75th Anniversary Convention Program (2024)

75th Annual SETC Convention

Southeastern Theatre Conference March 13-17, 2024 Mobile, Alabama

THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION SPONSORS

RECEPTION SPONSORS

Theme Park & Cruise Panel

Discussion & Pizza Party

Cunard

Disney Live Entertainment

Dollywood

Norwegian Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Silver Dollar City

High School Dessert Reception

Middle Tennessee State University

Design & Tech Mixer

Associated Design & Controls

InterAmerica Stage

Theatre for Youth Mixer

Dramatic Publishing

College/University Mixer

Concord Theatricals

LUDUS

UNDER 21 GALA AWARD PARTY SPONSOR

Broadway Plus

WORKSHOP TRACK SPONSORS

Arts Educators Track

LUDUS

Stage Management Track

Disney Live Entertainment

Technology Track

Disney Cruise Line

Design Track

ParLights

AWARD SPONSORS

Technical Design & Construction

Productions Unlimited

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Community Theatre Festival

LUDUS

Short Play Festival

Hollins University

CONVENTION APP SPONSOR

LUDUS

LANYARD SPONSORS

Acceptd My College Audition

EXHIBIT HALL SPONSOR

Carnival Entertainment

TEACHER’S INSTITUTE SPONSOR

LUDUS

SETC offers a very special thanks to our tech crew, registration team, and nearly 200 other amazingly talented volunteers who made it possible to produce this convention.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear SETC,

As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in the storied history of SETC, we are compelled to celebrate the rich legacy of our past, which spans an impressive 75 years. This institution has been the crucible in which tens of thousands of artists have contributed to the creation of the magical world of theatre.

While we cherish the memories of our past, we are also invigorated by the immense hope that lies ahead as we venture into this new era. It is abundantly clear that we are now tasked with the imperative of embracing change and innovation. Today’s artists and organizations are fundamentally different from those of the past, and it is essential that SETC shifts its focus toward the needs and aspirations of this contemporary creative community.

My vision for SETC is one that places a premium on artist-centricity rather than a broad institutional focus. This becomes increasingly evident as today’s organizations and institutions are undergoing a profound transformation. My prime aim is to push SETC forward ahead of the trends, creating structural adaptability and sustainability by:

1. Committing to developing artist-centric programming that prioritizes the safety and well-being of performers, providing resources, mentoring, and support to navigate the industry securely while fostering an environment that nurtures their creativity and growth.

2. Advocating for increased funding in the arts nationally and a strategic reallocation of resources to expand opportunities for marginalized artists, ensuring equitable access to support, training, and performance platforms, thus breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive and diverse artistic landscape.

3. Establishing and upholding rigorous standards of professionalism by promoting a culture of fairness and meritocracy while actively combating favoritism and exploitation to create a more equitable and empowering environment for all artists to thrive and succeed.

4. Renovating SETC’s structure to optimize efficiency in a rapidly evolving environment, implementing streamlined processes and innovative technologies to enhance communication, collaboration, and resource allocation, empowering us better to serve our artists and stakeholders in an ever-changing landscape.

In the meantime, let us enjoy and celebrate 75 incredible years! Immerse yourself in the dynamic culinary landscape of Mobile, where a vibrant array of bars and restaurants await within walking distance of the centrally located convention venues swimming in southern hospitality. Check the convention calendar and plan for an exciting lineup of masterclasses, panels, workshops, mixers, interest meetings, networking events, and galas. Additionally, you don’t want to miss the focal point of this convention, the exhibit hall, showcasing new and innovative offerings in the industry.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who have contributed to the success of our 75th-anniversary celebration, with special thanks to our esteemed sponsors, including the likes of Disney Live Entertainment, Disney Cruise Lines, Ludus, Visit Mobile, Acceptd, and My College Audition. We are immensely grateful for the dedication of over 200 volunteers, nearly 175 presenters, the myriad of festival performers, and over 100 hiring companies. Our exceptional staff, distinguished keynote speakers, esteemed board members, committees, and chairs have all played pivotal roles in making this monumental celebration a resounding success.

As we reflect on this momentous occasion, let us continue to embrace the spirit of creativity and collaboration, propelling us forward into a future filled with endless possibilities and boundaryless inspiration!

Your arts advocate,

Toni Simmons Henson Executive Director, SETC

General Information

SETC INFO HUB

Located at the Registration Desk . Visit this booth for general convention information, schedule changes, directions, and our lost and found . Learn more about restaurants, places of interest and activities from mobile .org . Sponsored by Visit Mobile .

Wednesday

Thursday & Friday .

Saturday

LANYARDS

noon – 8 pm

8 am – 5 pm

8

Keep tabs on your name badge and printed program.

Your name badge is mandatory for admittance to workshops, callbacks, interviews, performances, presentations, etc . The SETC Registration Desk will require proof of ID and will charge a $10 fee to replace a lost name badge or printed program .

Lanyard Sponsors:

FAMILY ROOM

This quiet, tucked-away room is intended for new parents and attendees traveling with their children to have a designated space to relax and reconnect during the convention . Tables and chairs will be provided . Feel free to bring your own toys, games and other childcare/ nursing supplies .

Note: This unstaffed room is not a daycare or babysitting service; parents are responsible for ensuring that children remain in the company of a trusted adult at all times.

Hours:

Wednesday

Thursday & Friday

Saturday .

EXHIBIT HALL

Stop by the Exhibit Hall, sponsored by Carnival Entertainment, to view commercial and educational displays . Network with commercial exhibitors and college, university and training program representatives .

Exhibit Hall Hours:

noon – 9 pm

8 am – 7 pm

8 am – 5:30 pm

Sponsored by:

10 am – 6 pm

10 am – 2 pm

SETC REGISTRATION DESK

Pre-function Registration Area

Mobile Convention Center

Hours:

A variety of on-site dining options are available in the Exhibit Hall, sponsored by Carnival Entertainment, in the Mobile Convention Center . See the free SETC Convention App for hours and information .

Please note: Outside food and beverages are not allowed in the Convention Center .

CONVENTION STORE

Located in the Exhibit Hall, sponsored by Carnival Entertainment . Get SETC swag! Support our Scholarships and Awards!

Store

SETC Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access Initiatives

Ethos Statement

SETC is resolutely committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life and culture of our organization. We are actively interrogating our policies and practices to deliberately take action and institutionalize anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practices. SETC will work to center marginalized voices, bodies, and stories. We will listen and learn about racism, discrimination, and adversity.

SETC Values Statement

ACCESS

SETC believes that all people deserve access to theatre, and that theatre better reflects life when everyone is a part of the conversation. We pledge to make our organization, conferences, services, and products available to all, to create a welcoming environment to as many people as possible, and to identify, address, and eliminate barriers.

COMMITMENT & DEDICATION

The commitment and dedication of our staff, board, membership, and constituents drive the opportunities that are available through SETC. We value the interconnectedness of individuals who are devoted to theatre in the southeast and nationwide to create a strong community of theatre practitioners.

COMMUNICATION

The sharing of ideas, best practices, and opportunities is a critical component to our organization and the growth of theatre as an art form. We pledge clear, consistent, and efficient communication to support the needs of our membership and the progress of theatre in the nation.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

SETC values the life, stories, and theatre that lifts up people from a wide variety of lived experiences. We pledge to support the most vulnerable among us and provide opportunities for all people.

EMPATHY

SETC believes that theatre allows us to look at the world from a different perspective than our own. The ability to empathize with another’s experience is a skill that takes practice, and SETC pledges to create those opportunities.

EMPOWERMENT

SETC provides opportunities to become stronger, to gain confidence, and to embrace agency over our theatrical destinies. We want to empower future theatre makers, and we value partnerships and practitioners that share this commitment.

EQUITY

SETC believes in the equitable treatment of people in policies, programs, practices, and services. SETC is committed to fairness and justice without favoritism or discrimination.

HONESTY & INTEGRITY

SETC pledges to conduct business with humility and sincerity, to seek truth in all interactions, to put the needs of our constituents first, to show respect to those who choose to share their expertise, and to operate with strong moral and ethical standards. As theatre seeks truth, so will SETC.

INSPIRATION

SETC is motivated by the passion of our membership for theatre as an art form. We believe in the power of stories, in shared ideals, and the ability of theatre to make change in the world. SETC is committed to sharing your passion with others, and inspiring the future of theatre.

SERVICE

SETC serves theatre, its practitioners, its students, its audiences, and its legacy. We pledge to continue growing and learning in service to theatre nationwide.

Land Acknowledgment

We respect and honor the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout generations. We pay homage with gratitude to the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land on which we gather today. For a full statement of acknowledgment visit setc.info/landacknowledgment

Friday, 2-3 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E

The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

DISTINGUISHED KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Sharrell D. Luckett, PhD

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, SOUTHERN THEATRE MAGAZINE

Sharrell D . Luckett, PhD, is celebrated by PBS as one of America’s most influential leaders in theatre performance and training. She is founding Executive Director of the Black Acting Methods Studio and lead editor of the best-selling, award-winning book Black Acting Methods: Critical Approaches . Dr . Luckett has authored/co-authored four other books and given talks at nearly seventy institutions . Recognized as a global force in the arts, she recently served on the Independent Equity Committee at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London . She was also honored by Black Masks magazine as one of 25 black theatre game changers in the field. Dr. Luckett has been a Fellow at renowned entities, such as the Lincoln Center, Harvard University, the Kennedy Center, and 92Y . An accomplished theatre director, she also works as an actress, dramaturg, and playwright . Additional leadership roles include: Editor-in-Chief of Southern Theatre magazine; Director of the Helen Weinberger Center for Drama & Playwriting and Charles P . Taft Distinguished Professor of Drama and Performance Studies at the University of Cincinnati; Artist management & legal advisor . @blackactingmethods @sdluckett

Saturday, 8-11 pm

Bon Secour Bay I and II

Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

sponsored by

HOST, UNDER-21 GALA AWARDS PARTY

SPONSORED BY BROADWAY PLUS

DeMarius R. Copes

DeMarius R . Copes (he/him), originally from Birmingham, AL, recently made his City Center debut in the acclaimed production of Once Upon A Mattress! He wowed audiences at Broadway’s Historic Shubert Theatre in Some Like It Hot the musical, first in the ensemble and later taking on the role of Jerry/Daphne . DeMarius began his Broadway journey at the August Wilson Theatre in the ensemble of Mean Girls the Musical, where he had the privilege of understudying (and performing) the role of Damian Hubbard . Prior to that, he captured hearts as Henry on the First National Tour of Disney’s Newsies! DeMarius also toured the country with the Philip Company of Hamilton: An American Musical . He’s been involved in various NYC projects, from labs and workshops to readings of new works . His impressive TV/Film credits include appearances in the Dear Evan Hansen film, POSE, and Saturday Night Live, among others . Stay connected and follow his exciting journey on all social media platforms: @demariusr_copes

2024 DISTINGUISHED CAREER AWARD

S. Epatha Merkerson

S . Epatha Merkerson has won critical acclaim for her work in theatre, television, and film. She is best known for her 17-season run as Anita Van Buren on NBC’s Law and Order (three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a Drama) and plays Sharon Goodwin on Chicago Med, now in its ninth season .

For her role as Nanny in the HBO film Lackawanna Blues, Merkerson earned Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, Gracie Allen and NAACP Image Awards . Other credits include Radio (Cammie Award), Black Snake Moan, Terminator II: Judgment Day, Navy SEALs, Peeples, and Stephen Spielberg’s Lincoln . Upcoming films include We Grown Now and Somewhere in Dreamland .

Theatre highlights include the Broadway revival of Come Back, Little Sheba (Tony nom), the original Broadway cast of The Piano Lesson (Tony, Drama Desk, Helen Hayes Award noms), Birdie Blue and I’m Not Stupid (Obie Awards), The Old Settler (Helen Hayes Award), F**king A and While I Yet Live (Lucille Lortel noms .)

Merkerson was a series regular on Pee-Wee’s Playhouse (Reba the Mail Lady) and served as the host for Find Our Missing on TVOne .

Ms . Merkerson is the recipient of four Honorary Doctorates .

Distinguished Career Award Keynote Address Saturday, 2-3 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Design Keynote Speakers

DISTINGUISHED DESIGNERS’ KEYNOTE & DISCUSSION

Thursday, 6:30-8:30 pm

Room 107 A & B — Convention Center - Exhibit Level

Beowulf Boritt SCENIC DESIGNER

31 Broadway designs include the Tony Award-winning sets for New York, New York and Act One, the Tony nominated sets for The Scottsboro Boys, Therese Raquin, Potus, and Flying Over Sunset . Also on Broadway: Harmony, The Piano Lesson, Ohio State Murders, The Old Man and the Pool, Come From Away, Freestyle Love Supreme, Be More Chill, The New One, Bernhardt/Hamlet, Meteor Shower, A Bronx Tale, Prince Of Broadway, Hand To God, Sondheim On Sondheim, …Spelling Bee, LoveMusik, Rock of Ages, Chaplin, On the Town (’14), Sunday in the Park… (’17), Bronx Bombers, Grace, and The Two and Only. 100 Off-Broadway shows include Shakespeare in the Park (Hamlet, Much Ado, Merry Wives, Coriolanus), The Last Five Years, Fiddler on the Roof (in Yiddish), Sleepwalk With Me, and Miss Julie . He has designed for the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and designed around the world in England, Russia, China, Australia, and Japan He received a 2007 OBIE Award for sustained excellence . Author: Transforming Space Over Time, about Broadway set design . Founder of The 1/52 Project which provides grants to early career designers from historically excluded groups .

Erik Teague

COSTUME DESIGNER

REGIONAL: The Glimmerglass Festival: The Cunning Little Vixen, La Bohéme, Ariadne in Naxos, Odyssey, The Jungle Book, Trouble in Tahiti; The Atlanta Opera: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Threepenny Opera, Cabaret, As One . Chicago Opera Theatre: The Nose; Opera Southwest: Lohengrin; New Orleans Opera: Hansel and Gretel Opera San Antonio: Hansel and Gretel; Fingerlakes Opera: The Elixir of Love; The Center for Puppetry Arts: Stellaluna, Ruth and the Green Book . DC AREA: Washington National Opera: The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me; Signature Theatre: Ragtime, RENT, Blackbeard Wolf Trap Opera: The Touchstone; The Kennedy Center: The Mortification of Fovea Munson, Acoustic Rooster, Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs; Constellation Theatre: The Master and Margarita, The Wild Party, Equus; Synetic Theater: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Phantom of the Opera, Titus Andronicus, Sleepy Hollow, The Hunchback of Notre Dame AWARDS: one Helen Hayes, two Suzy Bass Awards www .erikteaguedesign .com

Rachael N. Blackwell

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Rachael N . Blackwell is a native of the Hampton Roads area of Virginia but now calls Atlanta, Georgia, home . She received her B .A . in Theatre Arts with an emphasis on Technical Theatre from Alabama State University in 2016 and her MFA in Lighting Design & Technology in 2020 from CCM-University of Cincinnati . Rachael’s main interests lie in working collaboratively with other creatives across the many different mediums of art. She enjoys working on original and new works as well as opportunities that allow her to stay connected to her African American roots .

Rachael was the 2020 recipient of both the Gilbert Hemsley Lighting Internship and the Judy Dearing Design Competition for Lighting, presented by the Black Theatre Network (BTN), and in 2021, Rachael received an Off-Broadway nomination for her NY lighting design of new musical Rathskeller: A Musical Elixir . Rachael is currently working full-time at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta as their Lighting & Projections Director .

Special Events

THEATRE FESTIVALS

Short Play Festival

Moonlight Ballroom C, D, E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Prep: Wednesday 8 pm – midnight & Thursday 8 am – 6:30 pm

Performances: Thursday 8:30-10 pm

Catch the thrill of creating, rehearsing, and performing a brandnew play—all within the span of just 24 hours! This festival promises to be an incredible opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists, unleash your creativity, and immerse yourself in playmaking. Whether you’re an actor, a writer, a director, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, this event is guaranteed to be a blast!

