SETC WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “We set out in June to find a creative and dynamic leader who would help us move forward with our strategic vision for greater diversity and inclusivity and who also would possess the strong business acumen needed to manage our large membership organization. We believe Toni is the visionary leader who can help SETC succeed in both of those areas.” – Maegan McNerney Azar, SETC President READ MORE ON PAGE 13 TONI SIMMONS HENSON Where theatre leaders share their experience and explore new concepts! National Conference on Outdoor Theatre October 19-21, 2022 Register by September 29 Learn more on Page 4! SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. www.setc.org More info: Pages 4 and 13 OutdoorCONTENTSTheatre Pages 1, 4 New SETC ED Pages 1, 13 LiNK Grad Auditions Page 2 SETC Convention Page 3 Professional News Pages 5 – 6 SETC Scholarships Page 7 Around the Region Page 8 Growing within SETC Page 9 SETC Connections Page 10 Perspectives Column Page 11 Theatre’s Importance Page 12 ED’s Parting Thoughts Page 14 Miscellaneous News Pages 15 – 16 NEWS SUBMISSIONS Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org(she/her) SoutheasternConference,TheatreInc.
LOOKING FOR A GRADUATE PROGRAM?
LiNK Registration closes: Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET CLICK HERE TO
For candidates: $75. For recruiting institutions: $325.
Friday, Dec. 2: Reserved for extra interview time. Guidelines for each discipline can be found here
More info: setc.org/link or usitt.org/link
INSTITUTIONS: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
What’s the Cost?
LiNK Registration opened: Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022
Last year, 50+ graduate programs from across the country attended virtual LiNK to audition and interview prospective candidates for all areas of theatre study. This low-cost event, created jointly by SETC and USITT, offers a convenient and affordable opportunity for future grad students to interview with multiple schools.
Almost every graduate program that attends LiNK offers financial assistance to candidates in the form of scholarships, assistantships, stipends and tuition waivers. When Is Wednesday,LiNK?Nov.30:
CANDIDATES:
Acting auditions and interviews for directing, management and playwriting areas.
Don’t Miss This Year’s Virtual LiNK!
More Information: Visit www.setc.org/link or www.usitt.org/link for details on participating in LiNK.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NEWS www.setc.org September / October 2022 2
Thursday, Dec. 1: Interviews for design and technical areas.
REGISTER
This year, both registration and document uploads will occur in the LiNK Open Water application.
Undergraduate and Graduate School Auditions & Interviews Recruiter and Student Registration: Oct. 13 – Jan. 26 (SETC will assist on case-by case basis after Jan. 26)
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A full listing of hotels in the SETC Hotel Block will be available on the convention website closer to ReservationRegistration.blocks
Other Registration Dates: Design Competition Registration: Oct. 13 – Jan. 26 Teachers Institute Registration: Oct. 13 – Jan. 26
Early-Bird Registration Closes: Dec. 15, 2022
Look for updated information as we build out our convention site: convention.setc.org u
Regular Registration with Add-Ons Closes: Jan. 26, 2023
Commercial and Educational Exhibitor Early-Bird Registration: Oct. 13 – Dec. 15 Commercial and Educational Exhibitor Regular Registration: Dec. 15 - Jan. 19
(Includes One-Year Membership in Early-BirdSETC)Regular
For 8 hours of volunteer time at the convention, SETC will waive the Registration Fee, but kindly charge the Membership Fee.
After Feb.16, attendees will need to register on-site for convention.
INDIVIDUAL FEES
SETC Looks Forward to Seeing Everyone
REGISTRATION
Adult $290 $380 College/University Student $190 $280 High School Student $165 $255 Senior (65+) $210 $300
KY!2023 SETC CONVENTION www.setc.org September / October 2022 3
Convention Registration Opens: Oct. 13, 2022 at Noon ET
Individuals: Registration is all-inclusive for individuals. No additional candidate fees are required to participate in Professional Auditions, Theatre Job Fair, Undergrad/Grad Auditions and Design Competition.
