75th Anniversary Convention Program (2024)

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SETC Convention 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Check-in and Registration Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Distinguished Career Award Recipient . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . 11 Executive Director’s Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Getchell Award-Winning New Play Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Hiring Companies, Professional Auditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Job Fair Participants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Keynote Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-15 Land Acknowledgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Maps and Floor Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-80 Schedule of Workshops and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-63 SETC Board of Directors & Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 75 Years of Leadership: SETC Past Presidents . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Galas, Mixers & Networking Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Sponsors and Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Teachers Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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 March 13-17, 2024

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Welcome!

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

March March 13-17, 13-17, 2024 2024

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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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noon – 8 pm Thursday & Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – 5 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – noon

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: Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am – 6 pm Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am – 6 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am – 2 pm Sponsored by:

SETC REGISTRATION DESK

LANYARDS

Keep tabs on your name badge and printed program.

Pre-function Registration Area Mobile Convention Center

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.

Hours:

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noon – 9 pm Thursday & Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – 7 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – 5:30 pm

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Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – 8 pm Thursday & Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – 8 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 am – noon

CONVENTION CENTER DINING 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 Hours: Thursday & Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am – 5:30 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 am – noon

SETC Convention 2024

March 13-17, 2024

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SETC Convention 2024

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

EMPOWERMENT

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.

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.

COMMITMENT & DEDICATION

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.

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.

EQUITY

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

March 13-17, 2024

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Special Guests 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

Friday, 2-3 pm

in the arts, she recently served on the Independent Equity Committee at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of

Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E

London. She was also honored by Black Masks magazine as one of 25

The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

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

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

Saturday, 8-11 pm Bon Secour Bay I and II Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

sponsored by

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

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SETC Convention 2024

Special Guests 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

Distinguished Career Award Keynote Address

of The Piano Lesson (Tony, Drama Desk, Helen Hayes Award

Saturday, 2-3 pm

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.)

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

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.

March 13-17, 2024

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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.

March 13-17, 2024

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Special Events THEATRE FESTIVALS Short Play Festival

Secondary School 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

Mobile Civic Center Thursday 10 am – 3 pm & 5:30-8:30 pm Friday 10 am – 3 pm & 5:30-9:30 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!

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:

Sponsored by Hollins University

Fringe Festival

Theatre for Youth Festival

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

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 EVENTS Theme Park & Cruise Panel Discussion & Pizza Party

Theatre for Youth Meeting & Mixer

Wednesday, 5-6:30 pm West Ballroom - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Wednesday, 6:30-8 pm Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

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

Meet and network with TYA professionals.

Sponsored by

Sponsored by

Design & Tech Mixer Wednesday, 8-10 pm Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Annual design mixer. 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.

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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.

SETC Convention 2024

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.

V oice 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.

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

Small Theatre Programs Interest Meeting & Mixer

Friday, 8:30-10 pm Moonlight Ballroom Salon E – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

Friday, 6:30-8 pm Midtown Meeting Room – 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!

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!

Community Theatre Business Meeting and Awards

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

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

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.

21+ ONLY Gala Awards Reception

College & University Karaoke Party (Off Site)

Saturday, 8-11 pm Moonlight Ballroom Salon C, D, E - Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

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.

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

Sponsored by

March 13-17, 2024

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SETC Convention 2024

Schedule of Events & Workshops WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

sponsored by Parlights, Inc.

v Stage Management

sponsored by Disney Live Entertainment

SETC Thanks our Workshop Track Sponsors:

v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators sponsored by LUDUS

v Technology

sponsored by Disney Cruise Line

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12-13 TUE noon – 10:00 pm

WED 2:00 – 3:00 pm

v OSHA-10 General Entertainment

v Expressive Collage Workshop:

Safety Training, Part 1 (2-day course)

Harnessing Visual Emotion

Schooner Suite - Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Mike Murphy

Marina Pareja

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.

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.

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

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

vC haracter 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.

m Leadership Kickoff Lunch Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) invitation only

March 13-17, 2024

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SETC Convention 2024

WED 2:00 – 3:00 pm

cont’d

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.

March 13-17, 2024

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.

vR eimagining 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.

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WED 2:00 – 3:00 pm

cont’d

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

WED 3:30 - 4:30 pm

cont’d

v Creating the Design/Tech Portfolio Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Dale Pickard

Leni Dyer

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.

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.

vA pplications 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.

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.

vW riting 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.

