march / april 2014
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. www.setc.org
CONTENTS
2014 SETC Convention l March 5-9 l Mobile, AL
SETC Convention
Acclaimed Theatre Leader, Visionary and Director Bob Moss Is Friday Keynote Speaker
Pages 1 - 5
Design-Tech Page 6 - 7
Professionals Pages 8 - 10
Interest Areas Pages 11- 13
States/Publications Page 13
Columns Pages 14 - 17
Miscellaneous News Page 18
A true theatre icon, Bob Moss has had an impact on drama across the country – and across all disciplines. When he founded New York’s Playwrights Horizons in 1971, Moss had a singular mission – to encourage contemporary playwrights and to produce their new works. It’s a testament to his vision that, 43 years later, the mission he laid out remains the focus of Playwrights Horizons, which received a 2008 Drama Desk Award for “ongoing support to generations of theatre artists and undiminished commitment to producing new work.” Over the years, Moss went on to serve as artistic director at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY, producing artistic director at Syracuse Stage, and a teacher of theatre at Syracuse University. He has also stage managed, directed and even acted. Come hear about his remarkable “Life in the Theatre” at 2:30 p.m., Friday at the SETC Convention.
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
More info: www.setc.org/keynotes-aguest-speakers-convention
Photo by Chad Runyon
Announcements
BOB MOSS Keynote Presentation: A L:ife in the Theatre 2:30 p.m., Friday, March 7 Sponsored by the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts Workshop: Thinking Like A Director 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8
Registration: www.setc.org/register
2014 setc convention
Ready for Mobile? Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre
What You Need to Know: Registration and Food Executive Committee President: Jack Benjamin Programming VP: Tiza Garland Administrative VP: Steve Bayless Secretary: Lynn Nelson Treasurer: H. Duke Guthrie Past President: Chip Egan States Representative: Mike Hudson Divisions Representative: Bill Murray
Central Office Betsey Horth Executive Director SETC 1175 Revolution Mill Dr. Studio 14 Greensboro NC 27405 336-272-3645 info@setc.org
News Submissions Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
WHERE CAN I GET A PROGRAM? You don’t have to wait until you’re in Mobile to get your convention schedule! Visit http://setc2014convention.sched.org now to view events and chart out your personal schedule, accessible via smartphone, tablet or laptop.
WHERE IS REGISTRATION? The Mobile Convention Center Concourse Level is where you will find convention registration. This is where you will pick up your convention packet, get answers at the Info Hub, buy convention gear and place your bid for the Silent Auction.
WHERE CAN I EAT IN THE CONVENTION CENTER OR HOTEL? Convention Center • The Waterfront Café - Located on lower level in the Exhibit Hall, serving hot eats, cool treats and grab-n-go snacks. Daily Blue Plate Special! Battlehouse Hotel • The Trellis Room - Downtown Mobile’s only AAA 4-Diamond restaurant. • Royal Street Tavern - Trendy downtown lounge with light fare menu. • Joe Cain Cafe - Handcrafted pizzas and sandwiches and signature cocktails. Riverview Hotel • The Harbor Room - Serving local seafood, seasonal local produce and daily specials. • Fathoms Lounge - Restaurant/lounge; covered outside seating, firepits and plasma TVs.
WHAT OTHER FOOD OPTIONS ARE NEARBY?
• Mostly Muffins – Delicious muffins and coffee. Corner of Dauphin and S. Royal St. • The Royal Scam – Across the street from the Riverview Hotel. American-style cuisine, affordable prices, complimentary lunch delivery. • “Spot of Tea” Café – Eclectic and historic restaurant with a sidewalk café. 5-minute walk from Riverview Hotel. Curbside pick-up available until 2 p.m. • Wintzel’s Oyster House – Famous for seafood, especially oysters. 15-to-20-minute walk from Riverview Hotel. • Taqueria/ Liquid Sushi Lounge – Have your sushi and tacos, too! 15-to-20-minute walk from Riverview Hotel. • Want to discover more? Check out the Mobile Bay App at mobilebay.org.
Go to Next Page for More More info: info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org/upcoming More www.setc.org
March / April 2014
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2014 setc convention
Ready for Mobile? Take a Snack Break on Thursday! Visit the Exhibit Hall from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Thursday, March 7 for free treats and lemonade at the Exhibitor Showcase and Social, sponsored by Hollins Exposition Services, Barbizon Lighting Co., ETC, InterAmerica Stage Inc., MainStage Theatrical Supply, Inc., Philips Entertainment, TheatreWorld Backdrops, Pioneer Drama Service and Eye Dialogue. Also take a few minutes to explore the “parks” exhibitors have created in the Exhibit Hall. The “Tranquil Woods” backdrop below will be part of a relaxing setting created by TheatreWorld Backdrops, one of seven park sponsors.
