MAY / JUNE 2020
www.setc.org
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS COVID-19 Pages 1, 5 - 7
SETC Responds to the
SETC Events Pages 2 - 3
Spring, Fall Meetings
Pandemic
Page 4
2021 Convention Page 8
2020 Convention Highlights Page 9
Secondary School Awards
From an online resource directory to new ideas for meeting member needs to nuggets of inspiration, SETC is working to help you through these uncertain times. 4 Looking for resources to help with online
Page 10
teaching, funding and more?
Community Theatre Awards
Visit www.setc.org/covid-resources.
4 How are theatres dealing with the crisis?
Page 11
Read about efforts at a sampling of theatres, Page 5.
Design Awards
4 What will the future hold for college and
Pages 12 - 15
university theatres?
Miscellaneous News
See Maegan McNerney Azar’s column, Page 6.
Page 16
4 How is SETC reinventing its operations? See Susie Prueter’s column, Page 7.
NEWS SUBMISSIONS
4 What can we look forward to? The 2021 SETC Convention in Memphis!
Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
See Lee Crouse’s column, Page 8. The Ghost Light Is On Orpheum Theatre Memphis, TN
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
4 Take inspiration from the ghost lights. Look for the ghost lights, sharing promise that theatre will be back, with COVID-19 stories in this newsletter and on SETC’s social media. Share yours by emailing stories@setc.org.
More info: www.setc.org/covid-resources
SETC EVENTS
SETC Fall Professional Auditions Aug. 30 - 31, 2020 Fall 2019 Auditions by the Numbers
2,700
number of roles available
211
number of auditionees
43
number of casting reps from repertory, regional and stock companies, single-show venues, cruise lines, dinner theatres, entertainment agencies, seasonal shows and more!
FOR PROFESSIONAL: 4 Actors 4 Actors who sing 4 Singers 4 Actors who sing and dance 4 Dancers
FORMAT: 4 Live auditions * 4 Digital auditions * A decision on live auditions will be finalized by August 5 based on COVID-19 developments. A minimum number of auditionees and companies is required before the live auditions will take place. Should these not be possible, all auditions will revert to digital format.
SHERATON CHARLOTTE HOTEL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC l
Registration opens June 15: www.setc.org/fall-professional
Make plans to join us for the
2020 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre Oct. 15 - 17, 2020 l The Promise in Glen Rose l Glen Rose, TX
Registration opens July 8: outdoor-theatre.org/conference SETC is monitoring COVID-19 impact and will be exploring the possibility of virtual attendance.
More info: www.setc.org/events www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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SETC EVENTS
WHY DO
STUDENTS ATTEND?
“The event was very organized, and everyone’s time was used well.” - Haileigh Warren Student, Stage Management
“I appreciated being able to connect with so many people in such a short time frame.” - Veshonte Brown Student, Arts Management
SETC/USITT LiNK l Nov. 5 - 8 l Atlanta, GA *
Make Plans to Attend the 7th Annual LiNK Graduate School Interviews, Auditions and Networking
SETC and USITT will partner again for the seventh annual LiNK Graduate School Interviews and Auditions. Schools and prospective students will come together for a weekend of auditions, interviews and networking on Nov. 5 - 8, 2020, at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta-Airport Hotel in Atlanta, GA. Offering low-cost registration, LiNK brings together numerous schools in one convenient location. In 2019, 50 graduate programs from across the United States were at LiNK recruiting for all areas of theatre study. Registration for graduate programs and for students will open in August 2020. For more information about LiNK, visit www.setc.org/link or www.usitt.org/link. * SETC is monitoring COVID-19 impact and will be exploring the possibility of virtual attendance.
Students check the callback postings at the 2019 LiNK event. Students can interview and audition for graduate schools at LiNK.
