SETC News September/October 2019

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019

Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.

www.setc.org

CONTENTS Outdoor Theatre Pages 1, 14

LiNK Grad Auditions Page 2

2020 Convention Page 3

Fall Auditions

Register by Sept. 13 for the 56th NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OUTDOOR THEATRE OCT. 1 - 3, 2019 Hosted by The Santa Fe Opera u Santa Fe, NM Click here for detailed information and to register!

Page 4

Professionals Pages 5 - 7

Growing within SETC Page 8

SETC Scholarships Page 9

Around the Region Page 10

Explore Leadership Page 11

Connect at Exhibits

More info: Page 14

Page 12

Arts Admin Grant Page 13

Miscellaneous News Pages 15 - 16

NEWS SUBMISSIONS Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org

u All are welcome to attend u See innovations in projection design/technology u Develop new work through community engagement u Explore place-making theatre from Italy u Tour The Santa Fe Opera complex u Get creative inspiration at Meow Wolf

Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.

Conference program sponsors: Paul Green Foundation, Inc., USITT, Arts People

More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NEWS

DEADLINES TO REGISTER: For academic institutions Early deadline: Sept. 12, 2019 ($200) Late deadline: Oct. 24, 2019 ($300) For applicants Early deadline: Sept. 12, 2019 ($50) Late deadline: Oct. 24, 2019 ($75)

Looking for a Graduate Program?

Start Your Search at LiNK! Last year, more than 40 graduate programs from across the country attended LiNK to audition and interview prospective candidates for all areas of theatre study. This low-cost event, created jointly by SETC and USITT, offers a convenient and affordable opportunity for future grad students to meet with multiple schools in one place.

Almost every graduate program that attends LiNK offers financial assistance to applicants in the form of scholarships, assistantships, stipends and tuition waivers.

Friday, Nov. 8: Acting auditions and interviews for directing and management areas.

Saturday, Nov. 9:

On-site Registration (not recommended): Nov. 9-10, 2019 ($100)

Interviews for design and technical areas.

MORE INFORMATION:

The cost for applicants is only $50 (early registration rate). The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Airport, which offers rates of $108 plus tax per night, free Wi-Fi in all meeting spaces, free airport shuttle service, $7 parking, plus $17 all-inclusive breakfast and $20 all-inclusive lunch buffets.

Visit www.setc.org/link or www.usitt.org/link for information on programs offered at each school and details on the auditions/ interview process.

FLY DELTA AND SAVE! Click here and scroll down for information on special SETC discounts on Delta Airlines.

Sunday, Nov. 10: Reserved for extra interview time.

Don’t miss the LiNK SoirÊe on Friday Back by popular demand, this Friday evening social allows candidates and school representatives to reconnect after auditions and management interviews and meet and greet before a day of design and technical interviews.

Get social on Saturday night Join us for a second networking event, the LiNK Wine-Down, on Saturday evening!

More info: setc.org/link or usitt.org/link

www.setc.org

September / October 2019

2

2020 SETC CONVENTION

There’s Still Time to Propose a Workshop Have an idea for a workshop at the 2020 SETC Convention? SETC strives to achieve a balance of programming for all attendees. We are excited to enrich our program offerings for our next convention by offering innovative programming that provides practical development for emerging and seasoned professionals alike. While we offer programming that covers a wide variety of topics, we are seeking additional workshops in the following areas: • Administration and Management • Professional Career Building • Directing • Cultural Diversity Before submitting a proposal, please view our updated guidelines here.

DEADLINE FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS: SEPT. 13, 2019

SETC CONVENTION Feb. 26 - March 1, 2020 Louisville, KY

Convention registration opens: Oct. 15, 2019 Hotel reservations open: Soon after! Date TBA

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET ... FOR LOUISVILLE!

Check out the Hotel Booking Rules

The newly renovated Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) is located in close proximity to a number of hotels.

As we prepare to open hotel room blocks this fall for the 2020 SETC Convention in Louisville, we wanted to let you know that several of the hotels will again require a nonrefundable one-nightroom-plus-tax payment to confirm your reservation. The rest of your bill will be due upon checkout.