HOTEL BLOCKS
CONVENTION REGISTRATION DATES
Professional Auditions: Convention Registration Deadline for Auditionees who passed screenings: Jan 12 Hiring Company Registration for Professional Auditions: Oct. 13 – Jan. 12 (SETC will assist on case-by case basis after Jan. 12) Theatre Job Fair Candidate Registration for Theatre Job Fair: Oct. 13 – end of Convention Hiring Company Registration for Theatre Job Fair: Oct. 13 – Jan. 12 (SETC will assist on case-by case basis after Jan. 12)
Limited Registration with No Add-Ons Closes: Feb. 16, 2023
open soon after Registration opens (date TBA). We ask for everyone’s cooperation to not hoard reservations.
VOLUNTEER
March 1 – 5, 2023, in Lexington,
Hotel Reservations Open: Soon after! (date TBA)
More info: convention.setc.org
CONFERENCEDETAILS: Cost: (includes$295all meals) All are welcome; you need not be an SETC member • Registration closes: 11:59 p.m. ET, Thursday, Sept. 29 For more information and to conferenceoutdoor-theatre.org/register:
12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Recalibrating Classic Voices with an EDI Lens
7:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Performance, Dracula, Unto These Hills Mountainside Theatre 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Post-Show Wine Down
Where Theatre Leaders Share Their Experience and Explore New Concepts exploration | innovation | transformation
2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Run the Show: An Introduction to QLab Technology
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Tours of Unto These Hills Mountainside Theatre Campus and the Historic Oconaluftee Indian Village
•
TUESDAY, OCT. 18, 2022
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Community Partnerships: How Montford Park Players Opened Their Doors
Join us in person Oct. 19 – 21, 2022 for the 59th National Conference on Outdoor Theatre. This year’s event will be held at the Unto These Hills outdoor drama in Cherokee, NC, with a visit also to the Montford Park Players outdoor drama in Asheville, NC. Below is an abbreviated schedule (all times are ET). September / October 2022 4 More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tour of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Reception, Dinner and Awards
FRIDAY, OCT. 21, 2021 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Closing Session
All Are Invited to SETC’s 2022 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre
10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Exploration of New Artistic Vision 1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Board Development Session
WITHCONFERENCELOCATION:VISITTO:
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Roll Call and Company Exchange
•
OUTDOOR THEATRE CONFERENCE www.setc.org
•
Unto These Hills outdoor drama.
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Reception, Dinner and Performance at Montford Park Players 10 p.m. After-Hours Wine Down
THURSDAY, OCT. 20, 2021
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Welcome and Dinner 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Roll Call and Company Exchange
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 19, 2022
CONVENTION:FORTOAUDITIONEESFORDEADLINEPASSEDREGISTERSETC
SCREENING www.setc.org September / October 2022 5 More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings
CLOSES:REGISTRATION
SETC Professional Screening Auditions Will Remain Virtual in 2022
All auditionees will submit together an application and a 60-second video
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Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022 at Noon ET
ADJUDICATED:SUBMISSIONS
Friday, Nov. 14 –Dec. 4, 2022
Theaudition.video audition should be self-taped with phone or in-home equipment.
As part of SETC’s continuing commitment to accessibility, we will continue the virtual model for this fall’s Screening Auditions. In the spring, SETC will hold Professional Auditions and the Theatre Job Fair live, in person, in Lexington, KY, on March 1 – 5, 2023. Below is a brief summary of how Screening Auditions will work:
Alltapes.auditionees will be screened, regardless of number of professional credits. The screening fee will be $35.
OPENED:REGISTRATION
Follow the directions above and others on the website very carefully. Registration is first-come, first-served, with a cap of 2,400 applicants. Early preparation and application are key!
PASS:PASSNOTIFIEDAUDITIONEESOFORNO Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET CapturesInnovated
Questions? Visit www.setc.org/setc-screenings for more information.
