JULY / AUGUST 2016
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS SETC Fall Auditions Page 1
www.setc.org
2016 FALL PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS l SEPT. 11 - 12 l ATLANTA, GA
Why Come to SETC’s Fall Auditions?
LiNK Event Page 2
Professionals Pages 3 - 5
Community Theatre Page 6
Theatre for Youth Page 7
High School Theatre Page 8
College/University Pages 9
Membership News Pages 10 - 12, 16
Columns Pages 13 - 15
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
COMPANY REPS:
ACTORS:
Find actors at the ONLY fall combined professional auditions in the USA!
Get work at the ONLY fall combined professional auditions in the USA!
• 200-250 professional actors ready to audition for YOUR casting needs • Video the auditions, dance calls and callbacks on your cell phones for future reference • Network casually Saturday night with colleagues and auditionees • Year-round assistance with finding replacement actors or other company members • Weekly emails about job listings on the SETC Theatre Job Board and discounts for your own listings • Organizational and individual membership benefits
• Multiple professional companies ready to hire actors for upcoming shows: cruise line, musical, repertory, dinner, children’s and theme park venues • Intimate auditions in a laid-back atmosphere • All callbacks in one location • One day, and you’re done • Bonus opportunity to perform before your peers and companies Saturday at “The Stage is Yours!” • Social events with company reps • Automatic acceptance into the Spring Professional Theatre Auditions
Registration: www.setc.org/fall-professional
LiNK: GRADUATE SCHOOL
3rd Annual LiNK Connects Graduate Schools and Potential Graduate Students Sign up soon to save money! Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre
Executive Committee President: Tiza Garland VP of Administration: Jeff Gibson VP of Services: Pat Gagliano VP of Finance: David Wohl Secretary: Maegan McNerney Azar Elected Past President: Alan Litsey VP of States: Mike Hudson VP of Divisions: Amie Kisling
Central Office Betsey Horth Executive Director SETC 1175 Revolution Mill Dr. Studio 14 Greensboro NC 27405 336-272-3645 info@setc.org
Registration for schools attending LiNK opens Aug. 1. Early registration cost for schools is $149 (Aug. 1-Sept. 30) and late registration cost for schools is $249 (Oct 1.-Oct. 28). Hotel reservations open Aug 1. The deadline to reserve hotel rooms is Oct 19. Registration for individuals opens Aug. 15. Details: www.setc.org/link
Platinum Sponsor:
Nov. 11-13, 2016 Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport Atlanta, GA
LiNK is a weekend-long event that allows prospective graduate students to connect, in one place, with numerous graduate level theatre programs in acting, directing, design, technology, stage management and arts administration.
Why do colleges and universities recruit at LiNK? Ashley Leamon of Villanova University says her school made offers to four students as a result of the 2015 LiNK. “We were able to connect with a large concentration of students focused on MA and MFA programs, allowing us to recruit more directly than we would be able to at larger, more varied conferences. It’s also a much shorter process, saving our department time and money. The location is easy to travel to, especially since it’s located at the airport [hotel]. It’s a fantastic conference, and we plan to attend annually.” Tracy Nunnally of Northern Illinois University says his school made offers to two students as a result of the 2015 LiNK. “I like the way LiNK arranges the interviews. The ability for a student to choose a school to interview with is a great idea.”
News Submissions Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
More info: www.setc.org/link www.setc.org
July / August 2015
2
PROFESSIONAL COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Hiring through SETC: Patel Conservatory @ Straz ‘SETC provides us with a generous talent pool from which we select our summer theatre interns, the next generation of theatre educators.’ - Matthew Belopavlovich, Theatre Faculty, Patel Conservatory SETC recently caught up with Matthew Belopavlovich, a member of the theatre faculty at Patel Conservatory, located in the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL.
Tell us about your theatre. The Straz Center opened in 1987, and the Patel Conservatory @ Straz was built in 2004 in response to community need for high quality arts education programs. Our mission is to provide the finest performing arts training in an inspirational setting. The vision of the Patel Conservatory is to give students the tools to dream, reach, discover and create the performing arts, integrate them into everyday life, and contribute to the community.