It’s Time to Plan Your Workshop Proposals for the 2021 SETC Convention SETC is excited to enrich its program offerings for our next convention in Memphis, TN. For 2021, we are seeking innovative programming that provides practical development for emerging and seasoned professionals alike. For more information, please email Program Manager Bradley Branham at bradley@setc.org. Or visit www.setc.org/workshop-proposals. 3-3-2021
7-7-2020
9-7-2020
10-15-2020
11-1-2020
12-1-2020
OPENING: 9 a.m., Workshop Proposal Submissions
DEADLINE: Midnight, Workshop Proposal Submissions
OPENING: Noon, Registration for 2021 Convention*
NOTIFY BY THIS DATE: Workshop Proposals Accepted/ Declined
DEADLINE: Midnight, Convention Registration for Presenters/ Co-Presenters; Also, Early-Bird Deadline for All Attendees
* Subject to change
CONVENTION: 2021 SETC Convention Begins
More info: www.setc.org/events www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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SETC SPRING AND FALL MEETINGS
Join Us for ExCom, Board and Committee Meetings EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: May 14 -15 SETC’s Executive Committee will meet May 14 -15, 2020. Due to COVID-19, the meetings will be held virtually and the meeting schedule is still being organized. Interested members are welcome to attend. Contact Bradley Branham at bradley@setc.org for more details.
ExCom Report by Maegan McNerney Azar SETC President
Actions taken by the SETC Board of Directors and Executive Committee during meetings in Louisville, KY, on Feb. 26, 2020, included the following:
FALL MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST IN CHARLOTTE This year’s fall meetings will be held Aug. 27- 30, 2020, at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel in uptown Charlotte, NC. SETC committees, the Advisory Council, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors will come together to discuss SETC business.
4 Approved the fiscal year 2019 audit.
All members may attend; board and committee members are expected to attend. Check www.setc.org/board-meetings for upcoming details about hotel reservations and meeting schedules. At this time, SETC hopes to hold these meetings in person while also providing access for virtual attendance. This is subject to change pending COVID-19 mandates and restrictions, as well as member feedback.
4 Approved the fiscal year 2021 SETC budget.
CONTRIBUTIONS to the SETC SCHOLARSHIP/AWARDS FUND
4
Approved revisions to the Articles, Bylaws and Rules, which were then approved by the membership at the Business Meeting on February 29, 2020.
4 Approved the Strategic Plan for 2020-2025. On April 16, 2020, the Executive Committee had an emergency COVID-19 planning meeting. No actions were taken. On April 21, 2020, the Executive Committee carried out a virtual discussion and vote to approve paperwork for SETC’s Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Loan. Full minutes are available at: www.setc.org/minutes-archives
May 2019 through April 2020 SETC would like to thank the following individuals who contributed so generously to the SETC Scholarship/Awards Fund and/or to the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Initiatives this past year. Ian Andersen Maegan & Thomas Azar Chris Bailey Karen Baker Jerry Bangham Rebecca Beasley Makala Becker Mark & Debi Belanger Jack Benjamin Kelly Berry Stacy Blackburn La Shunda Booker James Boone Tom Booth Riley Braem Tenika Burgess Theresa Bush Debra Byrd Alex Carrington Mark Catlett Edward Cheetham Kevin Covert Paul & Mary Fran Crook Lee Crouse J.K. Curry
Anoop Dharmendrakumar Marci J. Duncan Richarte D’Zerrea Stephanie Earl Johannah Maynard Edwards Chip Egan Daniel Ellison Kelly Favaloro Carrie Ferguson- Bellew Andrew Follin Jerf Friedenberg Pat Gagliano Tiza Garland Dacey Geary Marcus Giamatti Jeff Gibson David Glenn Rowan Haigh Denise Halbach Charles Harmon Lonny Harrison Scott Hayes Tonya Hays Emilia Herrera Robert Homer- Drummond
Elizabeth Horn Kyla Kazuschyk Lizzie Kehoe Jeremy & Amie Kisling Rex Knowles Dawn Larsen Sawyer Latham Matthew Leckenbusch Alan Litsey Russell Luke Greg Mach Elaine Malone April J’Callahan Marshall Sarah McCarroll Chad McDonald Kris Rau McIntyre Darren & Allie Michael Jonathan & Miah Michaelsen Kim Miller Morgan Milone Deborah Mogford Melanie Mortimore Mike Murphy Amanda Nelson
Lynn Nelson Kathy Newman Mary Norman Matthew Phillips Susan Pike Ginger Poole Susie Prueter Andrew Ray Howard Reynolds Julie A. Richardson Shannon Robert Kathryn Rohe Neno Russell Cherrie Sciro Melissa Shafer Dillon Sheehan Neil Siebel Kate Simechak Dean Slusser John Spiegel Clay & Amy Thornton Andrew Walker Juniper Wallace Elizabeth Watkins Dennis Wemm Mikayla Wilson Meghan Wombles Dominic Yeager
More info: info: www.setc.org/board-meetings www.setc.org/upcoming More www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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COVID-19: THEATRE SPOTLIGHT
Keeping Theatre Alive through Creativity How are you handling COVID-19 at your theatre?