AUDITIONS
file formats include .MOV, .AVI, .MP4 and .MKV. (Most phones use .MP4 Please,format.)no performance reels, commercial clips or professionally edited studio
Time limit is 60 seconds and can include acting, singing or both (in either order). No slate. Do not state your name or the piece you are performing. The “video progress” or “scrubber bar” should read no more than 60 seconds or audition will be disqualified. Please frame your body in the audition video from the knees up. Musical pieces should be accompanied by live piano or keyboard only or pianoonly Permittedtrack.
What type of shows do you most like to do?
I love to work on shows that allow for abstract design. I am very curious, and I love to create things the audience has never seen before. I hope that my design can assist in making art that haunts the thoughts of the audience long after leaving.
I think the most extraordinary thing about me is my commitment to inclusion, diversity and understanding. I try to use my energy and privilege to create safe spaces where everyone’s voice can be heard. These are difficult times, and our teachers can come from anywhere.
www.setc.org September / October 2022 6
Fun fact: ‘When I’m not working in theatre, I love to paint, work out, see ballet and try foods.new I feel that an artist can never be knowledgeabletooinanytopic.’
More info: www.setc.org
My university did two online performances, but everyone felt distance as all of us had plenty of things and people to worry about. I’m so thankful to see events like SETC coming back strong as a testament to the enduring health of live theatre. Other than your work in theatre, what is the most extraordinary thing about you?
I am the lighting designer for Sweet Potato Queens, which will open at the Jefferson Performing Arts Society in New Orleans, LA, on Sept. 16, 2022. I am also directing a show in October and then projection designing four shows – in November, December, January and April. How has SETC helped you secure jobs?
SPOTLIGHT
Networking Through SETC: Nathaniel BrittonPROFESSIONAL ARTIST
Nathaniel Britton (he/him) is a 2021 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University who works primarily as a projection designer or costume Wheredesigner.are you currently working?
I have landed many jobs through essential skills I have learned at the SETC Convention. SETC was the first place to really solidify the possibility of a career in theatre design for me. I still use resumé techniques I learned from an SETC workshop. I have also met mentors at SETC like Rowen Haigh who have been instrumental in shaping the way I view theatre.
How has the pandemic impacted you?
The pandemic made things difficult for me. I didn’t just have trouble finding work, but it also made me seriously consider my choice to work in professional theatre.
More info: www.setc.org/scholarships-awards
Erin Gill, a theatre teacher in South Carolina for 11 years, is the co-theatre director at Woodmont High School and co-lead theatre teacher for Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. She is pursuning an MFA in Theatre Education from Mississippi University for Women.
STEVE BAYLESS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
LEIGHTON M. SCHOLARSHIPBALLEW
For Graduate Study by a High School Teacher
SETC SCHOLARSHIPS
Sarah Mayhew is pursuing an MFA in Performance and Pedagogy (with a concentration in Directing) from Texas Tech University. A native of Alabama, Mayhew earned a BA in Musical Theatre from BirminghamSouthern College in 2020. Mayhew’s interests as a director include developing new work.
www.setc.org 2022
Announcing the 2022 – 23 SETC Scholarship Winners
Troy L. Scarborough is a third-year PhD student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Texas Tech University with a focus in Theatre Arts. Scarborough’s dissertation and career goals are focused on building and heading the first Master of Fine Arts program in Professional Theatre at an HBCU.
SETC offers thousands of dollars in scholarships for individuals studying theatre. SETC’s Scholarship/Awards Fund supports these monetary awards, which go directly to the winners to use as they wish. Meet this year’s winners.
For Undergraduate Study in Theatre
WILLIAM E. WILSON SCHOLARSHIP
Peyton Walton is a performer and student leader who attended Watauga High School in Boone, NC. Walton plans to pursue a BFA in Dance Choreography and Performance as well as a BA in Drama at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
For Graduate Study in Theatre
7
For Graduate Study in Directing ROBERTSCHOLARSHIPPORTERFIELD
For Graduate Study in Costume Design/ Technology
MARIAN A. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
September / October
Newman Jones is a second-year MFA candidate studying Costume Design at the University of Memphis. In 2018, Jones received his BA from Appalachian State University. Jones has worked as a costume technician for Disney Cruise Line, The Ohio Light Opera and Horn in the West.