What types of shows do you produce? Our theatre department produces a six-show season of professionally produced, student-performed musical theatre productions in a 170-seat black box. We also have a music department that produces choral and instrumental concerts and a dance department that presents Next Generation Ballet productions, including our annual performance of The Nutcracker.
What are you currently producing?
Our summer season includes Les Miserables: School Edition, The Taming of the Shrew, Cinderella KIDS and Showstoppers. Top: The Patel Conservatory is located in the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, FL. Bottom: Chaamalah Fearing, Shalyah Fearing and Maya Garcia-Hector appear in Showstoppers during the Patel Conservatory’s summer 2015 season.
How does SETC assist you in your operations as a theatre? We use the SETC organization to hire summer interns, and we also post full-time and part-time teaching and conservatory staff opportunities to SETC’s Theatre Job Board. For each of the past two years, we have hired our summer theatre interns through the SETC Job Fair at the annual SETC Convention.
What opportunities for professional development do you provide?
Employees can take advantage of professional development training opportunities, a tuition reimbursement program, and free online tutorials and in-person presentations offered by MetLife on topics such as retirement and investment planning.
More info: www.patelconservatory.org www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Getting a Job through SETC: Krista Baker and Dylan Gurrera Part of SETC’s professional mission is to help young artists prepare for work in the professional arena through summer internships and educational programs. Here are the stories of two young artists, Krista Baker and Dylan Gurrera, who secured their 2016 summer internships at Patel Conservatory @ Straz in Tampa, FL (see theatre profile, Page 3) through the Theatre Job Fair at the SETC Convention in March. What are the biggest mistakes that agents see in self-taped auditions? www.youtube.com/wa tch?v=3vcaT9M2ZiI&fe ature=youtu.be
What type of shows do you like to do most? Krista: Children’s theatre is my passion, and so Theatre for Young Audiences shows are my favorite. That said, a huge chunk of my heart is reserved for the traditional Broadway musical theatre fare. Dylan: I really love working on original/collaborative pieces because they allow more room for creativity.
How has SETC assisted you in your career? Krista: This was my first time at SETC, and Patel Conservatory was the first job I’ve received through SETC. I interviewed with several theatres offering educational positions, but Patel stuck out to me due to its commitment to a high-class arts education. Dylan: SETC has helped me understand the professional audition/interview process. It is also the way I got my internship at Patel this summer and connected me with other theatres across the country.
KRISTA BAKER
Major: Theatre for Youth Piedmont College (GA)
What are you excited about this summer in your internship at Patel? Krista: I’m most excited to spend an entire summer immersed in theatre, doing what I love, and inspiring students who share the same passion! I couldn’t wait for the first day of camp. Dylan: I’m very excited for my first professional experience in theatre. The first day of a new class or a new job can be daunting – especially when you feel so far away from your home. However, I couldn’t have felt more welcomed by such an encouraging and creative staff like the one at Patel!
DYLAN GURRERA
Major: Theatre Education University of North Carolina at Greensboro
More info: www.setc.org/theatre-jobs www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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PROFESSIONAL THEATRE DIVISION NEWS
New Pro Division Advisory Council Forms; Look for Exciting Changes at 2017 Auditions
Matt Davenport C HA I R
At the SETC Professional Auditions in spring 2016, Ginger Poole, vice chair of the SETC Professional Division, and I asked representatives of several companies representing different entertainment products and needs to become part of an Advisory Council for the Professional Division. We had a productive meeting with SETC Executive Director Betsey Horth and President Tiza Garland. Needs and desires that I had become aware of during the SETC Convention and Auditions were petitioned directly to these SETC leaders. Both Betsey and Tiza sincerely and eagerly received this information. Each company rep was able to share, on behalf of the greater professional community, concepts and procedures that could potentially make the experience more productive based on their personal experience. Their insights were very valuable and again, more importantly, they were received.