What You Need to Know: Fun and Transportation WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE EVENING? Check your convention schedule for times and locations of the many festival performances, social events, staged readings and workshops happening at the convention!
WHERE CAN I SEE A LIST OF SOCIAL EVENTS AT THE CONVENTION? Social events range from the opening night Design-Tech Mixer to Friday afternoon’s Beer Break to the convention finale – the SETC Banquet and Awards Ceremony on Saturday night. For the complete schedule, check your program or visit www.setc.org/ social-a-networking-events-convention.
ARE THERE ANY LOCAL EVENTS? • GulfQuest Maritime Museum Tours Get an exclusive sneak peek and guided tour of Mobile’s newly built GulfQuest National Maritime Museum. Learn about the latest and greatest in exhibit design and how theatre skills were applied to the creative development. Tours are free. Tour times: 4-5:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 5; 10:30-11:45 a.m., Thursday, March 6. Sign up on-site at Registration. • Gulfcoast Exploreum Carnival Combo The Gulfcoast Exploreum Science Center is offering SETC attendees a special package called the $10 Carnival Combo. This price includes all exhibits, plus a screening of the film, Flight of the Butterflies, in an IMAX Dome! If you have a large group interested in attending, special demonstrations can be arranged! To coordinate a group outing, contact the Gulfcoast Exploreum (www.exploreum.com).
HOW DO I GET AROUND? • Walking All events are within walking distance of the downtown hotels. Plan on a 15-minute walk between the hotels and the convention center; most are much closer. While there isn’t a major safety concern, please walk in groups, especially late at night. • Driving Parking is available at the hotels and convention center. Visit www.setc.org/hotel-info for details.
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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2014 setc convention
Community Theatre Festival Adjudicators
SETC 2014 March 5- 9, 2014 - Mobile, AL
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS DR. DANIEL BANKS Educator, Director, Dialogue Facilitator (DNA Works) “Hip Hop Theatre Initiative: A Model for Student and Community Engagement” 7 p.m., Wednesday
Eric Browne
Actor, Director, Teacher
Nancy Eppert
Omnibus Theatre Company
Murray Chase Venice Theatre
High School Theatre Festival Adjudicators
WENDY MACLEOD Playwright: The House of Yes, Juvenilia, The Water Children “What Really Counts Is Stamina” 2:30 p.m., Thursday BOB MOSS Theatre Founder, Manager, Artistic Director, Teacher “A Life in the Theatre” 2:30 p.m., Friday
Ricky Ramon
Hispanic Scholarship Consortium
Nicholas Irion
Texas Tech University
Deb Shaw
Midland Independent School District
Theatre for Youth Festival Respondents
TERRENCE MANN SETC 2014 Distinguished Career Award Winner “The Magic Bullet or What It Takes...” 2:30 p.m., Saturday
Barry Kornhauser
Millersville University
Tom Behm
UNC-Greensboro Professor Emeritus
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
March / April 2014
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2014 SETC CONVENTION
SETC High School New Play Contest
Caleigh Derreberry Wins for This Play Is About Pirates: An Autobiography Staged Reading This Play Is About Pirates
will be presented in a staged readng at the SETC Convention at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8. Check your program for more details.
Synopsis
A modern pirate story about love, puns and other drugs.
A senior at Brookwood High School in Georgia, Caleigh Derreberry plans a career as a screenwriter. This is your first play. What prompted you to write a play? I honestly just sat down at my computer one day and decided to write a play. I want to be a playwright/screenwriter, and one day it occurred to me that writing a play would probably be a good place to start.
What did you enjoy about the process? Rewrites. It was fascinating to watch my story change and evolve from one draft to the next until it wasn’t at all like the story I had originally set out to write. There was a moment when I went back and read my first draft and thought, “Wait, is this the same story? It’s not even about pirates!”
How did you hear about SETC’s high school play contest? The Internet. After I had finished writing This Play Is About Pirates, I wasn’t content to let my play sit idly on my computer. I wanted to do something with it – a quick Google search found SETC.
Q
I have just had a change in schedule, and I now will able to attend the SETC Convention. I know I can register for the convention on-site in Mobile, but how can I find a hotel at this late date?
A
You may be able to find a hotel easily if you are willing to make some calls. There are always people who cancel their reservations at the last minute, making additional rooms available. You can find a list of convention hotels at www.setc.org/hotel-info. Contact the hotels directly and ask if they have had cancellations. Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you in Mobile!
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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2014 setc convention: design-tech
2014 Distinguished Designers Will Present Thursday Night Keynotes, Adjudicate Design Competition
Stan Pressner is a muchacclaimed lighting designer whose recent work included the lighting design for Broadway’s Richard III, which just closed its run on February 16. Pressner is the resident lighting designer at the Lincoln Center Festival and senior consultant at Theatre Projects. His advice for young designers: “Every element, at every moment, must support the conceptual approach to the work. Avoid being precious about your creations. It may be the most beautiful costume, set or lighting cue, but if it does not advance the work you need to cut it. Treasure criticism and praise. Honestly discuss what worked for you and what didn’t, what was attempted and what succeeded. Accept and offer praise and criticism graciously. Work with joy and grace, keep your ears and eyes open, and remember that everyone working with you is as essential to the production as you.”
