JULY / AUGUST 2019
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS
www.setc.org
Don’t Miss SETC’s Upcoming Events
SETC Events Page 1
FALL PROFESSIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS
Professionals
Aug. 24-26, Sheraton Charlotte, Uptown Charlotte, NC Registration: Open now Online registration deadline: Noon ET, Aug. 12 Hotel group rate reservation deadline: Aug. 5 See Page 2 for sampling of companies casting. For more info and to register: www.setc.org/fall-professional
Pages 2 - 5
Community Theatre Page 6
Theatre for Youth Page 7
High School Theatre Page 8
College/University
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OUTDOOR THEATRE
Page 9
Publications
Oct. 1-3, The Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe, NM Online registration: Opens Noon ET, July 15 See Page 12 for story on conference. For more info and to register: www.outdoor-theatre.org/conference
Page 10
SETC Calendar Page 11
Outdoor Theatre Page 12
SCREENING AUDITIONS
Strategic Plan Leadership Page 14
Executive Director Page 15
Miscellaneous News Page 16
NEWS SUBMISSIONS Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
Photo courtesy of NCTC
Page 13
October-November (dates and locations vary) Registration: Opens Noon ET, Sept. 16 See Page 5 for a list of event dates and registration deadlines for each state. Don’t live in one of the SETC states? You can still participate. Visit www. setc.org/setc-screenings for details and for locations where auditionees are screened.
LiNK GRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITIONS/ INTERVIEWS: Acting, Directing, Management, Design & Technology Nov. 7-10, Atlanta, GA Online registration: Opens Noon ET, Aug. 1 More info: www.setc.org/link
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
More info: www.setc.org
FALL PROFESSIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS
Aug. 24-26, 2019 l Uptown Charlotte, NC
Find Jobs, Jobs and More Jobs ...
at the Fall Professional Unified Auditions!
The Stage Is Yours!! Sat., Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by:
Part talent show and part networking event,
The Stage Is Yours!!
provides a fun, casual setting to showcase your talents and meet fellow auditionees and company reps before the auditions begin. Bring your instrument, get creative, and enjoy some laughs and great talent. You’ll also get a preview of what hiring theatres are looking for, as casting reps take the stage to describe their hiring needs!
Companies will be casting for many types of shows, including regular season shows, dinner theatre, cruises, holiday shows, children’s theatre, outdoor shows, theme parks and more. Here are a few examples of theatres that have already registered, numbers of roles available and shows being cast: RWS Entertainment Group (1,200 roles) Booking for 30+ organizations: Holland America Cruise Line’s shows on 11 luxury ships with itineraries worldwide; Hersheypark’s 2019 holiday and summer shows; multiple theme parks for Halloween, holiday and summer seasons; resorts; and year-round corporate events and brand experiences.
Missoula Children’s Theatre (96 roles) Touring theatre hiring non-Equity performers. Shows for production include Jack and the Beanstalk; Snow Queen; Pinocchio; Peter & Wendy.
Carowinds Live Entertainment (33 roles)
Shrek the Musical is currently being
presented in Clarksville, IN, at Derby Dinner Playhouse, which will be casting for its next season at SETC’s Fall Professional Unified Auditions.
Hiring non-Equity performers. Shows for production include Tinker’s Toy Factory; Holly Jolly Trolley; Midway Merriment.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (30 roles) Hiring Equity and non-Equity performers. Shows for production include The Fantasticks; Pinkalicious the Musical; Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley; Buyer & Cellar; Maytag Virgin; and Treasure Island.
More details soon on additional theatres attending Others that have announced they plan to attend include Blue Gate Musicals, Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, The National Theatre for Children, Derby Dinner Playhouse and Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre. Check the website below for updates on companies attending.
Flying to Fall Auditions? Get a Discount on Delta! Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. Go to www.Delta.com and enter Meeting Event Code NY2WM under “Advanced Search”. You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY2WM. *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
More info: www.setc.org/fall-professional www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Getting a Job through SETC: Aaron Thomas Moore Aaron Moore, a 2019 BFA graduate of Valdosta State University, got the opportunity to fulfill one of his dreams – performing on a cruise ship – as a result of his audition (right) at the 2019 SETC Professional Auditions.
When prepping an audition piece… treat it as a whole scene. Click here to read some tips.