Registration Opens Sept. 15 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 auditions slot at the SETC Professional Auditions in March. STATE
AUDITIONS DATE
Alabama Oct. 28-29 Florida Nov. 4-5 Georgia Oct. 14-15 Kentucky Nov. 12-13 Mississippi Nov. 19-20 N. Carolina Oct. 13-14 S. Carolina Nov. 12 Tennessee Oct. 22-23 Virginia Oct. 28-29 W. Virginia Nov. 5
So, as the audition process continues to evolve nationally, we are evolving as well. Our meeting was the catalyst for the exciting changes listed below that will begin in 2017.
APPLICATION DEADLINE Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Sept. 28 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Sept. 28 Oct. 26 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19
All application deadlines are at noon ET on the date listed.
More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings
New for 2017: n n n n n
Videotaping permitted in general audition and dance calls Electronic forms replace paper forms Grab-and-go lunches available between audition groups Streamlined tech walk-through Callback rooms more centrally located
What will never change is our commitment to providing top-tier, prequalified talent in a professional environment. Please continue to grow with us at SETC.
Do you have suggestions? We are listening! If you have insights that you would like to share, please contact me directly at matt@mattdavenportproductions.com.
More info: www.setc.org/fall-professional www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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COMMUNITY THEATRE DIVISION NEWS
Ready for Lexington? 2017 Venue Is Perfect Setting for Festival
Kristy Meanor C HA I R
Over the past eight years, I have been privileged to attend SETC’s Community Theatre Festival in various cities and venues across our region. After taking top honors at a state festival, it’s a challenge to travel to and play in a new space for SETC’s festival. But that challenge is also part of the adrenaline rush that keeps my company participating. This year is no different – and SETC has secured a wonderful facility in Lexington, KY, for those participating in the 2017 festival.
Here’s the venue announcement from Sue Ellen Gerrells, festival chair: “I am delighted to announce that we will be staged in the beautiful Downtown Arts Center (DAC). This state-of-the art black box facility will be configured in a proscenium setting for our festival. After touring the space, we knew we’d found a wonderful venue. It’s only five blocks from the convention center, there’s ample parking within a block of the DAC, and the building houses a gallery and other spaces we can use for social events.”
Top: Exterior view of the Downtown Arts Center in Lexington, KY, site of the 2017 SETC Community Theatre Festival.
The excellent location and good parking alone should facilitate more cross-participation for those attending the Community Theatre Festival. Select a show, submit the paperwork, dust off your cutting skills, and go win your state festival!
Bottom: Black box theatre, which will be converted to a proscenium stage for the festival.
See you in Lexington.
More info: www.setc.org/community-theatre www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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THEATRE FOR YOUTH DIVISION NEWS
Shows, Award Nominations, Workshops How Will You Get Involved in Theatre for Youth? The Theatre for Youth Division is looking forward to an exciting year ahead! How can you be a part of that? Amie Dunn Kisling C HA I R
• Bring a show to the 2017 Theatre for Youth Festival in Lexington, KY Each year we aim to find one professional theatre production, one college theatre production and one youth theatre production to present at the festival. Do you know of a theatre or school doing innovative work for young people? Please encourage them to apply by emailing our festival coordinator Cassady Gorrell at csgorrell@ gmail.com and share the Wiley and the Hairy Man, presented by Northwest High School of great work they are doing Clarksville, TN, was one of three productions featured in the 2016 with young people in Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival in Greensboro. Lexington. • Nominate an individual or organization for SETC’s Sara Spencer Award This award is given annually to an individual or organization for distinct achievement in the area of child drama. If you know of someone who is deserving of this award, please contact Jeremy Kisling at jkisling@lctonstage.org to make a nomination. At the Greensboro convention, we made some exciting changes in the Theatre for Youth Division. We have split the role of vice chair into two jobs to better serve our division. The new festival coordinator will run the festival, freeing the vice chair to focus on building programming. Our division is already working to create a dynamic slate of workshops for SETC 2017 to engage everyone and challenge the concept of what it means to create theatre with and for young people. If you produce, perform or just like to see theatre for youth, you too can be part of our division. If you have an idea for a workshop you would like to experience, please feel free to let us know. Play on and dream big!
