SETC News – November/December 2021

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.

www.setc.org

CONTENTS SETC Convention: Registration Opens Page 1 OSHA Training Page 2 Green Production Award Page 3 Students/Emerging Artists Page 4 Networking Page 5 Hotels/Travel Page 6 Volunteers Page 7 Sponsorships/Ads Page 8

Professionals

Don’t miss the 2022 SETC Convention, your one-stop-shop to connect with companies, recruiters and other like-minded theatre practitioners! Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test within the past 72 hours will be required to participate. See our COVID protocols here. Join us to learn, grow and connect with opportunity.

Central Office News

CONVENTION REGISTRATION (INCLUDES SETC MEMBERSHIP)

Outdoor Theatre

Early-Bird (10/12 – 1/20) Adult $ 290 College/University Student $ 190 High School Student $ 165 Senior (65+) $ 210

Grants/Awards Page 9

Pages 10 – 11 Page 12 Page 13

Officer Columns Page 14 – 15

Executive Director Page 16

Miscellaneous Page 17

NEWS SUBMISSIONS Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org

Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.

Regular (1/21 – 2/25)* $ 380 $ 280 $ 255 $ 300

* After this date, registrations will be accepted on-site and at the Regular Rate.

Click here to register!

More info: convention.setc.org

OSHA TRAINING: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

PRESENTER:

GET OSHA TRAINING

AT THE 2022 SETC CONVENTION Do you or members of your staff need OSHA training specific to the live entertainment industry?

MIKE MURPHY Designer/TD Marshall University Theatre, Huntington, WV

Come early to the 2022 SETC Convention to participate in the OSHA Outreach Training Program, which provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces. The program also provides information regarding workers’ rights, employer responsibilities and how to file a complaint. The modules taught in this class have been formatted to fit the live entertainment industry as a part of the OSHA/USITT/IATSE Alliance.

When:

Tue., March 8, and Wed., March 9, 2022

Where:

73rd annual SETC Convention, Memphis, TN

Cost:

TBA, covers the OSHA training booklet and OSHA membership card

Register: Information to come soon. Check back at the link

below for more information on the program and

how to register.

More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org

November / December 2021

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NEW DESIGN AWARD: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

New Green Production Award Competition Announced for 2022 SETC Convention

Want to know more?

Click here for details on this and other awards in SETC’s annual Design Competition.

Click here to register for the SETC Convention and the Design Competition.

Are you using green practices within your design and builds? If so, it’s time to start thinking about your entry for the 2022 SETC Design Competition. For the first time, a Green Production Competition will be part of the event.

Nearly 18,000 recycled plastic bottles were used to create the backdrop for a green production of Eurydice SETC is grateful to the at Clemson University.

Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) and SETC member Shannon Robert for sponsoring this new competition.

This Green Production Award was created with BGA representatives to promote the greening of our production practices, to encourage discussion about conserving, repurposing, recycling and sharing best practices to take climate action in the theatre industry, and to encourage exhibition participants to create green displays by discouraging the use of foam and single-use, non-recyclable plastic materials.

To enter the Green Production Design Competition: u You must be an undergraduate or graduate student, and your school must be an active organizational member of SETC for you to be eligible to receive an award. u You may enter any realized project entry in each competition category for the BGA Green Production Award. u Foam core, plastic paper protectors, single-use, non-recyclable plastics and other nonrecyclable materials are not allowed on displays entered for this award. If such materials are used in the actual production, an explanation of how these were sourced/recycled and how the design/ build promoted green production should be provided. u You must prepare both an environmentally responsible hard copy of your presentation and a virtual gallery presentation. u

You must register for the SETC Convention and apply for the Design Competition online at convention.setc.org by January 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org

November / December 2021

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BLASTOFF!: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

Student & Emerging Artists Convention Blastoff!

Free 2-hour session Wednesday, March 9, 2022, time TBA

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Meet the Creators and Leaders of This Session

Who should attend?