Sponsored by Hollins University

Fringe Festival

Murphy High School - 100 S Carlen St, Mobile, AL 36606 Friday, 7-11 pm | Saturday 9:30 am – 5 pm

Secondary School Festival

Mobile Civic Center

Thursday 10 am – 3 pm & 5:30-8:30 pm

Friday 10 am – 3 pm & 5:30-9:30 pm

Community Theatre Festival

Murphy High School - 100 S Carlen St, Mobile, AL 36606

Thursday 9 am – 1 pm & 7-11:30 pm | Friday 1-5 pm

Sponsored by:

Theatre for Youth Festival

Murphy High School - 100 S Carlen St, Mobile, AL 36606

Wednesday 9 am – 1 pm & 2-4 pm

See the Ovations Program for a detailed schedule, with showtimes, notes and credits.

GALAS, MIXERS & NETWORKING

Theme Park & Cruise Panel Discussion & Pizza Party

Wednesday, 5-6:30 pm

West Ballroom - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

A dynamic panel discussion and catered party for aspiring artists! Hear directly from individuals who work in the vibrant park and cruise industries. Sponsored by

High School Dessert Reception

Wednesday, 6:30-8:30 pm

East Ballroom - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Dessert reception immediately following the Pizza Party. Sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University.

Outdoor Theatre Mixer

Wednesday, 6:30-8 pm

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Open to anyone who works in, or has an interest in, outdoor performances and venues. Join us for a time of networking and reconnecting.

Playwriting

Interest Meeting & Mixer

Wednesday, 6:30-8 pm

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This meeting is to allow folks interested in new works to meet and mingle and inform participants of all of the offerings from the Playwriting committee.

EVENTS

Theatre for Youth Meeting & Mixer

Wednesday, 6:30-8 pm

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Meet and network with TYA professionals. Sponsored by

Design & Tech Mixer

Wednesday, 8-10 pm

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual design mixer. Sponsored by:

All State Social

Thursday, 6:30–8 pm

Crystal Pre-Function Area – The Battle House Hotel (Level 1)

Faith & Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

Thursday, 6:30-8 pm

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This annual meeting is for everyone interested in fostering relationships beyond SETC. Come meet experienced faith and theatre practitioners and mentors! A great networking opportunity for college or high school students and instructors. This also serves as our planning meeting for the next convention!

States Luncheon

Friday, noon–2 pm

East Ballroom – Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Enjoy lunch, door prizes, and entertainment. Pre-registration required.

Alpha Psi Omega/Delta Psi Omega Nat’l Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6-7:30 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon B – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual business meeting of the National Theatre Honor Societies APO and DPO. Members from all chapters and faculty sponsors are encouraged to attend and network.

Voice and Speech Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Come learn about the Voice and Speech area at SETC! We welcome folks of all levels to come join the conversation about a voice and speech offerings at SETC!

Women+ in Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Please join us for the Women+ in Theatre Interest Meeting! Our meeting is open to all women, female identifying folx, non-binary folx, and allies. We will introduce ourselves and discuss shared areas of interest.

Small Theatre Programs Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This is annual meeting of Small Theatre Programs. This is designed for College and University theatre departments of three or less personnel. You are not alone!

Directing Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

The Directing Committee is composed of individuals with an interest in directing theatre and supporting professional development and career opportunities in directing through SETC. The interest meeting is a place for directors to connect, share resources, and discuss workshop topics, keynote speakers, and future programming that supports directors through SETC. Theatre Directors of all levels of experience are welcome.

Movement Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Old Dauphin Way Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This is an interest meeting for educators and interested students in the movement and physical theatre performing arts. It is a venue to discuss events and workshops at the current convention, and interests and desires for future conventions.

LGBTQ+ In Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) General Meeting for LGBTQIA+ identifying members of SETC.

Playwright’s Corner

Friday, 6:30-8 pm

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

The Playwright’s Corner is for new work creators to meet with other creators to brainstorm, read, and share feedback for the purpose of play development.

College & University Karaoke Party (Off Site)

Friday, 8:30-11 pm

4 N Cedar St, Mobile, AL 36602

Calling all college and university faculty and staff! Get ready to hit the high notes at the most unforgettable mixer of the year! Join us for an electrifying evening of music, laughter, and camaraderie. Let your inner superstar shine as you take the stage for a night of karaoke fun, where every performance is a showstopper! To get the party started right, the first drink is on the house! Due to limited capacity, this event is only open to attendees with a full registration. Sponsored by

LGBTQ+ In Theatre: Trans, Gender Non-Conforming in Theatre Break Out Session

Friday, 8:30-10 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

In this session we will partner with Women in Theatre to create and hold space to address create strategies, and share skills/experiences on ways we can create more space for gender equity in our region.

Design Awards Ceremony

Friday, 8:30-10 pm

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Internationally acclaimed designers critique graduate and undergraduate entries in Costume Design, Costume Crafts, Costume Technology, Lighting Design, Makeup Design, Projection Design, Properties Design and Construction, Scenic Design, Sound Design, and Technical Direction and Construction. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places.

Technical Direction and Construction sponsored by Productions Unlimited, Inc.

Cultural Diversity Committee Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 8:30-10 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Have something to discuss, not sure where it might fit in at SETC? Please join us for this informal and open committee meeting!

Community Theatre Business Meeting and Awards

Saturday, 6:30-8 pm

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual community theatre meeting and awards presentation.

President & Executive Director Pre-Gala Mixer

Saturday 7-8 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E - Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Celebrate the closing of our 75th celebration in style at our exclusive pre-gala cocktail hour. Mix and mingle with SETC’s President, Executive Director, and awardees, and special VIP guests. Open to ticket holders of the Gala and Awards Reception (21+).

UNDER 21 Gala Awards Party (no alcohol)

Saturday, 8-11 pm

Bon Secour Bay I and II – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel (Level 3) Hosted by Broadway Star DeMarius R. Copes

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition at the SETC 75th Anniversary Gala & Award Ceremony — where we honor excellence, inspire innovation, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history in the making! Heavy hors d’ oeuvres and soft drinks. This is an add-on event. Individual tickets can be purchased at registration or online at setc.ludus.com

Sponsored by

21+ ONLY Gala Awards Reception

Saturday, 8-11 pm

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E - Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition at the SETC 75th Anniversary Gala & Award Ceremony — where we honor excellence, inspire innovation, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history in the making! (NEW! This event is separate from the under-21 gala and awards ceremony.) This is an add-on event. Tickets can be purchased during registration or at setc.ludus.com

Schedule of Events & Workshops

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design sponsored by Parlights, Inc.

v Stage Management

sponsored by Disney Live Entertainment

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators sponsored by LUDUS

v Technology sponsored by Disney Cruise Line

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

SETC Thanks our Workshop Track Sponsors:

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12-13

TUE noon – 10:00 pm

v OSHA-10 General Entertainment Safety Training, Part 1 (2-day course)

Schooner Suite - Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Mike Murphy

The OSHA-10 General Entertainment Safety Course is a recognized “Alliance” between OSHA, IATSE and USITT. It is centered on a curriculum that is compatible with both OSHA General Industry guidelines and the unique challenges we find ourselves facing in the Entertainment Industry. Upon completion you will receive an OSHA-10 General Industry Card that verifies that you have completed the safety training. This card is good for life and is recognized nationally in those jurisdictions requiring 10 hours of General Industry training.

WED 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

v OSHA-10 General Entertainment Safety Training, Part 2 (2-day course)

Schooner Suite - Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Mike Murphy

See description in Tuesday’s schedule.

WED 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

m Theatre for Youth Festival

Murphy High School - 100 S Carlen St, Mobile, AL 36606

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

WED noon – 1:30 pm

m Leadership Kickoff Lunch

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) invitation only

WED 2:00 – 3:00 pm

v Expressive Collage Workshop: Harnessing Visual Emotion

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Marina Pareja

The Expressive Collage Workshop delves into the fusion of literary emotions and visual creativity. This condensed experience is thoughtfully designed to spark swift yet profound artistic expression. It offers an insightful exploration of the intricate connection between the realms of literature and design.

v Expressing Through African Theatre

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Desirée Dabney

Attendees will learn basic critical thinking and communication skills through African Theatre activities. Attendees will be able to identify expressions physically and emotionally. This session will include creating a Nigerian Praise poem, community and building knowledge! Asè

v Character Creation: Imaginative Stimuli Meets Multi-Faceted Characters

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Abigail Dillard & Lucas Skjaret

The first half of the workshop will be to showcase the utilization of Stella Adler’s “gemstoning” character exercise in two different productions; Concord Floral by Jordan Tannahill and Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov. In the second half of the workshop, we will then discover and demonstrate the exercise to meet original characters stemming from dynamic character traits.

2:00 – 3:00 pm

v …5,6,7, Uh-Oh! Ace Your Dance Audition with Broadway’s Michelle Potterf

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Michelle Potterf

Join Chicago’s own Broadway Dance Captain for an All-Level and All-Welcome Dance Class! So, you’ve easily sailed through your vocal audition, but now you’ve been asked to stay for the dreaded dance call! Whether you consider yourself a singer/actor, a mover, or have been in dance class since you were three years old, dance auditions can produce high anxiety! No worries: I’ve got you covered! We will explore the fundamentals of a dancer/mover call, how to embody a character, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with insider tips & tricks to a killer dance call to help you slay your next audition. We will begin with a dance warm-up, followed by a dance combo to one of your favorite Broadway tunes! Bring comfortable clothes, shoes (or socks), and come prepared to dance!

v The Joy of Improv

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christopher Jewels-Booth

Improv should be a joyful action that enhances both your soul and your work … find out how!

v Let the music

move you: A look into applying Laban efforts to singing

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Stewart Hawley

This workshop looks into applying Laban’s Eight Efforts and the emotionality of music to help define and guide how to move with your song.

v Embodying the Character with Ease: Trusting the Body to Express Through the Use of Alexander Technique Principles

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kathryn Hedlund

As students and teachers of the arts, we can get lost in the wealth of readily available information about how the voice works and how best to use it — so lost, that sometimes we forget that our bodies already know how to communicate. Using concepts based in the Alexander Technique, this will be an interactive, hands-on workshop and masterclass to encourage truly embodying the character while singing, so that the performer can focus on the story and not the voice. The performers and attendees will gain simple strategies to regain trust in the brain to body communication — a connection so vital to the vocal health and well-being of today’s performers, and their teachers, too.

v Reimagining the Playwriting Classroom

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Andrew Black & Sheri Wilner

Much arts education is traditional in nature (lore based), and playwriting in particular is a craft where much of the pedagogy is handed down from one instructor to another with teaching models that are almost 100 years old. It is time to reimagine some of these techniques and provide the diverse array of students with techniques and activities that will inspire them, engage them and leave them with a desire to know more, and with the insight that “I can do this! I can write a play!” Everyone has a story to tell; some people just need an environment which allows them to tell their tale.

Participants will leave with an understanding of three pedagogical models that can be used to teach a playwriting class or workshop and strategies for deploying those models to maximum effect. They will also have had the experience of participating in an interactive writing exercise that they will be able to take back to their own classrooms and use with their students when they return. We will as a group be challenging ourselves to do the best we can for our students.

WED 2:00 – 3:00 pm

v The ins and out and ups and down of using Fosshape for beginners

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Leni Dyer

This workshop will look at all of the things you can do (conventional and not) with Fosshape. Is it better than Wonderflex? Can it be dyed? What happens to it in the rain? These questions and more will be answered. If you are a Fosshape pro, come by and share your stories!

v Setting the Stage: Launching Your Community Theatre

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Keith Franklin

Will talk about steps, obstacles, and opportunities when trying to get a Community Theater started.

v I’m a Board Member… Now What?

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Corrine Reed

People often join boards without entirely understanding what the role entails, meaning they don’t have the tools needed to fulfill their basic legal obligations or to be successful leaders. Several organizations do not invest the same time in onboarding and training their board members as they would in paid staff. This workshop is for: board members who have not received any formal training about their role (including both new board members and those with years of experience); paid staff seeking to improve collaborative efforts with their board; and volunteers with an interest in becoming board members in the future.

v Applications of Boal’s Forum Theatre in higher education STEM departments

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Holly Derr & Patrick Polsin

Tiger Lily collective will work on exercises and games from August Boal’s teachings, explain how they were used in working with STEM faculty at the University of Memphis, and present participatory theatre scenes.

WED 2:00 – 5:00 pm

m Spring Executive Committee & Board Meeting

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Meeting of the SETC Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Council and Committee members are encouraged to attend. All members are welcome to attend.

WED 3:30 – 4:30 pm

v Making Spontaneous Inhibition Work For You: Alexander Technique in Quick Script Analysis

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Eric Kildow

Though Alexander Technique (AT) is primarily considered a movement technique, this workshop will explore AT’s concepts of inhibition and “means whereby” as they are applicable to script analysis, particularly in situations that do not allow extended reflection. Participants will be introduced to AT basics, particularly inhibition — first in simple activities, scaffolding to more complex. They will then work on applying these concepts to audition sides or other text that needs to be internalized quickly.

WED 3:30 - 4:30 pm

v Creating the Design/Tech Portfolio

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Dale Pickard

This session is focused on the details of preparing and presenting a design or technical theatre portfolio, including portfolio choice, content, layout, and tips and tricks to put your best foot forward in the presentation process. This session focuses primarily on the physical portfolio; however, some discussion about digital portfolios and websites will be included.

v The Business of Being a Designer

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kristen Martino

Working as a freelance designer requires a set of skills and processes that are often overlooked. In this session we invite you to join working freelance designers from around the country to explore the particulars of stepping into a freelance career path. Topics include how to get jobs, networking “dos and don’ts,” how to understand contracts and make sure they are protecting you, how to know your worth, and whatever other topics you invite through questions.

v Shakespeare Monologue Jam Session: practical strategies for transforming monologues into bold audition pieces

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Matt Davies & Doreen Bechtol

In this on-your-feet workshop, participants learn strategies needed to transform a Shakespeare monologue into a bold classical audition piece with one-on-one coaching from Shakespeare professionals.

v Memorization is Like Lasagna: Tips and Techniques for Embedding the Lines and Learning the Role

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jeanine Henry

Do you struggle with memorizing your lines? Do you want techniques to add variety to your process? Like lasagna, memorization is done in layers until the lines trip off the tongue. We will examine a variety of techniques useful in building those layers. We will also connect techniques to personal learning styles, so actors can develop a process that works for them.

v Writing the Dramatic Action: A Primer for Young Playwrights

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

D.W. Gregory

Who doesn’t love a play with beautiful language? We all do! But the fundamental element of drama is not words — it’s action. In this interactive workshop, playwright D.W. Gregory guides participants through an acting improvisation and writing exercise to help writers identify actions and focus on how to translate them into dialogue. Suitable for writers of all ages who are new to playwriting. Come prepared to play and write!

v

Legal Issues Hot Topics: Censorship, Discrimination, Inclusion, Copyright & More

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Daniel Ellison

This workshop will discuss the laws and the current legal environment regarding the hot topic issues of censorship, the “chilling effect,” discrimination, inclusion, copyright, right of publicity, and more.

v Staging Shakespeare in a Coffee Shop

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Crista Wilhite Beals

How did Hub City Theatre Company bring Shakespeare’s classic comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life inside the confines of a local coffee shop? Come hear Director Crista Beals talk through the production from first conception at a chance meeting to a practically sold-out run, and every obstacle overcome in between.

WED 3:30 - 4:30 pm

v Use Your Community: Stop Working Hard to Market Your Theatre

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Brandon Graves

A presentation on changing the mindset of arts administrator/marketers from “I Do” to “We Do” in terms of using the skills and resources of the community a theatre finds itself in.

v Improvised Narrative Theatre: An Exploration of Games

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Robert Fuson & Patrick Polsin

Come create cost-effective theatre that engages its audience in new and surprising ways. We will discuss the principles of creating long-form improvised narrative, then break into groups to explore them further.

WED 4:00 – 6:00 pm

v Musical Theatre Coaching Session 1

Grand Bay Ballroom 2 - Renaissance Riverview Hotel

Professional and college auditionees can sign up for slots to work on their audition materials one-on-one with a vocal coach and accompanist.