More info: www.setc.org/theatre-for-youth www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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SECONDARY SCHOOL THEATRE DIVISION NEWS
Beyond the High School Festival SETC Convention Offers Many Other Opportunities If you don’t end up representing your state next year in the SETC High School Theatre Festival, there’s still a place for you (and your students) at the SETC Convention! Suzanne Allmon C HA I R
SETC is a wonderfully creative environment for all walks of theatre life. In addition to being a great place to perform, it’s also a wonderful place to make connections and learn – and a superb opportunity for your students to meet college reps and audition for colleges and universities. Many high schools only have the ability to come to the SETC Convention if they are representing their state in SETC’s High School Theatre Festival. However, some teachers are trying to break that pattern and attend every year no matter what, and rightly so. As a high school theatre teacher myself, I have seen the difference in my students when they experience all that SETC has to offer. So, if you aren’t participating in the High School Theatre Festival this year, please remember – and try to take advantage of – all of the other wonderful opportunities your students will find at the SETC Convention.
TOP 3 CONVENTION OPPORTUNITIES for high school students:
1
Ed Expo
Visit exhibits, meet representatives, and get info on more than 100 colleges, universities and training programs.
2
Undergrad Auditions
3
Workshops
Audition for entrance and scholarships at more than 100 colleges, universities and training programs.
Learn about hundreds of theatre topics.
Here’s what two teachers who brought students to the convention in 2016 have to say about the benefits: “I always take my students to SETC. We have been involved in the High School Theatre Festival several times, and I take juniors and seniors to audition for colleges every year. The workshops for all my students are always good. I have been taking students to SETC for 28 years and my students always take away new ideas and helpful information. I think it is very beneficial for high school theatre teachers and students to attend.” - Margie Timmons, Gulf Breeze High School, Gulf Breeze, FL
“I brought my kids because they are so hungry to go above and beyond to get the education they deserve. They are from a very small town, and SETC was one of the only opportunities to expose them to a college that would be right for them and their theatre career. It was my first time to attend, and as a first-year teacher, it really fired me up to introduce new things into my classroom.” - Amber Mauldin, Pearl River Central High School, Carriere, MS
More info: www.setc.org/high-school-theatre www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY THEATRE DIVISION NEWS
Register Early: Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold in Lexington
Mary Fran Crook C HA I R
As the new College and University Division chair, I am excited for the opportunity to represent and serve you! It seems this division’s membership increases each year as the spring convention grows. If you weren’t able to make it to the 2016 College/University Social, sponsored by Barbizon Lighting and Focal Press/Routledge, be sure to contact me at crookm@gram. edu, so you can be added to the group and receive news updates. Also, if you have an idea for a workshop, fill out the proposal form at www.setc.org/workshop-proposals.
Ed Expo Was Full in 2016
Get ready for SETC 2017! PLAN AHEAD. Register early for Ed Expo and Auditions. GET INVOLVED. Propose a workshop.
This year’s convention in Greensboro set records. The Educational Expo sold out! Over 100 colleges, universities, and training programs set up displays in the Ed Expo, allowing high school and college students to learn more about the programs each school had to offer. At a cost of $260, there is not a more affordable way to recruit and connect with potential students for your program. The key: Register early! Bring pamphlets, display banners and anything else that represents your program. Candy and trinkets are optional, but highly loved! More info: www.setc.org/convention/exhibits-convention
Undergrad Auditions & Interviews Attracted 350-plus Applicants Another opportunity to recruit potential students at the SETC Convention is to attend the Undergraduate Auditions & Interviews, open to high school juniors and seniors, as well as college transfer students. During the Greensboro convention, more than 350 applicants auditioned, interviewed and presented design/tech portfolios.