This gathering is for high school students, college students, graduate school students, recent graduates, early career creative individuals who dropped out or didn’t go to school, artists emerging in the field, performers, designers, technicians, directors, writers, arts administrators and stage managers – anyone who is new to the game or who has been in the game and still has questions!

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Rowen Haigh (she/her), director of education and outreach at the National Women’s Theatre Festival, freelance director, and longtime advocate for gender parity within SETC and beyond.

This is the first year for this event. Why do the three of you who organized it feel it is important?

As working professionals who have been involved in SETC leadership for a few years, we have seen the positive impact it has had on our lives ... and we have also seen how daunting it can be to get involved. We have heard from a lot of students and artists new to the field that there needs to be more representation from them in SETC decision-making, and we are working to make the pathways less overwhelming.

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Mia Self (she/ her), assistant director of performance at North Carolina State University.

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Kyla Kazuschyk (she/her), associate professor of costume technology at Louisiana State University and member of SETC committees and task forces.

Are you a student or emerging artist who is interested in growing your career through SETC? Join us on Wednesday afternoon of the 2022 SETC Convention for an opportunity to engage with SETC leaders who are here to help you understand the pathways to leadership opportunities, networking do’s and don’ts, selfmarketing practices, and how to articulate your best self. This session will make sure that you are prepared to launch into the exhilarating week ahead and beyond!

What other events or interest areas are students and emerging artists encouraged to attend?

Be sure to check your convention program for the time and location of the SETC Student & Emerging Artists Interest Meeting and the SETC Student & Emerging Artists Mixer. Both of these events will provide an opportunity to gather with other students and emerging artists.

In addition, SETC has a wide array of other interest groups and committees whose meetings you may wish to attend. You can view a list of these here.

They include disciplinary areas (Directing, Stage Combat, Design, etc.) and identity-designated groups (including Black Theatre, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC/Global Majority Theatre Persons, Women in Theatre, and Disability Inclusion). Check your convention program for times and locations of these meetings. They are open to all members and are invaluable opportunities for you to learn about ways to participate in SETC and build your network!

More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org

November / December 2021

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NETWORKING: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

Connect at SETC Convention The 2022 SETC Convention will include more than 250 workshops, meetings and networking events. In addition to providing opportunities to learn, teach, audition, perform, recruit and hire, the SETC Convention is a great place to connect or re-connect with other

theatre artists.

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MIXERS AND RECEPTIONS: Enjoy social events with other convention attendees who share your interests:

College/University Meeting and Mixer

More information Learn more about networking events and interest and division meetings here.

Learn more about business meetings here.

Check the convention app or your convention program for event times and locations.

Christians in Theatre Arts Networking Session Design/Tech Mixer

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Members network at the annual Design/Tech Mixer at the 2020 SETC Convention.

Reception for Professional Theatre Reps & Convention Presenters Student & Emerging Artists Mixer

Theatre for Youth Reception Women in Theatre Mixer

INTEREST AND DIVISION MEETINGS: All are invited to Interest and Division meetings, which provide an opportunity for individuals with similar interests in a field of theatre to connect. Meetings focus on the following areas:

Acting

Directing

Playwriting

Applied Theatre

Disability Inclusion

Professional Theatre

Arts Administration

Faith and Theatre

Secondary Schools

BIPOC/Global Majority Theatre Persons Interest Group

History, Theory, Literature, Criticism

Small Theatre Programs

Black Theatre

LGBTQ+ Movement and Physical Theatre

Student & Emerging Artists

College and University Community Theatre Design and Technology

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Musical Theatre & Dance

Stage Management

Theatre for Youth Voice and Speech Women in Theatre

BUSINESS MEETINGS: Connect with other members and conduct organizational business while at the SETC Convention:

Associated Colleges of the South Member Meeting

National Meeting, Alpha Psi Omega/Delta Psi Omega

SETC Executive Committee & Board Meeting

KCACTF Region 4 Revealed: Structure, Operations and Opportunities

SETC Annual Business Meeting

USITT Southeast Business Meeting

More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org

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HOTELS AND TRAVEL: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

How to Book Your Hotel Room for 2022 SETC Convention in Memphis Professional Hiring Companies Please contact Elizabeth Theodora via elizabeth@ setc.org for your hotel block information.