Email your stories to us at stories@setc.org, and we will share them via SETC social media and publications!
A number of theatres have shared the creative ways they are responding to COVID-19. Here are a few of them: Serenbe Playhouse (Chattahoochee Hills, GA), known for its site-specific outdoor productions that recreate classics in new ways, is producing a COVID & Chill Digital Play Festival featuring streamed productions of five finalists in its new play competition for works (based on fairy tales) that can happen live over one or more digital mediums. Click here for more information or to view the performances May 5 -10. Gulfshore Playhouse (Naples, FL) has begun an immersive audience engagement series, Artful Distancing. April 15’s program was a behind-the-scenes conversation with Broadway’s Bill Parry and Maureen Silliman. April 29’s program was an inside look at the world of professional theatre auditions, casting calls and talkbacks with casting director Michael Cassera. Register online to watch the live Zoom presentations or get more information here. Click here to view the recorded sessions on Gulfshore Playhouse’s YouTube channel. Playhouse on the Square (Memphis, TN) has reached out to its audience with a Flash Writing Digital Play Festival. Each Monday it posts a writing prompt, asking those from elementary age up to adults to write their own flash story, scene or monologue, and submit it by the following Friday. Selected pieces are read/performed by local actors and posted to the theatre’s Facebook page each Sunday night. StageOne Family Theatre (Louisville, KY) launched Channel StageOne, a digital channel providing content for kids and adults. Episodes have included a virtual workshop on building a crown for the mischievous hero of Where the Wild Things Are out of cardboard and papier-mache, followed by an interactive reading of the book. View the episodes here.
The Ghost Light Is On Wetumpka Players Wetumpka, AL
Spring Theatre (Winston-Salem, NC), a youth-oriented theatre, launched the Digital Performance Project, a fully online, socially-distanced performance series. A cast of 100 of all ages from North Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Minnesota, New York, England, Australia and more was chosen through digital auditions. Performers individually contribute their pieces of the performative puzzle, and Spring is assembling them into a theatrical collaboration. View their first performance, Lemonade, here. Their feature film, Lock-in, can be watched at the same link at 8 p.m. EDT, Friday, May 15. Several theatre organizations are using their creative capabilities in the battle against COVID-19. Emily Ruiz-Bushá (left), director of the costume shop at Ball State University (Muncie, IN) and her team created 4,606 cotton masks for the community in five weeks. Corey Harrison, StageOne’s production manager, is leading an effort to create handmade cloth masks for nonclinical staff and families in a partnership with Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation in Louisville, KY. More info: www.setc.org/covid-resources
www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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COVID-19: FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dreaming of College Theatre After COVID-19 Maegan McNerney Azar PR ESID ENT
We’ve all seen the “Dear Patrons” letters from theatres across the country. When we chose our seasons, we couldn’t have imagined that it would end this way. A global pandemic wasn’t a part of the operating plan. But how does this affect theatres that operate as both top-quality performance venues and institutions of higher learning? I am reminded daily of the duality of my theatre department – both as producing organization and as educational institution. Our experience this spring has been like drinking out of a fire hose – constant change, constant unknowns, constant shock. Even as the future remains very unclear and we make decisions in a haze of the unknown, our students’ well-being must be our top priority.
The Ghost Light Is On Tatum Theater University of Southern Mississippi
I am looking forward to the opportunity to assess what has mattered most in this time of isolation while teaching. So much theatre has been lost – we won’t fully understand how much until this is all over – but what has been gained? What is it that I want to rise out of the ashes? As we wind up the spring semester, a pause to reflect on the ups and downs that have shaped 2020 may provide new insight into the theatre world that we dream of on the other side of a pandemic. The desire to train theatre artists who are flexible, creative, and agile in a world of uncertainty has not changed, but the modality has. After every downturn in history, a renaissance lies on the other side, and higher education institutions can lead the way. I believe this moment in theatre will be no different. And our students will be eager to shape that new theatre world with us.
