Self-Taping: Overcoming Disappointment and Embracing Joy
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In Memoriam: Michael Dinwiddie (1953–2025)
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Thomas Pinckney (he/him) Director of Advancement
thomas@setc org
Thoughts from the President’s Desk
For theatre artists, the world of performance is both challenging and fulfilling I am proud to be a member of SETC because we stand for supporting passionate artists in the field of theatre SETC membership offers a treasure trove of benefits that not only enhance professional skills but also foster a deep sense of community and collaboration
Kisling (he/him) President
One of the primary advantages of SETC membership is the invaluable opportunity to connect with fellow professionals In an industry where networking can significantly impact one’s career trajectory, the ability to engage with peers who share similar passions and challenges is crucial Members benefit from lively discussions about new ideas and approaches to tackling the day-to-day hurdles of the theatre world. The supportive environment encourages individuals to lean on each other for advice, finding solace in shared experiences and innovative solutions.
Moreover, SETC actively facilitates programs aimed at helping its members secure jobs, whether in acting or in the technical aspects of theatre production As the job market continues to evolve, having access to resources that provide job leads and application tips can
Iris Goode-Middleton (she/her) VP of Administration
JeffGibson(he/him) ElectedPastPresident
CarolineJaneDavis(she/her) Secretary
withus!
SETC offers several affordable ways to put your program in front of a broad audience
Emailus for more information
Send your news to Thomas Pinckney Director of Advancement
thomas@setc org
be a game-changer for both emerging and seasoned artists. By participating in workshops, auditions, and job fairs organized by SETC, members position themselves at the forefront of opportunities that might otherwise remain undiscovered
In addition to job-related pursuits, SETC serves as a powerful hub for artistic growth. The opportunity to explore and learn new techniques to hone one’s craft is another compelling reason to join. Whether it's through workshops led by industry veterans or hands-on training with cutting-edge methods, the learning experiences provided by SETC nurture an artist’s journey This continuous growth is vital; it not only helps in staying relevant in the field but also fuels the creative spirit essential for any performing artist
Being part of SETC is more than just leveraging professional development it's about fostering an artistic spirit. The sense of community that arises from being a member contributes to a shared passion for theatre that can be both uplifting and inspiring. We want your voice! We want you to know you belong! We want to hear from you about how we can continue to serve you, and help you grow as an artist, communicator, designer, administrator, academician, or as a theatre enthusiast SETC aims to be the place that fills your soul with joy and reassurance, reminding each member of their purpose as artists. Join us!
What Excites Us about the New Studio Festival
At its core, live theatre resides in the voice, the body, and the story as it comes alive in the magical connection between performers and audiences
The Studio Theatre Festival highlights the power of honest storytelling, strong ensemble work, and intentional creative choices, focusing on the h d h i without the echnical t festival door for atre
MichaelHowardStudios com
e with limited resources, to fully engage in n. By broadening access and opportunity, udents from all program sizes can take t SETC has to offer.
mance, access is granted to any secondary ctors and directors willing to rise to the he categories’ guidelines Budget Transportation concerns for technical n the Studio Theatre Festival.
cal like Twenty-One Chump Street, an n tragedy, a Don Zolidis competition ween, productions are limited only by their hoices As an audience member, I have n in, laughed aloud - all during the brief 30 on the stage
eatre for the challenge it presents me as a as performers. When selecting, cutting, or must dive immediately into the heart of the annot hide behind a fancy costume or an elaborate set design; they must tell the story with their voices, faces, and bodies They must work together to create the world of the play
Sara-Margaret Cates (she/her) Studio Chair
ConnectingYouto Opportunitiesin TheatreNationwide
CentralOffice
SETC
5701 W Gate City Blvd Suite K, Box 186 Greensboro, NC 27407 336 265 6148 info@setc org
Central Office Team
Jack Benjamin (he/him) Executive Director
MaeganMcNerneyAzar(she/her) StaffBoardLiaison
Nikki Baldwin (she/her) Digital Operations Specialist
Beth Watkins Brown (she/her) Producer and Director of SETC Festivals and Special Events
SETC offers several affordable ways to put your program in front of a broad audience
Emailus for more information
Send your news to Thomas Pinckney Director of Advancement
thomas@setc org
in the imagination of the audience. The common statement rings true - our production is only as strong as its weakest link. Together we rise or fall. We always ask the questions “why are we telling this story?” and “why is this important?”