Hotel registration opens next Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, for our March 9 –13, 2022 convention in Memphis. The list of hotels, along with links for booking and group codes, will be available here on that date.

Please reserve directly with the hotel of your choice, using the SETC links posted, in order to secure our special rates! Be sure to mention any group codes to get the discounted rate.

Please support SETC by staying at one of the convention hotels! We count on your stay to help us fulfill contracts and reap incentives that keep registration costs low for all.

Delta Offers Flight Discounts to 2022 SETC Convention SETC welcomes Delta Air Lines as our flight sponsor.

Delta is pleased to offer a 2 – 10% discount (depending on booking class) for flights to Memphis from March 4 – 18, 2022. If visiting the Delta site directly, use the “Advanced Search” feature to enter SETC’s Meeting Code: NMV7S. You may also call Delta Meeting Network at 1-800-328-1111 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. CST, and refer to Meeting Event Code NMV7S.

The 2022 SETC Convention will be held at: Renasant Convention Center Cannon Center for the Performing Arts * 255 N. Main Street Memphis, TN 38103 * Secondary School Theatre Festival More info: convention.setc.org/hotel-travel

www.setc.org

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VOLUNTEERS: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

How can you help SETC and yourself at the same time?

BE A 2022 SETC CONVENTION VOLUNTEER!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Volunteer to work 10 or more hours at the 2022 SETC Convention and, if you are accepted, SETC will give you free convention registration in return. All you will need to pay is your annual membership cost (students, $45; adults, $80; adults with senior citizen discount, $55) and separate fees (if any), then you’ll have full access to convention activities that are included with regular registration at no additional charge!

Here are some areas where you can help: CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Opened Oct. 12, 2021

HOTEL RESERVATIONS Open Nov. 29, 2021

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

Registration Exhibit Hall Festivals Info Hub

Theatre Job Fair Design Competition Convention Gear Professional Auditions Teachers Institute

Undergraduate Auditions Graduate Auditions Design Competition Special Events

Apply by Jan. 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET More information: convention.setc.org/volunteers

Jan. 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Would you like to take on even more responsibility?

REGULAR-RATE REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

APPLY FOR THE SETC OPERATIONS TEAM!

Feb. 25, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET

CONVENTION APP AVAILABLE: February 2022

SETC CONVENTION: March 9 – 13, 2022 Memphis, TN

Operations Team volunteers are a top-quality group who dedicate themselves to helping make the annual SETC Convention a success. They commit to working from Tuesday afternoon through Sunday morning, helping to manage or run registration, auditions, five festivals, convention gear, commercial exhibits, the education expo, multiple receptions and banquets, as well as hosting various VIPs. SETC waives the convention registration fee AND provides free shared lodging during the convention for team members. Below, 2017 Operations Team members receive a well-deserved round of applause at the annual banquet.

Interested in joining the Operations Team? Email bradley@setc.org for more information by Jan. 20, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET More info: info: convention.setc.org/volunteers www.setc.org/upcoming More www.setc.org

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SPONSORSHIPS AND ADS: 2022 SETC CONVENTION

COMMERCIAL COMPANIES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS:

LEARN MORE For additional information, visit our Sponsorships and Advertising page. Or you can contact Lee Crouse (lee@setc.org) with sponsorship questions, and Clay Thornton (clay@setc.org) for advertising questions.

Go Beyond the Booth and Expand Your Reach!