AROUND THE REGION www.setc.org September / October 2022 8 More info: www.setc.org/state-organizations Check out the Southeast Region’s Theatre Conferences! Click here to get the latest updates on virtual or events happening this fall in the states in the Southeast region, including conventions, workshops and performances. Check back often for the most current information. Click below for details on other organizations’theatreevents: American Association for Community Theatre American Alliance for Theatre & AmericansEducationfor the Arts Association of Arts Administrators Educators Association for Theatre in Higher USITTAssociationUniversityTheatreGroupTheatreStageAssociationShakespeareKCACTF,AssociationEducationalSymposiumBroadwayMovementAssociationEducationofTheatreEducatorsStageManagementTheatreRegionIVTheatreManagers’AssociationCommunicationsforYoungAudiencesResidentTheatre
How has your involvement in SETC led to new professional opportunities?
GROWING WITHIN SETC LEE CROUSE
Growing within SETC Highlights of SETC Roles: 1996: First time as auditionee, Professional Auditions 2010: First time as co-workshop presenter, SETC Convention 2010-11: Vice-chair, Stage Movement Committee 2011-13: Hiring company rep, Tecumseh! 2012-15: Chair, Stage Movement Committee 2016-17: State Representative, Mississippi 2017: SETC Vice President of States 2017: Hiring company rep, Tecumseh! 2018-20: Member, Long-Range/Strategic Planning Committee 2018-20: SETC Vice President of Services 2020: Joined SETC staff as Educational Services Manager Educational Services Manager SETC Central Office
How did each of the roles you had in SETC lead to the next role??
www.setc.org September / October 2022 9
More info: www.setc.org/growing
Because of SETC, I have been fortunate to have numerous professional jobs over the years as an actor and stage manager, and time with SETC provided support for a successful tenure and promotion application when I was a full-time faculty member.
What are the benefits you have today as a staff member from “growing within SETC”?
Having spent time as an auditionee, professional company rep, recruiter and board member, I have a bird’s eye view of how the organization works and how we as an organization can better serve our membership. Lee Crouse was a graduate student auditioning for an acting job when he first attended the SETC Convention in 1996. Since then, he has participated in SETC in about every other way possible – as a ‘I am grateful to have worn so many hats –from nowmemberreptoauditioneecompanytoboardandstaff.SETChasofferedsomanyopportunitiesforlearningandgrowth.’
What started as job opportunities for performance led to the desire for a better understanding of the organization. When the opportunity arose to serve as vice-chair of a committee, I jumped at the chance. Serving on the advisory council led to time on the Mississippi Theatre Association board, which provided cross-opportunities through both organizations. All of this led to serving on the Executive Committee, task forces and more, which provided me with hands-on leadership training through the years. Now, as a Central Office staff member, I am fortunate to contribute to the organization along with all my incredible, talented colleagues.
workshop presenter, a committee chair, a task force member, a hiring representative, a state representative, an officer – and now as a paid staff member. What kept him coming back, he said, is “the people. There is a long list of individuals who have provided me those opportunities.”
Ryan Murray (right) portrays one of the main characters, George-the-Whitesmith, in By George. Frances Furlong (left), an executive producer on the film, plays Mrs. Clutterbuck.
“Can you imagine, at 17 years old, getting offered a movie part?” Murray said. “I felt unstoppable and like I could do anything.
“SETC is a fabulous opportunity for our future generations of performing artists!” Furlong said. www.setc.org commonwealthproductions.org
It all started at the 2018 SETC Convention, when theatre arts teacher and drama coach Frances Furlong attended a voice-over work shop where 17-year-old Ryan Murray wowed her and others with his comedic talents. “He brought down the house,” she said. Murray went on to score 50-plus callbacks from schools at his SETC undergraduate audition – and soon, he had a film offer as well. Based on Murray’s performance in the workshop, Furlong and Miles O’Hare, executive producers of a planned film called By George, offered him a role in their upcoming production.
