From the Executive Director

My Goal Is to Build on SETC’s One-of-a-Kind Mission to Help Theatre People Succeed

by Susie Prueter, SETC Executive Director

I sure am learning a thing or two about convention planning! While I have organized a bunch of events in my career, nothing holds a candle to hosting 5,056 of your closest friends! My first months as SETC’s new executive director have been a whirlwind, but I can truthfully say how privileged I am to be here to help achieve the one-of-a-kind mission of SETC and to be of service.

I am one of many SETC success stories, having landed my graduate assistantship in arts administration at an SETC Convention back in 1989 … and in Louisville! Almost 31 years to the day afterward, I will be back in Louisville with gratitude, determination and proof that SETC is vigorously relevant and meaningful to theatre professionals, organizations and the industry.

After earning her MFA in arts administration from the University of Alabama, Prueter worked as company manager for Broadway shows and tours, including the third national tour of Les Miserables in 1995. Above, she is shown in the company manager’s office for that tour with cast member Ashley Tisdale.

I don’t know of another organization that supports our industry and professionals in such a 360-degree way as SETC. We help support, train and hire professionals from proscenium-back to proscenium-forward. Looking ahead, I have my eye on making sure we build our programming to promote, support and raise the bar for every job/professional in the theatre industry. The words that ring in my ears are “relevant,” “innovative,” “collaborative,” “professional,” and “inclusive.”

As I settle into my role at SETC, I must applaud the Executive Committee, the Search Committee, Betsey Horth and Central Office staff for their vision, planning and ongoing support in this transition process. Leadership change, especially after a 20-year tenure of the previous executive director, is daunting and unknown territory. SETC’s leadership provided incredibly thoughtful insight and skillful planning for this succession. After four months on the job, while I am certainly on my toes, I feel surrounded by support, goodwill and humor. Thank you to all for the very warm welcome!