Whether you’re with a college or university that is recruiting students or a commercial company marketing a product, you’ll find a myriad of ways to connect with your audience at the 2022 SETC Convention in Memphis. In addition to booths in our Commercial Exhibits and Educational Expo areas, we offer a wide range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities that allow you to maximize your visibility. u Major sponsorships: Let your organization’s support of our convention attendees shine! Inspire, encourage and cheer on all while putting your organization’s brand downstage center. SETC’s biggest bang for the sponsorship buck. u Convention sponsorships: Take ownership of events ranging from auditions to the exhibit hall, including 2020’s most popular booth, the headshot booth. u Festival sponsorships: Build rapport with creators, producers, teachers and performers of all ages by sponsoring one of our five theatre festivals. u Key programming events: Sponsor one of our keynote speakers, support our EDIA series, or capture a workshop track. Have your brand appear alongside those events in both the digital and print programs. u Advertising: Looking to reach a wide-ranging audience? Leave your mark in our convention print publications or digital platforms! Opportunities include our convention mailer, our printed convention program, website banner ads and looping 30-second videos on our convention website.

More info: convention.setc.org/sponsorships www.setc.org

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AWARDS AND GRANTS

Apply Now for SETC Professional Grants

Deadline Soon for SETC Award Applications YOUNG SCHOLARS AWARD Submissions invited from undergraduate and graduate students on topics related to history, theory, criticism and literature.

Submissions due: Dec. 10, 2021 More info here.

JOHN SPIEGEL THEATRICAL ARTIST AWARD For students pursuing design/ tech degrees or certificates.

Applications due: Nov. 29, 2021 More info here.

SARA SPENCER CHILD DRAMA AWARD Honors individuals or organizations working in theatre for young people.

Nominations due: Nov. 29, 2021 More info here.

TOM BEHM AWARD For professional development in the field of theatre for youth.

Applications due: Nov. 29, 2021 More info here.

KEYNOTE EMERGING ARTIST OF PROMISE (KEAP) AWARD Helps economically disadvantaged high school theatre students attend the SETC Convention.

Applications due: Dec. 15, 2021 More info here.

SETC offers three grant programs – two to support producing theatre organizations and one to support the field of arts administration.

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SETC Convention Grant

This grant provides non-academic professional theatres that are not yet organizational members of SETC with funds to participate in the annual SETC Convention and become an organizational member of SETC for one year.

The 2022 SETC Convention will be held March 9 – 13, 2022, in Memphis, TN. Grant applications for 2021-2022 will close on November 29, 2021.

For more information or to apply for a convention grant, click here.

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Staffing Development Matching Grant

This grant is awarded to non-academic professional theatres with current SETC organizational membership status to support/develop programs that provide early-career theatre professionals with experiential learning opportunities in the field.

Grant applications for 2021-2022 will close on November 29, 2021.

For more information or to apply for a staffing development grant, click here.

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Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant

In 2019, SETC established the Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant to support either individual theatre professionals or theatre organizations in developing, retuning or expanding leadership and/ or management skills or areas.

Grant applications for 2021-2022 will close on November 29, 2021.

For more information or to apply for an arts administration advancement grant, click here.

Note: The deadline for all award and grant applications is 11:59 p.m ET on the day of the deadline.

More info: www.setc.org/scholarships-awards www.setc.org

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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Hiring through SETC: Okoboji Summer Theatre ‘The first year we launched our performance internship, we only attended the SETC Professional Auditions, and we were able to cast the majority of our interns from that one weekend. Since that year, we have returned again and again. We are continually impressed by the talent we see each year.’

- Stephen Brotebeck, Artistic Director

Clue: On Stage, directed

by Stephen Brotebeck, was presented as part of Okoboji Summer Theatre’s 63rd season in 2021.

SETC recently caught up with Stephen Brotebeck (he/him), artistic director of Okoboji Summer Theatre in Okoboji, IA, which is in its fourth year of attending SETC Professional Auditions and Theatre Job Fair. Below are excerpts from the interview.

Tell us a little about your organization.

FUN FACT: The theatre building is actually an airplane hangar from the 1930s.