More info: www.setc.org/covid-resources www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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COVID-19: FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SETC Will Be Ready for Your ‘When’
Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R
The uncertainty that we have all been thrust into has certainly been challenging, to say the least. Even after a barrage of surveys, Zooms, postings and brainstorming sessions, we still have little to no idea about what’s really ahead. As the dominoes fall, all sectors of our industry are facing their own unique predicaments. At SETC, the mantra we chant is “not if, but when.” As theatre people, we are a hopeful and brave bunch. Our work has well-equipped us to endure. We have everything we need: creativity, resiliency, compassion, discipline and humor. Without question, we all will be back. SETC is with you in this – standing by to support you however, whenever, whatever. Like our constituents, we are reinventing ourselves in many ways, so that we will be ready for your “when.” We are taking this time to do our homework, work through scenarios, forge collaborations and develop plans. Our work includes: 4 Communication – During this time, we have been sharing all kinds of information on our website, on social media, in conference calls and in a new blog soon to be released, all meant to be helpful, connecting and inspiring.
Rob Harris Productions
4 Economic – We know many have been out of work and out of business. We are already crunching numbers and pinching pennies, too, in order to make our services as affordable as possible in the year to come. 4 Flexibility – Travel restrictions may not be lifted for some time or not for all at once. And we know many will be cautious. We are developing ways to present “hybrids” of our programs so they are available both in person (if viable) and virtually. The Ghost Light Is On Patel Conservatory @ Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, FL
4 Practicality – Our “new normal” as we reopen our organizations will include legal, ethical, moral and safety implications that we have never had to think about before. We are working with other theatrical service organizations to update you on standards and best practices as they become available. 4 Inclusivity - As we explore virtual attendance and video auditions/interviews, we are noting ways that our services might just be the most available, effective and inclusive they have ever been. We are on the verge of rolling out a new database and application software that will make these offerings seamless for all. Our convention in Memphis on March 3-7, 2021, is still on track and, even with all the reinvention above, we are looking with optimism to the day when we can all safely come together in person. Not if, but when … it will come.
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
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2021 CONVENTION: FROM THE VP OF SERVICES
SETC 2021: A Light in Memphis
Lee Crouse VI C E PR ESID ENT OF SERV IC E S
We are in unprecedented times. We are living the unimaginable – yet the arts are leading the way in finding innovative ways to reach audiences. And while a convention might be the farthest thing from our minds today, it is something we can look forward to over the coming months. A light at the end of a very long tunnel. A tunnel that opens in the city of Memphis, TN. SETC will hold its 72nd convention March 3 - 7, 2021, in Memphis, following a move from our originally planned city of Cincinnati, OH. We’ll come together as a community in the home of blues, soul, rock-n-roll, great barbecue and Beale Street. Memphis will re-open its Renasant Convention Center after a $200-million makeover later this year, so we’ll get a chance to experience not just the upbeat vibe of this river city but also the sparkle of a newly renovated convention center.
SETC 2021 Memphis, TN u March 3 - 7
The new space includes:
The Ghost Light Is On Cannon Center for the Performing Arts Memphis, TN
• 300,000 total square feet. • Floor-to-ceiling windows bringing in light and views of downtown Memphis and the The newly renovated Renasant Convention Center in Memphis includes floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Mississippi River. Mississippi River. (Credit: Memphis Tourism / LRK) • Luxury finishes and networking perks, including portable coffee bars and free wi-fi in public areas. • A 118,000-square-foot, column-free exhibit hall, the largest in the region, which can subdivide into three spaces. • A 2,100-seat, connected theatre: the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. • Connectivity with the 600-room Sheraton Memphis Downtown. • A public concourse on Main Street, offering easy access to Memphis’ vintage trolley system and walkable downtown, with the restaurants, bars and music venues of the iconic Beale Street entertainment district just a mile away. Theatre is a community, and Memphis is opening its community to SETC. The ghost light is holding our spot until we arrive in March 2021. See you there! More info: www.setc.org/convention
www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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2020 SETC CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Remembering Louisville: Quotes, Awards and People
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On the pages that follow, we share award winners, photos and what you liked best about the 2020 SETC Convention, which drew more than 4,500 people to Louisville, KY, Feb. 26 - March 1.
ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME • The most fun time and experience I have ever had in my entire theatre life! • It was well-organized and efficiently run, getting around the conference center was easy, and I gained something positive from every workshop. • It was a great way for me to see many colleges at once! • I loved every bit of the convention, from the people there to the workshops. It was a life-changing experience.
Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin and Jackie Alexander accept SETC’s 2020 Distinguished Career Award on behalf of the North Carolina Black Repertory Company, producers of the National Black Theatre Festival.
• I thought the whole process was very smooth and am very happy with the end result – 48 callbacks!
KEYNOTES • Excellent talk about the impact of black theatre through the NC Black Repertory Company. • Loved listening to Ashlee and what she had done. • I liked that Matthew’s keynote was not just about stage management – it used stage management as the backdrop to discuss leadership.
Elizabeth Horn is the winner of the Tom Behm Award, which provides professional development funds to a person involved in theatre for youth. www.setc.org
Rachel Bykowski won the Charles M. Getchell Award for her new play 28 Light Years From Now.
Liz Haynes (left), the winner of the John Spiegel Theatrical Artist Award, is shown with John Spiegel, who endowed the award (for students pursuing design/tech degrees) in honor of his father.
John E.R. “Jerf” Friedenberg (center), a longtime SETC volunteer, receives the Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award from past President Tiza Garland and President Jeff Gibson.
Spencer Burke and Roderick Justice accept SETC’s Sara Spencer Child Drama Award on behalf of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati from Jeremy Kisling (right), the award chair.
More info: www.setc.org/convention May / June 2020
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Winners of Secondary School Theatre Festival Awards sponsored by Norcostco, Inc.
Best Performer winners were Marissa Hibel, for her performance in The History of Tom Jones, presented by Jefferson Forest High School (Forest, VA); and Blake Croft, for his performance in Arkansaw Bear, presented by Windermere High School (Windermere, FL).
The winner of the Secondary School Theatre Festival was SCAPA, Lafayette High School (Lexington, KY), for its production of Failure: A Love Story. Cast and crew members are shown with director Amie Kisling, who is holding the award.
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2020 SETC CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
SECONDARY SCHOOL THEATRE FESTIVAL • The students that we bring really learn a lot and enjoy meeting new people with the same interest. • The schools at the secondary festival were phenomenal, and the facilities were accommodating.
The runner-up in the Secondary School Theatre Festival was Perry High School (Perry, GA), for its production of The Trench. Cast and crew members are shown with director Joe Sendek, who is holding the award.
Keynote Emerging Artist of Promise (KEAP) Award The 2020 KEAP Award recipients are (left to right) Sophia Coscia, Heather Dean, Paige Hemmer and Ronnae Moore. Not pictured: Chiagozi Onukogu.
Photos on Pages 9 -15 by Mark Mahan www.setc.org
More info: www.setc.org/secondary-theatre May / June 2020
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2020 SETC CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Winners of Community Theatre Festival Awards sponsored by Dramatists Play Service
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South City Players (Pelham, AL) won Best Production for The Gulf. At right: Director Lisa Ponder (far right) is shown with cast and crew members (left to right) Mike Gerrells, Autumn Brown Rachael Pike and Todd Ponder.
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Spark Theater Company (Dothan, AL) won Best Production for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. At right: Director Caleb Brooks holds the award, surrounded by cast and crew of the show.
COMMUNITY THEATRE FESTIVAL • I enjoy a competitive Community Theatre Festival. • I love the ideas I get that I can share.
Paul Ruff (left) was named Best Actor for his performance in A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney, presented by Starkville Community Theatre (Starkville, MS); Riley Turberville (right) was named Best Actress for her performance in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, presented by Spark Theater Company (Dothan, AL).
WORKSHOPS • Very interactive, filled with detail and information. Extremely engaging. • I left this workshop feeling like I never have before when I act. It made me more eager than ever to get on a stage and play with these new tactics! • Amazing and incredibly informative! I loved how she offered things you can actually use in the classroom. • The exercises we did were super helpful, and the handout is definitely going to stay in my actor toolbox! • This was so helpful. I am a newer educator in higher ed and hearing what other programs look like and hearing that others have similar problems to mine was reassuring and just … needed. Thank you.