This fall, Ryan Murray (he/him) makes his feature film debut, thanks to a connection made through SETC.
SETCwhereConnectionsisacolumnindividualssharestoriesofopportunitiestheyhavefoundthroughnetworkingatSETCevents.
Murray pursued a theatre degree at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he is now a senior. And the film made its way toward production until the pandemic brought plans to a halt. Finally, in January 2022, filming was able to begin, and By George has just completed post-production. Murray filmed his role during the winter break from school. “By George was such a great experience,” Murray said.
CONNECTIONS
Commonwealth Productions and Lovely Day Productions, which jointly produced the film, have entered it in the Virginia Film Festival, but have not yet heard if it will be Furlong,accepted.who currently is in school pursuing a doctorate degree, says she and the rest of the Commonwealth team believe strongly in helping students advance their arts careers. She credits the SETC Convention with providing a wonderful place for students to be seen, find schools and discover career leads.
September / October 2022 10 More info:
Linking for a Film Role: Ryan Murray and Frances Furlong
It was definitely a huge confidence booster and made me so much more eager to try my hardest going forward and hone my craft.”
At first, most people are skeptical, but then they are amazed to learn that El Diablo of the Cards is playing to sold-out houses and has won awards at festivals in 11 countries, with the last just a few weeks ago in the U.S. – a “Best in Fest” at the Tampa Fringe. What is the trick? The famous Spanish painter Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
PERSPECTIVES
Ewerton Andrade Martins is a Brazilian artist who studied clowning in Paris with Philippe Gaulier (read story about him here). Martins is traveling the show,performingworldhis El Diablo of the Cards.
That reminds me of a presentation I made in Kingston, Canada. I will never forget a man’s laugh during the show. At the end, he came to me and said, “Thank you! I had so much fun today!”
My show, El Diablo of the Cards, was born from an artistic dream: to travel 52 countries with a show, using only a deck of cards. No fancy set, no light cues and no sound. It relies purely on the connection of the audience with one another through the clowning, improvisation and storytelling. In many ways, it’s theatre in its purest form.
And he was blind! He watched my show with the eyes of his heart. Only art can create this kind of connection and emotional experience. El Diablo of the Cards is a rescue of our inner child. By doing this, we free the artist that has always existed within us. This is how we get to view life with wonder. That is the real magic! It is my pleasure to share El Diablo of the Cards, a show to remind us of how easy and fun it is to see the world with the eyes of the heart.
More info: visit link in bio above left
Clowning: Theatre That Allows Us to See with the Heart (he/him)
www.setc.org September / October 2022 11
EWERTONANDRADEMARTINS
contributorsNewsPerspectivesisanSETCcolumnwhereguestareinvitedtosharetheirdiversevoices.
Ewerton Andrade Martins performs in El Diablo of the Cards
2 Theatre reminds us that we are not alone. Not only are we sharing space and an experience with the artists who are performing, we are sharing the experience with fellow audience members. Movies and television don’t have the same intimacy or sense of participation. Sharing an experience with live actors and live audience members is not only valuable, it’s necessary for human connection.
1 Theatre helps us to see a different perspective from our own. We’re shown humanity, psychology, motivations, conflict and resolution. We as the audience get to witness the trajectory of persons other than ourselves. As artists, we put our selves into emotional and intellectual situations that may never arise in our personal lives. Theatre promotes us to give power to truth, to take risks and to advocate for new and diverse voices.
More info: visit the link above left
5 Theatre promotes education and literacy. Studies have shown that students who participate in theatre do better in school.”
The Importance of Theatre Today
I hope we all continue to work to find the “why” for what we do to make this art form – and to appreciate the incredible community that we have doing theatre together.