Okoboji Summer Theatre is owned and operated by Stephens College to allow our Conservatory of the Performing Arts students to work side-by-side with nationally recognized guest artists, faculty, alumnae mentors and working professionals. Students also learn what it takes to run a company, how all of the components of theatre must come together cohesively, and how to market not only the company’s productions, but one’s own professional self. The vision for our students, guest artists and patrons is to proudly deliver professional live theatre productions each summer, since 1958, to the Iowa Great Lakes region.

What type of theatre/stage do you have?

We have a proscenium mainstage theatre that seats 416 and a thrust black box theatre that seats 125 for our Boji Bantam Children’s Theatre. Our Okoboji campus also includes three rehearsal studios, a commercial-grade kitchen and new dining hall/ commons, costume shop, prop barn, scene shop, and a village of tiny homes that provide housing for our students, guest artists and staff.

Where do you find actors and crew? Are they all paid?

While the majority of our company are students at Stephens College, we attend numerous festivals and auditions, including SETC, to hire the remainder of our acting company and our designers and crew. We offer paid internships, paid acting positions and paid design positions, in addition to our paid staff positions in technical direction, box office, public relations and stage management.

What shows will you be presenting in summer 2022?

We have not finalized our 64th season, but will be producing four musicals and three comedies and/or mysteries.

More info: Okoboji Summer Theatre www.setc.org

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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Getting a Job Through SETC: Reilly Lincavicks When COVID hit, the role that Reilly Lincavicks (she/her) had just gotten with RWS Entertainment Group through the 2020 SETC Professional Auditions was put on hold indefinitely. This past summer, she was excited when the “hold” lifted and RWS awarded her a role at Idlewild & Soakzone, a theme park in Pennsylvania.

‘In addition to my love of performance, I also have a passion for arts administration!

I expect to graduate from Shenandoah University with my MS in arts leadership and management in the spring of 2022.’

- Reilly Lincavicks

What was it like to be back at work, performing in a theme park?

I got to perform in five shows a day, singing and dancing with Daniel Tiger! There is something extremely special about making someone’s day better through art and music. At a theme park, you get to see that impact firsthand, which is the most special gift! I believe art heals the world and makes it a better place. That is why my personal hashtag is #arthealsbaby.

Where was your first professional theatre job?

Mill Mountain Theatre in Roanoke, VA. I was a 2018 apprentice, playing Wendla in Spring Awakening and Woman #2 in the tour of A Year with Frog and Toad. It was such a special experience!

What type of shows do you like to do most?

While I enjoy any opportunity I get to perform and share art, I especially love doing shows the children get to enjoy. It is such a privilege to give the gift of art to the next generation of children and performers.

How has SETC helped you in your career?

I have auditioned twice with SETC, once in 2019 and once in 2020. Both opportunities were integral to my success as an artist breaking into the industry! I accepted an offer with Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre my first year. After multiple offers the second year, I accepted the position with RWS Entertainment Group that I mentioned above. SETC was a valuable and exclusive opportunity to perform for a large group of employers at one time. This element of convenience allowed me to spend more time focusing on my art and my confidence. Additionally, SETC helped me to establish connections with professionals in the industry. I am still in contact with those professionals today!

More info: www.setc.org/auditions

www.setc.org

November / December 2021

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CENTRAL OFFICE NEWS

Meet Noah Taylor, SETC’s Graphic & Digital Media Manager

Noah is responsible for: n Curating SETC’s network of websites and social media platforms to help our constituents stay informed about SETC events and important membership news. n Designing graphics and print materials that help SETC members navigate our services and events. n Laying out and designing the annual convention program, both in print and as a mobile app.

Noah Taylor (he/him) joined SETC in October 2021 as the graphic & digital media manager. He is excited to have the opportunity at SETC to combine two passions: theatre and design.

You are obviously a “theatre person.”