Donyale Werle is an accomplished scenic designer who won a Tony Award in 2012 for her work on Broadway’s Peter and the Starcatcher. In 2011, she received an Obie Award for Sustained Excellence of Set Design and also was a Tony Award nominee for Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. Werle, the co-chair of the Pre/Post Production Committee for the Broadway Green Alliance, has a focus on sustainable design practices for the stage.
Donyale Werle’s set design for Peter and the Starcatcher won a 2012 Tony Award. Photo by Donyale Werle.
Martin Izquierdo is an awardwinning costume designer who has specialized in craft designs. He created the costumes for such shows as Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods and Shogun. Other notable projects include designing the wings for Angels In America His advice for young designers: “Look around you. Think about what you are seeing. Stare at people; see body proportions, hands, faces, posture, color, etc. Study art history and world cultures. Don’t think you are just a costume designer. What you do can be used in many fields, such as interiors, fashion and display. Be as creative as you can be. Paint, sculpt, draw, and develop your hand-eye coordination. Being able to communicate visually without a computer is a gift and will make you stand out and be more valuable. Don’t forget books. Love paper.”
More info: www.setc.org/distinguished-designers www.setc.org
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2014 setc convention: DESIGN-TECH
How Can You Win a 2014 Ready for Work Award?
Two designers participating in the 2014 Graduate Design Competition will be selected for SETC’s 2014 Ready for Work Award. Each will receive a monetary award and a work opportunity at either Triad Stage in Greensboro, NC, or Lexington Children’s Theatre in Lexington, KY. To be eligible to win the award, you must: • Be a graduate design student. • Enter the SETC Design competition. • Wow the companies offering the work experience! More info: www.setc.org/designcompetition-awards
Another 2013 winner, Libby Stadstad, will be featured in the next SETC News, along with an announcement of the 2014 winners. Timothy Hart, the third 2013 winner, was featured in the January/ February issue.
2013 Ready for Work Award Winner Designs Costumes for Triad Stage Miwa Ishii, one of three winners of SETC’s 2013 Ready for Work Award, recently completed the costume design for Anna Christie at Triad Stage in Greensboro, NC. Below, Preston Clark, artistic director at Triad Stage, and Ishii discuss the experience. Preston Lane: “Miwa was an exceptional member of the design team. Her research and creativity were first-rate. I am delighted to have an opportunity to work with such an exceptional early career theatre designer and am confident she will continue to make wonderful art.” Miwa Ishii: “This was my first time designing as an out-of-town designer. It was challenging at first as I was learning how to best communicate my designs without talking face-to-face, but in the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than the one I had with my director, Preston Lane, and the production members at Triad Stage. Triad Stage has an incredibly supportive environment and a strong commitment to Ready for Work Award winner Miwa Ishii designed quality production. Anna Christie costumes for Anna Christie, which began its run at is a story about a former prostitute Triad Stage on Feb. 9, 2014. Photo by Fred Kinney. overcoming her past and finding hope in life. In regards to the costumes, we took a realistic approach to contrast with the impressionistic scenery. My inspiration came from the setting in the late 1910s, when society was facing economic hardship following the great war. I wanted to mirror the characters’ despair and to emphasize their determination to rise above it. It was so inspiring to work side by side with so many talented production members and other designers who are so much more experienced. I am very grateful to the Ready for Work Award for making me part of such a beautiful production.”
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
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2014 setc convention: pro auditions
SETC Professional Auditions Pianist Celebrates 20th Year If you are including a musical number in your professional audition, Jose Simbulan is an important name to know. He is the pianist who will accompany you at your audition. He reflects below on how things have changed since he began 20 years ago. “My first SETC was Savannah in the spring of 1994. It was snowing when I flew out of Washington, DC, and it was sunny and in the 70s when I landed in Georgia. I actually had to buy a T-shirt and shorts in the hotel gift shop so that I had comfortable clothes to walk around in. As for the actual Auditions themselves, it's all a blur now, but I must have done well since I find myself returning for my 20th year of playing for the Professional Division Auditions. Over the years, there have been changes large and small at SETC and in the way the ProDiv Auditions are run. The changes have been due to the growth of the organization, as well as the ever-changing landscape of theatre. Things definitely seem less overwhelming and hectic than they used to be. In particular, it's nice to finally have a dedicated lunch break each day instead of having to take a few bites of a sandwich between auditions. I also have learned to concentrate on my contribution to the Auditions, instead of trying to do everything possible at the convention. It's always good to breathe.�
Jose Simbulan
Notes from Your Accompanist, Jose Simbulan I have three major pieces of advice for professional auditionees at the 2014 SETC Convention:
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Practice your audition piece with a pianist.