What Did Students Say About Their 2016 Experience? “I loved it!!!! I got 20 callbacks with the undergraduate universities for acting. This is such a good opportunity for indecisive artists. Amazing schools! Thank you, SETC!” “I thought it was an amazing experience! I didn’t know what to expect, but I talked to schools and had a chance to explore my options, options I didn’t even know I had!”
More info: www.setc.org/auditions www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Reach SETC Members via an Ad in Southern Theatre Magazine
Volume LVII
Number 3
• Summer
2016 • $8.00
SETC is now booking ads for the 2016-17 volume of Southern Theatre, our quarterly magazine which circulates to over PUPPET 4,000 individuals and organizations, as well as numerous RY libraries. In addition to reaching members via the print magazine, advertisers extend their reach further via the digital version, which is published online with live links to advertisers’ websites. Advertising space is available both in the magazine and in the annual SETC College, University & Training Program Directory, an insert to the Winter issue of the magazine. Go Inside the Work to Find New Pow er
PEARL CL EAGE
Drawings
on a Dry Cave Wal l
BILL OB ERST
JR. Your Car eer, You r Way
JIM WARR EN
Shakespea
re, Simply
To place an ad, visit www.setc.org/advertising or email Rachel at rachel@setc.org.
Thanks to the 2015-16 advertisers in Southern Theatre (click on advertiser name to view its theatre website)
Nominations Sought for SETC Leaders Nominations are being accepted for SETC officers and the Nominations Committee for 2017-18. Visit www.setc.org/ leadership/boardof-directors to meet current leaders of the organization.
AMDA Catawba College Coastal Carolina University East Carolina University Fairmont State University The George Washington University Hollins University Illinois Wesleyan University Indiana University Juilliard School Lander University Liberty University Meredith College Mississippi University for Women Murray State University Neighborhood Playhouse Northern Kentucky University NY Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
To nominate a leader, complete the form online here by Aug. 20.
Piedmont College Stella Adler Studio of Acting Ted Swindley Productions The Biz of Show University of Alabama Birmingham The University of Alabama The University of Mississippi University of North Carolina Greensboro University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of South Carolina Columbia University of Virginia University of West Georgia Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Western Carolina University West Virginia University
The Executive Committee met in Rock Hill, SC, May 13-15, 2016. Actions taken by the Board include: • Approved a motion to ask the president of SETC to call for an electronic vote on acceptance of the Institute of Outdoor Theatre Transfer Agreement.
ExCom Report by Tiza Garland
• Agreed to waive registration fees to the SETC Convention for state executive directors who are employed by their state organizations. Full minutes are available on the SETC website at www. setc.org/leadership/minutes-archives.
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2 0 1 6 - 2 0 1 7
S E T C
FALL EVENTS
C a l e n d a r SPRING EVENTS
FALL BOARD/ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS Sept. 9-10, 2016 RSVP: Open Now, June 1-August 25 Hotel Reservations: Open Now, June 1-Aug. 25 FALL PROFESSIONAL THEATRE AUDITIONS Sept. 10-12, 2016 Professional Actor/Dancer Pre-Registration: Open Now, June 1-Aug. 22 Professional Company Registration: Open Now, June 1-Aug. 22 Professional Qualifiers: Open Now, June 1-Aug. 22 Hotel Reservations: Open Now, June 1-Aug. 25 SETC SCREENING AUDITIONS October-November, 2016 Registration: Opens Sept. 15; deadlines vary by state Applications available online; for information, 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 Theatre Auditions. Dates also noted on the screening information LINK: YOUR CONNECTION TO ADVANCED THEATRE DEGREES November 11-13, 2016 Recruiting School Early Registration: Aug. 1-Sept. 30 Student Registration: Aug. 15-Sept. 30 Hotel Reservations: Open Aug. 1-Oct. 19 School and Student Late Registration: Sept. 30-Oct. 28