How has SETC helped you in your career? I had been working in a completely different career field for eight years after completing my associate degree. When I decided it was time to go back to school to finish my degree in musical theatre performance, I really didn’t know where to start. A mentor and friend who is closely associated with SETC suggested that I attend the spring convention and do the Undergraduate Auditions. Wow, what an experience! Not only did I find the right school for me, but I also made so many incredible connections to other professionals. My first year doing Professional Auditions, I booked with The Prizery Theatre in Virginia. This past year, I had several really exciting callbacks for year-round work, one of them being with Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian is a company I have dreamed of working for and was so hopeful to even get a callback time with them. Just one week after the SETC Convention in Knoxville, TN, I received a call offering me a contract as a vocalist for Norwegian! I am so excited to join this amazing company in the fall of this year. This incredible job opportunity would have not happened had it not been for SETC. All thanks to the connections that SETC provides.
What projects are you currently working on? I am in my second summer with The Prizery Theatre. I am assistant directing and choreographing, as well as playing several roles in their productions.
What is the favorite play or musical you’ve been involved with? I recently closed the show The Mystery of Edwin Drood in which I played the role of Chairman, and it was the most challenging and rewarding role I have experienced up to this point of my career. So, in turn, it is my favorite show so far.
More info: www.setc.org/auditions www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY NEWS
SETC Offers Two Grants for Professional Companies To attend the 2020 SETC Convention
To assist with hiring of staff
• Convention Grants
• Staffing Development Matching Grants
These grants provide organizations that are not current members of SETC with monetary support to attend the 2020 SETC Convention in Louisville, KY.
Know a professional company that would benefit from attending the SETC Convention? Send them here for more info and an application.
These grants provide SETC member non-academic professional theatres with money to assist with the hiring of staff to support existing programs or develop new ones.
Would your company benefit from a matching grant to hire additional staff? Go here for more info and an application.
WHAT DO GRANT RECIPIENTS SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE? 2019 Staffing Grant: ENDSTATION THEATRE COMPANY, Lynchburg, VA Endstation Theatre Company used its grant to hire two additional apprentices for its 2019 summer season. “The Apprenticeship Program is beneficial to both students and staff. It provides apprentices with a stepping stone into the industry and the staff with an opportunity to share their craft with the next generation of theatre professionals. We are forever grateful to SETC for this opportunity!” 2019 Convention Grant: THUNDER BAY THEATRE, Alpena, MI Thunder Bay Theatre was able to attend the SETC Convention for the first time. Producing Artistic Director Jeffrey Mindock and Associate Artistic Director Paige Mindock attended, focusing on the Professional Auditions, “which resulted in the hiring of four actors for the summer, making up 20% of our summer company.” The grant also made it possible for the theatre to attend SETC’s 2018 Fall Professional Unified Auditions, where they “found the type of year-round talent the organization seeks and sometimes lacks as a year-round professional theatre.” 2019 Convention Grant: NORTH CAROLINA BLACK REPERTORY COMPANY, Winston-Salem, NC North Carolina Black Repertory Company attended the Professional Auditions, the Disney reception and various workshops, as well as viewing Design Competition exhibits. “The professional actor auditions provided an introduction to new talent for our summer programming, and visiting the Design Competition offered us the chance to connect with multiple costume and scenic designers. The informative workshops and essential networking opportunities with a community of high-caliber theatre professionals were invaluable, and we hope to have at least one representative of the NC Black Repertory Company at future conferences.” More info: www.setc.org/theatre-company-grants www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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PROFESSIONAL THEATRE NEWS
Expanding the SETC Reach: Raising the Bar and Growing Our Numbers
Ginger Poole C H AI R, PR OFESSION A L TH E AT R E D IV ISIO N
This fall, SETC will add an 11th screening auditions site to serve potential auditionees in nine Northeastern states. We are looking at this addition of an out-of-region screening auditions site as a beta test. The new screening auditions will be held Oct. 5 at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, and will be open to auditionees from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. Auditionees from Maryland and Washington, DC, will continue to screen in Virginia. We are expecting a maximum of 200 auditionees at the New Jersey site, with 40 of those passed on to attend SETC’s 2020 Spring Professional Auditions.
Registration Opens Sept. 16 for SETC Screening Auditions Screening auditions held throughout the fall provide an opportunity for talented performers not yet working as full-time, professional actors to secure an audition slot at the SETC Spring Professional Auditions.
The addition of this screening site will not affect the number of audition slots for the Southeastern states at the SETC Convention. The 40 New Jersey slots will be added to the 780 slots already allotted to Southeastern states, giving us a total of 820 slots at the Spring Professional Auditions in Louisville, KY.