Yes! I fell in love with theatre in high school, double-majored in theatre/graphic design in college, and founded the Market Theatre, a community theatre in Anderson, SC, that is dedicated to creating accessible, high-quality theatre that makes our community a better place. I love directing and, occasionally, acting.

I am also pursuing an MA in theatre and expect to receive my degree in December.

What drew you to SETC and this job?

I love what SETC stands for: connecting theatre practitioners of all experience levels to training, resources and, most importantly for me, a network of other artists. When I attended SETC for the first time in 2020, it showed me that my work in a small town was a part of something bigger – and reignited my passion for what theatre is, the positive energy it generates, and the good it can accomplish.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I love this job because I get to use my skills in design, marketing and theatre to support SETC’s broad, inclusive mission. Out of all of the cool aspects of this job, I really enjoy promoting theatre events, so I’m excited to create graphics for the 2022 SETC Convention in Memphis!

What did you do prior to joining SETC? In addition to founding Market Theatre, I started a graphic design and marketing company to serve small businesses and nonprofits. I also served three years as the Community Theatre Division chair for the South Carolina Theatre Association, an SETC state organization.

Some personal info: Family or significant other? What do you enjoy in your spare time?

My wife Carlie and I have been married for eight years and have a son, Elias, who is about to turn 4. As a family, we love Disney World, hot wings and game nights.

More info: Email noah@setc.org www.setc.org

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OUTDOOR THEATRE

2021 Virtual NCOT Engages Leaders from Across the Country Thank you to everyone who attended our second virtual National Conference on Outdoor Theatre (NCOT). Each year, we strive to provide opportunities nationwide to outdoor theatre practitioners and professional companies by creating engaging services and places for outdoor theatre leaders to network, trade insights and explore new concepts.

Outdoor Theatre Award Winners 2021 MARK R. SUMNER AWARD Brandon Smith, Producer/CEO Tecumseh!, Chillicothe, OH The Mark R. Sumner Award recognizes significant contributions by an individual to a specific drama, or to the outdoor drama movement as a whole, including but not limited to playwriting, directing, acting, design, theatre architecture, patronage, scholarship, musical composition, technology and innovation, producing and administration.

2021 SCOTT J. PARKER VOLUNTEER AWARD

We had over 30 leaders participate in this year’s conference. The 2021 NCOT schedule included the following sessions: 4 Theatricum Botanicum – A Secluded Bohemian Outpost for Artists and Rattlesnakes 4 Innovations in Outdoor Theatre – New Year, New Model with Miami New Drama 4 Unmute Your Virtual Ticket Sales: Making the OnScreen Leap 4 Eliminating Interference: Understanding Best Practices for Wireless Microphones in Outdoor Theatre 4 Oberlin-Wellington Rescue Theatre Project Consulting Report 4 Multiple Company Exchanges

Thank you to our conference sponsors:

Errol Steffen, Volunteer for 40+ years The Wilder Pageant, Walnut Grove, MN The Scott J. Parker Award is presented to an exceptional volunteer in the field of outdoor theatre. This award recognizes an individual who has been nominated by an outdoor theatre for their extraordinary, dedicated and unpaid service to the organization over a significant period of time.

More info: www.setc.org/iot www.setc.org

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PRESIDENT/EXCOM REPORTS

Growth Mindset for Theatre Practitioners

Maegan McNerney Azar S E TC PR ESID ENT ( she/ he r )

A few good reads on this topic: A Slight Change of Plans - Podcast with Maya Shankar What Having a Growth Mindset Actually Means - by Carol Dweck, Harvard Business Review Innovate or Die: How a Lack of Innovation Can Cause Business Failure - by Bianca Miller Cole, Forbes

“Your complacency could put you at a disadvantage because you may miss out on the benefits of a fresh, updated mindset. In fewer words, stubbornness (and a lack of willingness to innovate) can leave you in a dangerous position, especially when everyone around you is innovating.” – Forbes, “Innovate or Die: How a Lack of Innovation Can Cause Business Failure,” by Bianca Miller Cole I stumbled across this quote after attending a webinar with director Katie Mitchell where she was discussing how exciting theatre is right now – that we are at a crossroads of progress and innovation for theatre as a form. And I wanted to know what that could mean for theatre’s business model, which, until the pandemic, was largely unchanged for decades. But the challenges of the shutdown motivated many to innovate with the form of live theatre, and I think we owe it to our collective struggle to honor what that did for our industry.