WED 5:00 – 6:30 pm

m Theme Park & Cruise Panel Discussion & Pizza Party

West Ballroom - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

A Panel Discussion and catered party for aspiring artists! Hear directly from individuals who work in the park and cruise industries. Sponsored by:

WED 6:30 – 8:00 pm

m m Playwriting Interest Meeting & Mixer

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This meeting is to allow folks interested in new works to meet and mingle and inform participants of all of the offerings from the Playwriting committee.

m Design Tech Convention Planning Meeting

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Meeting to discuss design/tech events hosted by the committee during the convention. Includes a Q&A with committee chairs.

m KEAP Recipient Evening Session

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

KEAP Committee Members meet with KEAP Award recipients to discuss the day’s events. KEAP chaperones are welcome to attend.

m Audition Team Meeting

Bon Secour Bay 1 - Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

This is a meeting intended for the audition team to touch base on on-site auditions. Professional companies are welcome to attend!

m Outdoor Theatre Mixer

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Open to anyone who works in, or has an interest in, outdoor performances and venues. Join us for a time of networking and reconnecting.

WED 6:30 – 8:00 pm

m Theatre for Youth Meeting & Mixer

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Meet and network with TYA professionals. Sponsored by:

WED 6:30 – 8:30 pm

m High School Dessert Reception

East Ballroom - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Dessert reception immediately following the Theme Park & Cruise Panel Discussion & Pizza Party.

Sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University.

WED 7:00 – 11:00 pm

v Getchell New Play Reading Open Rehearsal

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Open rehearsal for the public reading of this year’s Getchell Award-winning play, Between Dog and Wolf, by Cris Eli Blak. The reading is Thursday at 7 pm.

WED 8:00 – 10:00 pm

v Musical Theatre Coaching Session 2

Grand Bay Ballroom 2 - Renaissance Riverview Hotel

Professional and college auditionees can sign up for slots to work on their audition materials one-on-one with a vocal coach and accompanist.

m Design Tech Mixer

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual design mixer. Sponsored by InterAmerica Stage and Associated Design and Controls

WED 8:00 pm – miDnighT

m v Short Play Festival (Prep)

Moonlight Ballroom C, D, E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Pre-registration required.

Catch the thrill of creating, rehearsing, and performing a brandnew play—all within the span of just 24 hours! This festival promises to be an incredible opportunity to collaborate with fellow artists, unleash your creativity, and immerse yourself in playmaking. Whether you’re an actor, a writer, a director, or simply someone who appreciates the arts, this event is guaranteed to be a blast!

Sponsored by Hollins University.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

ThUR 8:00 – 9:00 am

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

m KEAP Recipient Morning Session

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) KEAP Committee Members meet with KEAP Award recipients to discuss the day’s events. KEAP chaperones are welcome to attend.

m Applied Theatre Interest Meeting

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Anyone interested in or currently practicing applied theatre is invited to gather for discussion about strengthening applied theatre’s presence in our region.

m Disability Inclusion Meeting

Old Dauphin Way Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

The Disability Inclusion Committee Meeting will serve as a gathering place for disabled theatre makers, makers of accessible theatre, and those wish to learn more about ways to make theatre that is more accessible to all audience members. Some discussion points might include: interpreters, ticket pricing, captioning, theatre tours, screen readers and more — any and all practices that practitioners can implement to make their work more accessible to disabled audiences. Join us as we discuss ideas, needs, and plans to continue to increase inclusion.

m History, Theory, Literature, Criticism Interest Meeting

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) The History/Theory/Criticism/Literature group welcomes all interested members for a discussion how the committee can support its members through convention programming.

m Black Theatre Interest Meeting

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

This meeting is for the Black Diaspora to hold space to share their experiences, voices, and thoughts in a brave space. This is a place to connect, network, and learn how to better serve our community.

m Acting Interest Meeting

Tree House Meeting Room - The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) We need your voice! This discussion group of ideas and concerns in the area of Acting is vital as SETC fervently continues to serve its constituents.

m States Council Meeting

Room 107 A – Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Annual meeting of SETC State Representatives

m Southern Theatre Editorial Board Meeting

Ashland Place B – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Annual meeting of the Publications Committee with the Southern Theatre Editorial Board. Open to all.

ThUR 8:00 am – 6:30 pm

m v Short Play Festival (Prep)

Moonlight Ballroom C, D, E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Pre-registration required. See Description, Wednesday at 8 pm. Sponsored by Hollins University

ThUR 8:00 – 10:00 am

v Musical Theatre Coaching Session 3

Grand Bay Ballroom 2 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Professional and college auditionees can sign up for slots to work on their audition materials one-on-one with a vocal coach and accompanist.

ThUR 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

m Undergraduate Auditions

Mobile Bay Ballroom – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Auditions: Ballroom 3; Holding Room: Ballroom 2; Warmup Room: Ballroom 1 . For pre-screened auditionees only.

ThUR 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

m Professional Auditions

Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Auditions: Bon Secour Bay 1 & 2; Holding Room: Schooner Suite; Warmup Room: Windjammer Suite . For pre-screened auditionees only.

ThUR 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

m Community Theatre Festival

Murphy High School - 100 S Carlen St, Mobile, AL 36606

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes. sponsored by

ThUR 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

m Secondary School Theatre Festival

Mobile Civic Center

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

ThUR 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

v Design Competition

Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

Internationally acclaimed designers critique graduate and undergraduate entries in Costume Design, Costume Crafts, Costume Technology, Lighting Design, Makeup Design, Projection Design, Properties Design & Construction, Scenic Design, Sound Design, and Technical Direction and Design sponsored by Productions Unlimited. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places. Sponsored by ParLights

9:00-10:00 am — Check In & Set up displays

10:00-10:30 am — Room closes for final set up

10:30 am - 5:00 pm — Design adjudicators walk-thru (Exhibit closed to convention attendees)

5:00-6:00 pm — Design Competition Exhibit open to all attendees

6:30-8:30 pm — Distinguished Designers Keynote and Discussion

*Projects that have been selected for a response session will be posted outside of Room 107 after the Design Keynote concludes.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

ThUR 9:00 am – 7:30 pm

m Dance Call

Bon Secour Bay 3 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

ThUR 9:30 – 10:30 am

v Shakespeare, We Got Bad Blood: Introducing Shakespeare’s Work to a New Generation of Students with Taylor Swift & Romeo & Juliet

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Dillion Rouse

The workshop is aimed for teachers to choose a variety of activities and lessons that can help students look past the silly language of Shakespeare and become in engaged with the characters and storyline.

v International Hats and Headwear of the Early 20th Century

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Ruth Dentel

The workshop is informative analysis of selected traditional headwear from around the world. Discussion will include basic types of hats, materials used in hat construction, and symbolism of headwear.

v AI-Powered Theatremaking: Classroom Devising in the Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Will Lowry

Does generative AI have a place in theatre-making? Delve into a university course that united students and AI as collaborators in artistic creation to explore its potential, limitations, and impact.

v Your Classroom at the Prague Quadrennial

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jennifer Matthews & Lisa Cody-Rapport

By using the Prague Quadrennial Festival as the framework for academic coursework, students experience groundbreaking experimental performances with an emphasis in innovative design from around the world. The global nature of PQ gives students insights into diverse perspectives of what performance is and can be. Session leaders have taught at the PQ at both a full course level and the other as a field study. We will discuss how each type of course can work, some of our most successful assignments, and the practical logistics of setting up a similar course for study abroad.

v Finding That Skin Tone: The pinks and yellows of it

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Pamela Workman

Mixing skin tones can be difficult, frustrating, and a “waste of supplies” if you do not understand color matching and skin tone depth. This is a handson workshop where we will mix paints to find various skin tones. We will use watercolors and acrylics.

v Sketching, Rendering, and Model Making for the Theatre

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christopher Pickart

Designers from the region demonstrate techniques of drawing, painting, and model making. Feel courageous and dive in to learn a skill or watch to see how a professional does it.

v Design South Projections

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Joe Payne

Projection designers present their work and answer questions related to typical challenges encountered in projections and digital media design for theatre.

THUR 9:30 – 10:30 am

v Make It

Musical Theatre

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Lisa Sain Odom

More and more in musical theatre, singers are asked to bring a song “in the musical style of the show” to an audition, instead of bringing a traditional song from a musical. Therefore, singers need to know how to take songs from a variety of popular genres like rock, country, folk, R&B, and bluegrass and adjust their vocal choices in those genres to reflect a more musical theatre delivery style. They also need to know how to dig deep for meaning in those popular tunes and turn them into character song monologues. This session will share guidance for making these types of adjustments to commercial songs and then will give students the chance to workshop their songs in a masterclass format.

v Corridors: A Michael Chekhov Based Tool for Embodying Given Circumstances

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Ryan Scoble

In this session, participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice a Michael Chekhov based tool called “Corridors” that can be utilized to embody the given circumstances of their character. The “Corridors” tool was developed by Slava Korkorin and utilizes psychological gesture and an imaginative exploration of three corridors: The character’s past, the character’s future if their objective is achieved, and the character’s future if their objective is denied, in order to activate the given circumstances.

v Trem-emor-ing: Using Fitzmaurice Voicework® to integrate bodywork into imaginative character development

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Brianne Taylor

Foundations of Fitzmaurice Voicework® De-Structuring through floor work and investigation of select dynamic efforts in tandem with a guided, active meditation that delves into the imaginative construction of a character’s history, launching individuals into performance of their text. Performers will leave with a grasp of what Fitzmaurice Voicework is and how they might apply it holistically to a creative process. Come prepared to perform a piece of text with a strong/clear character. Wear clothing that is comfortable to move in, and bring paper and pencil, a yoga mat or towel, and possibly a pillow/cushion.

v Tap Your Troubles Away

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Lindsay Fussell

SHUFFLE off your cares and come review/learn the basics of Tap and apply those steps in a short piece of choreography from the musical, Spamalot.

v All the World’s a Stage: Directing on Foreign Stages

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Richard St. Peter

This workshop will examine the various challenges faced when directing productions in foreign countries where English is not the primary language. The presenter has directed productions in the Czech Republic, Romania, and Ukraine.

v Taping the Stage in Three Easy Steps

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

John Spiegel

v Everything Hurts & I’m Sewing: Stretches and Exercise for Theatre Technicians

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christina Johnson

We put our bodies through a lot of very specific, repeated manual labor in technical theatre. Over time this can lead to physical pain, trips to the doctor, and even loss of mobility. In this workshop, we will discuss/demonstrate various stretches, exercises, and techniques to protect your muscles and ease your pain, especially on those long tech days.

THUR 9:30 – 10:30 am

v Faith & Theatre Workshop Preview

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Scott Hayes & Carla Lahey

Wondering about a Faith & Theatre workshop? Presenters will preview their longer sessions, and you can meet those who explore the intersections of faith and theatre in their professional work. Those interested in our committee are quite diverse regarding experience and exploration of faith(s). This diversity yields many interested persons that frequently are unaware of the existence of the committee, much less the range of participants and topics explored.

v Beyond the Stage: Exploring Alternative Careers in the Arts

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Courtney Kochuba

How do you make a living in theatre? In our industry, there are hundreds of career paths available beyond the stage — let’s talk about them. Join Concord Theatricals for a discussion and exploration into the wide range of theatrical careers. Prepare to be inspired and get excited for your future.

ThUR 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

v High School Technical Theatre Portfolio Exhibition

Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

Sponsored by ParLights

11:00 am - 2:00 pm — Check In & set up displays 2:00-6:00 pm — Exhibition open to convention attendees

*Please do not leave laptops or tablets in the convention center overnight.

ThUR 11:00 am – noon

v Choosing a Ticketing System That’s Right for You!

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Kevin Schneider & Zachary Collins

The business part of Theatre doesn’t have to be complicated. Run your ticketing, fundraising campaigns, marketing emails, classes, and trip payments all in one easy platform! Choosing a ticketing platform that does more than ticketing is essential. Learn some tricks on what to look for when selecting an online company for your program, as well as how to use marketing and fundraising to fill seats and raise revenues. Finding an online ticketing option allows you more time to focus on the fun stuff!

v Is Your Space Safe?

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Logan Reagan & Casey Watkins

Not a technical wizard but find yourself in charge of the safety of your theatre spaces? Get a basic level safety checklist that can help you comb over your shops and theatres for safety hazards and how to prevent them.

v Costumes within Star Wars: How to tell a story without speaking

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Pamela Workman & D. Connor McVey

Pictures say a thousand words whether they are still or moving. We all know that costumes are an important aspect of the world of entertainment. By looking at Star Wars, we can learn much about the art of costume design: the great achievements and the great flops; audience instinctive reactions and subtle sneak-ups.

v Control of projection design software via lighting board

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jaemin Park

Among lighting boards, the Eos family, Grand MA2, and Grand MA3 allow direct control of the projection software Resume 7 Arena. This technical collaboration will bring more inspiration and advanced design ideas as a lighting designer.

v Design South - Scenic

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Presenter: Jonathon Taylor; Co-organized by Gennie Neuman

Panelists: Braden Graves & Jake Salgado

A select panel of scenic designers share insights, challenges, and works in progress. Panelists include Braden Graves and Jake Salgado.

v A.I. as a Design Tool

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Will Lowry

Explore how generative AI can be added to the designer’s digital toolkit to supplement or accelerate tasks within the theatrical design process. See examples from realized design work.

v Playing Childlessness: Motherhood in Academia in the Performing Arts

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Grace Edgar & Molly Claassen

Based on our lived experiences, talking with other female academics, and researching previously published literature, Dr. Grace Edgar and Professor Claassen hypothesize that women teaching in academia, especially in the performing arts, are discouraged from becoming mothers. We want to bring awareness to the issues of discrimination against mothers in performing arts academia in order to create more diverse and inclusive educational institutions.

v Members of a community and descendants of the Enslaved at Hollins:

Developing the methodology of a performance into a thesis

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Suellen da Costa Coelho & China Moore

As BIPOC performers and artists in the academic environment, we inhabit a world where it is challenging to identify our spaces and recognize our ancestral heritage in the history of higher education. With this in mind the Hollins University student, China Moore, decided to write and direct a theatrical performance as part of their honors thesis. The performance is a walk through the core of the Hollins campus meeting the embodiments of the Hollins’ enslaved, present community, and truth seekers.

v Integrating the tools of Michael Chekhov with August Wilson characters (Imaginary Body)

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Melvin Huffnagle

Here we will explore the inspiration of August Wilson in an effort to bring his characters to life using the tools of Michael Chekhov. Here we will focus on working with Chekhov’s Imaginary Body tool. I believe this to be an excellent way to delve in to Wilson’s text and to bring his vibrant character’s to life on stage. When any actor approaches Wilson’s work, it is essential for the performer to know and understand the influences of the writer himself. Before approaching the text, actors should familiarize themselves with Wilson’s sources of inspiration.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

v Nurturing Artistic Discomfort: Embodied Practice of Asymmetry and Non-Predominance

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Emily Kitchens

In this relational and somatic workshop, we will exercise and question the importance of discomfort in our work as theatre artists and educators. Part embodied meditation, part conversation, this workshop is designed to be gentle yet challenging, cultivating principles of innocence, immediacy, and flexibility in the theatre we teach, create, and enact. All bodies are welcome and included within the directions of this work, though meaningful modifications will be accessible.

v Guys and Dolls Musical Theatre Dance Workshop

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kristin Dowdy

Roll the dice on this Guys and Dolls themed musical theatre dance technique session. Be prepared for a high energy jazz technique session consisting of warmups, technical skill practice, then learning and performing a combination from Guys and Dolls.

v The Actor’s Crash Course to Film School

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Greg Chwerchak

Set yourself apart from the pack, and learn how to create and act in your own short film. It’s time for you make your own work. Don’t wait for someone else to cast you. Cast yourself in your own movie! We’ll give you the tools you need to create your own work, with a special focus for actors. Our award-winning panelists (feature film writer/director, casting director) will give you the guidance you need to stop waiting, and start filming. You can do this yourself and you can do it now. It’s time to take your career into your own hands.

v What do I do with my arms? Stage movement for singing actors

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Alisa Belflower

Performance Class/Workshop on physical communication while singing a solo on stage. There are only five reasons to gesture on stage while singing. Explore these reasons. Find moments where a gesture (includes all physical movement) enhances communication and explore a palette of physical choices in response to either an internal or external stimulus in the world of the character. Creating a performer’s palette of gesture-options of varied sizes and then creating from that palette, when living moment to moment as the character.

v Viewpoints in Production: Performer Based Blocking and Choreography

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Neil David Seibel, Peter Ongolo, Tiara Staples & Michael Pritchard

Using Viewpoints composition for personalized, performer driven creation of blocking and movement for directors, choreographers, and actors, as utilized by team consisting of Equity Actor/LORT director, graduate student and emerging young artists.

v ASMing as a Career

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Stacy A. Blackburn & Jeffrey Cochran

This session will explore what it means to be an Assistant Stage Manager as a career choice. We will have speakers from different levels of theatre who have spent time as an ASM as a career.

v Enriching Theatre Appreciation: Integrating Faith and the Arts in an Introductory Course

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Amy Dunlap & Bess Park

A sharing of ideas and initial research into creating supplemental material for an existing Theatre Appreciation course at a private Christian University, followed by an informal brainstorming session about best practices for introductory theatre courses. Presenters will focus initially on integrating faith into performance and design.