STATE
• support our mission in expanding services nationwide;
AUDITION DATES
Alabama Oct. 18-19 Florida Nov. 15-16 Georgia Oct. 18-19 Kentucky Nov. 23-24 Mississippi Nov. 23-24 New Jersey Oct. 5 N. Carolina Oct. 17-18 S. Carolina Nov. 16 Tennessee Oct. 19-20 Virginia Nov. 1-2 W. Virginia Nov. 9
APPLICATION DEADLINE Oct. 2 Oct. 30 Oct. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 23
All application deadlines are at noon ET on the date listed.
More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings
Our goals for this new screening auditions site are to: • increase our pool of working and seasoned actors; • continue to raise the bar of talent offered to professional companies. The Professional Theatre Division is looking forward to working with SETC Central Office staff members Susie Prueter and April Marshall on this new endeavor. Susie, SETC’s executive director, recently shared her excitement about the project with me in a phone call: “Traditionally, we have seen very few people from the northeastern states participate in the screening auditions,” she said. “We are always interested in making our services more accessible and connecting great talent with great jobs.” Thank you all for your support as we introduce this new screening. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Fall Professional Unified Auditions and/or the spring SETC Convention.
More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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COMMUNITY THEATRE NEWS
AACTFest 2019 Showcases the High Quality of Community Theatre Nationally and in Our Region
Tom Booth CHAI R, C OM M U N ITY TH E AT R E D IV ISIO N
In late June, I had the opportunity to attend the American Association of Community Theatre’s gathering in Gettysburg, PA. I heard a variety of speakers, participated in board meetings, workshops and social gatherings, and absorbed the talent of the 12 shows competing in the biennial AACTFest. As AACT’s largest region (Region IV), SETC sends two shows to the festival. We were represented well by The Diviners, presented by Alabama’s Wetumpka Depot Players, and Romeo and Juliet, presented by South Carolina’s Mill Town Players.
Accolades for our region’s shows Romeo and Juliet received National Awards of Excellence in Ensemble Performance and in Acting (Kat Bates). It also received an award for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design (Beth King). The Diviners won accolades including the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Show, Favorite Moment and Favorite Actor (Reese Lynch), as well as National Awards of Excellence in Costume Design (Gayle Sandlin), Sound Left: Wetumpka Depot Players’ production of The Diviners. Design (Kristy Meanor), Outstanding Theatrical Moment, Right: Mill Town Players’ production of Romeo and Juliet. and Acting (Reese Lynch and Lauren Norris). “We are beyond excited and thankful for the opportunity,” said Kristy Meanor, Wetumpka’s executive director. Kristy was an adjudicator for the AACTFest Youth Festival and was added as a region representative, serving along with Lynn Nelson, who was honored as an AACT Fellow. Steven Butler and I were elected to join the board, which includes Southeast members Kris Geddie and Michael Cochran. Rick Kerby from Florida serves as AACT president. SETC Central Office staff members April Marshall and Susie Prueter attended and gathered information for possible SETC/AACT collaboration. “I was blown away by the scope, quality, productivity and professionalism of the organizations represented,” said Executive Director Susie Prueter, summing up many of our thoughts. “‘Community’ means ‘service,’ and these amazing theatre companies provide meaningful services and quality of life for their hometowns and beyond.”
Join us in Louisville If you would like more information about how to get involved with SETC’s Community Theatre Division, please email me at tbooth54@gmail.com or visit the web address below. We need and want you to participate in our next convention and festival – in Louisville, KY, in February 2020. See you there!
More info: www.setc.org/community-theatre www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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THEATRE FOR YOUTH NEWS
Two Ways to Get Involved in Theatre for Youth 3 Bring a Show to Louisville
W. Riley Braem CHAI R, T HEAT R E FO R Y O U T H D IV ISION
The Theatre for Youth Division is now accepting applications for our annual Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival at the 2020 SETC Convention. In addition to presenting their shows at no cost to local youth from area schools, theatres participating in the festival have an opportunity to receive feedback from two respondents who are leaders in the theatre for youth field.
Cityscape, presented by Jumping Jack Theatre of
Pittsburgh, PA, was one of the shows in the 2019 Theatre for Youth Festival. Photo by Friedman Wagner-Dobler.
We strive to include productions from one youth theatre, one college/university group, and one professional theatre for youth company. The festival guidelines are: • Companies must be able to provide proof of rights to produce the show. • Length of performance CANNOT exceed 60 minutes. • Companies must be able to set up and strike their set in 15 minutes. • Companies must provide their own tech crew. Applying to participate in the festival is easy. Just complete the online form found here.