Last year, with our production of The Price, I watched my students transform into stars in the night sky, snow-covered trees, rolling waves, and even the walls of a house all with minimal props and simple accessories. I saw a group move as one, becoming a machine of sound and motion in The Female Edison. I laughed out loud with friends during an original piece titled Eight Simple Rules for How to Succeed at Studio Theatre Without Really Trying. And I was completely drawn into Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale, performed by students in street clothes with nothing but their voices and presence to guide us
What I witnessed was theatre in its purest form, students from every walk of life creating something honest, imaginative, and unforgettable. That’s the power of Studio.
Step into the spotlight of possibility at the Studio Theatre Festival. Connect with your Secondary Chair or State Representative to learn how your school can be part of this unforgettable experience
A Correction
It has come to our attention that a photo published in the previous newsletter was erroneously credited to be from Ocean Springs High’s production of The Lost Boy The incorrect photo has been removed from the eNewsletter and replaced with the correct one You can access that Newsletter HERE Below is the corrected photo from their winning production
The Time is Now: Join the
Conversation on Governance Restructuring
The time is here and the time is now! SETC leadership has been exploring a restructuring of our governance model for several years. While these conversations may feel new to some, they’ve been developing behind the scenes for quite some time. Throughout this process, we ' ve been listening: to our councils, to our members, and to each other This summer, that longstanding dialogue is taking tangible shape
Both Central Office staff and the Executive Committee have been deeply engaged in this work, striving to design a structure that will guide SETC into its next chapter. The Central Office team alongside Executive Director Jack Benjamin has reimagined job descriptions, position titles, and collaboration processes to create a more agile and effective team, preparing for the future leadership transition.
Meanwhile, in May, the Executive Committee convened for two days to craft a draft framework for a new board structure designed to better support the Central Office. This work was guided by several goals that boil down to these four:
To better support the Central Office and empower the Executive Director
To streamline decision-making processes and reduce governance bureaucracy
To ensure broader membership representation and establish clearer pathways for leadership
To align with contemporary best practices in nonprofit governance
You're Invited: Community Forum on Governance Restructuring
Join us July 21 at 4:30-6:00 PM Eastern by emailing maegan@setc.org for the virtual link. To those of you who have been part of this journey for years thank you for your guidance and patience. And to those just stepping into service leadership: welcome! We’re working to build a structure that’s easier to navigate and more inclusive for all Let’s continue moving forward together with purpose, inclusion, and the belief that SETC can evolve to serve us all more fully
Please RSVP to maegan@setc.org to receive the virtual link.
Maegan Azar (she/her) Staff-Board Liaison
The Floor Is Yours: Workshop Proposals Are Now Being Accepted, Get Yours In Today!
SETC members are the organization's heartbeat, and their expertise in their fields is essential to the success of the performing arts, not only in the Southeast but also nationwide. Each conference features experts in Performance, Design, Technology, Dance, and other areas who present their ideas and innovations to peers and the students who are the industry's future We are looking for a variety of professionals and academics to share their knowledge with us at SETC 2026 in Chattanooga, TN, March 3-7
Education is paramount to innovation in our industry. An exhibitor who has experience with installations and building code can help an administrator make a connection on what they may need for their next upgrade. A designer could showcase a new way to create a world that a student has not had an opportunity to experience. A performer can talk about safety, the use of an
intimacy coordinator, and why it's important A technician can talk about a new building process that has saved time and money for an organization There are all levels of individuals who are attending that need basic to expert insight
If you are new to SETC or nervous about getting involved, the process is easy. Simply complete the application with your session idea. Submissions are then designated to the experienced committee chairs. All proposals are reviewed and ranked. You may be asked to combine your session with another person if they are similar in scope. Finally, you will be notified if your proposal is accepted for the upcoming conference
The goal is to have a well-rounded selection of sessions to create learning opportunities for our entire community Being selected is also a great way to create opportunities for advancement and promotion at your job and within the conference.
Matthew Leckenbusch (he/him) Vice President of Services
JOB LISTINGS
Executive Director
SETC: Southeastern Theatre Conference
Assistant Professor of Costume Designer
Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO
Costume Shop Manager
FSU School of Theatre, Tallahassee, Florida
Remote
Take the next step in your career! Explore theses and many more available positions at the SETC Theatre Job Board.