I recently found a blog post on the website of Acting Studio Chicago that provides inspiring answers to those questions, reminding all of us to think about what we do and how we impact lives and communities. Below I share a portion of their blog post:
SECRETARY COLUMN www.setc.org September / October 2022 12
SETC SECRETARY(she/her) Read the entire
4 Live theatre helps to promote social discourse, dialogue and potential social change. Theatre is a cultural phenomenon that demands that society examines itself in the mirror. We can study societal problems and attempt to find solutions. Coming together as a community to listen to opposing points of view is necessary.
Ginger
Why We Need to Keep Doing What We Do Poole blog important,theatreChicagoatfrommorewhicharticle,includesthoughtsinstructorsActingStudioonwhyisstillhere.
“Five Reasons Why Theatre Is Still Important
3 Theatre is immediate, evolving and always different. Although the script may be the same every night, the performance is unique, each and every time it happens. No two performances are ever the same. In this way, everyone involved has a distinct and unique experience that can never be replicated.
I know there may be times that all of us involved in theatre stop and think why? Why now? Why keep going? It is more important to me than ever to continue the work we are doing in theatre as a whole and with each other.
Toni Simmons Henson
On accepting the position, Toni said, “I am so humbled and honored to accept my next assignment as the executive director of this prestigious 73-year-old organization.
www.setc.org
I’m thrilled to welcome Toni to the helm of SETC – we are in joyous and steady hands!
September / October 2022 13
More info: www.setc.org/central-office-staff
The Search Process SETC’s search began in summer 2022 after Susie andto–andElizabethProctor,Nelson,Michaelsen,Duncan,includedCommitteegoesdirector.ourselectingofthroughapplicantsnumberreceivedannouncement.jobsuggestionsstaffincorporatemovedresignation,announcedPrueterherandwequicklytobothandBoardforthepostingandWeanincredibleofexcellentandwentthreeroundsinterviewsbeforeToniasnewexecutiveGratitudetotheSearch–whichMarciJonathanAmandaKatieNoahTaylor,Watkins,chairJeffGibsonfortheirdedicationthesearchprocessSETC.
McNerneyMaeganAzar
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SETC PRESIDENT(she/her)
On behalf of the Executive Committee, I am pleased to introduce Toni Simmons Henson (she/her) as the new executive director of SETC, beginning on Sept. 26, 2022. We set out in June to find a creative and dynamic leader who would help us move forward with our strategic vision for greater diversity and inclusivity and who also would possess the strong business acumen needed to manage our large membership organization. We believe Toni is the visionary leader who can help SETC succeed in both of those areas. Toni continues the tradition of powerful women leaders in becoming SETC’s fourth executive director – while also breaking new ground as the first African American to serve in this role.
Toni Simmons Henson Selected as SETC’s Next Executive Director
I believe I’m on my appointed assignment and take this responsibility very seriously. I am fueled by my love for the arts and the extraordinary gifts that we as humans pos sess. I am also committed to arts advocacy as it relates to the social movement for civ il and human rights and the inclusion of people of color and other marginalized voices in the lexicon of American theatre. I am excited to be a part of the SETC team!”
Toni likes to say that she is a “director of wow,” and that certainly was evident during the interview process. Members of the Executive Committee and the SETC staff continually commented on how inspiring conversations with Toni were. She believes that envelop ing people in love is the way to create a sense of belonging, and creating a culture of excellence can’t happen without affirmation and communication. She also brings a wealth of experience shaping systems, streamlining processes, and uplifting people in order to create opportunity for success through the theatrical arts.
A spoken word poet, best-selling author, public speaker, and serial entrepreneur, Toni has over 30 years of expertise in business development, theatre and entertainment production, and marketing. Toni has launched and operated three franchises and four businesses in her career, most notably the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival, Black Family Table Talk Podcast/Blog, Black Theatre TV, and ABTF Travels. She received an under graduate degree in business administration from Howard University and a master’s in public administration from New York University. She also has earned Executive Certifi cates in Nonprofit Management and Women in Leadership. (Read Toni’s full bio here.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S PARTING THOUGHTS www.setc.org September / October 2022 14
Navigating Central Office staff changes and stability, but most importantly, raising salaries, benefits and diversity amongst the group.