3 Present a Workshop Each year we look for individuals to present workshops geared toward Theatre for Youth at the SETC Convention. Our division is eager to expand our workshop programming to match our diverse membership. We are looking for individuals who can present a workshop on the following topics: • Hip Hop in Youth Theatre • Theatre for the Very Young • Digital Storytelling • Queer Youth Theatre • Teaching Artistry • Playwriting with Youth • Producing Youth Theatre on a Budget • Devising with Young People • Working with and for Youth with (Dis)abilities If you would like to present a workshop on any of the topics above or have another idea that you think would be great for the TFY Division, I encourage you to apply to present a workshop by clicking here.
More info: www.setc.org/theatre-for-youth www.setc.org
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SECONDARY SCHOOL THEATRE NEWS
Join Us for Special Convention Programs on Saturday Just for High School Students All of us at SETC who help with programming for high school students and teachers have been brainstorming new and exciting adventures for participants in our High School Theatre Festival and Teachers Institute. Elaine Malone CH AI R , SEC ON D A RY SCH O O L T HEAT R E D IV ISIO N
The big news we would like to share is that we are working to reshape the Saturday of convention into a “High School Boot Camp” day. It’s a working title but helps to express what our objectives are.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? We welcome your thoughts, comments, ideas and even your volunteer help to make the first annual Saturday High School Boot Camp a reality and a splendid success. Please send your thoughts to Cadie Burks, SETC’s educational services manager, at cadie@ setc.org, and to me, as chair of the Secondary School Theatre Division and the Teachers Institute, at elainemalone48@ gmail.com.
What would High School Boot Camp encompass? We are designing a day for high school students to: • spend designated time in the Exhibit Hall exploring College/University booths; • get a free professional headshot taken; • attend a panel about the many jobs available in the industry; • participate in Tech and Administrative Olympics; • perform in an improv competition; • participate in 10-minute plays; • attend multiple hands-on workshops. We can pack the day with activities fashioned to stimulate and awaken student interest in all aspects of creativity and theatre!
Who might attend High School Boot Camp? Boot Camp will be a great opportunity for high school students who have finished their work at the High School Theatre Festival and are waiting for the Gala Awards Banquet on Saturday night. It also may appeal to students who live in the city where the convention is being held and want to come for a full day of theatre immersion.
More info: Email elainemalone48@gmail.com www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY THEATRE NEWS
Survey Results: A Decline in Applicants?
Robert HomerDrummond C HAIR, CO L L EG E A N D UNIVE R SIT Y T HEAT R E D IV ISIO N
Recently you received an email survey from SETC asking if you had noticed a downtrend in recruiting at your institution. Considering the time of year, we felt that we received a significant number of responses and substantive answers, and we wanted to share the results with you. The questions: 1) Are fewer students applying to your programs? 2) If so, when did the slowdown start? 3) Do you see it as a trend? 4) What do you attribute this slowdown to? The results: We received 18 responses from faculty at SETC institutions. Of those, 67% said they had seen a decline (12 responses); 17% said that their recruiting numbers were holding steady or getting stronger (3 responses); and 17% (3 responses) said that it depended on the major, with numbers up in some program areas and down in others. It is my impression that those who reported steady numbers were from larger or more established programs. Details: Of the schools that reported a decline, most said they noticed the start of the downturn 2-3 years ago, although several reported seeing the decrease over a much longer period of time. Many offered thoughtful analysis suggesting reasons for the reduction, including: a national downtrend in the number of eligible students due to declining birthrates; the perceived usefulness of the degree on the part of parents and students; a healthy economy that draws eligible candidates immediately to the workforce; and an anti-intellectual pushback among the general population of the U.S. against the liberal arts. One school representative also suggested that the downturn might be due to the higher cost of education relative to the starting salaries of theatre jobs and the possibility that too many theatre programs are competing for too few students. Another representative suggested that the educational trend to move toward more online training may be hurting programs that cannot be taught totally online. If you wish to receive a more complete chart of this information with institution and individual names deleted, please email me at rhomer-drummond@andersonuniversity.edu.
Join Us at the
COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY ROUNDTABLE in Louisville
Thanks for giving me the go-ahead in our recent meeting to plan what I am calling the CURT: College/University Roundtable at the 2020 SETC Convention in Louisville, KY. Join us to discuss working with university budgets/finances, gaining support for theatre programs from university administration, encouraging/supervising the creation of original work by undergraduates, how the #MeToo movement is affecting college/university theatre programs, the decline in applicants discussed above, and more. I’m hoping that our collective wisdom will be helpful and inspiring. If you have suggestions for the roundtable seminars, please feel free to email me at the address above.