To post a job listing, click here
Thanks to SETC’s Contributors Contributions made
Damian Hawkins
Please consider making a monthly, annual, or even occasional contribution to SETC It is tax-deductible and is the best way to ensure our organization's stability
TomakeadonationtoSETC,clickhere
BRIDGING & CREATIVES RESOURCES
g mbracing Joy
s often thrive on The live nd crafting a submission for d-the-camera skills that aren’t
hold space for their while carrying this occupational mportant to find a way through oy in self-tapes is a powerful at may cause actors to become -practice. One way to do this is ugh tips learned by other artists craft.
nity-building event, “Self-Tape ore of the Audrey Helps Actors g gathered from the many
Tiffany Gilly-Forrer (she/herr)) SETC Member
NEWS
Ten Tips for Self-Taping Success
1 Film Horizontally: Although a lot of media today is viewed vertically on a phone, professional motion pictures, film, and television are made for horizontal viewing So be sure to film horizontally, unless otherwise noted in the self-tape request
2 Use a Solid Background: Record yourself against a blank or solid background You can either buy a backdrop, or film against a blank wall It’s also good to consider color - be sure you or your outfit/costume don’t blend in with the backdrop!
3 Light Yourself Well: Make sure you are well-lit! You can use any lights to make that happen, and many actors buy a light or two specifically for fliming, but you can also use room light, natural light near a window during the day, or several lamps
4 Ensure You Can Be Heard: Ensure the video can hear you by testing your sound as well as your reader’s You can buy a set of lavalier (lapel) mics if you want higher quality, and your reader shouldn’t overpower you, but should also be heard and understood
5 Be Aware of Your Eyeline: If you’re in a scene with another character, often the best spot to look is slightly to the left or right of the camera. If you have a reader, have them stand behind the camera if possible or put a post-it note where you want to look. For the slate, look directly into the camera.
6.Breathe and Take Your Time: The nice thing about taping on your own instead of in an audition room is there’s no imposed schedule! So, remember to breathe, take your time, try not to rush your tape, and get as many takes as you need to get one that you like.
7.Memorize Your Part: It’s best to be as memorized as possible with your text, this way the casting directors, directors, and production team can focus on you telling story, seeing your eyes engage with the circumstances and scene partner.
8.Read, Re-read, and Re-read the Audition Breakdown: It’s important you understand all the instructions in the selftape request. Look for specific things in the slate, the size of the frame, and how to label your videos as those are often full of specs you don’t want to miss!
9.Have fun! Have fun!: Self-tapes can sometimes feel like a chore. If you let that stop you from having fun once in front of the camera, it will impact your performance. Find ways to center and recenter yourself to infused calm and fun in your spirit.
10.Ask for Help/Feedback: It’s okay to ask for help and feedback! It can be tough getting used to watching and hearing yourself on camera, so remember to be proud of your art, even if it’s hard. Ask people you trust to help improve your craft, especially other artists who’s opinions and experiences you trust and respect.
For more tips and best-practices around self-taping, check out past Self-Tape May submissions featured on the Audrey Helps Actors Instagram page, @audreyhelpsactorspodcast, and sign up for next year’s challenge in April 2026 at www.selftapemay.net.
In Memoriam: Michael Dinwiddie (1954–2025) Playwright. Educator. Advocate. Pioneer.
By Marci Duncan, SETC Director of Auditions
Southeastern Theatre Conference mourns the loss of Michael Dinwiddie, an extraordinary playwright, professor, and champion of Black theatre whose legacy continues to shape the landscape of American performance and pedagogy.
A member of the faculty at New York University’s Gallatin School and the first African American elected to the Dramatists Guild Council, Michael was a trailblazer in every sense His work as a writer was deeply rooted in cultural history, memory, and justice shining light on the Black experience with nuance, heart, and unwavering intellect. His plays and screenwriting credits earned national recognition, but even more powerful was his quiet work behind the scenes mentoring young artists, advocating for equity, and preserving Black artistic legacies.
Michael was a fierce believer in the power of theatre to tell the truth and change lives. Through his scholarship, service, and teaching, he uplifted countless students and colleagues, many of whom are now continuing the work he helped to pioneer
SETC is honored to have counted Michael among our community of artists and educators We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the generations of students who carry his teachings forward.
We remember him with love, gratitude, and the promise to keep telling stories that matter.
Michael Dinwiddie (he/him)
Michael Dinwiddie interviewing S. Epatha Merkerson, recipient of the 2024 SETC Lifetime Achievement Award, in Mobile, AL
Michael Dinwiddie at the 2025 Gala in Baltimore, MD