ThUR 2:00 – 3:00 pm

v What They Need to Know: From High School Senior to Freshman Year in a BA or BFA Program

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Matthew Miller

Moving into the dorms, saying goodbye to parents, navigating a campus, and finding where to get a slice of pizza at 1 am are some of the many challenges freshmen face. And that’s before classes even begin! Many freshmen encounter new demands and pitfalls: faculty with extremely high expectations of their pupils, a more rigorous process of auditioning for mainstage productions, classroom work which requires many hours of preparation and study time, and the small fish syndrome — many college freshmen were the best and brightest of their high school troupes, but as a freshman, they are starting all over.

v Capturing the Imagination of Your Non-Theatre Administration

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Scott Hayes

How to improve your theatre program advocacy! 20 years of case studies and practical guidelines from a former theatre department chair and current dean. Funding and advocacy opportunities, particularly for small high school or undergraduate theatre programs, are more challenging now than in the past twenty years. The leader of this workshop has served in leadership capacities for both large public and small private departments, at secular and faith-based institutions. The case studies will detail the steps for success at “capturing the imagination of administrators,” resulting in significant resource improvements for each institution.

v Applicant strategies in the higher education hiring process

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Logan Reagan & Chelsey Rowe

Discussion panel revealing tips and tricks in the hiring process for higher education. What documents should you have ready and what should they look like? What is a search committee and what are they looking for? What does the interview process look like in person and online?

v What is the potential of Virtual Reality for Theatre

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jay Herzog

A wide open look at how VR can be used in theatre. This includes building “scenery” and virtual theatres, how to rehearse on a Virtual stage prior to a live performance, how to do a play or a reading in VR. Anything is possible in a headset.

v Stage Managing Fight Scenes and Firearms

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

John Spiegel & Casey Sammarco

This workshop will focus on giving the stage manager the language and skills to secure a safe and supportive rehearsal and performance during staged violence while still maintaining the director’s intent.

THUR 2:00 – 3:00 pm

v Who’s Harold Anyway? Long-Form Improv Training for College Students

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Evan Oslund

This workshop will help new and seasoned college improvisers develop strategies in crafting the Harold, a long-form improv scene, scaffolding techniques and characterization to drive the piece forward.

v Packing: New Approaches to Circumstance Work

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Chris Gilly-Forrer

“Packing” was originally coined by Professor John Gulley of the University of North Carolina Greensboro to describe his collective methodology of moving actors into the circumstances of the play. Of particular note to me was his use of “packing documents,” physical artifacts hand-written from the perspective of the character. In this way the actor’s own voice, sensibilities, and personal circumstances could mesh more organically to those of the character than with daydreaming or a simple collection of left-brained, intellectual circumstance work. Over time, I expanded this approach to include “improvisational packing,” an on-your-feet exercise in which actors play through critical and unseen circumstances with the other pertinent actors (or stand-ins). Now, rather than only the retention that comes from hand-writing physical artifacts, actors also carry a full-body sense memory of the circumstance that will come to bear when those pieces of lived history emerge verbally in the course of the play.

v Full Body Storytelling: Physical Engagement Utilizing Meyerhold’s Biomechanics

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

David Reed

Developed by avant-garde director Vsevolod Meyerhold, Biomechanics is an approach to theatrical production and actor training that utilizes the entirety of the performers physical instrument. We will explore basic tenants of Biomechanics in order to determine how they may be utilized to develop the body and voice as a tool for storytelling and to enhance the actor’s overall physical storytelling.

v Freeing Your Voice: Intro to Linklater

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer

Our own individual voices are unique, nuanced, and instrumental to empowering actors to effectively and healthily communicate. The voice is also an instrument that must be tuned and properly cared for by its user. Kristin Linklater’s Freeing The Natural Voice has been used by professional voice users for years, and there are always new learners to engage with the amazing tools she offers through this technique. In this workshop, actors will learn the basics of Kristin Linklater Voice Training, working through a few of the initial rudimentary breathing exercises from Freeing the Natural Voice.

v Devising and Viewpoints: Using Viewpoints as the Starting Point for New Work

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Libby Hawkins

Have you ever wanted to create a new theatre work, but didn’t know where or how to start? If so, you’re in good company! Beginning the devising process is one of the most challenging steps towards creating a piece that is unique, personal, and exciting. In this workshop, Libby Hawkins (actor, director, professor) will walk participants through a brief overview of the Viewpoints and then lead small groups through the process of creating a short, devised theatre piece using Viewpoints as a way into the devising process.

v Juggling Masterclass: Learn To Juggle A Three Ball Cascade Pattern

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Sam Wallace, Chason Marvin & Tara Laurel

This masterclass will teach participants the basic techniques of the three ball juggling pattern. Equipment will be provided.

v Ripped from the Headlines

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Sheri Wilner

Newspapers and magazines not only provide us with an infinite supply of story ideas, but they also give rise to intense emotions. A glance at the headlines can make us feel angry, frightened, sad, or mystified — the very emotions embedded in great plays. An exploration of why specific news stories evoke these emotions in us, and how our personal stories might intersect with what we read, can lead us to write great plays of our own.

v Shoot Your Shot: Production Photography

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jesse Wade

A workshop for those who are interested, just beginning, or looking to bump up their skills in production photography. We’ll talk about the major settings on the camera that you’ll need to keep an eye on, as well as photos for certain purposes and composition for maximum impact!

v Navigating Entertainment Technical Careers in the Cruise Industry

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Hannah Graham & Mary Buckley

Ever wondered what types of theatre entertainment technical jobs the cruise industry offers and how to get the job offer? During this workshop we will explore how to tailor your resume, prepare for a skills assessment interview, and discuss the benefits of strategically aligning your coursework, internships, and summer employment. Discover the unique career opportunities the cruise industry has to offer!

v Design South: Technical Direction

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Heather Sinclair

Technical Directors will present solutions and creative options for problems in the areas of construction, engineering, management, and productions. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions with the panelists. Education and Professional experiences will be explored.

v Building Community: Investing in Relationships to Grow Your Audience and Organization

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Justin Walker

Rebuilding a dedicated audience and volunteer base has proven difficult for theatre organizations throughout the country in the wake of COVID. Many companies are struggling with a dwindling number of attendees and a lack of volunteer support. In order to overcome these obstacles, artistic leaders must take a new approach that gets us out of the theater and into our communities. We’ll discuss practices and tools that yield audience and organizational growth through community building.

ThUR 3:30 – 4:30 pm

v The Ethics of Staging Girlhood Trauma in Academic Theatre Settings

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Sophia Menconi, Wendy-Marie Martin, Alaya Lewis & Hayes Simpson

Current undergraduate students are presenting a trend of resistance to performing trauma as part of their theatre education. What is the difference between dramatic conflict and trauma? When does the content of a play create more harm than its educational worth? When considering season selection and programming, what is the responsibility of academic instructors to consider the mental health and emotional burden script content may place upon students? This panel will offer an open and rich dialogue from three points of view: a graduate student director, a professor, and department chair, as well as two undergraduate performers of BIPOC and LGBTQ lived experience.

THUR 3:30 – 4:30 pm

v Hold Please: Challenges in Collegiate Design/Tech Post COVID

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Courtney Rasor

What challenges are you facing in your collegiate design/tech program? Especially in the wake of COVID and an ever-changing industry? Bring it to the roundtable! We are hoping to illustrate and discuss some of the common struggles faced by these programs such as recruitment and retention, budget cuts, curriculum changes for new needs, and even AI. Bring your woes, your ideas, and your best practices to the table for sharing, problem-solving, and general discourse!

v Design South: Costume

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kristin Grieneisen, Jennifer Matthews, Olivia Trees, Casey Watkins, Pamela Workman & Wendi Zea

Costume designers and technicians share innovations, experiences, problem solving, and alternative solutions within the discipline.

v Design South: Sound

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Benjamin Stickels

Sound designers from the region present recent work and answer questions related to their process and typical challenges encountered in technical theatre.

v Premiering Alice: An Operatic Wonderland

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Grace Edgar

As a composer, Amy Scurria is determined to break the paradigm within the genres of opera to replace the “tragic female” with strong female leads that are the central figures in theatrical productions. After meeting in 2022 at the National Women’s Theatre Festival, Amy joined with director Grace Edgar to create a majority female production and creative team for the world premiere of their opera Alice: An Operatic Wonderland at Red River Lyric Opera in July 2023. This session will address the importance of creating these opportunities to offer “other(ed)” voices. When so much of the arts begins to feel tired and predictable, voices of others can offer refreshing new productions and offer connections for underrepresented voices. Positioning women in the roles of composer, producer, conductor, and director for the world premiere of Alice: An Operatic Wonderland breaks through the “glass ceiling” and “maternal wall” of opera to reveal intuitive, truthful and dynamic storytelling.

v Improving DEIA in Your Technical Classes

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Matthew Miller

Teaching Technical Theatre is our mission, but sometimes we rely on the same choices and references, assign classic productions as the basis of projects, and analyze the plays and musicals of mostly Euro/American writers. Familiarity is simple and easy, but challenging our own thinking as educators can inspire our students and broaden their global view. Whether you are a public-school middle teacher or a college professor, and whether you have recently been hired or are a seasoned veteran of education, this workshop will focus on strategies to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in your classroom. Presenter will discuss his own experience in the classrooms, from both sides of the proverbial desk, and Participants will have a chance to share their own experiences via brainstorming sessions and round table discussions.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

v Musical Theatre Acting: Make the Most of Your Music

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

John Bell

A workshop for singing actors and musical theatre teachers focusing on how to use the qualities within the music as clues for interpreting and personalizing performance. In this workshop, you will learn how the contributions of the composer can spark exciting new performance pathways in illuminating character and situation in musical theatre songs. Presented as a “group performance” and “think aloud conversation,” the workshop will be highly participatory with participants engaged in singing and determining how the basic musical properties of melody, rhythm, and harmony can serve as cues for interpretation and personalization. Participants will be encouraged to sing in group setting and invited to demonstrate as soloists.

v The Art of Voiceover

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christine Fuchs

Voiceover work is a specialized field that combines acting and vocal technique. By incorporating practical exercises, such as how analyze copy (script) effectively, understand the context, tone, target audience, and the character they’re portraying, students can make informed choices about pacing, intonation, and emphasis based on the copy/script. The presenter will also touch on the technical side of voiceover.

v Acting for the Camera: Back to One

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Peter Allen Stone

In this workshop, actors will practice on camera five technical skills that can easily be developed and will improve any film or television performance. The actor will choose a positive relationship to the camera and begin to use it as a tool to build their performance. The technical acting for the camera skills are “tools not rules.” Actors will be empowered in front of the camera and begin to view acting from the editor’s perspective.

v Skits and Stand Up: Get Out of Your Head!

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kendall Marsh

Utilizing improvisation exercises to help young actors to get out of their heads and into the moment, we will spend the entire class on our feet, exploring exercises from a variety of comedy techniques: The Groundlings, Del Close, Viola Spolin, and Upright Citizen’s Brigade. These exercises ground the actor’s imagination, sense of time, and relationships to provide fresh approaches to working solo or in small groups. Class will end with a mini-performance.

v Consent and Boundary Practices for the Theatre

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Rachel Dawson

An introduction to consent, boundaries, and power dynamics in the theatre. Communication tools will be shared through lecture and participatory activities to help create a consensual space for all. Learn how these foundational concepts of theatrical intimacy work expand to all in the room, not just those engaging in intimacy work.

v Intimacy

Direction and Directors from the University Classroom to Off-Broadway

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Austin Harleson & Lauren Carlton

Join Austin Harleson and Lauren Carlton to explore the intricacies, advice, and potential pitfalls of the director-intimacy director dynamic from their classroom, university, and Off-Broadway experiences.

ThUR 3:30 – 4:30 pm

v How Do You Stage the Internet?

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Cliff Thompson & Brandyn Graves

How do you find the narrative thread within the social media noise? The workshop explores techniques used to transform a series of COVID-era Internet posts and memes into a full-length performance piece. Over a 2-year period, Freed-Hardeman University crafted THE FEED, an original work that performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. Co-creators Brandyn Graves and Cliff Thompson will discuss what worked and what didn’t.

v Collaborative Communication: From Prep to Production

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Amanda J. Nelson & Stacy A. Blackburn

Every production process has its challenges. Strengthening collaborative communication skills can aid in problem-solving across departments, boost productivity, and improve morale. This interactive workshop provides collaborative communication tips, tools, and next best practices for stage managers and directors. Panelists will share common production communication scenarios and provide practical solutions to communication hiccups. Participants will then take part in a series of collaborative communication exercises. Join this session to learn from others and to share your ideas and experiences. Whether you are new to stage management or directing or a seasoned practitioner, this session offers practical guidance for developing collaborative communication skills.

v Self Care for Stage Managers

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Matthew Stern

The session will explore self care techniques and strategies for stage managers, discussing boundaries for work and life, as well as how our stage management skills can be both assets and challenges when it comes to work/life balance. In the session, The presenter will share both personal stories and professional research in the arena of self care, wellness, and mental health.

v Costumes, Crowns, and Crafting: Combining Traditional Techniques with Modern Theatrical Costuming for Carnival Royalty

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christina Johnson

In this workshop we will give a history behind the traditions of Mardi Gras costume creation and highlight the work of local artisans in Mobile, AL, the birthplace of Mardi Gras. We will discuss themes, design, and construction practices, including more recent work that has combined elements of theatrical costuming such as thermoplastics in the creation of unique costumes that blend family tradition with the representation of each individual’s personality.

ThUR 4:00 – 6:00 pm

v Musical Theatre Coaching Session 4

Grand Bay Ballroom 2 - Renaissance Riverview Hotel

Professional and college auditionees can sign up for slots to work on their audition materials one-on-one with a vocal coach and accompanist.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

v Theatre Trivia

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Michael Williams

This is a competition of teams of four about various topics (historical and contemporary) in the theatre.

v Your Patron Experience IS Your Brand!

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Zachary Collins & Kevin Schneider

Join us for an engaging workshop that delves into the critical concept that your patron experience is, in fact, your brand. In the world of performing arts, the essence of your brand is established long before your patrons even set foot in the theater. It starts with the first point of contact and continues through every interaction leading up to the curtain rising and beyond.

v Yes And…? How Improv Can IMPROVE Design Collaboration

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Joshua Mullady

One of the most challenging moments in a design process is when you sit in a room, and someone says, “No, we can’t do that.” Or, “No, I don’t want to do that.”

The basic rules of improv are simple:

• Always say, “Yes, and…” Accept and add to the situation.

• Don’t Block! Denial stops and destroys the moment and process, and no new information can be added.

• Make Statements. Don’t always ask questions, but cultivate answers! Provide details.

Change! An excellent improv is built on how characters and the scene change and evolve.