Who could have known in the winter of 2019 before the Knoxville convention that SETC would be where we are today? We’ve endured unprecedented challenges and demand for change, but also have risen to the occasion in making strides to survive and thrive. It has been complicated organizationally and personally.
I have a LONG list of people whom I have worked with directly to personally thank, but the fact is that I want to thank ALL … the thousands of our constituents for being members, for your service on the Executive Committee, the Board, committees, projects, workshops, sponsorships, exhibit hall, state organizations, etc. And simply, thank you for your kind words and sharing of your experience. The volunteer service and support for SETC is like no other and not taken for granted!
Heartfelt Thanks to All
Susie
Pivoting to offer all events online during the pandemic (including the entire 2021 SETC Convention!), offering uninterrupted service to our constituents and discovering new accessibility.
Examining traditional structures and making changes for the sake of EDIA, service to the Professional Division, and most importantly, to benefit our auditionees.
Susie column.SETCThisAug.effectivedirectorexecutiveasresignationPrueter’sSETC’swason26,2022.isherfinalNews
Moving SETC to software platforms that improved constituent service and allowed us to collect video and portfolio materials for a virtual space.
Welcome, Toni! And thank you, ALL!
More info: www.setc.org
As we welcome a new executive director and work to get back into a convention rou tine that sustains the organization but also moves us into a better world of EDIA, I am so proud of where we are today. You all have been amazing colleagues and friends – and the funniest, hard-working, collegial people I know.
Guiding SETC shrewdly through challenging financial times, e.g., investment moves, development manager addition, PPP loans and a close look at programs.
I am available and happy to help in the months to come and to stay in touch! As I shared with Toni Simmons Henson, SETC’s new ED, a 5-minute phone conversation (versus days of back-and-forth e-mails) can solve the mysteries of the world. The SETC Central Office can help us connect. Please don’t hesitate.
Mostly, I want to thank the SETC staff and our valued vendors, such as Deanna Thompson, Arrowhead Conferences, Fern Expo, David Hunt & Associates, OpenWater, Neon, TIAA, ComTech and more! If anyone has experienced the roller coaster ride, it’s been them. We ALL have endured the last couple of years TOGETHER and, through that, we have kept SETC relevant, healthy and ready for its new chapter! I am truly grateful for everyone’s contributions. You should all celebrate the accomplishments below!
Discovering the accessibility/efficiency/equity/safety of remote working and parting with the expensive rental office.
Prueter EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR(she/her) u u u u u u u
Being mindful about EDIA initiatives in our everyday undertakings … major changes and small notes, but all thoughtful and important.
Submissions of papers on topics related to history, theory, criticism and literature are being accepted from graduate and undergraduate students. One graduate and one undergraduate paper will be chosen from those submitted for presentation at SETC’s 74th convention in Lexington, KY.
Accepting Nominations
College, University & Training Program Directory HBCU
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS www.setc.org September / October 2022 15
In-PersonJan.AuditionsTheatre13–14,2023AuditionsGreensboro,NC
SETC Hall of Fame
Summer and Outdoor
Help us honor those who have made meaningful contributions to SETC. Submit your nomination by Oct. 28, 2022, at www.setc.org/hall-of-fame.
Venue TBA 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. Registration Opens: Dec. 1, 2022, at Noon ET Registration Deadline: Dec. 29, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET Auditionee Registration Fee: $55 For more information, visit auditionsoutdoor-theatre.org/
Dataatavailablechoices,degreeperhapsLookingforthebestsettingtolaunchyourcareerintheatre?Oryou’reseekingtheperfectplacetopursueanadvancedinoneofthetheatredisciplines?TohelpyoumakethosewehavecompiledthemostcomprehensivedirectoryanywherelistingdegreesandspecialprogramsofferedSETCmembercolleges,universitiesandtrainingprograms.fortheprofilesisprovidedbytheinstitutions.ThiseditionofthedirectoryhighlightsHistoricallyBlackCollegesandUniversities(HBCUs). 2023
Deadline: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET More info here.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: Are You in the Directory?