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You need to know how your music sounds before you audition. I often see auditionees who have learned every note pitch-bypitch, locked in every rhythm, come up with the subtext to the lyric, choreographed where to look and place their hands, even how to dress and what shoes yo wear, but ... they have never actually heard what their sheet music sounds like, what their cut sounds like.
It is well worth the time (and money) to sit down with a pianist and have him or her play exactly what is on the page. If you are starting on an "upbeat," do you want the pianist to start on the "downbeat"? Is where you marked it to "stop" the place where you stop singing or where the pianist stops playing? Will one pitch, one bell-tone, be the most secure way to get you started? Or would a chord or small intro provide surer footing?
As helpful as your voice teachers and acting coaches may be, they probably are not pianists, or more specifically "audition pianists." What they consider a helpful marking sometimes is a distraction. Sheet music is essentially a road map. Keep it clean and direct. The less "stuff" there is on the page, the easier it will be for the pianist to read, to follow and to accompany you.
Make sure I am not the first pianist to play your sheet music for you.
Make your sheet music easy to read.
More info: www.setc.org/auditions-professional www.setc.org
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professional company spotlight
Hiring through SETC: The Prizery ‘We have consistently found the best talent in the region through our affiliation with SETC. Our goal is to offer young theatre professionals jobs and, through SETC, we are able to bring the most remarkable talent through our doors and onto our stage!’ - Chris Jones, Artistic Director SETC recently caught up with Chris Jones, artistic director at The Prizery in South Boston, VA. Tell us about your theatre. The Prizery was created in 2005 through a $7-million repurposing project that transformed an R. J. Reynolds tobacco prizery (a building where tobacco was “prized,” or pressed into barrels) into an arts center, with a 235-seat theatre at its heart. In the beginning, the theatre was home to Halifax County Little Theatre and road shows. Since 2010, the space has also been host to the region’s only professional summer stock theatre. Our first professional show was Dames at Sea. The choreographer for that show was Abigail Gatlin, who has gone on to become a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall, and the cast included Joseph Rosko, who recently starred in Sight and Sound’s (Branson location) production of Joseph. The Prizery is partially funded by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. What is your mission? Our mission is to provide young actors with the opportunity to perform in a professional setting and theatre patrons with quality live theatrical entertainment. Galyana Castillo portrays Billie Holliday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, presented in January 2014 at The Prizery. Photo by Michael Calvo.
What type of shows do you produce? We produce musicals exclusively. Our 2014 summer theatre season will include Hairspray and Les Misérables. We just produced Forever Plaid Tidings with all professional actors and Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill featuring Galyana Castillo. Where do you find your actors and crew? Most of our hiring is through SETC. We attended our first SETC Convention in 2010, the year we began our professional summer season. That year we hired eight performers and six technicians – all from SETC. The past two years we also have hired performers and technicians to work in our regular season. In addition to professional actors, we also have an apprentice company, which includes non-paid local students and paid interns.
More info: www.prizery.com www.setc.org
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professional artist spotlight
Getting a Job through SETC: Galyana Castillo
INSPIRATION for Professionals
‘A play is about human beings caught in an outrageous situation – caused by love.’ That’s just one of the “outrageous ideas for actors” that you will find in Herb Parker’s new book, Bark Like a Dog! Find the book: www.amazon.com Learn more: Workshop at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 6.
Herb Parker Theatre Professor East Tennessee State University
www.setc.org
Galyana Castillo was offered a job the first time she participated in the SETC Professional Auditions – and the roles have kept coming since then. What jobs have you gotten through SETC? I went through screening auditions in 2009 and was approved to advance to the 2010 Spring Professional Auditions, where I was hired to play Queenie in Show Boat at Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre. As I was finishing that job, they had auditions for Seussical and asked me to stay on as Sour Kangaroo in that show. So I finished Show Boat and went right into the rehearsals for Seussical. Then, when I auditioned at the 2012 SETC Auditions, The Prizery hired me for its entire summer season. So I spent my summer working there after I received a BFA in performing arts, and a minor in vocal performance, from Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD) in 2012.
How has SETC assisted you as a theatre professional? SETC has definitely helped me in finding jobs. It’s very convenient to audition before so many solid, reputable theatres in one place who are actually hiring. It’s also educational because you learn so much about the art of auditioning in a safe and supportive environment, and you gain confidence in your craft. You really learn to think on your feet when you go to callbacks and they just keep asking for more.