Always go back to “Yes, and…”

This workshop takes those rules and applies them to the design process. We will discuss how the design process can be more collaborative when we recognize these rules. We will examine improv games such as “This is not a…,” “Yes, Let’s,” “Human Props” and others, and see how they can open a designer’s creative and, more importantly, collaborative mind.

v Development of collaboration skills within the scenic design curriculum

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Valeriya Nedviga

Collaboration is a vital part of every production and everyone likes talking about it; it is a hard skill to teach because it requires practical experience, and it takes trial and error to master it. But perhaps more than that, it requires you to be open-minded to the opinions of people around you, to be flexible, and be able to go with the flow.

v Design South: Props and Costume Crafts

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christina Johnson

SETC’s Design and Technology Committee hosts props artisans and costume crafters from across the region to present their work, answer questions and share best practices.

v Special Effects Makeup for the Stage

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Gene Flaherty

v v It’s A Plaid, Plaid World

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Ashleigh Poteat

Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and hands-on learning, we will explore the history and nature of plaid fabric. This fabric has a long, wide, and complicated global history that ties to together and separates groups of diverse ethnicities and geographic locations. We will take a cultural history approach to examine this textile together.

The intended audience is anyone who wears clothing or sees clothing, or all of us. Clothing and textile are something that we all have in common and that also separates all of us. Exploring, interrogating, and understanding the history of textiles is an important way to embrace and discover our identities. It’s also an important piece of knowledge for designers.

Textile workshops are few at SETC, and this is both a textile workshop but also an exploration of cultural history, diversity, equity, and justice. Participants will get some hands on experience with weaving, hopefully a lot of interesting knowledge, and the ability and desire to question and research textile meaning and use.

v Kickstart Your Career: Acting as a Profession

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Gabrielle Berberich

Take control of your acting career. Our industry professionals will give you the most up-to-date information you need to work in film, television and theater. Actors are often left in the dark about “the biz.” Questions about joining SAGAFTRA and AEA, how to find an agent or a manager, what constitutes a good headshot (not to mention — what is “type” anyway, and how do I find mine?!) can make actors feel overwhelmed and confused. We’re here to change that. In a no-nonsense and practical way we combine the A and the B, the Art and the Business, so you feel ready to take control of your career. We are awardwinning entertainment professionals here to empower you, the actor, to get the most current information the industry has to offer.

v Actor Sustainability

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Emily Mattison

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for an actor to experience burnout or embitterment within their first five years in the industry. Most of the time, this causes them to walk away and shift career paths entirely. This is heavily due to the “hustle” mindset ingrained in today’s society, especially for those in the arts. However once you reframe your mindset about auditioning/the work you do, understand who you are as an artist, and implement practices such as boundaries, you are more likely to have a long and fruitful acting career.

v Low Flow: Burlesque Floorwork

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Lauren Carlton

Ready to add a little spice to your SETC experience? Join us for a deep dive into building the low and slow connective tissues of burlesque choreography in this floorwork focused workshop. Duo, Lauren Carlton and Abigail Wright will welcome participants to join us in learning a short combination (kneepads welcome) while working on breaking down the fourth wall with joy and humor. We will end our session with a conversation on how to take elements from this choreography into your own work as performers. All bodies are welcome!

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

v College Auditions Demystified

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Lisa Sain Odom

This workshop will begin with a brief lecture portion to disseminate information to participants. This lecture-style presentation will end, giving all an opportunity to participate in a question and answer session. After the question and answer session, the co-presenters will open the floor to participants who want to workshop audition material and receive feedback. This workshop will include how to slate, suggestions for choosing audition monologues and musical theatre cuts, the dos and don’ts of entering and exiting the room, what should be part of the student’s audition preparation, and what materials they should have on hand on the day of auditions. Clemson University professors Lisa Sain Odom and Kerrie Seymour will facilitate this workshop.

v Deepening the Text Through Physical Exploration

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Lysa Fox

This workshop will visit the basics of the world of viewpoints and how it can be useful when working with the text in a show of any kind - monologues, scenes, songs. We will work on finding new ways of putting the work “on it’s feet” in group exercises and potentially some individual attention as well.

v The Business of Directing: Self-Marketing Tools

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Molly Claassen & Johannah Maynard Edwards

As directors, we are always encouraging others to make BOLD choices. In this workshop, we’ll help you boldly hone your artist statement, personal branding, and dream project elevator pitch! You’ll leave this session ready to make confident connections with artistic directors and potential producers.

v Meet Faith and Theatre University Programs

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Scott Hayes

Are you a high school or college student who wants to connect with university programs that explore the connections between faith and theatre? This panel introduces several undergraduate and graduate programs that do just that!

v Who Is Dante?

An introduction to audio system networking

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Allen Sanders

This workshop will introduce Audinate’s protocol for Dante audio networking. We will explore the anatomy of an audio network, what it takes to set one up, and how to use it in a production environment. Topics discussed will include basic networking, clocking, redundancy, Dante Virtual Soundcard, and Dante updater.

ThUR 5:30 – 8:30 pm

m Secondary School Theatre Festival

Mobile Civic Center

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

ThUR 6:30 – 8:00 pm

m m Faith & Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This annual meeting is for everyone interested in fostering relationships beyond SETC. Come meet experienced faith and theatre practitioners and mentors! A great networking opportunity for college or high school students and instructors. This also serves as our planning meeting for the next convention!

m SETC Fringe Festival Interest Group

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This meeting is for those who are interesting in the organization and future of the SETC Fringe Festival.

ThUR 6:30 – 8:00 pm

m Stage Combat Interest Meeting

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This is an open forum in which teachers of stage combat provide questions and answers to those interested in pursuing stage combat training. Upcoming events will be discussed, as well as an opportunity to get answers to specific questions.

m SETC Interest Area Fair

Crystal Ballroom - The Battle House Hotel (Level One)

m All State Social

Crystal Pre-Function Area – The Battle House Hotel (Level 1)

ThUR 6:30 – 8:30 pm

m v Distinguished Designers Keynote and Discussion

Room 107 A & B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Invited Distinguished Designers share stories of their work and careers. See Page 15 for designer profiles.

ThUR 6:30 – 10:00 pm

v Stage Management Games

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Come out to show your skills and compete with other stage managers in the annual Stage Management Games!

THUR 7:00 – 11:00 pm

v Getchell New Play Reading: Between Dog and Wolf

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

A Staged Reading of this year’s Getchell Award-winning play, by Cris Eli Blak, with response and discussion following.

High school friends Blake, Patrick, and Mara reunite at a hotel the day before their 10-year reunion. Forever traumatized by the school shooting that took place their junior year, the three try and fail to relive painful memories and heal broken friendships.

ThUR 7:00 – 11:30 pm

m Community Theatre Festival

Murphy High School – 100 S . Carlen St ., Mobile, AL, 36606

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes. sponsored by

ThUR 8:30 – 10:00 pm

m v Short Play Festival (Prep)

Moonlight Ballroom C, D, E –

The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of creativity and talent at our 24-Hour Play Festival Performances! Be captivated by the unique short plays created in just 24 hours. Your presence will make the night even more special! No preregistration required to attend performances. Sponsored by Hollins University.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

FRi 8:00 – 9:00 am

m Art Administration Interest Meeting & Mixer

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Student, Educators, and Professionals with an interest in Arts Administration will meet to network and discuss workshops and topics of interest from the field.

m KEAP Recipient Morning Session

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) KEAP Committee Members meet with KEAP Award recipients to discuss the day’s events. KEAP chaperones are welcome to attend.

m Student & Emerging Artist Interest Meeting

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

All students — high school, college, gradate school, as well as anyone and everyone who considers themselves an emerging artist or an early career practitioner — are invited to attend this meeting. SETC wants to hear from you! Do you have feedback on the convention? Ideas about how SETC can evolve and improve? How can we better connect YOU to opportunities in the arts? Please bring your ideas and questions to this informal discussion session and facilitators will bring them directly to SETC Leadership.

m USITT Southeast Business Meeting

Moonlight Ballroom Salon E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This is a business meeting for all USITT SE regional members. Anyone that lives or works in the region and wants to be part of the USITT SE section are welcome to attend.

m Stage Management Committee Meeting & Mixer

Tree House Meeting Room - The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

m

Get Involved with Leadership at SETC

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) I want to be a part of the SETC committee, workshop, competition, and events structure. How do I get involved? Focus on finding ties to your particular interests and how you can become involved with SETC to move the organization forward into the next 75 years!

m Highlights of Theatre Symposium 32: Material Performance and Performing Objects

Old Dauphin Way Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Selected participants from the 32nd annual Theatre Symposium share their papers on the theme “Material Performance and Performing Objects.” Those who are interested in learning more about Theatre Symposium are especially encouraged to attend.

m Southern Theatre Writers Interest Meeting

Moonlight Ballroom C – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Get general information about SOUTHERN THEATRE magazine, including types of stories sought, submission methods, and how to become a writer or Editorial Board member for SETC’s year-round publication. Student and adult slots will open later this year on the Editorial Board as members’ terms expire. We are looking to add additional diverse voices on the Editorial Board and in the stories we publish. If you have an interest in serving on the board or writing for the magazine, this is a great time to get involved. Bring your story ideas. Open to all.

FRi 8:00 – 10:30 am

v Sound & Projections

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

FRi 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

m Graduate Auditions

Mobile Bay Ballroom – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel — Auditions: Ballroom 3; Holding Room: Ballroom 2; Warmup Room: Ballroom 1

FRi 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

v Design Competition

Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

Internationally acclaimed designers critique graduate and undergraduate entries in Costume Design, Costume Crafts, Costume Technology, Lighting Design, Makeup Design, Projection Design, Properties Design & Construction, Scenic Design, Sound Design, and Technical Direction and Construction. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places. Technical Direction and Construction sponsored by Productions Unlimited. Exhibit Hall Sponsored by Carnival Entertainment.

8:00 am - 6:00 pm — Design Competition Juried Response Sessions

A detailed schedule with locations for response sessions will be posted in the Design Competition area. All are welcome to sit in and observe these response sessions.

10:00 am - 6:00 pm — Exhibit open to convention attendees

FRi 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

m Professional Auditions

Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel — Auditions: Bon Secour Bay 1 & 2; Holding Room: Schooner Suite;Warmup Room: Windjammer Suite

FRi 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

m Dance Call

Bon Secour Bay 3 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

FRi 9:00 – 9:30 am

m Theatre Symposium Interest Meeting

Old Dauphin Way Meeting Rm – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Join us to learn about Theatre Symposium journal, and our upcoming conference, “Queer Performance, Gender Trouble, Drag Epistemologies, and Trans Politics.” All are welcome!

FRi 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

m Secondary School Theatre Festival

Mobile Civic Center

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

FRi 9:30 – 10:30 am

v Creating Theatre in Unpredictable Times: The Importance of Community Engagement

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Erin Langley

This workshop offers theatre practitioners a unique opportunity to explore the transformative potential of community engagement in navigating the uncertainties of the industry. By embracing community collaboration, participants can forge strong connections, broaden their perspectives, and create theatre experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Together, we can cultivate a vibrant and inclusive theatre ecosystem that thrives even in the face of unpredictability.

v Theatre for the Early Learner: K-2nd Grade

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Kelleybrooke Brown

This is a learn by doing workshop. Teachers or students who plan to teach can benefit from this workshop that focuses on engagement, fast paced learning, and ways to keep your students attention in a theatre workshop or rehearsal for up to two hours at a time.

v Design South: Lighting

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Annalise V. Caudle

A Q&A about getting started. Do you need to move to NY? Will I need a second source of income? How do I meet people?

v

Costuming the Plus Sized Body

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Crystal Wilkerson-Diaz

During this session we will go over information from The Academy of Diverse Costuming’s first book Costuming for the Plus Sized Body. We will look at a new measurement technique, as well as creating basic blocks and common fitting problems.

v Elemental Energies: Physicality through Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Neil David Seibel, Michael Joseph Barber, Michael Pritchard & Tara Laurel

An introduction to the use of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water to discover and clarify movement and physicality in actors and their characters by a multigenerational team of actors. Having been identified in every world culture, elements create a simple and common vocabulary for physical characterization when applied to acting and movement. Participants will be led through four basic exercises to isolate the use of Earth, Air, Fire and Water in the body. Elemental Movement is designed to focus and clarify character energy and locomotion. The workshop is intended for a general audience but will target high school students and teachers specifically who are looking for tools to supplement their acting and movement skill sets.

v Contemporary Character-Creation Tools for the Actor: Daydreaming and Emotional Preparation

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Tiffany Gilly-Forrer

Truthful connection to emotional circumstances and a character’s memories is one of the greatest challenges for actors, young and old, green and seasoned. But it hasn’t always been this way, and all actors have the potential to activate their imaginations in amazing ways to achieve truthful connection to these circumstances! As a certified Seven Pillars Acting instructor, I find that Daydreaming and Emotional Preparation help me to truthfully access emotion not as a focus, but a byproduct of using these tools. In this workshop, actors will learn efficient, helpful, and healthy ways to access truthful emotion and connection to character circumstances utilizing skills from Seven Pillars Acting and strengthening their imaginations through active sensory engagement. Bring with you a new-ish monologue!

v Creating a Directorial Vision: Multiple paths to the same destination

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Jeremy Cloyd & Carly McMinn

Finding a vision and communicating it to your team can be one of the most daunting tasks for a director. Join us as we explore different approaches to finding this vision, refining it, and getting it across to your creative team and actors.

v Introduction to the Corporate Event Industry

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Matthew Stern

Workshop will share the benefits, challenges, similarities and differences between working in the theatre and corporate event industries.

v Stage Management Educators’ Roundtable

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Stacy A. Blackburn

This session provides a place for all educators of stage managers a place to discuss ideas, ask questions, and generally gather information on how others are training stage managers.

v Management’s Sixth Element of Budgeting… Awareness

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Matthew Miller

As managers (stage, production, crew chiefs), department and area heads in higher education, we are trained in and practice the first five elements of budgeting: time, space, money, labor, and resources. But there is a sixth — perhaps the most important element: awareness. Awareness is keeping an eye on the well-being of your team, whether that be the actor, the director and creative team, designers, and all the way down to the run crew. This includes areas of well-being such as: physical, social, emotional, psychological, economic, environmental, intellectual, spiritual, and more. It means being conscious of your team’s personalities, backgrounds, and life satisfaction thresholds. This workshop will leave participants with strategies and methods to implement all of these areas of Awareness immediately when they return to their companies/educational settings. Almost all of these can be done using very little time, money, space, resources, and labor.

v Image Systems in Playwriting with Theological Underpinnings

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Sean Gaffney

This session will deepen how playwrights can use image systems through language and metaphor to deepen their storytelling. Too often writers leave the images to the designers or assume that image belongs to film. We’ll look at the ancient tradition of building image systems through dialogue, as well as how scenic and lighting elements could be baked into the DNA of plays. We will look at examples from Shakespeare, Arthur Miller, Lauren Gunderson, Sophocles, August Wilson, and many others. The course will also include Biblical and theological uses of image systems to support the ancient and ongoing tradition of the power of the image. Attendees will be able to use these insights immediately in creating their own writing.

v Working in a Theme Park 101

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kelly Daugherty

The following topics will be discussed: What it’s like to work in the theme park industry, auditioning for performer roles in a theme park, how to interview for technical positions, general question and answer session.

v Applied Theatre Exercise Exchange

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christie Connolly, Oluchi Nwokocha & Dan Bacalzo

A time to share exercises among applied theatre professionals and those interested in starting their own applied theatre initiatives.

FRi 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

v High School Technical Theatre Portfolio Exhibition

Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

Exhibition open to convention attendees

Interview Sessions: Students spend time speaking with colleges and universities who have signed up for a time on their callback sheet.

High school student technical portfolio displays may be struck and removed from the space at 6:00 pm or anytime Saturday morning.

*Please do not leave laptops or tablets in the convention center overnight.