This policy, instituted last year, helps SETC meet its contractual requirements and incentive goals, thus keeping everyone’s costs lower. It also provides a more fair opportunity for everyone to secure hotel rooms close to the convention center by preventing attendees from stockpiling rooms and then cancelling at the last minute.

Not all hotels will require the upfront payment. SETC will denote which hotels require nonrefundable deposits when we open reservations. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation.

If you have questions, please feel free to call the SETC Central Office or email us at info@setc.org.

More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org

September / October 2019

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FALL PROFESSIONAL UNIFIED AUDITIONS

Thanks to the many people who helped make the SETC Fall Professional Unified Auditions a success.

A special round of applause to: u Break a Leg Network and Dwayne Ague for sponsoring the Saturday evening social event, The Stage Is Yours!! u Lee Buckholz and Dennis McKeen for emceeing at The Stage Is Yours!! u Wally Nason of Blue Gate Musicals for sponsoring our new “Block Rocker� for future dance calls and The Stage Is Yours!! u Lee Buckholtz of Derby Dinner Playhouse for providing lighting for the auditions. u Alison Lenox of ACL Theatre Resources for providing samples of Treading the Boards. u Annie Chadwick of Up-To-Date Theatricals for leading workshops on taxes and seeking representation.

Fall Professional Unified Auditions:

By the Numbers 21 43 211 600+ 640+ 2700 $550 $2000

Number of companies attending Fall Auditions, Aug. 25-26, 2019 Number of casting representatives attending Number of actors, singers and dancers auditioning Number of callbacks offered by companies Number of Equity role possibilities Total roles available

Average weekly salary offered

Highest weekly salary offered

More info: www.setc.org/fall-professional www.setc.org

September / October 2019

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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Getting a Job through SETC: Sarah Leigh Beason Sarah Leigh Beason attended her first SETC Professional Auditions at the annual convention this year – and scored a summer contract with Theatre West Virginia, portraying Lily St. Regis in Annie, Spirit McCoy in Hatfields and McCoys and Ramona in Paradise Park: The Musical.

What was your first professional job?

Most extraordinary thing about you, outside of theatre?

I was homeschooled all through K-12.

My first professional work was at The New Vic Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI, while I was in high school. However, my first contract out of college was at The Barn Theatre in August, MI, where I was able to become an Equity Membership Candidate.

What projects are you working on now?

Right now, I’m assistant directing a short opera at my alma mater (Bethel University in Indiana) before I go on a two-month tour with The National Theatre for Children (see profile, Page 6).

What type of shows do you like to do best?

Generally, I love to do musicals. My favorite part about theatre is character work, and I particularly love exploring characters through song. However, I also love the depth that you are often able to explore in characters while working on a straight show.

How do you get your jobs? Do you always work as a professional?

Most of my jobs come through auditions such as SETC, but also through general networking and submissions. I generally work only as a professional, though I will occasionally use my skills to help out a good cause on a non-professional basis.

How has SETC helped you move forward in your career?

What I enjoyed about the spring SETC (in addition to booking a job!) was the learning opportunities made available. I thoroughly enjoyed attending workshops, networking and gaining current information about different companies and what casting is currently looking for in auditions, since there isn’t as much opportunity for this type of learning as a professional actor who spends most of their time in the Midwest.

More info: www.setc.org/professional www.setc.org

September / October 2019

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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

Hiring through SETC: The National Theatre for Children ‘SETC provides us opportunities to meet talented professional actors from all over the country.’

- Joe Heaney, Casting Manager SETC recently caught up with Joe Heaney, casting manager for The National Theatre for Children in Minneapolis, MN.

When was your theatre founded? And what is your mission?

The National Theatre for Children (NTC) was founded in 1978 as Small Change Theatre. NTC’s mission is to impart knowledge and skills that empower students and their families through live theatre to create meaningful change in their lives, in their homes and in their communities.

Actors Evan Jackson and Lilly Lancaster perform NTC’s show Ready or Not at Birch Grove School for the Arts in Brooklyn Park, MN. Ready or Not is designed for K-5 grade students and their parents and focuses on emergency preparedness in the home and at school.

The in-school program is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Ready Nation Ambassador program.