Where are you working now? I was back at The Prizery again in January 2014 to play the role of Billie Holliday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill. It is such a welcoming and warm place to work, and Chris [Jones] is such a great director – very organic in his approach. You really feel like he values your input. Shortly after the show closed, I relocated to New York. I am now staying with a friend I met through The Prizery while I begin the process of looking for a manager, an agent – and, of course, work!
More info: www.setc.org/spring-professional March / April 2014
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2014 setc convention: THEATRE DISCIPLINES
What’s Happening in Your Interest Area? ACTING/ DIRECTING
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
DESIGN/ TECHNOLOGY
Robert HomerDrummond Chair
Adanma Barton Chair
Robert O’Leary Chair
DON’T MISS THIS: We encourage everyone interested in Acting/ Directing to attend the Terrence Mann keynote presentation at 3 p.m., Saturday March 8. WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: We suggest the following workshops for everyone, whether you are a pro, a professor or a student: Lisa Dalton Master Classes on Thursday and Friday; and the Larry Silverberg workshops on Friday. OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: We have more directing workshops than ever before! Also, some popular workshops are back by special demand: Stephen Gundersheim’s “What Not to Wear” at 5:30 p.m., Friday, March 7; Kevin Kern’s “Physicalizing the Fools: More Bold Choices for Shakespeare’s Clowns” at noon, Saturday, March 8; and Trent Blanton’s Michael Chekhov workshop at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8. OUR MEETING: The Acting/ Directing interest group meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 5. Join us to network and to discuss the kinds of workshops that you would like to see at future SETC conventions and meetings.
DON’T MISS THIS: Be sure to attend Wednesday’s keynote presentation by Dr. Daniel Banks – and the free Hip Hop Theatre workshop he will lead at 1 p.m., Thursday, March 6. WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: Cultural Diversity workshops are incredible this year, with themes for everyone: international, applied, community development, feminist, devised, costume design and more! OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: We encourage you to attend Thursday’s keynote presentation by playwright Wendy MacLeod. OUR MEETING: If you are interested in learning more about SETC Cultural Diversity, join us at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6 for our interest group meeting. You are also welcome to bring your breakfast to our morning roundtable discussions!
DON’T MISS THIS: This year’s Design Keynote Presentation is a must-see. Our distinguished, award-winning guest designers are lighting designer Stan Pressner, set designer Donyale Werle, and costume designer Martin Izquierdo. (More info, Page 6) WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: You’ll find workshops in every area of theatre design and technology. Design South workshops allow a peek into current designs here in our region. “Sketching, Rendering and Model Making for the Theatre” is always a fun workshop. OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: The Design-Tech Mixer is a great opportunity on Wednesday night to make new friends in the design/ tech field. Don’t miss the Design Competition display! The best and brightest of SETC bring their design work to the table for all to see. The Tech Expo floor is a fun place to explore as well. Check out new gadgets, see the latest instrumentation, or canvas the floor for goodies to take back to those design labs at school. OUR MEETING: Students, faculty and other professionals are invited to join us for the Design-Tech interest group meeting at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8.
More info: www.setc.org/schedule-convention www.setc.org
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2014 setc convention: THEATRE DISCIPLINES
What’s Happening in Your Interest Area? HIST/THEORY/ CRIT/LIT
PLAYWRITING
RELIGION & THEATRE
Sam Sparks Chair
Steve Burch Chair
Bert Wallace Chair
DON’T MISS THIS: Join us for the Young Scholar’s Award panel at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 8. The winning papers will be presented by their authors: Spectral Laughter: Constructing a Modern Subjectivity through Humor in The Castle Spectre by Samuel Kolodezh; and Bert Williams and the Subtle Black Pantomime by Brianna Valderrey. WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: Back by popular demand is “Dramatic History Redux: A Key Exchange.” This workshop featuring scholars from across the region explores “the most significant plays in Western theatre history.” OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: Brush up your Shakespeare with “Henry the Which?” Sarah McCarroll presents an interactive workshop exploring the families of Shakespeare’s history plays. The steering committee for SETC’s scholarly journal, Theatre Symposium, hosts its annual “Theatre Symposium Highlights” workshop on the April symposium. OUR MEETING: Join the History, Theory, Criticism, and Literature Committee at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 8 to discuss trends in the field, highlights from the convention and plans for next year.
DON’T MISS THIS: Be sure to attend the staged readings of our winning plays this year. The Missing Link, by Robert Plowman, this year’s Charles M. Getchell Award winner, will be presented at 7 p.m., Friday, March 7. This Play Is About Pirates, winner of the High School Playwriting Contest, will be presented at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 8. All are invited. WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: Check out “Snippets: New Works from SETC Playwrights” (in its second year); “Playwriting NOW: Exercises and Tools to Get Students Writing”; “Finding Your Story: Fundamentals of Playwriting”; and “Let’s Create a Play in One Hour.” OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: More workshops of note include “Arnold Wesker: Angry Young Man at 82”; “Open Forum of Teachers of Playwriting”; “The Business of Writing Plays”; “Tix are Free, No Royalties? & Other Fairy Tales”; and “Breaking from Realism: Playwriting for the 21st Century.” OUR MEETING: The High School New Play Interest Group meets at 10:30 a.m.,Thursday, March 6. The Playwriting Interest Group meets at 9 a.m., Friday, March 7. Come listen, talk and schmooze.