More info: Email Robert at the address above www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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PUBLICATIONS MAY / JUNE 2019
Volume
r 1 • Winter
2019 • $8.00
LX Numbe
www.setc.org
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS SETC Events Pages 1 - 3
Professionals Page 4
Convention News Page 5
High School Awards Page 6
Community Theatre Page 7
INSIDE: ge, 2019 Colley & Universit al Profession ram Prog Training tory Direc
Design Awards Pages 8 - 11
Theatre Symposium Page 12
SETC Fall Professional Unified Auditions Aug. 25-26, 2019 HIRING FOR: 4 Late fall/winter/ early spring shows 4 Dinner theatres 4 Cruise ships 4 Entertainment venues 4 Holiday shows 4 Halloween shows
Louisville: 2020 Page 13
SETC Hall of Fame
SHERATON CHARLOTTE HOTEL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC l
Registration Opens June 14! Details: www.setc.org/fall-professional
Page 14
New ED Shares Goals Page 15
Miscellaneous News
eatre Love Thsiness? NEWS SUBMISSIONS and Bu er in Deanna Thompson, Editor Page 16
Care Explore a gement Theatre Mananistration or Arts Admi
Make plans now to join us for the
2019 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre Oct. 1-3, 2019 l Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe, NM Not Just for Outdoor Theatres: Open to All!
deanna@setc.org
Branding n Digital
essio Best Impr Make Your Employers Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. on Potential
101 Etiquette to Help You Pas 10 Principles age Faux Avoid Offst
Registration opens July 8: outdoor-theatre.org/conference More info: www.setc.org/fall-professional
Did You Know that SETC Publishes a Variety of Items, from Newsletters to Books to Magazines to Directories? Southern Theatre Magazine The premier magazine covering theatre in the Southeastern U.S. and beyond, Southern Theatre is published quarterly and sent to all individual and organizational members. Non-member subscriptions are available. Southern Theatre offers full-color advertising opportunities, as well as black-and-white ads in its annual College, University & Training Programs Directory. See the latest issue.
DID YOU KNOW THAT ADS ARE AVAILABLE ON SELECT SETC WEBSITE PAGES? For details, email Clay at clay@setc.org.
SETC News Looking for the latest news about SETC events? Our in-depth newsletter is published bi-monthly online and sent to SETC’s membership via email. View issues here. Theatre Symposium This annual scholarly publication features papers presented about a particular topic at the SETC Theatre Symposium event, a conference held each spring. Learn more.
More info on SETC Publications or Advertising? Email Clay at clay@setc.org.
Outdoor Theatre Facilities From the initial concept to opening night, this book covers all aspects of planning, equipping, designing and constructing outdoor performance facilities. Buy the book. Theatre Job Board Seeking a new job? SETC Theatre Job Board is an online listing of theatre job openings and audition notices. All SETC members have access to the job board and receive email alerts on new postings. Member organizations receive discounts on postings. View here. Membership Directory Need to contact a member? One of your benefits as a member is access to the SETC Membership Directory, which is available online. The Membership Directory updates in real time as members join and provide their information. Plus, you can search the directory and filter results. Log in at setc.matchingneeds.com. Convention News The convention newspaper is your first glance at the keynotes, masterclasses, special events and schedule of over 300 workshops that are offered at the SETC Convention. This publication is mailed to all SETC members. Read the 2019 newspaper. Convention Program The convention program, containing more than 60 pages of information and programming, is distributed to the 5,000+ attendees at the annual SETC Convention. Advertising is available. View the 2019 program. More info: www.setc.org/publications
www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2019-2020 SETC Calendar FALL EVENTS
WINTER EVENTS
FALL BOARD/ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS Aug. 22-25, 2019, Uptown Charlotte, NC RSVP: Open Now - Aug. 10 Hotel Reservations: Open Now - Aug. 5
EXCOM MEETING January 2020, Date and Location TBA SUMMER AND OUTDOOR THEATRE AUDITIONS Jan. 17-18, 2020, Greensboro, NC
FALL PROFESSIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS Aug. 24-26, 2019, Uptown Charlotte, NC
Registration: Dec. 4 - 18 at noon ET (or until all slots are filled)
Professional Actor/Dancer Pre-Registration:
SPRING EVENTS
Open Now - Aug. 12
Professional Company Registration: Open Now - Aug. 12
Professional Qualifier Registration: Open Now - Aug. 12
71ST ANNUAL SETC CONVENTION Feb. 26-March 1, 2020, Louisville, KY
Hotel Reservations:
Workshop Proposal Submissions with AV Requests:
Open Now - Aug. 5
Open Now - Aug. 30 at 5 p.m. ET
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OUTDOOR THEATRE Oct. 1-3, 2019, The Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe, NM Registration: July 15 - Sept. 13 Hotel Reservations: July 15 - Sept. 17
Open Now - Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. ET Fringe Festival Applications: Aug. 1 - Oct. 1 Theatre for Youth Festival Applications: Open Now - Sept. 15 Convention Registration: Opens Oct. 15
Early-Bird Convention Registration Deadline:
SETC SCREENING AUDITIONS October-November 2019, All SETC States and New Jersey Registration: Opens Sept. 16; deadlines vary by state
For application guidelines, please visit: www.setc.org/setc-screenings * Note: Individuals who are passed from the SETC Screening Auditions will have specified deadlines to register for the SETC Convention and Spring Professional Auditions. Dates are also noted on the screening information.