What type of shows are you mainly known for?

We produce original educational shows that teach, entertain and inspire students of all ages. Our productions are exclusively touring productions. Typically, we perform in school auditoriums and gymnasiums. Shows we are currently producing include Energy Endgame, Kilowatt Kitchen, Once Upon a Flame and The Aqua League.

How does SETC assist you in your operations?

NTC has been attending SETC Professional Auditions for over 10 years. The SETC Professional Auditions are a great way for us to find professionals year in and year out.

Are your actors and crew all paid professionals?

All of our actors are paid professionals. All of our tech is done in-house by our technical director, Nate Metcalf, who also holds the record for most tours with NTC.

What other opportunities for work and development do you provide for your employees?

Occasionally, NTC hires actors who have toured with us for part-time office work scheduling school performances. In fact, most of our office employees are former NTC actors.

What is the most unusual or interesting fact about your theatre?

One hundred percent of our shows are original and written in-house.

More info: nationaltheatre.com www.setc.org

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SCREENINGS FOR PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS

SETC Screening Auditions Schedule Who should attend

Actors who don’t yet meet all qualifications to apply as a professional for the SETC Spring Professional Auditions can participate in an SETC Professional Screening in one of the 11 states below to qualify for the spring auditions.

This requirement applies to ALL STUDENTS, regardless of where they reside or go to school. ADULTS also may register for the SETC Screenings to earn a slot. Register in either: 1) The state assigned for your state of permanent residence, or 2) the state where your college or university is located. Check the website at bottom of page for application deadlines.

ALABAMA

Oct. 18-19, 2019 U. of Ala.-Birmingham Birmingham, AL Auditions Coordinator: Ellen Peck 256-782-5489 epeck@jsu.edu

FLORIDA

Nov. 15-16, 2019 Santa Fe College Gainesville, FL

Not in one of the above states?

Auditions Coordinator: Marci Duncan 850-524-1619 marcijeneseduncan@hotmail. com

GEORGIA

Oct. 18-19, 2019 Georgia Southwestern S.U. Americus, GA Auditions Coordinator: Celeste Morris 404-692-3005 celeste.morris@ung.edu

If you don’t live or go to school in one of the above states and wish to audition, check the chart below for your audition location. The state where you go to school or reside (as your home state) determines your audition site.

KENTUCKY

SOUTH CAROLINA

University of Louisville Louisville, KY

Francis Marion University Florence, SC

Auditions Coordinator: Jeremy Kisling 859-254-4546 x226 jkisling@lctonstage.org

Auditions Coordinator: Kris Rau McIntyre 843-997-7130 krau@coastal.edu

MISSISSIPPI

TENNESSEE

Jackson Academy Jackson, MS

Lee University Cleveland, TN

Auditions Coordinator: Lee Crouse 870-299-1486 lee@setc.org

Auditions Coordinator: Talon Beeson 931-221-6259 beesont@apsu.edu

NEW JERSEY

VIRGINIA

Nov. 23-24, 2019

Nov. 23-24, 2019

Oct. 5, 2019

Nov. 16, 2019

Oct. 19-20, 2019

Nov. 1-2, 2019

Audition Site

Additional States Auditioning at These Sites

Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ

Hilton Norfolk - The Main Norfolk, VA

Kentucky

Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin

Mississippi

Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas

New Jersey

Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

Auditions Coordinator: Trent Blanton 609-896-5186 tblanton@rider.edu

Auditions Coordinator: Kate Arecchi 540-568-6009 arecchkm@jmu.edu

NORTH CAROLINA

WEST VIRGINIA

Tennessee

Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, N. Dakota, Oregon, S. Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Greensboro College Greensboro, NC

WV Wesleyan College Buckhannon, WV

Virginia

District of Columbia, Maryland

West Virginia

Ohio, Pennsylvania

Auditions Coordinator: Amanda Clark 336-369-1984 amanda@nctc.org

Auditions Coordinator: Jason Young 304-203-3945 vintagetheatreco@gmail. com

Oct. 17-18, 2019

Nov. 9, 2019

More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings www.setc.org

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MAEGAN MCNERNEY AZAR Associate Professor of Acting and Directing Chair of Theatre Arts Furman University

Maegan McNerney Azar has seen her career blossom through her involvement in SETC, starting with her first convention as a student in 2001. As she attended workshops and networked with others, she had a revelation that helped define her future: “Acting could be a career option without having to move to New York or LA.”