DON’T MISS THIS: “Quo Vadis? The Christian Theatre Artist in the 21st Century” is an annual panel discussion about the challenges of being a person of faith in the professional theatre. Led by three professional actor-teachers, this session is a great way to explore what it means for a Christian to pursue a career in the theatre. This workshop is at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 6. WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: “Rounds: Using Bodies to Create the Scene” is a workshop, scheduled for noon Thursday, March 6, for anyone interested in acting, directing or movement. OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: Join the networking organization Christians in the Theatre Arts (CITA) for an informal meet and greet at 7 p.m., Friday, March 7. OUR MEETING: Please join us for our Interest Group meeting Session at 1 p.m., Friday, March 7. We’ll be discussing the possibility of a Religion & Theatre Short Play Festival at next year’s convention. If you or your group would be interested in performing at a Short Works Festival next year, or if you would like more information, please join us.
More info: www.setc.org/schedule-convention www.setc.org
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2014 setc convention: Miscellaneous
What’s Happening in Your Interest Area? STAGE MOVEMENT Lee Crouse Chair
DON’T MISS THIS: Featured Presenter Jennifer Mizenko leads “A Practical Application of Laban Movement for Actors: Tips for Teachers” at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 5 (for educators and professionals); and
STATE CONVENTION NEWS
Mississippi Theatre Association Stephen Cunetto Executive Director
Event: Annual conference. Number attending: Approximately 500 Winners of Community Theatre Festival: The Santa Land Diaries, Tupelo Community Theatre, Tupelo, MS; Black Sash, WINGS Performing Arts, Gulfport, MS. Winners of High School Theatre Festival: 1st: Property Rites, Picayune Memorial High School, Picayune, MS; 2nd: Arabian Nights, Oak Grove High School, Hattiesburg, MS.
“The Basics of Laban Movement Analysis for Actors: A Practical Guide,”at 9 a.m., Thursday, March 6, (for students). WORKSHOPS FOR EVERYONE: We have an explosion of variety this year, featuring master presenters in areas from Laban to Feldenkrais, from Alexander to Lessac, from yoga to combat! OTHER NOTABLE EVENTS: Ever wanted to explore Alexander Technique? Small groups will get focused time with an
Alexander practitioner in the hands-on “Alexander Technique for Performing Artists”at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 7. Join us at noon, Saturday, March 8, and give feedback on your Mobile experience at “Explorations in Movement – Response to Stage Movement Workshops.” OUR MEETING: All attendees who have a passion for any type of physical theatre are invited to the Interest Group meeting at noon, Thursday, March 6.
STUDENTS, PROFESSIONALS AND PROFESSORS: Southern Theatre Seeks Editorial Board Members Would you like to be a member of the Editorial Board of Southern Theatre, SETC’s award-winning magazine? Several slots – including a student member position – will open later this year as members’ terms on the Editorial Board expire. If you have an interest in serving on the board or writing for the magazine, this is a great time to get involved. To learn more, make plans to attend the session, “Become a Writer or Editorial Board Member for Southern Theatre, SETC’s Popular Magazine,” at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 7.
Volume LV Number 1 • Winter 2014 • $8.00
INSIDE: 2014 College, University & Professional Training Program Directory
Reaching New Audiences Site-Specific Theatre: The Place Is the Thing Younger Artists ‘Make Theatre Happen’
From School To Career 10 Things Emerging Artists Need to Know
More info: www.setc.org/schedule-convention www.setc.org
March / April 2014
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FROM THE president
SETC Convention Draws Attendees From Near and Distant Locations You may be surprised to find someone from as far away as Alaska or Nova Scotia sitting next to you at a workshop, at a festival or in an audition holding room. Jack Benjamin PR ESID ENT
Red dots on the map below show the home states of individuals who have registered for the 2014 SETC Convention in Mobile, AL.
During the great Ice Storm of 2014, I used my unexpected time at home to gather information for the upcoming SETC Convention in Mobile. While going through numerous emails, bylaws and other items, I came across a very interesting document. This document, shared by the Central Office, showed the number of individuals who had registered for the convention up to that point, along with the number from each state. To my surprise, I learned that we have representation from 46 of 50 states (including Alaska!), the District of Columbia and even Nova Scotia! As of this writing, nearly 20 percent of those registered are from outside the SETC region’s borders. While this information is intriguing, what does it really mean to SETC and its mission? To me, the numbers say that we are a geographically diverse organization with opportunities for our membership to connect with others across this great land. It also speaks volumes to the professional companies who come to our convention, looking to find up-and-coming talent that will make their next season a successful one. In short, it says SETC is connecting its membership with opportunities to grow and succeed in this great industry. I look forward to seeing you soon in Mobile!
