Proposal for the Creation of Red Escénica Migrante (REM):
An International Network of Latin American and Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Designers,Technicians,  and Students in Design and Production.

Scope and Definition.

This network is devoted to supporting, helping and reaching out primarily to:

• Professionals, early career, and higher education students, in the areas of scenic, costume, lighting, sound, media, projection, immersive experience, stage management, and performance design.
• Technical directors, scenic artists, props masters, artisans, drapers, technicians, seamspersons, tailors, computer artists, art and costume department coordinators, and other workers in theater, dance, opera, musicals, concerts, live performance and film.
• Professors, Mentors, Area/Department Chairpersons, Advisors, Adjuncts and others in live performance and production education.
• Those who mix, intersect, permutate and hybridate any and all areas previously mentioned.

Who identify as migrants from Latin American countries, who are planning/interested in/or currently living in the US, regardless of immigration status.

Introduction.

The field of performance and live art design and production encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including design, stage management, technical and administrative roles in theater, opera, dance, live events, cruises, concerts, fashion shows, and other immersive experiences. Latin American and Spanish-speaking immigrant practitioners, professionals, and students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degrees in these areas face unique challenges. To address these challenges and foster a supportive and interconnected community, we propose the creation of a national network and database specifically for this demographic.

Core Objectives.

1. Provide Support for Immigrant Designers and Technicians

Goal: Establish a robust support network that helps both incoming and established practitioners navigate immigration, employment, union incorporation, physical and mental health, and provides an industry network of recommenders and mentors.

Actions:

• Create an online platform with resources on immigration processes, employment opportunities, and union memberships.
• Develop a mentorship program that pairs experienced professionals with newcomers.
• Offer workshops and webinars on topics such as mental health, contract negotiation, labor union, taxation, physical well-being, and career development.
• Establish partnerships with healthcare providers and mental health professionals to offer accessible services to members.
• Establish partnerships with immigration law experts to offer accessible services to members.

2. Outreach to Universities and Institutions in Latin America and Spanish-Speaking Countries

Goal: Present students with academic program options in the United States, educate them on the emigration and admission processes, and provide information on degree equivalencies, production mechanisms, and approaches to decision-makers in academic and producing organizations.

Actions:

• Organize informational sessions and virtual fairs with representatives from U.S. academic institutions.
• Develop comprehensive guides on the admission processes of American universities, including application requirements, visa procedures, and scholarship opportunities.
• Create materials that explain the similarities and differences in production mechanisms between Latin American and U.S. institutions.
• Offer consultation services to students considering studying in the United States, providing personalized advice and support. 

3. Bridge the Gap with U.S. Academic and Producing Organizations

Goal: Facilitate connections between U.S. academic and producing organizations and Latin American, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking international students and workers, supporting these organizations on the recruitment process and the benefits of diversity.

Actions:

• Conduct outreach to U.S. universities, theaters, and production companies to promote the recruitment of Latin American and Spanish-speaking students and professionals.
• Organize training sessions for teachers, mentors, and producers on the recruitment and support processes for international students.
• Develop a comprehensive guide for U.S. organizations on the rights and obligations of international students and workers, demystifying the perceived difficulties of hiring or recruiting from Latin America.
• Establish a database of Latin American and Spanish-speaking students and professionals to facilitate connections and recruitment.

Implementation Plan.

Phase 1: Research and Development

• Conduct a needs assessment survey among Latin American and Spanish-speaking designers, technicians, and students to identify key challenges and needs.
• Develop the online platform and database infrastructure.
• Establish partnerships with relevant organizations, healthcare providers, and educational institutions. It would be ideal to find 2 partners by the time we present the project.

Phase 2: Launch and Outreach

• Launch the online platform and database.
• Initiate the mentorship program and begin pairing mentors with mentees.
• Organize the first series of workshops and webinars. (Are we thinking of USITT as a partner on these?)
• Start the outreach campaign to Latin American and Spanish-speaking universities and U.S. academic and producing organizations.

Phase 3: Growth and Evaluation

• Continuously update and expand the online platform with new resources and information.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the mentorship program and make necessary adjustments.
• Expand the outreach efforts based on feedback and evolving needs.
• Regularly assess the impact of the network on its members and the broader industry.

Conclusion.

The creation of a national network for Latin American and Spanish-speaking immigrant designers, technicians and students in performance and live art design and production will provide essential support and resources, facilitate academic and professional opportunities, and promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. By addressing the unique challenges faced by this demographic and fostering connections between Latin American talent and U.S. institutions, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant community in the performance and live art design field.