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SETC Convention 2024

WED 3:30 - 4:30 pm

cont’d

v Use Your Community: Stop Working Hard to Market Your Theatre Room 107 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

WED 6:30 – 8:00 pm

cont’d

m Theatre for Youth Meeting & Mixer Tree House Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Meet and network with TYA professionals. Sponsored by:

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 – 8:30 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 vM usical 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.

mD esign Tech Mixer Leinkauf Meeting Room – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2) Annual design mixer. Sponsored by InterAmerica Stage and Associated Design and Controls

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.

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.

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.

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SETC Convention 2024

THURSDAY, MARCH 14 THUR 8:00 – 9:00 am

THUR 8:00 – 10:00 am

m KEAP Recipient Morning Session

v Musical Theatre Coaching Session 3

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

Grand Bay Ballroom 2 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

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

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 Applied Theatre Interest Meeting

THUR 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

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

mU ndergraduate Auditions

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.

mA cting 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.

mS tates Council Meeting Room 107 A – Convention Center (Exhibit Level) Annual meeting of SETC State Representatives

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 mP rofessional 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

Annual meeting of the Publications Committee with the Southern Theatre Editorial Board. Open to all.

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

THUR 8:00 am – 6:30 pm

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

m Southern Theatre Editorial Board Meeting Ashland Place B – The Battle House Hotel (Level 2)

mv S hort 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

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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THUR 9:00 am – 7:30 pm

THUR 9:30 – 10:30 am

m Dance Call

v Make It Musical Theatre

Bon Secour Bay 3 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

THUR 9:30 – 10:30 am

Lisa Sain Odom

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.

vF inding That Skin Tone: The pinks and yellows of it

cont’d

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.

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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

Pamela Workman

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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.

Richard St. Peter

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.

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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.

SETC Convention 2024

THUR 9:30 – 10:30 am

cont’d

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:

vD esign 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.

vA .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.

vM embers 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 I ntegrating 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.

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.

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SETC Convention 2024

THUR 11:00 am – noon

cont’d

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.

vG uys 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 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.

vV iewpoints 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.

vT he Actor’s Crash Course to Film School

v ASMing as a Career

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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.

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THUR 11:00 am – noon

cont’d

vE nriching Theatre Appreciation: Integrating Faith and the Arts in an Introductory Course

THUR 2:00 – 3:00 pm

cont’d

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

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Amy Dunlap & Bess Park

Evan Oslund

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.

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.

THUR 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

vW hat They Need to Know: From High School Senior to

v Packing: New Approaches to Circumstance Work Chris Gilly-Forrer

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.

“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.

vC apturing the Imagination of Your

v Full Body Storytelling: Physical Engagement

Freshman Year in a BA or BFA Program Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Matthew Miller

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.

vA pplicant 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?

vW hat 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.

vS tage 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.

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.

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SETC Convention 2024

THUR 2:00 – 3:00 pm

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vR ipped from the Headlines Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

THUR 3:30 – 4:30 pm

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

Sheri Wilner

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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.

Courtney Rasor

vS hoot 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!

vN avigating 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!

vD esign 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.

vB uilding 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 vT he 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SETC Convention 2024

THUR 3:30 – 4:30 pm

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THUR 3:30 – 4:30 pm

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vM usical Theatre Acting: Make the Most of Your Music

v How Do You Stage the Internet?

Room 204 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

John Bell

Cliff Thompson & Brandyn Graves

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.

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.

vT he 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.

vA cting for the Camera: Back to One

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.

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

v Self Care for Stage Managers

Peter Allen Stone

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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.

Matthew Stern

vS kits 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.

vC onsent 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.

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.

v I ntimacy 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.

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SETC Convention 2024

THUR 5:00 – 6:00 pm 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)

vv I t’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.

vK ickstart 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.

vA ctor 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.

Valeriya Nedviga

vL ow Flow: Burlesque Floorwork

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.

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

v Design South: Props and Costume Crafts Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Christina Johnson

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!

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

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SETC Convention 2024

THUR 5:00 – 6:00 pm

cont’d

THUR 6:30 – 8:00 pm

cont’d

vC ollege Auditions Demystified

m Stage Combat Interest Meeting

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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

Lisa Sain Odom

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.

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.

vD eepening the Text Through Physical Exploration

mS ETC 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

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

m v Distinguished Designers Keynote and Discussion

Lysa Fox

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

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.

