USITT is partnering with SMU DataArts Workforce Demographics to collect key demographic data on the theatrical design and technology industry. The Entertainment Design and Technology Workforce Demographics Survey is a first-of-its-kind data gathering instrument to focus on the industry and is expected to help us better understand the demographics of the current workforce and those of the communities in which they operate.
SMU DataArts Workforce Demographics studies are conducted using a five-to-seven minute secure and comprehensive survey to collect demographic and career perception information anonymously — including race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status.
The survey will take place April 1 — May 28, 2021, with results available later in the year.USITT is asking that anyone working in live entertainment design and technology — from students to professionals to retirees — take the short survey at this link. It should take no more than five minutes to complete the survey.
USITT is conducting the survey to assess the demographics of the technical theatre workforce. “To remain relevant to and representative of our changing society,” said USITT Executive Director David Grindle, “studies like this will provide key information that can inform decisions that ensure all community members have access to opportunities available within the arts and culture sector. It will inform us about the current status of our industry and we plan to use this survey as a baseline to a follow-up survey in 2025 to reveal changes over time.”
About the Study Methodology
Activating the link (above) takes respondents directly to the questionnaire, which requires about five minutes to complete. Data is not transmitted to USITT or participating organizations; data is instead stored in a secure, third-party survey data system accessible only to SMU DataArts. The survey does not collect any personally identifying information, such as name, address, or email. Data analysis is conducted by SMU DataArts’ in-house research staff. SMU DataArts has successfully collected and protected data since it was established in 2004.
Click here to take the survey and please send the link to colleagues and friends in the industry and post the link to the survey on your social media and ask them to complete the survey as welll. The survey will close on May 28, 2021, and you only need to respond to the survey once.
If you have any questions about this survey and how the data is being used, please visit the FAQ page. Contact USITT with questions here.