I listen to a podcast called “A Slight Change of Plans,” with Maya Shankar. The stories center around human behavior in the face of change – something we have all faced in the last two years. During the shutdown, we worked hard to innovate and find new ways of teaching classes, holding meetings, leading rehearsals, utilizing technology, breaking barriers, and conserving resources in order to make connections and keep our art form alive. So, why do we see so many theatres reopening and doing it the way they did before? Why do we still struggle for streaming rights? Why the tight grip over the past?

Is this a fixed mindset? A fear of change? A desperate attempt to return to “normal”?

I can understand the nostalgia of the “before times.” But I have an artistic director friend who recently said that the shutdown lasted 18 months, and it is going to take 18 months to fully reopen. I thought that was incredibly profound and frightening for the budget perhaps, but leaves a great deal of space to continue experimenting with how an organization’s mission can be expanded to be more inclusive of innovative practice.

The SETC Executive Committee held an emergency meeting via Zoom conferencing on Oct. 25, 2021, and took the following action:

ExCom Report

by Maegan McNerney Azar SETC President

• Approved a revision to the fiscal year 2022 budget.

Look for the full minutes on the SETC website at www.setc.org/minutes

More info: www.setc.org/minutes www.setc.org

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ANNUAL SETC AUDIT

Steering SETC Through the Pandemic and Beyond with Careful Stewardship

Jonathan Michaelsen VI C E- PR ESID ENT OF FIN A N C E ( he/ hi m )

This year, SETC’s Finance Committee and Executive Committee have met a number of times to discuss changing conditions brought about by the pandemic. The most recent of these ExCom meetings was at the end of October, where the fiscal year 2021-22 budget was adjusted.

There is good news in this time of uncertainty. Budget savings and the infusion of government funding have helped our bottom line. The final budget will be dependent upon income from auditions/interviews and Memphis convention registrations.

To ensure careful ongoing stewardship, we have put in place three target dates (December 15, January 20 and February 15) to assess the expenses/income and make budget adjustments as necessary.

Financial Developments: u SETC continues to strongly support the organization’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives. u SETC has given up its physical office, and all employees now work remotely. This seems to have worked extremely well – thanks to our staff!

Audit Summary Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. Schedule of Revenues and Expenses – Cash Basis Year Ended June 30, 2021

Audit numbers to come

u We have received two government payments totaling over $205,000. This money has been used for staff salaries and to keep the organization running smoothly. u Several years ago, we moved many of our financial accounts into several TIAA accounts, more aggressively investing in the stock market, while leaving a comfortable cushion in fixed income. This has proved extremely beneficial, with our gains this year at almost $300,000. u Fundraising efforts are being rolled out. To this end, we have added the funding to hire a development manager to spearhead fundraising efforts. u SETC continues to invest in new technologies, ensuring our members great information and easier access to services.

We will hold our in-person convention in March 2022 in Memphis – and what a celebration it will be! I am extremely grateful to members of FinCom and ExCom and Executive Director Susie Prueter for working with me to keep SETC finances strong.

More info: www.setc.org/leadership www.setc.org

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NEW DEVELOPMENT POSITION ADDED

Growing the SETC Staff

Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R ( she/ he r )

While it might feel counter-intuitive to be expanding staff during a time of uncertainty and penny-saving, SETC is acting decisively on pandemic lessons learned.

SETC has been the beneficiary of solid financial stewardship over the last many decades. SETC’s leadership has been thoughtful and diligent. But despite our safety nets, the pandemic painfully highlighted how reliant we are on the sole revenue source of registration income.