68TH ANNUAL SETC CONVENTION March 1-5, 2017, Lexington, KY Workshop Proposal Submissions with AV Requests: Open Now, April 1-Sept. 2 Workshop Proposal Submissions without AV Requests: Open Now, April 1-Sept. 30 Fringe Festival Applications: Open Now, June 1-Oct. 15 Convention Registration: Oct. 17 - Jan.27 at noon ET Earlybird Convention Registration Deadline: Dec. 16 at noon ET Professional Auditionee Registration Deadline: Jan. 15 at noon ET Hiring Company Registration Deadline for Professional Auditions and Theatre Job Fair: Jan. 22 Final Pre-Registration Deadline for all other individuals and events: Jan. 27 at noon ET Convention Hotel Reservations: Open Nov. 9, 2016-Feb. 13, 2017 SETC THEATRE SYMPOSIUM 2017: April 7-9, Agnes Scott College, Decatur, GA: “In Other Habits: Theatrical Costumes” Abstract Submission Deadline: Jan. 9, 2017 Pre-Symposium Registration Deadline: March 24, 2017
SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS Submission acceptance dates and deadlines vary; for information, please visit www.setc.org/scholarshipsawards
ADVERTISING CONVENTION PROGRAM Contract Deadline: Dec. 1, 2016 Ad Copy Deadline: Jan. 5, 2017 THEATRE JOB BOARD Postings accepted daily online or weekdays in office via email and phone
SOUTHERN THEATRE Issue Reserve By Ads Due Winter, Issue 1 Sept. 1, 2016 Sept. 15, 2016 College Directory Sept. 1, 2016 Sept. 15, 2016 Spring, Issue 2 Dec. 1, 2016 Dec. 15, 2016 Summer, Issue 3 March 1, 2017 March 15, 2017 Fall, Issue 4 June 1, 2017 June 15, 2017
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
First Ready to Publish Award Winner Announced Laura King is the first winner of the Ready to Publish Award, a new award given jointly by SETC and Stage Rights. Those vying for the award had the opportunity to “pitch” a full-length, original play or musical to Stage Rights and the SETC Playwriting Committee during the 2016 SETC Convention in Greensboro. King’s play Independence Day at Happy Meadows was chosen as the winner. King will receive: • Guidance from two mentors – one creative and one in publishing – to assist in preparing the script for publication through rewrites, editing and collection of materials. • Publication in the Stage Rights catalog of plays and musicals. • 2017 SETC Convention registration. • A panel reading of the play at the 2017 SETC Convention. • $300 royalty advance that can be used toward expenses at the convention. • Prominent display and sale of the winning script in the Stage Rights exhibitor booth at the convention. King, an instructor of theatre at Gordon State College in Barnesville, GA, and a member of the Playwright’s Lab at Hollins University, also is the chair of the SETC Ten-Minute Play Festival. Her other plays, which include Blood Will Out and The Harmony Baptist Church Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Jubilee, are available at YouthPLAYS, Polychoron Press and the New Play Exchange.
Synopsis of Independence Day at Happy Meadows: It’s the Fourth of July and the women of Happy Meadows are longing for independence. They’re fed up with the rules, the regulations, and especially the food. When Holly receives a cry for help from her grandson, she rallies her comrades in arms – Mary, Betty and Shirley – and the women plot a break-out. But the best-laid plans often go awry.
Have a play you would like to submit for the 2017 Ready to Publish Award? Now is the time to put the finishing touches on your play so it is ready for submission. Entries for the 2017 award will be accepted between Dec. 1, 2016 and Jan. 12, 2017. Playwrights whose original scripts are accepted will have the chance to pitch the play or musical to the SETC Playwriting Committee and Stage Rights during the 2017 SETC Convention in Lexington, KY, with the winner receiving the prizes noted above.
More info: www.setc.org/ready-to-publish www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
More than a Convention How Much Do You Know about SETC?
