ThermApparel was proud to be an exhibitor at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) 2025 Conference, held March 7–9 in Columbus, Ohio!
The event brought together theatre artists, designers, riggers, actors, and production professionals who share a passion for creative innovation.
Throughout USITT, we met many costume designers, techs, and educators curious about integrating cooling into performance attire. Seeing so much enthusiasm for making wearable comfort part of the craft was inspiring.
Our UltraCool, UnderCool 3 Cooling Vests, RallyWrap, and CoolSleeves offer performance-focused benefits:
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Up to 4 hours of cooling with Phase Change Material (PCM) technology
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No condensation or moisture buildup, keeps costumes dry and protected
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Lightweight and flexible for complete freedom of movement
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Discreet fit under costumes, uniforms, or crew gear
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Fast 30 min recharge in ice water or 60 min in a freezer, ready for back-to-back shows
These features make them especially useful for anyone performing in heavy or heat-trapping costumes, whether in outdoor or indoor productions. They help prevent overheating and keep comfort front and center during long performance days.
One of the weekend’s highlights: Julia was invited to speak at the Opening Night Ceremony, presenting our cooling vest technology to more than 1,000 attendees. She introduced how ThermApparel’s cooling gear and PCM technology help actors, riggers, and crew stay cool under pressure, whether under lights, in heavy costumes, or outdoors.
Watch the video from Julia’s speech and see how our cooling solutions are changing backstage life:
👉 Learn more about Cooling for Costume, Cosplay & Theatre
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A Legacy of Innovation and Artistry
In Memory of Delbert Unruh
This year’s USITT Conference held a deeply personal meaning for Julia and the ThermApparel team. Her father, Delbert Unruh, who died in 2024, was featured on the cover of Theatre Design & Technology (TD&T), USITT’s magazine, where he was honored as a legacy scenic art designer and faithful contributor to the theatre community over his remarkable 50-year career.
“Del taught us that great design begins with heart and curiosity, and that art has the power to connect us all.”
Del was a Full Professor of Theatre at the University of Kansas, where he taught for nearly 40 years and was instrumental in creating one of the first MFA programs in Scenography outside Yale University.
Throughout his distinguished career, Del earned numerous awards, including the USITT Herb Gregg Award for Excellence in Writing (1986, 1992, 2003), the Kennedy Center Medallion of Excellence (2002), and a Fulbright Research Fellowship (2003) for his continued study of Czech theatre design. His influence can still be felt through his students, his writings, and his lasting contributions to the art of scenic design.
ThermApparel is honored to continue Delbert’s legacy of creativity, education, and innovation on the USITT stage. He was dedicated to theatre design and believed in the power of art to connect people through every designer, performer, and technician who continues to create under the bright lights.