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

vT he Business of Directing: Self-Marketing Tools

v Stage Management Games

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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

Molly Claassen & Johannah Maynard Edwards

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

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.

THUR 6:30 – 10:00 pm

THUR 7:00 – 11:00 pm v Getchell New Play Reading: Between Dog and Wolf

vM eet Faith and Theatre University Programs

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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

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!

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.

vW ho Is Dante?

THUR 7:00 – 11:30 pm

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 mS econdary 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!

mS ETC 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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FRIDAY, MARCH 15 FRI 8:00 – 9:00 am

FRI 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

m Art Administration Interest Meeting & Mixer

vD esign Competition

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

Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

Student, Educators, and Professionals with an interest in Arts Administration will meet to network and discuss workshops and topics of interest from the field.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

FRI 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

m USITT Southeast Business Meeting

FRI 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

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.

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

m Dance Call Bon Secour Bay 3 – Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel

m Stage Management Committee Meeting & Mixer

FRI 9:00 – 9:30 am

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

m Theatre Symposium Interest Meeting

m Get Involved with Leadership at SETC

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

Moonlight Ballroom Salon D – 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!

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 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.

FRI 8:00 – 10:30 am

vT heatre for the Early Learner: K-2nd Grade

v Sound & Projections

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

FRI 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

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.

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

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SETC Convention 2024

vD esign South: Lighting

vM anagement’s Sixth Element of Budgeting… Awareness

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Annalise V. Caudle

Matthew Miller

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?

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.

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.

vE lemental Energies:

v Image Systems in Playwriting

vC ostuming the Plus Sized Body Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Crystal Wilkerson-Diaz

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.

vC ontemporary 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.

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

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!

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

vC reating a Directorial Vision:

v High School Technical Theatre Portfolio Exhibition

Multiple paths to the same destination

FRI 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Exhibit Hall - Convention Center

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Exhibition open to convention attendees

Jeremy Cloyd & Carly McMinn

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

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)

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

Matthew Stern

m Secondary School Theatre Festival

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

Mobile Civic Center

vS tage 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.

March 13-17, 2024

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SETC Convention 2024

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 vA dding Vocational and Certificate Programs to Technical Theatre Curriculum Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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

Ryan Patterson

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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.

Marybeth Berry & Tyrie Rowell

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.

March 13-17, 2024

“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!

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FRI 11:00 am – noon

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FRI 11:00 am – noon

cont’d

vA bout Margaret Bonds

v Sustainable Practice for Stage Managers

Room 203 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Tiffany Bostic-Brown

Casey Sammarco

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.

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.

vD oes Not Disappoint: Creating a One-Person Show

Raey Bagley

& 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.

vB est Practices for Director/Playwright Collaboration: New Works Development Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

vT echnology for Stage Managers Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level) 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.

vB e Still: Creating Sabbath Rest for the Theatre Artist

Moderator: Sarah Lacy Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Directing & Theatre History, Sewanee – The University of the South

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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

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.

vD irector as Collaborator: Working in Partnership

FRI noon – 2:00 pm

Room 201 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

m States Luncheon

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.

vT eaching Tech: Strategies When You Lack Resources, Space, Expertise — or ALL of the Above!

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Carla Lahey

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

Matthew Miller

m Community Theatre Festival

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!

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

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

March 13-17, 2024

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.

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FRI 3:30 – 4:30 pm

FRI 3:30 – 4:30 pm

vT o AI or not to AI: Does AI Generative Software Have a

v Own Your Presence, Own The Room

Place in the Theatre Classroom?

cont’d

Room 202 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 105 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Michael Colby Jones & Gabrielle Berberich

Sarah Russell & Kevin P. Kern

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.

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.

vF ringe 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.

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

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.

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.

vC ostume Study Collections

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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.

vH ow 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.

vH ands-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.

vG umboots: 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.

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v Belting for Broadway 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.

SETC Convention 2024

FRI 3:30 – 4:30 pm

cont’d

vT he Theatre Artist’s Identity: Authenticity in the World

FRI 5:00 – 6:00 pm

cont’d

v Accessibility in the Technical Theatre Classroom Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Room 106 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Gary Thornsberry

Scott Hayes

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.

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.

vM oving 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!

vP lanning 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.

vY our Talkback is Boring: Alternative Opportunities for Relationship-Building Room 107 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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

FRI 5:00 – 6:00 pm

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.

vS tart them Young: Tech in Middle School

v The Insider’s Guide to Booking Film & TV

Room 106 A - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

Room 201 A - Convention Center (Concourse 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.