Tiza Garland PR ESID ENT
SETC
I was introduced to the Southeastern Theatre Conference in the late 1990s when I assisted a friend and colleague in presenting a stage combat workshop at the spring convention. For years after that, I thought SETC was just that – a convention. I thought “Conference” referred to a meeting, not a group of associated entities – in the case of SETC, the 10 states. I had no idea of the vast array of services that the organization offers – and the paid staff who work in the Central Office to provide them – and I knew even less about the organization’s governance structure. I first started to get an inkling of the behemoth that is SETC when I attended the Fall Executive Committee, Board and Advisory Council meetings in 2002. For those of you who – like me in the 1990s – know little about SETC beyond the convention, I would like to share the following primer on SETC governance:
What’s It Mean? AudCom: Auditions Committee CT: Community Theatre ExCom: Executive Committee FinCom: Finance Committee KEAP: Keynote Emerging Artists of Promise LRP: Long Range Planning Committee NomCom: Nominations Committee ProDiv: Professional Theatre Division PubCom: Publications Committee
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
This is the administrative, policy making and planning body of SETC. It includes eight voting members – the President, Elected Past President, Vice President of Administration, Vice President of Services, Vice President of Finance, Vice President of States, Vice President of Divisions and Secretary – and the Executive Director.
ADVISORY COUNCILS
Each of the Vice Presidents is chair of an Advisory Council. Every member of SETC has a direct line of communication to a Vice President via the Advisory Councils. The Administrative, Services, Finance and Past President’s Advisory Councils are composed of chairs of various committees. The State Representatives make up the States Advisory Council, and Division Chairs constitute the Divisions Advisory Council.
VOTING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors reviews the actions of the Executive Committee and establishes rules covering matters not determined in the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws. It is responsible for the affairs of SETC. The Voting Board of SETC is composed of the Executive Committee; the 10 State Representatives from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia; and the chairs of the five Divisions, which include Professional Theatre, Theatre for Youth, Secondary School Theatre, College/University Theatre and Community Theatre.
ANNUAL MEETINGS: JOIN US!
The Executive Committee, Board and Advisory Council meetings are held annually during the first weekend after Labor Day each September. I invite you engage in the governance and leadership aspects of the organization which allow us to offer all of our year-round services, including the convention. More info: www.setc.org/about/leadership
www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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FROM THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION
Ideas from Inside and Outside SETC Help Us Enhance Member Services
Jeff Gibson VI C E- PR ESID ENT O F AD MIN IST R AT IO N
I am in awe of the organization that is SETC! Despite being a very large institution, SETC maintains a member-centered structure that doesn’t just passively entertain ideas but actively encourages them at all levels. In fact, this forward-thinking model is vital to the success SETC has achieved and to its future. From the creation of new initiatives to the enhancement of existing programs, services and operations, suggestions are considered and – if beneficial and viable – they are implemented.
IOT Acquisition: An Idea Brought to SETC
The most current example is the transfer of the Institute of Outdoor Theatre (IOT) to SETC. This initiative was not dreamed up by internal management, but rather was brought to the organization’s leadership by IOT management out of a belief the partnership could be mutually beneficial to the constituencies of both and to the larger American theatre.
Institute of Outdoor Theatre Director Michael Hardy (above) approached SETC Executive Director Betsey Horth about SETC’s interest in taking over operation of IOT. See Page 15 for more info.
After careful study and input from all levels of membership, the transition has begun. It is an exciting venture that holds much promise to enable the IOT and SETC (and, importantly, the members we serve) to flourish and build on their already impressive standings. I think the fact this venture was brought to SETC speaks volumes about SETC’s reputation and national profile for effective leadership, programs and services – but it also reinforces the point that new ideas and models for serving our constituencies matter!
What would you suggest?
We need more ideas so we can continue to, as SETC says in its vision statement, “energize the practical, intellectual and creative profile of theatre in America.” Feel free to send your suggestions to me at Jeff.Gibson@mtsu.edu, to any other board member via the email addresses available in the online membership directory, or to the SETC Central Office staff via the link below. Engage, participate, dream small and large – and share those ideas!