N MOBILE
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sponsors Contribute Food, Fun, Prizes and More to Make Your SETC Convention Memorable!
Betsey Horth EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R CLICK SPONSOR LOGOS TO LEARN MORE:
We are in for a spectacular time at the 65th annual SETC Convention in Mobile. SETC thanks all the sponsors that present cash awards, host receptions and in general help make this one-of-a-kind production ... I mean, convention ... happen! Opening Night Reception for Professional Representatives and Presenters Disney Theatrical Group sponsors this cocktail hour to kick off the convention. Opening Night Design Technical Mixer Barbizon Lighting Company and InterAmerica Stage provide food and activities; commercial exhibitors give away product; and Magnum supplies the lighting for this event for design-tech attendees. Parks, Exhibitor Showcase and Social This idea originated with Hollins Exposition Services, which has been organizing our exhibit hall since 2003. This year nine commercial exhibitors (Hollins, Barbizon, ETC, Eye Dialogue, InterAmerica Stage, MainStage Theatrical Supply, Philips Entertainment, Pioneer Drama Service and TheatreWorld Backdrops) sponsor an afternoon break and free snacks in the Exhibit Hall. Check out the Exhibitor Parks. Some will have mini-workshops. College-University Meeting/Reception Barbizon Lighting Company and MainStage Theatrical Supply add great food and drink to this meeting for professors. Theatre for Youth (TYF) Meet & Greet TYF professionals, educators and students party annually through the generosity of Gayle Sergel of Dramatic Publishing.
Design Competition Awards Ceremony Companies and individuals make it possible for young designers to walk away with cash awards from the Design Competition. Some of these companies have supported these awards for over 15 years. Some sponsorships are cash; others are coveted products. See these amazing sponsors at www.setc.org/design-competition Festival Awards Dramatists Play Service and Norcostco sponsor cash or product awards for the Community Theatre and High School Theatre Festivals. Keynote Sponsorship The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts sponsors Friday’s keynote address by Bob Moss! Whole Convention/Behind-the-Scenes Sponsorship Magnum Companies has been with SETC for years, providing theatrical lighting from the ballroom to Professional Auditions. Sound Sponsorship Showbiz Theatrical Services provides sound this year for the Bon Secour Ballroom. Backdrops Sponsorship Check out the amazing backdrops in the Exhibit Hall. A huge shout-out to TheatreWorld Backdrops for the display!
If you are interested in sponsoring a publication, an event or a service provided by SETC, please contact me at betsey@setc.org. Or, better yet, give me a call at 336-272-3645 and we’ll work together to find the right fit for your company.
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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Theatre BYTES
SETC CONVENTION GOES VIRAL! Tap into Your Convention Schedule Digitally Once again, SETC is using Sched.org, an online, interactive scheduling tool, to post the convention schedule. This year, attendees can choose from over 450 sessions and events. You can check the schedule instantly by laptop, smartphone or tablet.
Quiana Clark-Roland SETC PROGRAM ASSOCIATE AND EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Quiana Clark-Roland is the guest columnist for regular contributor Don Wolfe in this issue. Contact her at quiana@setc.org.
Compete in the
PHOTOBOMB CONTEST @setcTweet #SETC2014
Snap selfies with presenters, colleagues, board members and keynote speakers. The most notable photos will win SETC prizes. Submit your best pictures all week to @setcTweet and #SETC2014. Prizes will be awarded daily and can be claimed at the convention gear booth.
• Build Your Profile and Find Friends!
You can build your own profile, connect with other attendees, organize your own schedule and share events on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts. If you want to see what your friends are doing, look for the search box atop the list of subjects. Type the first name of a friend and click “Search.” You will get a listing of all the “Mikes” or whoever. Once you find your friend, click on the name to look at his or her schedule.
• Create Your Own Personal Schedule
To build your own schedule, go to SETC’s home page www.setc.org and click on “Online Convention Schedule.” This will take you immediately to the SETC Convention Schedule in Sched.org. The direct link is www.setc.org/schedule-convention. Because it is a Mobile Web App, the schedule can be accessed via iPhone, Android and Blackberry phones. To do so, click on the Mobile App + iCal Phone Icon above the “Search” field or go directly to http://setc2014convention.sched.org/mobile.
• Link to Your Calendar
You also can link your schedule to your Google Calendar, Outlook or Apple iCalendar. Just click on the Mobile App + iCal Phone Icon above the “Search” field to obtain subscription links to your calendar.