LiNK: YOUR CONNECTION TO ADVANCED THEATRE DEGREES Nov. 7-10, 2019, Atlanta, GA Recruiter and Student Registration: Opens Aug. 1 Early Registration Deadline: Sept. 12 Late Registration Deadline: Oct. 24 Hotel Reservations: Open Now - Oct. 24 (link for reservations is at www.setc.org/auditions/link)
Workshop Proposal Submissions without AV Requests:
Dec. 13 at noon ET
Professional Auditionee Registration Deadline: Jan. 15 at noon ET
Hiring Company Registration Deadline for Professional Auditions and Theatre Job Fair: Jan. 15 at noon ET Pre-Show Registration Deadline for all other individuals and events: Jan. 22 at noon ET Convention Hotel Reservations: TBA Deadline for All Convention Refunds: Jan. 15
THEATRE SYMPOSIUM April 3-5, 2020 (Tentative), Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA Topic: “Theatre and Race” Abstract Submission Deadline: Jan. 6 Registration Opens: TBA
EXCOM MEETING May 2020, Date and Location TBA
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS SETC is proud to provide financial support to students, professionals and producing theatre companies through theatre grants, scholarships and awards. Submission acceptance dates and deadlines vary. For more information, please visit www.setc.org/ scholarships-awards.
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
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OUTDOOR THEATRE
Join Us for the 2019 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre Where theatre leaders share their experience and explore new concepts Don’t miss the 56th National Conference on Outdoor Theatre on Oct. 1-3, 2019, hosted by the world-renowned The Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico.
Nominations Sought for SETC Leaders Nominations are being accepted for SETC officers and the Nominations Committee for 2020-2021. Visit www.setc.org/ leadership/boardof-directors to meet current leaders of the organization. To nominate a leader, complete the form online here by Aug. 6.
The conference will be packed with activities, including roundtable discussions, networking events, tours of The Santa Fe Opera complex, and informative presentations The Santa Fe Opera features an open-air theatre with roof set against a mountain backdrop. on subjects ranging from surprising new concepts in projection design/technology for outdoor performances to advice on creating/presenting site-specific theatre pieces. Provocative roundtable discussions will focus on the creation of new content for outdoor theatres, ideas that can foster alternative income, and brainstorming on a variety of operational and artistic challenges that theatres are facing. Tours of The Santa Fe Opera facilities will explore and share the recently completed $38 million in renovations and improvements that are benefiting audience members, theatre staff, the environment and the local community. Those attending also will enjoy creative inspiration in a tour of Meow Wolf, an immersive storytelling experience and exhibition that has interactive performance elements.
MORE INFORMATION Registration opens July 15. Look for a detailed schedule as well as registration and hotel accommodation directions at outdoor-theatre.org/conference.
FLYING TO SANTA FE? GET A DISCOUNT ON DELTA! Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for the Southeastern Theatre Conference. Go to www.Delta.com and enter Meeting Event Code NY2WM under “Advanced Search”. You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY2WM. *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number. The Executive Committee met in Greensboro, NC, on May 13-15, 2019. Actions taken include:
ExCom Report by Jeff Gibson
• Approved transitioning management of SETC’s endowment and corporate reserves to TIAA; • Delegated authority to a subcommittee for creation of an investment policy for SETC. Full minutes available soon at www.setc.org/leadership/minutes-archives.