FRi 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

m Secondary School Theatre Festival

Mobile Civic Center

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

FRi 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

m Fringe Festival

West Ballroom - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

FRi 11:00 am – noon

v Adding Vocational and Certificate Programs to Technical Theatre Curriculum

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Ryan Patterson

This session will discuss the value of adding accredited vocational training and certificate programs to a collegiate technical theatre curriculum. Technical theatre students already leave college with many of the skills required to receive vocational certificates and other credit for this type of training, but many outside the theatre world do not recognize this. With a recent push from administration to increase these types of offering at the University of Mount Union, I have researched adding these programs and certificates to my curriculum. We will discuss my research and collaboration with the administration, as well as students’ reception to this added opportunity.

v Theatre Education for All: How One Non-Profit Theatre Company Promotes Equitable Access to Arts Education

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Elizabeth Bettencourt

Theatre education can often come with a hefty price tag and it’s important for theatre companies to help offset such gatekeeping by providing free or lowcost educational programming to the youth of its community. This type of programming is mutually beneficial to the theatre company itself and to the youth of its community. Participants will leave this workshop not only with inspiration, but with solid, concrete steps they can take to begin or transform the educational programming their theatre company is able to offer to its community.

v Small, but Mighty: Building Your Small Theatre Program

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Gabriella Headley

Are you a secondary school educator with a small, but mighty theatre program looking for ways to grow? Join us! We will be going over strategies for increasing involvement and participation in your program! We will end with time for questions and answers, and suggestions to encourage best practices!

v “The Blurr” — A Devised Theatrical Performance About Race, Privilege & Complacency

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Marybeth Berry & Tyrie Rowell

“The Blurr” was created out of a response to the police brutality happening recently in this country and the outcry of the Black Lives Matter movement. Marybeth Berry, a white woman, and Tyrie Rowell, a black man, began a dialogue that spanned the last few years. Based on Athol Fugard’s The Island, we began asking the hard questions about ourselves and each other to determine where these prejudices are born and how they become steeped so deeply into our culture and our country.

v Creative Physicality: Creating compelling characters through movement-based play

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Nicole Crowther

Participants will explore unique approaches to physical character-building, including the use of animal influences, the elements, and musicality/inner rhythm. This is for both young actors who “don’t know what to do with their hands” and accomplished actors who are looking to add a unique twist to their physical character-building. Come ready to learn, move, and play!

v About Margaret Bonds

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Tiffany Bostic-Brown

It is only within the past few years that the musical community has been granted access to what is left of Margaret Bonds’s compositional output thanks to the research efforts of some of the top scholars in African American Music. Although much of her work is either lost or waiting to be discovered, we can learn to culture and include what is currently available to circulate. Bonds’s music has so much to offer and deserves its place in the studio, in the audition room, and in performance.

v Does Not Disappoint: Creating a One-Person Show & Exploring Identity Through Performance

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Michael Morrison

What happens when you intend to write a one-person show about someone else and realize the show is actually about you? What do you do when you have to come to terms with your yourself as you share your story? These are questions actor/playwright Michael Morrison had to wrestle with when writing and producing his one-person show Does Not Disappoint — a show that began as a story about the triumphs of other artists amidst adversity but became a show about personal struggles with faith, the church, and suicide. This workshop will explore different techniques in building a one-person show, as Michael Morrison discusses the blessings and the difficulties of laying yourself bare before an audience.

v Best Practices for Director/Playwright Collaboration: New Works Development

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Moderator: Sarah Lacy Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Directing & Theatre History, Sewanee – The University of the South Co-Presenters: Kevin Ferguson, playwright and a dramaturg — Lecturer, Coastal Carolina Univ; Thom Penn, professional actor — Lecturer, Coastal Carolina Univ

Panelists: Wendy-Marie Martin, Theatre Dept Chair, Hollins Univ; Beth Reeves, singer, actor, director and teaching artist; Lydia Fort, Assistant Professor of Theater Studies at Emory Univ and the Resident Director for Theater Emory; Taylor Gruenloh, Assistant Professor, Missouri Univ Science & Technology, and Artistic Director at the Tesseract Theatre Co, St. Louis

v Director as Collaborator:

Working in Partnership

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Molly Claassen & Johannah Maynard Edwards

As an alternative to the traditionally hierarchical structure of directing, we will discuss the benefits and inner workings of co-directing and partnering with intimacy and accessibility professionals.

v Teaching Tech:

Strategies When You Lack Resources, Space, Expertise — or ALL of the Above!

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Matthew Miller

Making magic on a budget is what you do on productions, but can you achieve that in the classroom? How do you teach important tech and design concepts and hands-on skills when you don’t have adequate facilities, shops, or equipment? This workshop will give you a wealth of resources to help your students learn more — at zero or very little cost!

v Sustainable Practice for Stage Managers

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Casey Sammarco

The definition of sustainability is “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.” We will discuss sustainability as it relates to these four topics within the stage management profession: 1. Environmental 2. Human 3. Social 4. Economic.

v Technology for Stage Managers

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Raey Bagley

We will discuss technology available to stage managers, fears associated with technology, and then focus on a specific application: Cuelist. We will discuss the program and the benefits of browser-based applications.

v Faith-Related Entertainment Renaissance: The Industry Landscape

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Cliff Thompson & Scott Hayes

Projects like The Chosen and Jesus Revolution are notable examples of the wide variety of faith-related film, television, and stage work currently of interest. Experts in the field discuss what this growing taste for faith-related content means for our industry. How might this trend impact hiring opportunities for actors, directors, designers, technicians, etc? Dr. Scott Hayes and other entertainment watchers will present up-to-date info on current trends.

v Be Still: Creating Sabbath Rest for the Theatre Artist

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Carla Lahey

Between cycles of rehearsals, long tech weeks, and weekends packed with performances, how can theatre artists prioritize rest and restoration? Join a discussion on prioritizing space for sabbath rest as a theatre artist and/or educator of faith. Using concepts from John Mark Comer’s best-selling book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry as a starting point, participants will begin creating a plan to integrate practices of intentional sabbath rest. Although the concepts of this workshop come from a faith-based framework, principles can be applied to anyone looking to create more margin in their artistic lives.

FRi noon – 2:00 pm

m States Luncheon

East Ballroom – Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Enjoy lunch, door prizes and entertainment. Pre-registration required.

mv Undergraduate and Graduate Tech Interviews

Grand Bay Ballroom 1 & 2 - Renaissance Riverview Hotel

FRi 1:00 – 5:00 pm

m Community Theatre Festival

Murphy High School – 100 S Carlen St , Mobile, AL, 36606

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes. sponsored by

FRi 2:00 – 3:00 pm

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

v

m

m

m

m

m

m Distinguished Keynote Address

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C,D&E –Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Dr. Sharrell D. Luckett, Editor-in-Chief, Southern Theatre

See page 12 for Dr. Luckett’s bio.

v To AI or not to AI: Does AI Generative Software Have a Place in the Theatre Classroom?

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Sarah Russell & Kevin P. Kern

AI is a controversial topic, especially for artists, and its development and presence in our society have grown rapidly over the last year. In this thoughtprovoking workshop, we invite theatre educators to explore the intersection of AI generative software and the theatre classroom. We will also engage in thoughtful conversation about the ethical implications of AI in theatre education, considering questions of authorship, authenticity, accessibility, and human creativity.

v Fringe Theatre as a Pedagogical Tool

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Wendy-Marie Martin

Independent theatre makers as well as undergraduate theatre students around the country are actively resisting traditional theatre production structures. That, coupled with the number of large institutions closing their doors, makes it clear that it’s more important than ever that we teach our students how to create their own work and tell their own stories.

Fringe theatre festivals offer the perfect opportunity for students to tell stories that embrace their identities and experiences. In addition, they offer a pedagogical opportunity to teach students how to produce work to be performed around the world. This workshop will share tips and tricks to creating an approach to Fringe Festival theatre making that is pedagogically sound and guide student toward an original, high quality, marketable show.

v Costume Study Collections

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Erin Rodgers

This panel discussion will focus on the perspectives of faculty and staff managing costume study collections. Topics will include: how these types of collections may be developed and utilized, particularly within a university setting; the logistics of maintenance; the perceived benefits to students and the community; and future possibilities of integrating technology with a goal to broaden access to these collections.

v How to use water in theatre: a scene design for Metamorphoses by Mary Zimmerman

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kevin Grigsby & Sara Oldford

A discussion of the pitfalls and challenges of putting water on the stage. The discussion will use Maryville Colleges 2018 performance of Metamorphoses as an example of how to achieve large volumes of water on stage safely.

v Hands-on Projects for Costume History

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Alice Bristow

We will explore how a few early textiles were woven, modified, wrapped, and eventually sewn into wearable garments. This hands-on approach helps students experience history and remember more about historical textiles and clothing.

v Gumboots: Highlighting South African Dance on Broadway

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Madia Cooper-Ashirifi

The workshop is movement-based. Each participant will receive a set of boots provided by me, the instructor, to wear to execute the movement. I will have about 100 boots in both female and male sizes. Throughout the workshop, I will lecture about the history of Gumboot, Apartheid, and inequity challenges of South Africa. Additionally, I will be sharing information regarding Gumboots, the musical, and why it was such a pivotal art presentation depicting adversity, inequality, violence, suffrage, and protest. There will be live drumming so that participants are able to have an experience.

v Own Your Presence, Own The Room

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Michael Colby Jones & Gabrielle Berberich

What gives a person charisma? The “It” factor? Learn how to step into the room, and make sure everyone feels your presence. Large or small, loud or quiet, some people just grab your focus. What is it they have that you don’t? Nothing. Presence and charisma can be learned. Whether the space you step into is an amphitheater or a closet, learn how to be with other creative people and make them anchor around your energy.

Working with time-honored techniques of kinetic engagement brought into modern practical techniques through breath, we can help you feel your own presence in the room, and how to work with others in a truthful manner so the highest form of creative collaboration can flourish. Simple techniques help you access your truth with others.

v The Invisible Art of Stage Combat: Utilizing the Invisible to Create Dynamic Stories

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

David Reed

The greatest stories in theatre often rely on what the audience doesn’t see as much as what they do. The class explores storytelling (specifically within acts of violence) through a visual art lens to examine how other art forms create the appearance of dynamic action.

v Belting for Broadway

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Amy Chaffee & Matthew Greenberg

Using Fitzmaurice Voicework and Musical Theatre audition techniques, students will learn how to find strength in their belt-voices without fatiguing. The invitation is to bring a song you love to sing and re-connect your breath, body, and voice.

v Get out of your head!

Using Michael Chekhov’s Archetypal Gesture and Psychological Gesture to create playable objectives

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jeanine Henry

Are you struggling with helping actors really play their objectives? Do you wrestle with finding strong objectives and really playing them? Chekhov’s Archetypal gestures and Psychological Gesture bridge the gap between the brain and the body and engage the emotions along the way. Make your acting more vibrant with these psycho-physical tools.

v Stella Adler’s Acting Technique: Awareness Without Judgment

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Ryan Chittaphong & Johnny Yoder

Led by Managing Artistic Director Johnny Yoder and technique instructor Ryan Chittaphong from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York, participants of this hands-on seminar will learn the foundation of Stella Adler’s teachings through exploring actions, circumstance and justification; to make courageous, expansive onstage choices using their limitless imaginations as their primary resource.

v What Pneumatics Can Do For You

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Matthew Stratton & Regan Ellward

Pneumatics have many uses in our productions, from construction to trickery. This workshop intends to begin discussing and demonstrating ways of using pneumatics, and components to help use pneumatics safely and effectively while preserving the investment.

v The Theatre Artist’s Identity: Authenticity in the World

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Scott Hayes

What is our true identity in Christ? Authenticity is crucial in our work and faith. Discuss with professional theatre artist-educators about work pitfalls and strategies for remaining true to yourself.

v Moving Parts and Hearts: Joyous Dynamic Physical Theatre in Any Environment

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Peter Friedrich

1. Learn a gamified approach to make an original piece of physical theatre.

2. Make the piece of theatre right here and now.

3. Leave equipped to lead the same activity and teach it, too!

v Planning Inclusive Seasons: Creating Equity-Minded Programming

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Lauren Brooke Ellis

In this round-circle discussion, arts administrators and artistic directors can openly discuss methods of creating programming and seasons that speak to all individuals of their communities. With an emphasis on community-building and inclusivity, this curated discussion will present ideas and methods of curating seasons that speak to their community’s unique needs and the art that they feel best represents them.

v Your Talkback is Boring: Alternative Opportunities for Relationship-Building

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Karie Miller, Sean Naughton & Jessie Glover

Together we’ll look at the spectator to performance to community relationship and try out various active audience facilitation and formats for pre/post-show conversations.

FRi 5:00 – 6:00 pm

v Start them Young: Tech in Middle School

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Liz Whalen & Mike Morin

This is a discussion of what has worked (and what hasn’t) starting tech theatre in 5th grade. Actors get to start experimenting and learning about the craft as early as elementary school, what are the steps we can take to do the same with tech?

v History of Color Pigments

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Ashleigh Poteat

Lecture exploration of the cultural history of pigments, dyes and color across the globe. We will examine the sources and roots of color, how language and social constructs impact our perception of color and the psychological and global connotations of color.

v The Climate of Your Character: Exploring Inner and Objective Atmosphere using Michael Chekhov’s Technique

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Sean Naughton

Through a physically based approach, participants will explore Michael Chekhov’s concepts of inner and objective atmosphere, learning how to use these tools to create compelling, emotional characterizations that drive powerful performances.

FRi 5:00 – 6:00 pm

v

Accessibility in the Technical Theatre Classroom

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Gary Thornsberry

This workshop will help build creative problem-solving skills and tools. Allowing for discussion and the building of community for educators and artist and students both temporary able-bodied and disabled. To form a coalition around and community in creating an accessible theatrical and classroom environment.

v Tick-Box Diversity

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Elizabeth Watkins & Jenna Elser

A reading and discussion session to explore the key takeaways from this article, Breaking Barriers in Theatre: Moving Beyond Tick-Box Diversity to Champion a Truly Inclusive and More Equitable Culture On and Off Stage. Engage in meaningful conversations about the state of EDI in our industry and brainstorm actionable steps to make a positive impact. Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our industry, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and equitable theatre community.

v Nailing the Cold Reading: One-Line Commercial Auditions

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kyle Zimmerman

Learn to read, scan, mark, and prepare for cold readings using commercial copy as text. Designed to create dynamic performance from unfamiliar material with limited prep time.

v Embodied Text Analysis

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Aimee Blesing

Text analysis can become overly cerebral and get actors stuck in an intellectual examination of text that may not readily translate to performance. This work explores text analysis through the application of kinesensic bodyvoice expression. Using a sensory approach to selected texts that are representative of many voices, participants will discover an embodied connection to script and character that is loaded with expressive meaning and deeply connected to communicative potential and personal uniqueness.

v The Insider’s Guide to Booking Film & TV

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Gabrielle Berberich, Greg Chwerchak & Michael Colby Jones

Have you always wanted to work in Film & TV? Look no further! NYC industry experts will give you the tools to audition and book. What are the keys to modern-day auditions? Self-taping? Where do I look? What do I do? Let our LA and NYC based industry experts answer your questions and guide you to success. You will learn how to audition and self-tape for television, studio & indie films, and commercials, so you can open yourself up to tons of different markets.

v Swing That Show…

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

This is a practical presentation utilizing real world experience to discuss and offer tools that can help artists navigate the demanding role of an understudy or swing. This workshop will look at real world examples from my time as a professional swing on Broadway and National Tours. We will look at the demands physically but also the mental and emotional strains a swing and understudy endures through their time in a production.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

v Impulse & Action:

A physical approach to freedom in performance

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Dustin Whitehead & Jaclyn Hofmann Faircloth

This workshop’s goal is to inspire actors to approach their process with creativity and intention. We will explore Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints technique. Music will be introduced, then partner work, and then text. Through a series of impulse-based exercises, participants will discover new ways to approach the work of bringing characters to life. This is a physical and active workshop. Participants should come ready to move

v Out of Your Head and Into the Body: Connecting Emotion with Physicality

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Stacey Stratton

The workshop will begin as a master class where volunteers will be asked to use a prepared monologue to uncover new depths of emotional connection to their character — by rooting it in physical movement. All attendees may participate in the large-group exploration exercises to apply the fundamental techniques to their own work. There will be a time of group discussion at the end of the session to evaluate what aspect(s) of the technique were helpful.

v Journey, The Masterclass

Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Jeneen Hammond

Jeneen Hammond empowers individuals to become playwrights of their own story. Through her simple, effective framework, participants will actively engage in a fun, creative process that leads them to discover their unique story and craft a “script.” Masterclass participants will leave with a working draft, plus an action timeline to further refine and polish their work for stage!

v Chasing Windmills:

Creating Theatre for People Who Don’t Know It

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Ian Gadapee & Bethany Perrone

A lecture on the combined experiences of a grassroots collective of upstart artists attempting to bring theatre to communities and groups traditionally opposed to theatre or unaware of its societal, artistic, and cultural value while empowering young artists.

v Intro to Voiceover Performance

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Tom Alsip

An introduction to the world of voiceover performance. Presentation includes breakdown of the basics of the business, auditions and includes an in-person demonstration of the skills using volunteers from the audience.

v In the Whites: Why Some Color Blind Casting is Just Wrong!