Liz Whalen & Mike Morin

Gabrielle Berberich, Greg Chwerchak & Michael Colby Jones

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?

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.

vH istory 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 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.

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.

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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FRI 5:00 – 6:00 pm

cont’d

v I mpulse & Action: A physical approach to freedom in performance

FRI 6:00 – 7:30 pm mm Alpha Psi Omega/Delta Psi Omega National Meeting & Mixer

Room 204 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

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

Dustin Whitehead & Jaclyn Hofmann Faircloth

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.

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.

vO ut of Your Head and Into the Body: Connecting Emotion with Physicality Room 201 D - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

FRI 6:30 – 8:00 pm mm 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!

Stacey Stratton

mm Women+ in Theatre Interest Meeting & Mixer

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.

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

v J ourney, 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!

vC hasing Windmills: Creating Theatre for People Who Don’t Know It Room 105 B - Convention Center (Exhibit Level)

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.

Ian Gadapee & Bethany Perrone

m m Movement Interest Meeting & Mixer

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.

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

v I ntro 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 I n 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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

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

See Ovations Festival Program or the App for showtimes.

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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FRI 8:30 – 10:00 pm

mm C ultural 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 L GBTQ+ 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

March 13-17, 2024

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SATURDAY, MARCH 16 SAT 8:00 – 9:00 am

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)

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

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

m Secondary Division Meeting

m Musical Theatre & Dance Committee Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

9:00 am - noon — Exhibit open to convention attendees

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.

noon - 1:00 pm — Strike displays

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

m Dance Call

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:

March 13-17, 2024

SAT 9:00 am – 7:30 pm 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

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SAT 9:30 – 10:30 am

SAT 9:30 – 10:30 am

vT he Art and Joy of Melodrama as an Immersive

v Be Breathed: Connecting, Inspiring and Activating the

Theatrical Experience

cont’d

Actor through Breath

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 203 B - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Tonya Hays

Abdul-Khaliq Murtadha & Brett Radke

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

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.

vB alancing 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.

vW hat 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.

vT he 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.

vS parking 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.

vA udition-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.

March 13-17, 2024

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

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SAT 9:30 – 10:30 am

cont’d

vW hat 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 vD ramatic 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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SAT 11:00 am - noon

cont’d

vH ow 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.

vU ntamed 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.

vW hat 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.

vP reparing 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.

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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SOUTHERN MISS

THEATRE

Theatre BA Theatre (Acting) BFA Theatre (Design and Technology) BFA Theatre (Performance) MFA Theatre (Directing) MFA Theatre (Design and Technology) MFA Nationally Accredited and Award-Winning Programs FOR MORE INFORMATION: USM.EDU/SPVA

E O E / F/ M / V E T S / D I S A B I L I T Y U C 8 2 4 2 6

DEGREE PLANS

SAT 11:00 am - noon

cont’d

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

SAT 11:00 am - noon

cont’d

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

Room 201 C - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

Room 202 A - Convention Center (Concourse Level)

George Contini

Yan Pang & Richard Keitel

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.

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.

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.

vB ending, 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.

vE xploring 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.

vT he 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.

March 13-17, 2024

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

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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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 C ommunity 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

March 13-17, 2024

WORKSHOP TRACKS

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS

v Theatre Administration v Performance v Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Respect v Design v Stage Management v Playwriting & Directing v Arts Educators v Technology

m General / Business Meetings m Networking / Mixers / Gala m Auditions m Keynote Presentation m Festival

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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)

March 13-17, 2024

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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

March 13-17, 2024

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

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

Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am – 6 pm Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am – 6 pm Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 am – 2 pm 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

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 March 13-17, 2024

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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

March 13-17, 2024

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

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SETC Leadership Team Board of Directors President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ginger Poole Vice President of Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry Culpepper Theatre for Youth Division . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maegan McNerney Azar Resource Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaliyah Jordan Convention Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

Southeastern Theatre Conference 5710 W. Gate City Blvd.

Suite K, Box 186 Greensboro NC 27407 336-265-6148

www.setc.org March 13-17, 2024

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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

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Concourse Level

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Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel 64 South Water Street

renaissanceriverview.com 251-438-4000

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

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The Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa 26 North Royal Street renaissancebattlehouse.com 251-338-2000

Level 1

Level 2

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