More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference www.setc.org
July / August 2019
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STRATEGIC PLANNING
Looking Ahead to 2025 Help SETC Create a New 5-Year Strategic Plan
Maegan McNerney Azar VP, AD MIN IST R AT ION
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Maegan McNerney Azar (Furman University) SETC VP of Administration; Chair, Strategic Planning Lee Crouse (Mississippi University for Women) SETC VP of Services Marci Duncan (University of West Florida) Florida State Rep; Chair, SETC Auditions Committee Alan Litsey (Birmingham-Southern College) SETC Past President Rowen Haigh Mahoney (White Flag Performance Group) Chair, SETC Women in Theatre Interest Group Neno Russell (Virginia Commonwealth University) Past Chair, SETC Design/ Tech Committee
The purpose of a strategic plan is to guide an organization into the future. With an organization like SETC, that means taking the time to really examine and honor our past while working with and listening to the many diverse constituents who can shape our future. Currently, SETC’s Strategic Planning Committee is doing just that. Just as our new executive director was taking the reins, President Jeff Gibson and I began to talk about what the next strategic planning process might look like. Our goal is to deliver a 5-year plan at the 2020 SETC Convention. The Executive Committee, led by Jeff, and the Central Office Staff, led by Executive Director Susie Prueter, have been having extensive conversations based on the information that is being gathered by the Strategic Planning Committee. That relationship between governance and operations is an imperative component in this process. At the 2019 convention, committee members visited division meetings, state meetings, committee meetings and interest group meetings to hear what our membership – you – had to say about SETC’s mission and what we can be doing to serve your needs. This spring, we conducted an external assessment of other organizations that are potential collaborators. One thing that is clear is that SETC’s mission to “connect you to opportunities in theatre nationwide” is critical to our past and future success. As we looked outward, in order to have a better vision inward, we have found more avenues for partnerships throughout the country. Those collaborations are something that SETC highly values. Now, the more concrete aspect of the process begins. We will be reporting out at the Fall Board Meetings and putting pen to paper to give structure to the musings that we have been analyzing. Many initiatives are already underway as the Central Office moves forward with implementing ideas and the Executive Committee moves forward with reshaping governance. Not only are we looking ahead to 2025, but we’re making moves in that direction, too.
Have ideas you want to share with the Strategic Planning Committee? Send an email to info@setc.org and note that you have information for the Strategic Plan 2025.
More info: Email info@setc.org www.setc.org
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SETC LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
SETC Develops Plan to Identify and Grow Leaders
Jeff Gibson PR ESID ENT
In the March/April SETC News, I encouraged members to “connect with SETC leadership” at the Knoxville convention and noted a process was underway to engage and develop future leaders for our organization in a more comprehensive way. At our recent Executive Committee meetings in May, we further refined that plan.
GET STARTED THIS FALL!
Our approach is comprehensive and includes multiple elements to be established over the next two years. It strives to identify and cultivate leaders for SETC and to help members develop leadership skills.
All are invited to join us in Charlotte for our Fall Board Meetings in August 2019. Friday evening’s Board Leadership Forum will feature directors from the Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) Leadership Institute, who will help us discover how to “lead from where you are.”
Here are the key components of our program:
More information: setc.org/events/ board-meetings
NOMINATE A LEADER! See Page 12 for details on how to nominate yourself or someone else as a 2020-21 SETC leader.
4 LEADERSHIP IDENTIFICATION
Interested in becoming part of SETC’s leadership? We offer three opportunities to help you find your place in SETC’s leadership structure: • Convention Mentorship. Connect with SETC leaders at the convention using the online application: setc.org/convention/mentorship • Leadership Connection. Meet current SETC leaders at our convention booth to explore pathways for engagement. • SETC Leadership Interest Meetings. Learn about SETC’s organizational structure and opportunities for involvement.
4 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Would you like to further develop your skills as a leader or manager? We plan to offer the following programs at the August Meetings and the SETC Convention: • August Board Leadership Forum. Join us for engaging presentations and discussions on topical governance issues and nonprofit management strategies. • Pre-Convention Intensives. Take advantage of day-long leadership training targeted to both educators and professionals.