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Benny Lee Harris Lumpkins Jr.

A look at PW Theatres who want to take on ethnically diverse shows that don’t have a diverse acting pool to choose from. A discussion on how this can be a huge mistake and some of the barriers a theatre company can overcome if they must do a show like this — e.g. In the Heights or Once on This Island, etc. Also a brief look at Vaudeville and black face and how today’s casting practices are rooted in the racist systems from the early theatre.

FRi 5:30 – 9:30 pm

m Secondary School Theatre Festival

Mobile Civic Center

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

FRi 6:00 – 7:30 pm

m

m Alpha Psi Omega/Delta Psi Omega National Meeting & Mixer

Moonlight Ballroom Salon B – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual business meeting of the National Theatre Honor Societies APO and DPO. Members from all chapters and faculty sponsors are encouraged to attend and network.

FRi 6:30 – 8:00 pm

m m Voice and Speech Interest Meeting & Mixer

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Come learn about the Voice and Speech area at SETC! We welcome folks of all levels to come join the conversation about a voice and speech offerings at SETC!

m m Women+ in Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Please join us for the Female-Identifying in Theatre Interest Meeting! Our meeting is open to all women, female identifying folx, non-binary folx, and allies. We will introduce ourselves and discuss shared areas of interest.

m m Small Theatre Programs Interest Meeting & Mixer

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This is annual meeting of Small Theatre Programs. This is designed for College and University theatre departments of three or less personnel. You are not alone!

m m Directing Interest Meeting & Mixer

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

The Directing Committee is composed of individuals with an interest in directing theatre and supporting professional development and career opportunities in directing through SETC. The interest meeting is a place for directors to connect, share resources, and discuss workshop topics, keynote speakers, and future programming that supports directors through SETC. Theatre Directors of all levels of experience are welcome.

m m Movement Interest Meeting & Mixer

Old Dauphin Way Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

This is an interest meeting for educators and interested students in the movement and physical theatre performing arts. It is a venue to discuss events and workshops at the current convention, and interests and desires for future conventions.

m m LGBTQ+ In Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) General Meeting for LGBTQIA+ identifying members of SETC.

m m Playwright’s Corner

Oakleigh Garden Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

The Playwright’s Corner is for new work creators to meet with other creators to brainstorm, read, and share feedback for the purpose of play development.

FRi 7:00 – 11:00 pm

m Fringe Festival

Murphy High School – 100 S Carlen St , Mobile, AL, 36606

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

mm Cultural Diversity Committee Interest Meeting & Mixer

Moonlight Ballroom Salon E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Have something to discuss, not sure where it might fit in at SETC? Please join us for this informal and open committee meeting!

mm LGBTQ+ In Theatre: Trans, Gender Non-Conforming in Theatre Break Out Session

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

In this session we will partner with Women+ in Theatre to create and hold space to address, create strategies, and share skills/experiences on ways we can create more space for gender equity in our region.

mv Design Awards Ceremony

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Internationally acclaimed designers critique graduate and undergraduate entries in Costume Design, Costume Crafts, Costume Technology, Lighting Design, Makeup Design, Projection Design, Properties Design & Construction, Scenic Design, Sound Design, and Technical Direction and Construction. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Places.

Technical Direction and Construction sponsored by Productions Unlimited

FRi 8:30 – 11:00 pm

m College & University Karaoke Party (Off Site)

4 N Cedar St, Mobile, AL 36602

Calling all college & university faculty & staff! Get ready to hit the high notes at the most unforgettable mixer of the year! Join us for an electrifying evening of music, laughter, and camaraderie. Let your inner superstar shine as you take the stage for a night of karaoke fun, where every performance is a showstopper! Sponsored by Concord Theatricals & LUDUS

SaT 8:00 – 9:00 am

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

m Young Scholars Panel Presentation

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

The graduate and undergraduate Young Scholars Award recipients present their winning papers.

m Design & Technology Committee & Interest Meeting

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Open to anyone interested in design and technical theatre.

m Secondary School Theater Festival Debrief

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

Join the Festival Director, and Secondary Division Chairs to discuss all aspects of the Secondary School Theatre Festival.

m KEAP Recipient Morning Session

Midtown Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

KEAP Committee Members meet with KEAP Award recipients to discuss the day’s events. KEAP chaperones are welcome to attend.

m Musical Theatre & Dance Committee Meeting

Moonlight Ballroom Salon E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

The Dance/Musical Theatre Committee meets to create any opportunity to network with other professionals in the field as well as discuss and give feedback to enhance participants’ experience at SETC.

SAT 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

v TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE: Addressing Censorship in the Classroom and on the Stage — w/ Howard Sherman

Tree House Meeting Room - The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

The SETC Teachers Institute is an all-day seminar designed for middle and high school teachers who use or integrate theatre techniques into their classroom.

Each attendee must complete the form linked in your confirmation email after check out. Registration and lunch included. Individual passes can be purchased online at setc.ludus.com

Howard Sherman has been executive director of the American Theatre Wing and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, managing director of Geva Theatre, general manager of Goodspeed Musicals, and public relations director of Hartford Stage, as well as interim director of the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts. He is currently managing director of the Baruch Performing Arts Center in Manhattan.

Since 2012, he has been the US columnist and feature writer for The Stage newspaper in London, and has been contributing editor of Stage Directions magazine. His writing has appeared in a number of other publications including Slate, The New York Times, TDF Stages, The Guardian, and American Theatre magazine. His first book, Another Day’s Begun: Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in the 21st Century, was published by Methuen Drama in 2021. www.hesherman.com

Sponsored by:

mv How To Get Away With Marginalization: A Survival Guide

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Hosted by Carlton V. Bell II

This will be an informal round table discussion/Q&A; we will discuss, share stories, and also provide healing justice space from surviving PWIs (Primarily White Institutions) as a person who lives between the margins of systematic oppression. Hosted by Carlton V. Bell II (Birmingham Black Repertory Theatre Collective, SETC LGBTQ in Theatre Chair) with theatre leaders with marginalized experiences from across the southeastern region.

SaT 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

m Professional Auditions

Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Auditions: Bon Secour Bay 1 & 2; Holding Room: Schooner Suite; Warmup Room: Windjammer Suite

SaT 9:00 – 10:00 am

m Secondary Division Meeting

Bienville Square Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

Secondary Division meeting will discuss goals and concerns regarding the work of Secondary Teachers and their support from SETC.

m College & University Interest Meeting

Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 3)

Meet and network with others who understand the day-to-day challenges of making college-level programs happen. An incoming vice-chair with a twoyear term will be elected.

SaT 9:00 am – noon

v Design Competition

Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

9:00 am - noon — Exhibit open to convention attendees noon - 1:00 pm — Strike displays

SaT 9:00 am – 7:30 pm

m Dance Call

Bon Secour Bay 3 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

SaT 9:30 – 5:00 pm

m Fringe Festival

Murphy High School – 100 S Carlen St , Mobile, AL, 36606

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

v The Art and Joy of Melodrama as an Immersive Theatrical Experience

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Tonya Hays

Participants will discover the joy and excitement of melodrama in this interactive, immersive workshop.

v Balancing Work & Life in the Theatre

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Jessica Gaffney, Matt Shields & Jimmy Ray Ward

We will discuss strategies to achieve work life balance for professional theatre artists, theater faculty, and theatre students. We are in a demanding field with limited resources and we all love what we do but our personal lives should not suffer for our art! We will discuss ways we can all contribute to a positive work environment and allow everyone in our organizations better work life balancing by building a positive work culture.

v What

Else Do They Do? Hobbies to Enjoy When Not Doing Theatre

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

David Navalinsky & Liz Haynes

In the spirit of “watch them work,” theatre professionals will share hobbies that bring them joy outside of the theatre.

v The Dialect Dilemma:

Exploring

and

Adapting Our Use of Accents for Characters and Actors

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Suzanne Reese-Mills

Diction and accent work is a necessity for any aspiring actor, and it should not be ignored that students in the Southeast can bring a particular challenge to audition rooms and interviews if they have not cultivated the skills needed for recognizing, adjusting, and in some cases shedding their home accents. Beyond the more rudimentary benefits of being understood onstage and being versatile, accent work is a timely issue as our industry continuously evolves and becomes a more welcome and affirming place for all. The conversation must be had among both actors and directors about how to navigate this work, how can we uphold the still-necessary parts and contextualize or modify those which may prove impediment to safe and responsible practices. Participants will leave this session with an enhanced awareness and understanding of how to use their voices, both in performance and the pursuit of social consciousness in our field.

v Sparking the Psychophysical Connection: Chekhov’s Imaginary Body and Voice

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Nikki Ferry

This workshop will be facilitated by Nikki Ferry and will be an opportunity for participants to explore the character tools of the Michael Chekhov Technique (Imaginary Body) and the 5 Vocal Resonators introduced in Patsy Rodenburg’s Voice Pedagogy. By exploring these two varied techniques, participants will connect both the body and voice of the character. Participants will be led through a vocal warmup and check in with their five vocal resonators of Head, Nose, Mouth, Throat, and Chest and will then explore, in an experiential setting, the Imaginary Body described in Michael Chekhov’s book To the Actor

v Audition-Proof Your Music Theatre Audition - Pop/Rock Edition

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kim Shively & Brian Kremer

This workshop will give students practical skills in the areas of consent and boundaries, acting, and singing the rock-pop song so that they can make the most out of their music theatre auditions. This workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced skill levels. SaT 9:30 – 10:30 am

v Be Breathed: Connecting, Inspiring and Activating the Actor through Breath

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha & Brett Radke

The workshop will begin with a thorough vocal warm-up exploring the work of Kristin Linklater. Special attention will be paid to releasing unnecessary physical tension through relaxation, connecting to the breath, finding a connection to voice that is grounded and focused, developing resonance in the body, releasing tension in the jaw and tongue, opening up the soft palate and throat, exploring range and expressivity in the voice, and articulation. The workshop will then move into a series of improvised individual and group exercises that connect the actors body, intellect, and emotional life through the voice supported by breath.

v Save a Set, Use an Actor! The Physical Theatre of Using Actors as Scenic Elements in Productions

Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Amanda Perry

You don’t have to spend a lot of money building a set — use your actors instead! This is a technique seen often in devised theatre but can also be used with more traditional scripts. You’ll learn how to “see” scenic elements as something actors can express with their bodies.

This workshop is aimed first at directors/teachers who feel they have limited tech resources and need a creative way to overcome those limitations. In addition, it is valuable for those interested in exploring devised theatre techniques and how they can apply to traditional scripts as well.

v Directing with Chekhov: Tools for Invigorating Your Production

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jeanine Henry & Sally Story

Invigorate your production with Psychology of the Stage and Atmospheres — tools from the Michael Chekhov toolkit. Psychology of the Stage provides a unique perspective which informs design, blocking, and actor choices. Identifying compelling Atmospheres enables a director to work with actors and designers to create a cohesive and emotionally rich production. Participants will be on their feet, engaging actively with these tools.

v Build Your Basic Body Block

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Ashleigh Poteat

This workshop will be a hands-on, guided demonstration and exercise in how to create a mostly math-free torso sloper, or body block. This is the foundation for pattern drafting in costume construction and is a useful skill and tool for beginning to intermediate costume types.

The workshop is for anyone with an interest in costuming and/or fashion — including drag and cosplay.

v “Get in Yo Bag!”: a grant writing workshop for nonprofits, individuals and large theatres

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Carlton V Bell II

“Get in Yo Bag” is a grant writing workshop for nonprofits, individuals, and large theatres. Come demystify, and strategize grant-writing as we break down philanthropy language, writing the proposal/pitch, and develop a GrantWriting Worksheet to be used for all future grant applications.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

SaT 9:30 – 10:30 am

v What to do When Your Character Becomes Too Real Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Jeffrey Swenskie & Emily Swenskie

vv How AI models are inherently against DEI Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Jehan Hormazdi

This workshop will dive into the concepts of AI models and how they aggregate responses from the majority. Solutions to overcome this exclusion of minorities will be presented and modeling effective training for AI’s to be more inclusive.

v Preparing Theatre Students for the Professional World Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Rebecca Yeager & Ashley Woods

The audition and portfolio are just the beginning. Headshots, resumes, and interviews can all make or break an audition or interview. Birmingham-Southern College and Birmingham Children’s Theatre faculty and artistic staff discuss the gaps and missteps they are seeing in auditions, interviews, and submissions.

SaT 11:00 am – noon

v Dramatic Structure Made Easy: Utilizing Josefina Niggli’s teachings to better understand a play or film Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Bobby Funk

Playwright, novelist, screenwriter and teacher Josefina Niggli published her book New Pointers on Playwriting in 1967. It is from her teachings of Dramatic Structure and this book I learned how to analyze a play. To this day, I have never discovered an easier way to learn how a play, or for that matter a film, is structured. In this session I will share her teachings which can be of great value to designers, actors, directors and teachers of theatre.

v How to Make Your Theatre Program Accessible for All Majors Through Scheduling Wizardry

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Evan Oslund

Many students want to do theatre, from athletes to STEM majors, but not necessarily study it academically. This discussion forum will show you how to accommodate all of them. We will discuss the strategies used to begin and foster small theatre program growth while utilizing not just theatre majors and/or minors.

v Untamed Shrews

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Ashleigh Poteat & Liz Fisher

Gender IS a construct. Theatre IS a construct. Society IS a construct. The intersection of these three, at this current and future political and social time, are not only ripe but necessary for broad and deep discussions between artists, performing communities and educators. Around the country, The Taming of the Shrew is being produced at colleges, universities, community and professional theatres. This isn’t unusual — Shrew has long been a problematic “fave.” But this year we are seeing more and more explorations of gender, social and political limitations and how the world around us is being reflected onto the stage.

A gender-bent cast in a Shakespeare play is one thing, but how to deconstruct and reconstruct what we see and read and feel to be true both to the original work and to ourselves?

UIW is presenting Shrew this coming spring, and both director and costume designer will present this workshop as both an exploration of our process as we “construct” our genders and show, but also as an open forum not just for discussions on Shrew but on gender onstage and in the world.

v What is Vocology?: Vocology for Actors and Singers

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Kathryn Cunningham

This workshop will introduce participants to the growing field of vocology. Vocology is an inter-professional voice discipline that unites experts and pedagogues from an array of fields to engage in the science and practice of voice habilitation. Participants will be introduced to the various specializations within vocology, experiment with acoustic voice analysis, learn some practical exercises developed by renowned vocologists, and discover how this relatively new but rapidly growing field can help actors and singers train and preserve their instruments to achieve longevity as professional voice users.

v Preparing Today’s Actor for Theatre of the Future

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Melissa Owens, Cathy Albers & Lionel Walsh

Awaken inner resources! Shape the physical, engage the imagination using Michael Chekhov Technique methods to build characters as 21st century actors; participation encouraged not required with options for most accommodations.