SETC’s 2023 College, University and Training Program Directory is in the final stages of preparation. The directory, which is published in the winter issue of Southern Theatre magazine, includes information on all SETC member colleges, universities and training programs. Listings are free for member institutions. This is your opportunity to provide potential students with a brief profile of your school, a list of degrees offered, and contacts for more information. View last year’s directory here.
Grad and Undergrad Students: Apply Now for 2023 Young Scholars Award
If you have not provided a listing or have questions about the directory, please contact Lee Crouse at lee@setc.org Would you like to purchase an ad in the directory or in the main section of the winter issue of Southern Theatre magazine? Contact Clay Thornton at clay@setc.org by Thursday, Sept. 22.
More info: www.setc.org
SAVE THE DATE
www.setc.org
Secretary Tiza Garland (she/her) Elected Past President Jeremy Kisling (he/him) VP of States Lynn Nelson (she/her) VP of DivisionsConnecting
www.setc.org/leadership/minutes-archivesat:
• Froze the Professional Screening Audition passed per charter state percentage at 15% for two years to gather data on the pass rate.
Central Office SETC 5710 W. Gate City Blvd. Suite K, Box 186 Greensboro NC 27407 info@setc.org336-265-6148
Veronica Neblett (she/her) Accountsveronica@setc.orgReceivable/Payable Debi Belanger (she/her) Datadebi@setc.orgAssistant Executive Committee Maegan McNerney Azar (she/her)
You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
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* Denotes monthly contributor To make a donation to SETC, click here Organizations: Mountain ShepherdTheatreMoversCompanyoftheHills
SETC is accepting submissions for the 2022 Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival to be held at the annual SETC Convention in Lexington, KY.
Individuals: Dave Avant J. Theresa Bush* Annette Dees Grevious William Flood Tiza Garland Leonard I. Kelly Axyl D. Langford Lisa A. Leibering Chad McDonald* Edyth Pruitt Mia Self*
SETC's 2022 Fall Professional Auditions, By the Numbers
Susie Prueter (she/her) Executivesusie@setc.orgDirector Lee Crouse (he/him) Educationallee@setc.orgServices Clay Thornton (he/him) Marketing/Advertisingclay@setc.org Bradley Branham (he/him) Programmingbradley@setc.org
Leah Turley to replace Fulton Burns as West Virginia state representative after nomination from the West Virginia Theatre Association. We thanked Fulton for his service.
MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Apply Now for 2022 Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival
Deadline for application is Nov. 1, 2022. Questions? Email Octavia Biggs at obiggs@lctonstage.org. Click here for details.
• Accepted the revised Personnel Policy Manual for 2022.
SETC’s 2021 Fall Professional Auditions were held 100% online. We had a solid response, with 278 actors sending audition videos and 18 companies reviewing the audition submissions. It’s not too late to get access to the auditionee gallery if you are a company representative seeking performers. Registration and audition galleries will be available to professional companies indefinitely as the industry reemerges. Click here to register.
Actions taken by the SETC Executive Committee and Board of Directors on Aug. 13, 2022, via Zoom conferencing
President Kris Rau McIntyre (she/her) VP of Administration Neno Russell (he/him) VP of Services Annette Grevious (she/her) VP of Finance Adanma Onyedike Barton (she/her) VP of Equity & Inclusion Ginger Poole (she/her)
We send our thanks to the following individuals and organizations for contributions made to SETC from June 30, 2022, through Aug. 16, 2022:
Elizabeth Theodora (she/her) Professionalelizabeth@setc.orgServices Lea Gilbert (she/her) Membershiplouise@setc.orgServices Noah Taylor (he/him) Graphicsnoah@setc.organdDigital Media Shameca Freeman (she/her) Development/Sponsorshipsshameca@setc.org
Send your news to deanna@setc.org ExCom Report by Maegan McNerney Azar SETC President
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Thanks to SETC’s Contributors