Win Prizes and Get Updates via Social Media This year, SETC will tap further into the social media ring! In addition to utilizing the new online convention program, be sure to enjoy online games, prizes and instant updates via Facebook and Twitter.
New Ways to Stay Connected Facebook: Upload your photos taken at #SETC2014 to your timeline, and be sure to tag SETC. Twitter: Find us @setcTweet hashtag #SETC2014. Comment and get up-tothe-minute updates on changes. Instagram: Find us through #SETC2014 and post your own photos with the same hashtag. Vine: SETC is now on Vine! Find us and watch recently posted videos for #SETC2014. Also upload your own fun vines from the convention.
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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Theatre & the Law
‘Don’t Be Stuck in Mobile with Those Legal Blues Again’ Dan Ellison ATTO R N EY AT L AW
Every year there are legal issues involving the theatre that raise questions for theatre professionals – and keep lawyers busy. Once again this year, I will address topics of current interest to theatre artists in two SETC Convention sessions.
My motto for this year’s SETC Convention, paraphrasing Bob Dylan (from a song that mentions Shakespeare: http://vimeo.com/25499686 ) is “Don’t Be Stuck in Mobile with Those Legal Blues Again.” Attending my sessions will help you spot issues and concerns and avoid trouble. Session 1: Overview and Update of Legal Issues for the Theatre Noon-12:50 p.m., Thursday, March 6 In this session, I will summarize the top legal issues for theatres. Given the number of cases that arise each year, it seems like we always need a reminder of laws in such areas as copyright, contracts, censorship, discrimination, ADA and personal injury. Dan Ellison is a Durham, NC-based attorney with a concentration in artsrelated and nonprofit law. He can be reached at artandmuseumlaw@ aol.com. The contents of this column are intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstance.
Session 2: Who’s the Boss? Interns and Volunteers at Your Theatre 9 a.m.-10:15 a.m., Friday, March 7 This session will focus on a hot topic this year – legal issues involving use of interns and volunteers – and other aspects of employment law. I will be discussing some of the recent high-profile court decisions about interns. As always, I want to hear from you and find out what issues you have been dealing with at your theatre – so bring your questions. See you in Mobile!
More info: www.setc.org/schedule-convention www.setc.org
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miscellaneous news
HAVE A QUESTION FOR SETC CENTRAL OFFICE? Find the right contact to answer your question Rachel Blake rachel@setc.org General Questions April J’C Marshall april@setc.org Professional Auditions Screening Auditions Job Contact Mark Snyder mark@setc.org Listings in Job Contact Bulletin Membership Accounts Receivable Claire Wisniewski claire@setc.org Undergrad School Auditions Graduate School Auditions Commercial Exhibits Education Expo Festivals Tracy Hall tracy@setc.org Advertising in Publications Communications/Marketing Website Quiana Clark-Roland quiana@setc.org Convention Planning Convention Logistics Betsey Horth betsey@setc.org Organization Leadership
SETC News Trivia Contest Winners Announced The winners of the first SETC News Trivia Contest have been announced. These SETC members correctly answered trivia questions about the January-February newsletter. First prize went to Garrison Gibbons, a junior BFA acting major at the University of Mississippi. He was recently in Garrision Gibbons Tommy Iafriate the school’s production of The Laramie Project that gained national attention after audience members heckled a performance. He, the director and other cast members will participate in an SETC Convention workshop on this topic. He hopes to get a job this summer as an intern or performer. His prize was free 2014 SETC Convention registration, a year’s SETC membership and listings from Job Contact. Second prize winner was Tommy Iafriate, who is attending his second SETC Convention this year. He will be casting the 2014 season for the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, where he is producing artistic director, and supporting students from Radford University, where he is a professor of acting and resident musical director. He received an SETC gift basket, including two theatre tickets, an SETC T-shirt, a mug and a water bottle. Third prize winners, all entrants with the right answers, were: Monykay Tyson, Barbara Pann, Cliff Thompson, Alexandrea Hairston, Timothy Whitson, Marek Zurowski, Trey Brazeal, Sarah Arnett and Amy Dunlap.
Mark Charney Wins Award from Actors Hall of Fame Longtime SETC member Mark Charney (right) is shown with his wife, Sappho, after he received a special award at the Actors Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles. The award recognizes his commitment to education, especially his work in dramaturgy and criticism with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Those inducted into the Actors Hall of Fame at the event included Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, Gene Hackman, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Dame Maggie Smith, James Earl Jones, Julie Andrews and Robert Duvall. Charney is chair of Theatre and Dance at Texas Tech University.
Need Scenery? University Offers Items at Sale Freed-Hardeman University will hold a theatre scenery sale at the Renaissance Center in Dickson, TN, on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Photos and inventory list are available online at www.fhu.edu/theatre. More info: Contact Cliff Thompson at cthompson@fhu.edu.
Send your news to deanna@setc.org www.setc.org
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