Growing within SETC

What are the roles you have had in SETC and how did one lead to another?

I say this as often as I can: SETC really has been there at every step of my professional career. I got my first professional acting job at SETC, I found my graduate program at SETC, I got my first full-time theatre job at SETC, I found out I had been hired as a professor at SETC, I learned about what arts advocacy is at SETC, I served on my state’s Board of Directors because of SETC, and now I serve on the Executive Committee of SETC. It takes a lot of work, but as I put in the effort to make connections, SETC facilitated those opportunities. It’s actually pretty amazing because the interconnectedness of our industry is something that theatre artists talk about constantly, but you can really see that play out through an organization like ours.

‘I say this as often as I can: SETC really has been there at every step of my professional career.’

Highlights of SETC Roles: 2001: Joined SETC 2002-06: Auditionee, Professional Auditions 2003: Auditionee, Graduate School Auditions 2010: Hiring company rep, California Theatre Center 2010: First time as a workshop presenter, SETC Convention 2014-16: Vice Chair, SETC College & University Division 2015-19: Member, Long-Range/Strategic Planning Committee 2016: Member, Succession Planning Task Force 2016-18: SETC Secretary 2018-20: SETC Vice President of Administration 2019-20: Chair, Strategic Planning Committee

How has your involvement in SETC led to new professional opportunities?

A perfect example is about six years ago, at an SETC College/University Division meeting, I met Matthew Hallock, who works at Centre College. He introduced me to a friend, Padraic Lillis, the artistic director of The Farm Theater in Brooklyn. They told me about a project they were starting called The College Collaboration Project to help emerging playwrights develop new plays. It piqued my curiosity, and I told them that I would love to get my students involved. Last season, we had that chance.

My students at Furman University got to develop a new play with Kimberly Belflower and students from Centre College and Rollins College called John Proctor is the Villain. It has since hit The Kilroys List and was developed further at Ojai Playwrights Conference this summer. Stuff like this happens all the time at SETC! More info: www.setc.org/growing www.setc.org

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SETC SCHOLARSHIPS

Announcing the 2019-20 SETC Scholarship Winners SETC offers thousands of dollars in scholarships for individuals studying theatre. SETC’s Scholarship/Awards Fund supports these monetary awards, which go directly to the winners to use as they wish. Meet this year’s winners.

LEIGHTON M. BALLEW SCHOLARSHIP

DENISE HALBACH SCHOLARSHIP

ROBERT PORTERFIELD SCHOLARSHIP

MARIAN A. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP

For Graduate Study in Directing

For Graduate Study in Acting or Musical Theatre

For Graduate Study in Theatre

For Graduate Study in Costume Design/ Technology

Karen Sabo is a director, teacher, writer and actor who has been a member of three resident acting companies and has led three nonprofits.

She is pursuing an MFA in directing at the University of Alabama.

Charence Higgins is a Mississippi native who holds degrees in psychology and theatre from Jackson State University. She is pursuing an MFA in acting at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign.

Liz Haynes is a technical director who holds degrees in production studies in performing arts and modern languages from Clemson University. She is pursuing an MFA in technical direction at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Chloe Moore is a graduate of the College of Charleston who seeks to use the history and language of clothing to illuminate collaborative storytelling.

She is pursuing an MFA in costume design at Boston College.

STEVE BAYLESS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP For Undergraduate Study in Theatre

Leah Eichhorn, a life-long homeschool student, is currently a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, pursuing a double major in theatre and arts administration.

WILLIAM E. WILSON SCHOLARSHIP For Graduate Study by a High School Teacher

Winner: TBA

Undergraduate Scholarship Named for Steve Bayless At the Fall Meetings in Charlotte, the SETC Board of Directors voted unanimously to name the SETC Undergraduate Scholarship in honor of Steve Bayless, who passed away this summer in Florida. As a junior high and high school music teacher for over 35 years, Steve touched the lives of thousands of students – sharing not just his appreciation for music and theatre but also the values of hard work, confidence, respect, diversity and caring for others. Steve served on the SETC Board and received SETC’s Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award. Most recently, Steve was the executive director of the Florida Theatre Conference. The Steve Bayless Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to a high school student on entering a college or university in the SETC region to major in theatre.