4 BOARD ORIENTATION
Looking for insights into your committee or board role? We are committed to programs that help chairs and board members succeed as leaders in their jobs: • Convention. Incoming and outgoing chairs and board members meet for Sunday morning exchanges. • August Meetings. Chairs and board members participate in training and discussion within Advisory Councils and are connected to staff who will work in tandem with them during their terms of service. • Online Modules. Engaging media focused on topics such as Governance and Staff, Chair and Board Purposes, and Resources will be available, along with a user-friendly handbook for easy reference. More info: www.setc.org/leadership
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REFLECTIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Your Feedback Helps Guide SETC
Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R
I have lots in common with the myriad of Presidential candidates roaming the country. Like them, during my first six months with SETC, I have been on a “listening tour.” And the one terrific thing I have learned is that we don’t function in a vacuum. Our programming is based on survey feedback, constituent input, and real work to comprehend the services and issues beckoning to be addressed. Making It Easy From adding an 11th screening audition in New Jersey to creating a Theatre Boot Camp for high school students at the SETC Convention, we are coming up with ways to broaden our reach and better craft the experience for our many constituents.
Might We Have a Problem? Born out of the “where have all the technical directors gone” conversation, we’re connecting dots and have begun to question a possible troubling decline in high school students seeking careers in the theatre. Our ears are to the ground and, if this proves to be true, you can bet SETC will be working to get ahead of the problem.
Theatre Is Community At the American Association of Community Theatre’s AACTFest 2019, I got to experience extraordinary theatre and brainstorm ideas with the best. It completely changed my perception of community theatre. While most participants are volunteers, many of these companies have prolific seasons, big-dollar budgets, and full-time staffs. Akin to SETC’s mission, they are creating inclusive opportunities in theatre for all.
The Hills Are Alive We continue to watch the business of outdoor theatre evolve. You might think only of historical dramas or Shakespeare in the Park, but we are following a burgeoning sitespecific type of theatre in warehouses, train stations and farm fields. It’s an exciting time under the stars, and we are all ears. SETC is putting all these learnings together to create a cohesive strategic plan. All of our notes are evolving into action plans to move the craft and the creators of theatre forward. SETC is grateful to the many dedicated organizational leaders who are sharing their experience, candor and guidance in putting this plan together. Please keep talking. We’re listening.
More info: Email susie@setc.org www.setc.org
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
Central Office SETC Institute of Outdoor Theatre 1175 Revolution Mill Dr., Studio 14 Greensboro NC 27405 336-272-3645 info@setc.org Susie Prueter susie@setc.org Executive Director April J’C Marshall april@setc.org Professional Theatre Cadie Burks cadie@setc.org Educational Services Clay Thornton clay@setc.org Marketing/Advertising Kim Doty kim@setc.org Communications/Website Bradley Branham bradley@setc.org Programming Nicole Francis nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Pat Shumate pat@setc.org General Questions Amanda Nielsen info@setc.org General Questions
Executive Committee Jeff Gibson President Maegan McNerney Azar VP of Administration Lee Crouse VP of Services Jonathan Michaelsen VP of Finance Rebecca Beasley Secretary Jack Benjamin Elected Past President Kris Rau McIntyre VP of States Tom Booth VP of Divisions
NEW BOOKS The Singer Acts, The Actor Sings by Glenn Seven Allen 2019; Methuen Drama; online link here Pages: 110. Price: $24.95 (paperback); also available in hardback, epub, pdf The Actor’s Survival Guide: How to Make Your Way in Hollywood by Jon S. Robbins 2019; Methuen Drama; online link here Pages: 239. Price: $29.95 (paperback); also available in hardback, epub, pdf Staging Musicals: An Essential Guide, Second Edition by Matthew White 2019; Methuen Drama; online link here Pages: 208. Price: $29.95 (paperback); also available in hardback, epub, pdf
Congrats to Staff Member Cadie Burks! Cadie Burks (left), SETC’s educational services manager, and Holly Reiber were married June 8 in Roanoke, VA, at the historic Fishburn Mansion. To share their love for adventure, the couple included plenty of carnival games, including ring toss, cornhole and bean bag toss, in the celebration. And the doughnut display was worth drooling over! Members of the SETC Central Office staff put their convention and event planning skills to the test by helping with set-up, cooking enough food for 80 people, and serving guests at the bar!
In Memoriam Steve Bayless, who served as SETC’s administrative vice president and its programming vice president, passed away June 24, 2019, at the age of 71. He was the current executive director of the Florida Theatre Conference and previously had been a beloved music and theatre teacher for more than 35 years at 16th Street Junior High and then Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, FL. Active in SETC for many years, he received the organization’s prestigious Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award in 2013. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 2019, at First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg. Send your news to deanna@setc.org
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