More info: www.setc.org/community-theatre www.setc.org
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2020 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Ready to Design Award
Properties Design & Construction Awards sponsored by TTS Studios
(Left to right) Honorable Mention: Claire Wylie, The Life of Galileo, Brevard College; 3rd Place: Sydney Lokant, Steel Work for the Stage, Ohio University; 2nd Place: Regan Ellward, The Tempest, Clemson University; 1st Place: Gina Boccolucci, She Kills Monsters, Ohio University.
Winners of SETC’s Ready to Design Award are chosen from graduate entrants in the Design Competition. In addition to a cash prize from SETC, each winner receives the opportunity to design a show at a theatre. The 2020 winners are (back row, left to right): Lexington Children’s Theatre – Audrey Reed, Virginia Commonwealth University; Triad Stage – Cindy Moon, Virginia Tech; Patel Conservatory – Chris Mueller, Indiana University Bloomington; (front row, left to right): Serenbe Playhouse – Carrie Ferrelli, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and Naomi S. Gold, Indiana University Bloomington.
1st: Properties Design & Construction Gina Boccolucci She Kills Monsters
Costume Technology Awards
sponsored by Costume Society of America (Left to right) 3rd Place: Madi Bell, 16th Century Gown, Indiana University Bloomington; 2nd Place: Elizabeth Licata, 1660s Silver Gown, Indiana University Bloomington; 1st Place: Victoria Cozza, Doublet and Breeches for The Three Musketeers, Virginia Commonwealth University.
1st: Costume Technology Victoria Cozza Doublet and Breeches, The Three Musketeers More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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2020 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Costume Design Awards sponsored by Norcostco, Inc.
Undergraduate Costume Design Award Winners (Left to right) Honorable Mention: Skyler Glaser, Eclipsed, Virginia Commonwealth University; 3rd Place: Annie Wilkinson, The Illusion, Harding University; 2nd Place: Max Hromek, Into the Woods, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; 1st Place: Laura Holt, Machinal, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Graduate Costume Design Award Winners (Left to right) Honorable Mention: Cindy Moon, Balm in Gilead, Virginia Tech; 3rd Place: Rachel Ann Saylor, Little Shop of Horrors, Indiana University Bloomington; 2nd Place: Margo Birdwhistell, Blithe Spirit, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; 1st Place: Audrey Reed, Salome, Virginia Commonwealth University. .
1st: Graduate Costume Design Audrey Reed Salome
Costume Crafts Awards sponsored by Norcostco, Inc.
Technical Direction & Construction
sponsored by Productions Unlimited, Inc. 2nd Place: Avery Hunt, Bent, Elon University; 1st Place: Liz Haynes, Love’s Labour’s Lost, University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
(Left to right) 3rd Place: Gina Boccolucci, Steel Bowler Hat, Ohio University; 2nd Place: Lauren Woods, Banana Peel Loafers, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; 1st Place: Ciara Niamh Smith, Cabaret Tattoo Creation, University of Oklahoma.
1st: Technical Direction & Construction Liz Haynes Love’s Labour’s Lost
1st: Costume Crafts Ciara Niamh Smith Cabaret Tattoo Creation
More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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2020 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Scenic Design Awards sponsored by Sculptural Arts Coating, Inc. Graduate Scenic Design Award Winners (Left to right) Honorable Mention: Diksha Pilania, Balm in Gilead, Virginia Tech; 3rd Place: Chris Mueller, Hamlet, Indiana University Bloomington; 2nd Place: Carrie Ferrelli, People Where They Are, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; 1st Place: Katherine Stepanek, Million Dollar Quartet, University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Undergraduate Scenic Design Award Winners (Left to right) 3rd Place: Madalyn Walsh, In the Blood, University of Georgia; 2nd Place: Travis Martinez, Smart People, Lehigh University; 1st Place: Silin Chen, Ever in the Glades, Wake Forest University.
1st: Graduate Scenic Design Katherine Stepanek Million Dollar Quartet
Stage Management Games sponsored by EmptySpace Technology
(Left to right) 3rd Place: Megan Coatney, Virginia Commonwealth University; 2nd Place: Tera Newhouse, Point Park University; 1st Place: Brenna Bishop, Harding University.
Sound Design Awards sponsored by Shure, Inc.