More info: www.setc.org/scholarships-awards www.setc.org

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AROUND THE REGION

Check out the Southeast Region’s Theatre Conferences!

All of the states in the Southeast region have exciting events happening this fall, including conventions, auditions, workshops and performances. Click on the logos below to learn more.

Click below for details on other theatre organizations’ upcoming events: American Association for Community Theatre American Alliance for Theatre & Education Americans for the Arts Association for Theatre in Higher Education Association of Theatre Movement Educators Educational Theatre Association KCACTF, Region IV Shakespeare Theatre Association Theatre Communications Group Theatre for Young Audiences University Resident Theatre Association USITT

More info: www.setc.org/state-organizations www.setc.org

September / October 2019

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EXPLORE YOUR ROLE AS A LEADER

College-University Faculty Members: Join Us for a Pre-Convention Leadership Program

Jeff Gibson PR ESID ENT

WHEN WILL THE TRAINING TAKE PLACE? Plans are in the works for a full day of training on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, with some possible additional sessions sprinkled throughout the 2020 SETC Convention.

MORE INFO ON SETC-LI: Full details on programming, schedule and registration fees will be available by the opening of Convention Registration on Oct. 15, 2019.

As part of my ongoing effort to keep SETC members updated on the progress of our leadership initiatives, I wanted to share some exciting news about a pre-convention opportunity to engage in extremely beneficial training. I hope you’ll consider joining us in February 2020 for the inaugural SETC version of the Leadership Institute of the Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE-LI).

Geared primarily toward higher education faculty who are considering their next roles in governance, or those who may be new to their leadership role, the ATHE-LI at SETC will explore two primary themes: u Leading from where you are This theme recognizes we all have a role to play, whether in a position of formal authority or as a member of a community. u Values-based leadership This theme helps participants clarify and articulate their own values and priorities – as well as those shared within our various groups – so we are prepared to respond effectively in our decision-making.

In addition to roundtables, case studies and presentations covering a variety of administrative topics (inclusiveness, student enrichment, finances, etc.), participants are able to spend valuable time reflecting and interacting with experienced leaders who commit to serve as ongoing mentors even after the program concludes.

In short, the SETC-LI will provide effective and practical opportunities to self-reflect, share and apply ideas, learn new approaches, and strengthen networks for the future.

Speaking from experience, it is a meaningful program of self-discovery and personal development.

The program will be directed by Kristin Sosnowsky (chair and executive associate dean, Louisiana State University) and Jake Pinholster (associate dean, Arizona State University), both of whom have several years of experience directing the ATHE-LI.

More info on ATHE-LI: click here www.setc.org

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CONNECT AT EXHIBITS

Commercial Exhibitors

They’re the Hidden Gems of SETC’s Annual Convention

Rebecca Beasley SEC R ETA RY

COMMERCIAL EXHIBITS BY THE NUMBERS In 2019, the SETC Convention featured:

50+

Commercial Exhibitors See a list of 2019 exhibitors at the link below.

Every year at our annual convention, you see them when you walk into the exhibit hall.

Some have flashing lights to attract your attention. Others have games and candy bowls to entice you into their booths, and some have even resorted to slot car races to engage students.

You’ll find them showcasing everything from displays of drapery to large flooring samples, and from costumes to makeup demos.

Arts People, which markets performing arts software, was one of the commercial exhibitors at the 2019 SETC Convention in Knoxville, TN.

These are our commercial exhibitors, and they are at the SETC Convention not just to sell products you need but for other valuable reasons as well. Are you and (if you are a professor) your students taking full advantage of what they offer? For example: • Expertise. The commercial exhibitors are experts in their fields, available to consult, suggest products and provide for your needs whether you’re a student or an adult. In the age of the internet, we need to let students – who often look to a Google search or a Reddit forum for professional development – know that our exhibitors are available to answer questions and guide them in their theatrical, film and production careers.

