each has their own stage to design.

Projection Mapping in QLab

Go beyond basic projection to design immersive visuals. This session covers how to align and map images or video to scenery and architecture using QLab’s powerful projection tools.

Theater Safety

A crucial introduction to backstage safety standards. Topics include fly rail operation, ladder safety, cable management, and emergency protocols—ensuring safe, professional working practices. This workshop is heavily catered toward your space.

Stage Management – Calling a Show
(Independent Study/Multi-Class)

Learn the essentials of running sound and lights for school concerts and assemblies. Students/Teachers set up a PA system, build a live mix, and set basic lighting looks for a professional concert-style look and feel.

VIEW CURRICULUM