We will begin with a brief introduction of the technique being explored (the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique), with particular focus on the psychophysical exercise of the Qualities of Movement and the concept of the Four Brothers, as given by Chekhov. Participants will be encouraged to participate in order to understand the effects of the exercises. The wrap-up of the session will be a brief question and answer period for observers to be able to ask for clarification or further information.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

SOUTHERN MISS THEATRE

DEGREE PLANS

Theatre BA

Theatre (Acting) BFA

Theatre (Design and Technology) BFA

Theatre (Performance) MFA

Theatre (Directing) MFA

Nationally Accredited and Award-Winning Programs

Theatre (Design and Technology) MFA FOR

v 45 seconds to Live a Life: Monologue Tune-Up Using Michael Chekhov Technique

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

George Contini

Monologue need a tune-up? Need to re-up the stakes? Feeling disconnected? This workshop will focus on the actor deepening their psycho-physical connection to a monologue using the techniques of Michael Chekhov. This is a hands on workshop that will involve strong physical movement and vocal work. Participants will leave with a more thorough understanding of how to use the techniques of Michael Chekhov in developing richer performances with a stronger sense of objective and purpose. Using a memorized monologue, the participants will be taken through a series of practical Chekhov exercises (Radiating/Receiving, Incorporation, Ease, Form, Beauty, Entirety, Qualities of Movement, Centers, Polarities, Psychological Gesture) to help them more fully inhabit the character and circumstances.

v Bending, not breaking: Fitzmaurice Voicework and Somatic Experiencing for holistic and sustainable vocal freedom and focus

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Robin Amy Gordon & Donya Metzger

A central idea of Fitzmaurice Voicework is that through practicing destructuring, re-structuring, and the focus line, we develop vocal freedom and focus and expand our capacity for growth and play in uncertain conditions. A central idea of Somatic Experiencing is that through developing somatic awareness, we expand our capacity for resolving stress and increasing resilience. Certified Associate Teachers of Fitzmaurice Voicework and Somatic Experiencing Practitioners Robin Gordon & Donya Metzger introduce concepts central to Fitzmaurice Voicework then guide participants through a series of dynamic efforts and intentions toward experiencing vocal freedom and focus. They then introduce Somatic Experiencing concepts to support the development of rightsized sustainable voice practice.

This 90-minute workshop is for professionals, college/university faculty, and graduate students who are looking for embodied, adaptive and sustainable vocal practice.

v Exploring Corridors: Imagination and Movement in Character

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Jesse Graham Galas & John Galas

Use your memorized monologue and your imagination in this Michael Chekhovinspired guided meditation to discover the physicalization of the deeper stakes of your character. Not for the faint of heart!

This workshop is adapted from my professor at GLMCC, Lionel Walsh (who originally learned it from Slava Kokorin), which manifests in a kinesthetic workshop designed to deepen the intermediate or advanced students’ visceral connection to a character’s given circumstances, and thereby increasing their commitment to the character’s stakes. The workshop is designed to teach participants a repeatable exercise to help them make active and nuanced choices for their characters in performance.

v The Rubber Chicken Improv Festival and Interactive How To Guide!

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Melanie Harris, David Hintz & Ryan Bergman

The Rubber Chicken Improv Festival is designed to lead workshop participants through a short festival through the creation of random teams, theatre games, and audience interaction, culminating in a champion team awarded the rubber chicken. Attendees will leave the workshop with the skill and resources to conduct their own festivals.

v Exploring Collaboration Principle: Case Study of Opera Theatre One-Log Bridge

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Yan Pang & Richard Keitel

One-Log Bridge is a new opera theatre work about the immigrant experience in the U.S. One-Log Bridge uses the beauty of voice to explore the social complexities inherent in notions of resilience, race, solidarity, immigration and settlement challenges. The presentation reports the findings of One-Log Bridge and its creative collaboration. The collaboration took place in a higher education setting (Point Park University Conservatory of Performing Arts and professional practice (New Hazlett Theater), led to a collaborative and creative leadership model.

v The Art of Acting: A Master Class in Meisner

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Gary Kingston

This interactive workshop will familiarize participants with the essential principles and unique nuances of the Meisner Technique. Through participation in the fundamental, technical exercises designed by Sanford Meisner to ignite one’s acting instincts and talent, participants will leave this workshop both more knowledgeable about the Meisner Technique and with a strong sense of whether he or she has an affinity for this specific approach.

v A Global Comparison of Stage Management Practices

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

David McGraw & Brianna Boucher

The Stage Manager Survey (stagemanagersurvey.com) has gone global in asking about production practices, working conditions, and education/training. How are stage managers alike and how have our jobs evolved differently around the world? This session compares US practices to survey responses from 31 other countries. Data is drawn from the 9th edition of the survey, conducted in October 2023, with over 1,900 responses.

v Devising Ethno-performance: Creating Theatre & Performance Based on Lived Experiences

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Matt Omasta & Jordan Lockwood

Devised ethno-performance (also sometimes referred to research-based performance or verbatim performance) involves crafting original pieces (including live theatre and/or film/other media) based on individuals’ lived experiences with a topic, issue, concern, idea, theme, etc. This workshop shares brief examples of these performances and provides practical guidance on how artist/researchers can develop their own work in this genre.

v The Planning, Design, Care & Feeding of the Performing Arts Center

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Thomas Pender

Your school or organization wants to build (or renovate) a performing arts center. What are the questions you need to ask? How do you generate support? How do you talk to architects? How do you generate, organize and prioritize the initial feedback you get from your faculty and staff?

The panel members have participated in all phases of planning, designing, and maintaining performing arts facilities and are eager to share their insights, successes … and failures … in this process. We hope to make this not just a panel presentation but also a sharing of common experiences with all participants.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

SaT 2:00 – 3:00 pm

m Distinguished Career Award Keynote Address

Moonlight Ballroom Salon A – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) S. Epatha Merkerson

The Distinguished Career Award is the highest award bestowed by SETC and is established to honor one individual or artistic team each year who has a distinguished career in the theatre. The recipient is requested to speak at the annual SETC Convention as a keynote address, and to accept the award during the Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

See page 13 for Ms. Merkerson’s bio

SaT 3:30 – 4:30 pm

m Annual Membership Business Meeting

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual Membership Business Meeting led by the Executive Committee. All members are welcome to attend.

SaT 6:30 – 8:00 pm

mm Community Theatre Business Meeting and Awards

Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Annual community theatre meeting and awards presentation.

SaT 7:00 – 8:00 pm

m President & Executive Director Pre-Gala Mixer

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E - Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Celebrate the closing of our 75th celebration in style at our exclusive pre-gala cocktail hour. Mix and mingle with SETC’s President, Executive Director, and awardees, and special VIP guests. Open to ticket holders of the Gala and Awards Reception (21+)..

SaT 8:00 – 11:00 pm

m UNDER 21 Gala Awards Party (no alcohol)

Bon Secour Bay I & II – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel (Level 3)

Hosted by Broadway Star DeMarius R. Copes

See page 12 for DeMarius’s bio.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition at the SETC 75th Anniversary Gala & Award Ceremony — where we honor excellence, inspire innovation, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history in the making! Heavy hors d’ oeuvres and soft drinks.

This is an add-on event. Individual tickets can be purchased at registration or online at setc.ludus.com

Sponsored by Broadway Plus

m Gala Awards Reception (21+ only)

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E - Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition at the SETC 75th Anniversary Gala & Award Ceremony — where we honor excellence, inspire innovation, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history in the making! (NEW! This event is separate from the under-21 gala and awards ceremony.)

This is an add-on event. Tickets can be purchased during registration or at setc.ludus.com

WORKSHOP TRACKS

v Theatre Administration

v Performance

v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect

v Design

v Stage Management

v Playwriting & Directing

v Arts Educators

v Technology

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

m General / Business Meetings

m Networking / Mixers / Gala

m Auditions

m Keynote Presentation

m Festival

2024 Charles M. Getchell New Play Award Recipient

CRIS ELI BLACK Between Dog

and Wolf

Cris Eli Blak is an emerging proud Black playwright whose work has been performed around the world. He is the inaugural winner of the Black Broadway Men Playwriting Initiative, the Atlanta Shakespeare Company’s inaugural winner of the Muse of Fire BIPOC Playwriting Festival, and the Emerging Playwrights Fellowship from The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre. He is currently an artist-in-residence with Abingdon Theatre Company and has had his work published by Smith & Kraus, Inc., YOUTHPlays, Applause Books, New World Theatre, Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble, and in the Black Theatre Review.

Between Dog and Wolf: High school friends Blake, Patrick, and Mara reunite at a hotel the day before their 10-year reunion. Forever traumatized by the school shooting that took place their junior year, the three try and fail to relive painful memories and heal broken friendships.

Public Rehearsal

Wednesday, March 13, 7–10 pm

Room 204 A – Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Staged Reading & Response

Thursday, March 14, 7-10 pm

Room 204 A – Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Thank you, hiring companies

These companies are participating in this year’s professional auditions.

Actors Express

Arts Center of Coastal Carolina

Atlantic Theatre Company

Big Fork Summer Playhouse

Busch Gardens

Carnival Cruise Line

Cedar Fair Live Entertainment

Cedar Point Entertainment Company

Crane River Theatre

Cumberland County Playhouse

Des Moines Metro Opera

Destination Theatre

Disney Live Entertainment

Dollywood

Dorney Park

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Endstation Theatre Company

The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center

The Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre

Footlight Players

French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts

The Gateway Interlochen Center for the Arts

Kentucky Shakespeare Theatre

Kings Dominion Legoland

Lexington Children’s Theatre

The Lost Colony Lyric Theatre

Oklahoma City

Maine State Music Theatre

Mill Mountain Theatre

Missoula Children’s Theatre

Mountain Movers Theatre

Company

Musical Theatre Wichita

New London Barn Playhouse

Newstage Theatre

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Pacific Conercatory Theatre

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Playhouse on the Square Princess Cruises

The Rev Theatre Company

Royal Caribbean

Santa Fe Opera

Sea World Parks and Entertainment

Springer Opera House

Stage Door Manor

Stages St. Louis

Surflight Theatre

Synchronicity Theatre

Tecumseh Drama

Texas Outdoor Musical

Titusville Playhouse

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

Tweetsie Railroad

Theme Park

Universal Studios Orlando

Unto These Hills

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Virgin Voyages Entertainment

Walnut Street Theatre

Job Fair Participants

These companies are participating in this year’s Job Fair, located in the Exhibit Hall, sponsored by Carnival Entertainment .

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Actor’s Express

AD Players

Alley Theatre

Arts Center of Costal Carolina

Big Fork Summer Playhouse

Birmingham Children’s Theatre

Brevard College

Brevard Music

Busch Gardens

Campbells University

Carnival Cruise Line

Cedar Fair Live Entertainment

Celebrity Cruises

Cherokee Adventure/Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama

Crane River Theatre

Cumberland County Playhouse

Cunard

Des Moines Metro Opera

Dollywood

Endstation Theatre Company

Flatrock Playhouse

Florida Repertory Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre

Footlight Players

French Woods Festival

The Gateway

Jupiter Theatre

Kent State

Lexington Children’s Theatre

10 am – 6 pm

10 am – 6 pm

. . 10 am – 2 pm

The Lost Colony

Lyric Theatre Oklahoma City

Maine State Music Theatre

Mainstage Music Theatre

Missouri State

New London Barn Playhouse

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Ogunquit Playhouse

Olney Theatre Center

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

Playhouse on the Square

Princess Cruises

The Rev Theatre Co.

Royal Caribbean

Santa Fe Opera

Springer Opera House

Stage Door Manor

Surflight

Synchronicity Theatre

Tecumseh Drama

Texas Outdoor Musical

Titusville Playhouse

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

Universal Studios Orlando

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Virgin Voyages

Walnut Street Theatre

Weston Theatre

Wichita Music Theatre

FREE SETC CONVENTION APP

We encourage you to download the free SETC Convention App to your mobile device . The app lets you create your own schedule, engage with fellow attendees, and see last-minute schedule updates .

Sponsored by

75 Years of Leadership Honoring Our Past Presidents

Kenneth Reardon .............. 1949-51

Thomas Poag 1951-53

Samuel Selden 1953-55

Frederich Koch 1955-56

Randolph Edmonds 1956-57

John Caldwell ................. 1957-58

Leighton Ballew 1958-59

Ted Kehoe 1959-60

Delmar Solem 1960-61

Harry Davis 1961-62

Ann Hill 1962-63

Jack Clay 1963-64

Walter Jensen 1964-65

Herman Middleton ............. 1965-66

Robert Telford 1966-67

Marian Galloway 1967-68

Gerald Kahan 1968-69

Mark Sumner 1969-70

Marian Smith 1970-71

Robert Knowles 1971-72

David Weiss 1972-73

Allen Bales ................... 1973-74

Phillip Hill 1974-75

Charles Harbour 1975-76

Linda Burson 1976-77

Arthur Greene 1977-78

Don Loeffler .................. 1978-79

Donald Drapeau 1979-80

Ward Haarbauer 1980-81

Scott Parker .................. 1981-82

Robert Hailey 1982-83

Dicki Farrar 1983-84

Hazel Hall 1984-85

Tom Orra 1985-86

Jeff Corbin .................... 1986-87

Newton Neeley 1987-88

Richard Newdick 1988-89

Edmond Williams ............. 1989-90

Frank Mohler 1990-91

Thomas Stephens 1991-92

Donald Creason 1992-93

Walter B. Shipley 1993-94

Donald H. Wolfe ............... 1994-95

Clifton Egan 1995-96

David Wohl 1996-97

Jere Hodgin ................... 1997-98

Susan Cole 1998-99

Mark Malinauskas 1999-2000

I. Joe Filippo 2000-01

Victoria Pennington 2001-02

Jack Benjamin ................ 2002-03

Jonathan Michaelsen 2003-04

Anthony R. Haigh 2004-05

Denise Halbach ............... 2005-06

Dennis Wemm 2006-07

David Thompson 2007-08

Glen Gourley 2008-09

Beth Harvey 2009-10

Alan Litsey ................... 2010-12

Jack Benjamin 2012-15

Tiza Garland 2015-18

Jeff Gibson 2018-20

Maegan McNerney Azar 2020-23

Ginger Poole 2023-24

SETC Leadership Team

Board of Directors

President ......................................

Vice President of Services .........................

Ginger Poole

Neno Russell

Vice President of Divisions Lynn Nelson

Vice President of Equity and Inclusion ............... Ricky Ramón

Vice President of States .............................. Mia Self

Vice President of Finance

Annette Dees Grevious

Vice President of Administration ...................

Steven Butler

Elected Past President ............................ Tiza Garland

Secretary Kyla Kazuschyk

Division Chairs

College/University Division

Bill Adams

Professional Division ..............................Mark Catlett

Secondary Division ............................

Theatre for Youth Division

Harry Culpepper

Octavia Biggs

Community Theatre Division ....................... Lynn Nelson

State Representatives

Alabama .....................................

Kristy Meanor

Florida Marci Duncan

Georgia ....................................... Ian Andersen

Kentucky .................................. Christine Connelly

Mississippi Tim Matheny

North Carolina ..................................... Mia Self

South Carolina .............................

Elizabeth Watkins

Tennessee Anne K. Swedberg

Virginia ....................................... David Becker

West Virginia .................................... Leah Turley

Central Office Staff

Executive Director

Toni Simmons Henson

Assistant Director Beth Brown

Staff Board Liaison ......................

Resource Specialist

Convention Manager

Maegan McNerney Azar

Aaliyah Jordan

Kristen Parker

Support Staff Specialist ........................... Nikki Baldwin

Auditions Coordinator ............................ Marci Duncan

Communications and Marketing Manager Thomas Pinckney

Editor-in-Chief, Southern Theatre Magazine ..... Sharrell Luckett, PhD

Digital Marketing Specialist ........................ Jessie Davis

A: Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile

Convention Center

Main Events

1 South Water Street

B: Renaissance Mobile

Riverview Plaza Hotel

Auditions

64 South Water Street

C: The Battle House Renaissance

Mobile Hotel & Spa

Receptions and Mixers

26 North Royal Street

Mobile Civic Center

Secondary School Play Festival

401 Civic Center Drive

Murphy HS Performing Arts Bldg.

Community Theatre, Theatre for Youth, and Fringe Theatre Festivals

100 S Carlen Street

Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center

1 South Water Street

Concourse Level