• Jobs. Many exhibitors are at the convention to fill open positions in their companies, including positions that can be filled by students graduating from an undergraduate program or young adults who have minimal real-world experience – but have worked in their college theatre department for years. Production rental companies may be looking for freelance event technicians, distributors may be looking for the next generation of account managers, and makeup and costume suppliers may be in need of consultants.

So, when you find yourself at the SETC Convention in Louisville next spring, take the time to stop and talk to the commercial exhibitors.

If you are a professor, encourage your students to learn about and network with the exhibitors who make up such a large part of our constituency. And who knows? You might have more than one student who walks out of the exhibit hall with a job.

More info: setc.org/commercial-exhibitors www.setc.org

September / October 2019

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NEW ARTS ADMINISTRATION GRANT

Betsey Horth’s Leadership Will Matter and Be Remembered for Years to Come

Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R

HOW TO DONATE If you would like to contribute to the Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant fund, please click here and scroll down to designate this fund to receive your contribution.

When I look back on my career, I thank my lucky stars to have been afforded opportunities and resources that brought me to where I am today. One of the things that enthuses me about SETC is our potential to provide similar tangible support, especially in the form of scholarships, awards and grants, to today’s theatre artists.

It is truly my privilege to announce a new SETC funding opportunity … the Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant. At the 2019 SETC Convention in Knoxville, a very special leadership gift was made by John Spiegel to start a fund in honor of Betsey, recognizing her 20 years of service as SETC’s executive director.

SETC is thrilled to offer this grant for the benefit of arts administrators and volunteer organizational leadership, such as a Board of Directors. As we see interest in the field of arts administration growing significantly at SETC, this grant is a fitting service for our constituents, complementing SETC’s existing financial support programs for actors, technicians, playwrights and teachers.

Betsey Horth

Who Can Apply The grant program, designed by Betsey herself, is a flexible funding source that may be applied for by: u an emerging or a seasoned administrator seeking leadership development, specialized training or skills improvement; u an organization looking to hire a newly graduated arts administrator or to advance its leadership through training in areas such as fundraising.

The purpose of the grant is to provide a broad opportunity for developing, re-tuning or expanding leadership and/or management skills or areas.

Growing the Fund The fund is already well underway, thanks to additional generous contributions from Betsey and her husband, David, and Past President Jack Benjamin. With gratitude to Betsey and in the spirit of giving back, I followed John Spiegel’s visionary lead and contributed as well. Plans are in the works to make the inaugural award in the summer of 2020.

This grant has the potential to create a significant impact on the proficiency and leadership skills of our arts administrators. Thank you for joining us in contributing to this worthwhile fund and supporting the craft of arts administration at SETC! And thank you, Betsey!

To donate: click here www.setc.org

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OUTDOOR THEATRE CONFERENCE

All Are Invited to Santa Fe for SETC’s National Conference on Outdoor Theatre Where theatre leaders share their experience and explore new concepts!

CONFERENCE DETAILS

• All are welcome; you need not be an SETC member

The 56th National Conference on Outdoor Theatre will be hosted by The Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico on Oct. 1-3, 2019.

The conference is packed with informational and inspirational events.

• Registration closes: Sept. 13, 2019

View the conference schedule here. Below are highlights:

• Cost: $295 (includes meals and Meow Wolf tour)

• Special hotel rates and Delta flight discounts are available.

• For complete details and to register: outdoor-theatre. org/conference

THANK YOU Paul Green Foundation, Inc. for sponsoring the Wednesday afternoon sessions

USITT for sponsoring the Thursday afternoon session on emergency preparedness

Arts People for sponsoring the conference program

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019 5:30-7 p.m.

7-9 p.m.

Welcome & Dinner Roll Call & Company Exchange Traditional sharing of successes and challenges from the past year

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2019 9-11 a.m.

11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

2-3:15 p.m.

3:30-4:45 p.m.

5-7 p.m.