More info: www.setc.org/about/operations www.setc.org
July / August 2016
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EXCITING NEWS! Institute of Outdoor Theatre to Become Part of SETC A new chapter in SETC’s history began July 1, when the Institute of Outdoor Theatre (IOT) started a year-long transition process that will culminate in it becoming part of SETC on July 1, 2017.
Betsey Horth EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R
The process was initiated in May 2015 when Michael Hardy, the director of IOT, approached me about his upcoming retirement and the options for IOT’s continuation under its current host, Dance auditionees vie for roles at the 2013 IOT Auditions. Eastern Carolina University (ECU). The Board of Trustees of the statewide University of North Carolina System has for a number of years been under pressure to reduce the number of institutes in the system. While the ECU administration has provided a welcoming environment for IOT for the last six years, the timing seemed right to locate a permanent home to secure the Institute’s future.
What will the acquisition of the
Institute of Outdoor Theatre mean to SETC constituents?
During the past year, many individuals in SETC have explored the “fit” and how we can broaden our services to include IOT’s programming, much of which overlaps with what we already offer. We think the acquisition will not only support and augment our organization’s mission, but also that SETC can advance the work of IOT.
Quite simply, more opportunities!
For those of you not familiar with the Institute, it began in 1963 as the Institute of Outdoor Drama. Over the years, its membership expanded beyond historical drama to include other types of outdoor performances, including Shakespeare festivals, religious drama and musical theatre. In 2013, under Hardy’s guidance, it was rebranded as “Outdoor Theatre” and a new focus was placed on outdoor theatres internationally. Visit the IOT website for more information: www.outdoor-theatre.org. Our intent is to continue – and to build upon – the services offered by IOT:
• Outdoor Theatre Auditions, January • Annual conference, October • Consulting, year-round
• Newsletter, published three times per year • Interactive map, website • Research resources
During the next year leading up to SETC’s acquisition of IOT, our staff and board/ committee volunteers will be working side by side with the current IOT staff to ensure a seamless transition. More info: www.outdoor-theatre.org www.setc.org
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
HAVE A QUESTION FOR SETC CENTRAL OFFICE? Find the right contact to answer your question Rachel Blake rachel@setc.org General Questions Advertising in Publications April J’C Marshall april@setc.org Professional Auditions Screening Auditions Theatre Job Services Mark Snyder mark@setc.org Listings in Theatre Job Board Membership Accounts Receivable Claire Wisniewski claire@setc.org Undergrad School Auditions Graduate School Auditions Commercial Exhibits Education Expo Festivals Kim Doty kim@setc.org Social Media Communications/Website Quiana Clark-Roland quiana@setc.org Convention Planning Convention Logistics Workshop Proposals Betsey Horth betsey@setc.org Organization Leadership
Share the News! SETC Offers Scholarships for Undergraduate and Graduate School Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive free money for college or graduate school! SETC offers seven scholarships for students pursuing degrees in various areas of theatre. Application deadlines vary, but are as early as Sept. 15 for some awards. Know a student who would benefit from an SETC scholarship? Please share this info. Details: www.setc.org/scholarships-awards
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Sue Ellen Gerrells, chair of SETC’s Community Theatre Festival in 2017 and the former executive director of the Alabama Conference of Theatre, is being honored with a 2016 Special Recognition Award from the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). The award is presented to people and organizations whose contributions are far-reaching and of a special nature. Ginger Heath, a former chair of SETC’s Community Theatre Division and a past president of the North Carolina Theatre Conference, is being honored with AACT’s Art Cole Lifetime of Leadership Award. This award is presented by AACT to honor a member who has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to leadership at the national level, as well as on the state and local levels. Mark Charney, director of the School of Theatre and Dance at Texas Tech University and respondent for SETC’s Ten-Minute Play Festival, had his play Shooting Blanks presented May 31 to June 2 at the Prague Fringe Festival in Prague, Czech Republic.
Send your news to deanna@setc.org www.setc.org
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