(Back row, left to right) Honorable Mention: Jesse Desrosiers, Hills on Fire, University of Florida; Honorable Mention: David Melton, The Tempest, Clemson University; (Front row, left to right) 3rd Place: Tamir Eplan-Frankel, Bent, Elon University; 2nd Place: Michael Littrell, Ever in the Glades, Wake Forest University; 1st Place: Gianna Agostino, Far Away, University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
1st: Sound Design Gianna Agostino Far Away
More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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2020 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Lighting Design Awards sponsored by Electronic Theatre Controls Graduate Lighting Design Award Winners (Left to right) Honorable Mention: Joy Diaz, The Tempest, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; 3rd Place: Casey Duke, Balm in Gilead, Virginia Tech; 2nd Place: Bill Miller, People Where They Are, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; 1st Place: Naomi S. Gold, Big Fish, Indiana University Bloomington. Undergraduate Lighting Design Award Winners (Left to right) 3rd Place: Austin Harber, Eclipsed, Virginia Commonwealth University; 2nd Place: Sreypech An, Sense and Sensibility, Virginia Commonwealth University; 1st Place: Corey GouldenNaitove, Anon(ymous), University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
1st: Graduate Lighting Design Naomi S. Gold Big Fish
Projection Design Awards sponsored by Broadway Media Distribution
(Left to right) Honorable Mention: Silin Chen, How I Learned to Drive, Wake Forest University; 3rd Place: Chandler Oppenheimer, Carmen, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; 2nd Place: Katherine Stepanek, Blithe Spirit, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; 1st Place: Sydney Dye, We Will Rock You, Elon University.
Makeup Design
sponsored by Norcostco, Inc. (Left to right) 3rd Place: Amoy Cooper, Metamorphoses, University of Southern Mississippi; 2nd Place: Rachel Roan, Guys and Dolls, University of Southern Mississippi; 1st Place: Jackson Jones, Ah, Wilderness, University of Southern Mississippi.
1st: Makeup Design Jackson Jones Ah, Wilderness
1st: Projection Design Sydney Dye We Will Rock You More info: www.setc.org/design-competition
www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
Hall of Fame Inductees Recognized at Convention
Central Office SETC 1175 Revolution Mill Dr., Studio 14 Greensboro NC 27405 336-272-3645 info@setc.org
Do you know someone who should be in the SETC Hall of Fame?
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 Chris Bailey chris@setc.org Communications/Website Bradley Branham bradley@setc.org Programming Elizabeth Theodora elizabeth@setc.org Membership/Technology Nicole Francis nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Pat Shumate pat@setc.org Data Assistant General Questions info@setc.org
Executive Committee Maegan McNerney Azar President Jack Benjamin VP of Administration Lee Crouse VP of Services Jonathan Michaelsen VP of Finance Ginger Poole Secretary Jeff Gibson Elected Past President Kris Rau McIntyre VP of States Tom Booth VP of Divisions
Four individuals were inducted into the SETC Hall of Fame during the annual business meeting at the 2020 SETC Convention in Louisville, KY. Jack Benjamin (left) is a retired department chair and professor emeritus at the University of South Carolina Aiken. Currently SETC’s VP of administration, he served four terms as SETC president. David Wohl (second from left) is a retired dean and professor emeritus at Winthrop University. He has served as SETC president, elected past president, treasurer and VP of finance. Larry Snipes and Vivian Snipes (right) are the producing and artistic directors, respectively, of Lexington Children’s Theatre. Larry’s SETC service includes chairing the Theatre for Youth Division and serving on the Auditions Committee. Vivian leads LCT’s participation in SETC’s Ready to Design Awards.
Visit www.setc. org/hall-offame for more information on how to make a nomination. This honor recognizes persons who have had a significant impact on SETC’s success over a sustained period of time.
In Memoriam Herman Middleton, a professor emeritus and former head of the theatre department at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, died on April 12, 2020. He was 95. President of SETC in 1965-66, he received SETC’s prestigious Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award in 1975. He also was a founder and past president of the North Carolina Theatre Conference. Richard H. Palmer, a longtime theatre professor at William & Mary, died at his home in Williamsburg, VA, on March 15, 2020. He was 79. In addition to teaching, he served as artistic director of the William & Mary Theatre and general manager of the Virginia Shakespeare Festival. He also was active in SETC and was a former president of the Virginia Theatre Association. Send your news to deanna@setc.org
www.setc.org
May / June 2020
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