Shameca Freeman

It’s critical that we diversify our revenue streams with fundraising, grant-writing and more sponsorships. In addition to bolstering our general operating revenues, we have many programs that can always use an infusion of funds for growth, re-invention and accessibility.

Recently, the SETC Executive Committee boldly voted to amend the SETC budget, adding funds for a development manager position. SETC is happy to welcome this new position to our Central Office staff. Specifically, we welcome Shameca Freeman (she/her), who is a long-time champion of SETC. We will be profiling her in the next issue of SETC News, but we have her already in place and with a long list of opportunities to pursue.

With Shameca’s experience and track record, we know she will be instrumental in helping SETC identify new and additional funding. Thank you to the Executive Committee for believing in the importance of this position and continuing the very best of financial planning and leadership.

More info: www.setc.org/central-office-staff www.setc.org

November / December 2021

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MISCELLANEOUS

Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide

Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions Jan. 14 – 15, 2022 In-Person Auditions Greensboro, NC, Venue TBA

Central Office SETC 5710 W. Gate City Blvd.

Suite K, Box 186 Greensboro NC 27407 336-265-6148 info@setc.org

Each January, SETC Outdoor Theatre hosts auditions for summer and outdoor theatres looking to cast acting, singing, dancing and stage combat positions.

Interviews are also available for technical positions and internship opportunities.

Susie Prueter (she/her) susie@setc.org Executive Director Lee Crouse (he/him) lee@setc.org Educational Services/Sponsorships Clay Thornton (he/him) clay@setc.org Marketing/Advertising Bradley Branham (he/him) bradley@setc.org Programming

Registration Opens: Dec. 6, 2021, at Noon ET

Noah Taylor (he/him) noah@setc.org Graphics and Digital Media Shameca Freeman (she/her) shameca@setc.org Development Nicole Francis (she/her) nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Debi Belanger (she/her) debi@setc.org Data Assistant

Executive Committee Maegan McNerney Azar (she/her) President Kris Rau McIntyre (she/her) VP of Administration Neno Russell (he/him) VP of Services Jonathan Michaelsen (he/him) VP of Finance Adanma Onyedike Barton (she/her) VP of Equity & Inclusion Ginger Poole (she/her) Secretary Jeff Gibson (he/him) Elected Past President Jeremy Kisling (he/him) VP of States Lynn Nelson (she/her) VP of Divisions

Auditionee Registration: $55

Click here for more information

Elizabeth Theodora (she/her) elizabeth@setc.org Professional Services Lea Gilbert (she/her) louise@setc.org Membership Services

Registration Deadline: Jan. 6, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET

Thanks to SETC’s Contributors We send our thanks to the following individuals for contributions made to SETC from Sept. 22 through Oct. 31, 2021: Jerry Bangham Donald Beck Laken Burkhardt J. Theresa Bush* Freddy Clements Michael Cochran Angela Davis Ashley Driver

Sally Elsmore Charles Gonzales Rachel Hamilton Mark Hofflund Russell Luke Tim Matheny Chad McDonald* Jocelyn Nyack

Joseph Price Julie A. Richardson Mia Self* Lars Tatom Alexis Tippett Elena Versenyi Michelle Woody * Denotes Monthly Contributor

In Memoriam Mark Lindsay Duncan passed away Oct. 15, 2021, at age 49 after a twoyear battle with kidney cancer. A longtime SETC member, he founded the theatre program at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, FL, in 2004 and spent the next 17 years building the department, mentoring hundreds of students and helming dozens of projects. More information here.

Harold Tedford, a longtime theatre professor at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, and a former SETC member, passed away Oct. 20, 2021, at age 88. Tedford joined the Wake Forest faculty in 1965 and retired in 1998. In 2016, the Main Stage at Wake Forest Scales Fine Arts Center was renamed the Harold Tedford Main Stage in his honor. More information here.

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November / December 2021

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