By @josafathr, in partnership with CITT/ICTS

Behind the Curtain.

When the lights dim and the first cue is called, a quiet choreography unfolds behind the curtain. Stagehands move scenery in silence, dressers stand ready in the wings, lightboard operators trace cues with precision, and stage managers keep time like conductors. Every seamless transition depends on these unseen artists, the technicians whose work turns imagination into reality. Their craft demands skill, discipline, and intuition, yet their presence often vanishes the moment the spotlight fades.

In Canada, there’s one organization that has championed these invisible artists for more than three decades: the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology / Institut canadien des technologies scénographiques (CITT/ICTS). From their national conference Rendez-vous to their flagship trade show EXPO-SCÈNE, to becoming the Canadian Centre of OISTAT, CITT/ICTS has built not just a network, but a community; one that ensures Canadian live event professionals have the tools, training, and recognition they deserve.

Technicians: The Backbone of Live Performance.

Ask anyone who has spent time backstage, and they’ll tell you that the work of theatre technicians is both art and endurance. It’s about solving problems in real time, translating creative visions into tangible experiences, and doing it all under pressure.

For Jacquie Lazar, Executive Director of CITT/ICTS, the strength of this community lies in its precision, creativity, and empathy. “What production folks do is so specialized,” Lazar shared in an exclusive interview with Skene. “You need to be able to connect with others who truly understand what you do—people who know the challenges, the long hours, and the joy that comes from making something work perfectly.”

Lazar speaks from experience. Before leading CITT/ICTS, she spent over two decades as a lighting technician and production manager, working on stages across Ontario. That perspective fuels her advocacy for recognizing technicians not just as support staff, but as equal creative collaborators. “Those who work in light, sound, costuming, makeup, or broadcast are an essential part of the whole show,” she emphasized. “Their contribution deserves visibility, respect, and proper education.”

It’s a vision that reframes backstage work as integral—not peripheral—to the art form. The technicians’ collective expertise ensures that every spotlight, cue, and set change serves the story on stage. Without them, there would simply be no performance.

A National Network of Support.

Canada’s theatre geography is vast. Nearly 10 million square kilometers of stages, festivals, and touring circuits. Connecting technicians across those distances is no small task, yet it’s the foundation CITT/ICTS was built on.

Originally formed as the Canadian chapter of USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology), CITT/ICTS became an independent entity in 1990, recognizing that Canada’s technical theatre community had its own standards, training systems, and languages: English and French alike. The “amicable split,” as Lazar describes it, allowed CITT/ICTS to evolve into a uniquely Canadian platform for advocacy, professional development, and connection.

Through regional sections, online seminars, and the annual Rendez-vous conference, the organization nurtures peer-to-peer learning across disciplines. For many, the conference is a highlight of the year, a chance to meet colleagues, exchange ideas, and remember that they’re part of a larger ecosystem.

EXPO-SCÈNE: Canada’s Professional Development Hub.

If Rendez-vous is the heart of CITT/ICTS’ learning network, then EXPO-SCÈNE is its hands-on pulse. Hosted annually at Montréal’s Palais des Congrès, EXPO-SCÈNE is the largest live event technology trade show in Canada, featuring over 80 exhibitors and thousands of attendees.

The event brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and working professionals for two days of tactile exploration: lighting boards, sound consoles, projection systems, rigging solutions, and new materials that redefine what’s possible on stage. “It’s an exciting, open, and inclusive show floor,” Lazar explained. “You can feel the positivity—students, professionals, and exhibitors all learning from each other.”

Beyond the gear, EXPO-SCÈNE also offers TEC Talks, short, focused presentations where vendors and experts share insights without the sales pitch. For students, these sessions are an introduction to real-world tools. For veterans, they’re a way to stay ahead of industry trends.

Shaping Careers and Opportunities.

CITT/ICTS doesn’t just foster connection, it builds careers. Through its job boards, mentorship programs, and national network, it offers technicians clear pathways to employment and advancement.

Today, CITT/ICTS continues to prioritize those needs by expanding training opportunities: from technical workshops to soft-skill development in areas like leadership, mental health, and bystander intervention. These initiatives ensure that emerging professionals aren’t just technically proficient, but also supported in sustaining healthy, long-term careers in an often-demanding industry.

What truly stands out in CITT/ICTS’s approach is its intergenerational spirit. Seasoned professionals share decades of experience while younger technicians bring fresh approaches to technology and work-life balance. The dialogue goes both ways. Mentorship as a two-way street.

As Lazar reflected, the next generation’s adaptability, empathy, and technical fluency give her hope for the future of the industry. It’s this bridge between tradition and innovation that keeps Canada’s theatre ecosystem resilient and evolving.

Joining the Conversation.

Behind every curtain call is a community of people who made it happen. Thanks to CITT/ICTS, those people have a home, and a space to learn, share, and push the boundaries of what live performance can be.

Whether you’re a student just starting out, a designer exploring new tools, or a seasoned technician eager to connect, the invitation stands:

• Register for EXPO-SCÈNE 2026, taking place April 15–16 at Montréal’s Palais des Congrès. Admission for attendees is free, and it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the artistry, innovation, and generosity that define Canada’s live event community.
• Sign up as a CITT/ICTS member to connect with a vibrant network of live event and theatre production professionals, educators and organizations.

Learn more and register EXPO-SCÈNE here or visit CITT/ICTS Official Website here.