Buzz & Brainstorm – An Un-Conference Conversation Participant-driven buzz sessions with peer-to-peer sharing Tour of The Santa Fe Opera Theatre Complex Developing New Work through Community Engagement It Takes a Village: An Exploration of Place-Making Theatre in Italy Reception, Dinner & Awards

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 9-10 a.m.

Buzz & Brainstorm – An Un-Conference Conversation

Builds upon Wednesday’s provocative roundtable discussions 10:15-11:30 a.m. Projection Design for Outdoor Theatre 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Lessons From Hurricane Harvey on Emergency Preparedness 2-3:15 p.m.

Tour The Ranch/Rehearsal Facilities, The Santa Fe Opera Campus 3:30-4:45 p.m. Planning for the Audience Experience

Hear how The Santa Fe Opera provides an enriched experience 5:15-7 p.m.

Meow Wolf Tour

Visit an immersive storytelling experience and exhibition 7:30 p.m.

Closing Session: Dinner, Reflection & Looking Forward

More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference www.setc.org

September / October 2019

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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:

Are You in the Directory?

SAVE THE DATE Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions Jan. 17-18, 2020 Greensboro College Greensboro, NC Each January, SETC Outdoor Theatre hosts auditions for summer and outdoor theatres looking to cast acting, singing, dancing and stage combat positions.

Interviews are also available for technical positions and internship opportunities.

Registration Opens: Dec. 4, 2019 at Noon ET Registration Deadline: Dec. 18, 2019 at Noon ET* Registration Fee: $55 For more information, visit outdoor-theatre.org/ auditions

SETC’s 2020 College, University and Training Program Directory is in the final stages of preparation. The directory, which is published in the winter issue of Southern Theatre magazine, includes listings of all college and university members of SETC. If you have not provided a listing, please contact Cadie Burks at cadie@setc.org.

2020 College,

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Would you like to purchase an ad in the directory or in the main section of the winter issue of Southern Theatre magazine? Contact Clay Thornton at clay@setc.org by Sept. 20.

Grad and Undergrad Students: Apply Now for 2020 Young Scholars Award Submissions of papers on topics related to history, theory, criticism and literature are being accepted from graduate and undergraduate students. One graduate and one undergraduate paper will be chosen from those submitted for presentation at SETC’s 71st convention in Louisville, KY. Deadline: Dec. 9, 2019 at 5 p.m.

More info here.

SETC Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations Help us honor those who have made meaningful contributions to SETC. Submit your nomination by Oct. 30 at www.setc.org/hall-of-fame.

More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org

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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide

Central Office SETC 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

NEWS BRIEFS FROM AROUND THE REGION Longtime SETC exhibitor and Design Awards sponsor Norcostco and Metropolitan Studios, co-owned by SETC Secretary Rebecca Beasley, joined together this summer to host industry artists, with the goal of highlighting the diversity of the Atlanta community. Costumers, makeup artists, performers and photographers of all backgrounds volunteered their time and skills to produce an array of photographs depicting the beauty of representation. The photos (including the Arabian shot above) will be used by Norcostco in its marketing, social media, email blasts and printed flyers, as the company seeks to ensure that its commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its marketing efforts.

“This project was our opportunity to lead by example through community outreach and support, going above and beyond the obvious marketing goals,” said Marie Quintero, costume rental manager for Norcostco Atlanta. nnn

Mississippi University for Women is now offering a low-residency MFA in theatre education. For more information, click here. nnn

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Austin Peay State University is offering Feldenkrais Professional Training tailored to the academic year. For more information, click here.

In Memoriam The SETC Central Office is saddened to announce the passing of Anne George, SETC’s longtime contract bookkeeper. Anne served SETC for over 20 years and was instrumental in contributing to SETC’s financial stability and guiding the organization in responsible reporting.

Kathi E.B. Ellis, an active theatre maker in Louisville, KY, passed away July 15, 2019, as a result of complications from cancer. She was 59. Involved with SETC for many years, she was a former Kentucky state representative, a former member of the Southern Theatre Editorial Board, and a previous member of several other SETC committees.

Kelsey Hayward passed away August 12, 2019. He was 69. A longtime theatre teacher at Oak Glen High School in West Virginia, he was a past chair of SETC’s High School Theatre Festival.

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September / October 2019

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