MAY / JUNE 2019
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS SETC Events Pages 1 - 3
Professionals Page 4
Convention News Page 5
High School Awards Page 6
SETC Fall Professional Unified Auditions Aug. 25-26, 2019 HIRING FOR: 4 Late fall/winter/ early spring shows 4 Dinner theatres
Community Theatre
4 Cruise ships
Design Awards
4 Entertainment venues
Page 7
Pages 8 - 11
Theatre Symposium Page 12
www.setc.org
4 Holiday shows 4 Halloween shows
Louisville: 2020 Page 13
SETC Hall of Fame
SHERATON CHARLOTTE HOTEL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE, NC l
Registration Opens June 14! Details: www.setc.org/fall-professional
Page 14
New ED Shares Goals Page 15
Miscellaneous News Page 16
NEWS SUBMISSIONS
Make plans now to join us for the
2019 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre Oct. 1-3, 2019 l Santa Fe Opera, Santa Fe, NM Not Just for Outdoor Theatres: Open to All!
Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
Registration opens July 8: outdoor-theatre.org/conference More info: www.setc.org/fall-professional
SETC SPRING AND FALL MEETINGS
Join Us for ExCom, Board and Committee Meetings EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: May 13-15 SETC’s Executive Committee will meet May 13-15, 2019, at SETC’s Central Office in Greensboro, NC. Interested members are welcome to attend. Contact Bradley Branham at 336-272-3645 or bradley@setc.org for more details.
ExCom Report by Jeff Gibson
Actions taken by the SETC Board of Directors and Executive Committee during meetings in Knoxville, TN, on Feb. 27, 2019, included the following: 4 Approved the fiscal year 2020 SETC budget. 4 Approved a Personnel / Consultant Policy for staff and volunteers. 4 Updated Rule II.7 to include the executive director as one of the organizational leaders the Past Presidents Committee may formally advise. 4 Approved committee manuals for: Bylaws, HTLC, Small Theatre Programs, Stage Management, Religion & Theatre, Publications, Acting, Cultural Diversity, and Directing. 4 Revised Article IX and approved revisions and additions to rules to provide increased flexibility for the scheduling of SETC events and meetings. Full minutes are available at: www.setc.org/minutes-archives
FALL MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR AUGUST IN CHARLOTTE This year’s fall meetings will be held Aug. 22-25, 2019, 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. All members may attend; board and committee members are expected to attend. Watch www.setc.org/board-meetings for upcoming details about hotel reservations and meeting schedules.
CONTRIBUTIONS to the SETC ENDOWMENT: May 2018 through April 2019 Valerie Accetta Hali Agner Whitney Atwell David Avant Maegan Azar Karen Baker Jerry Bangham Rebecca Beasley Carly Berg Kelly Berry Stacy Blackburn Tom Booth Mary Kate Brooks Stuart Brown Madison Cagle Edward Cheetham Freddy Clements Kimberly Creasman Lee Crouse J.K. Curry Marci Duncan Theo Edwards-Butler Chip Egan Anthony Ficken Tony Ficken Kelsiann Fowler Katharina Fox Nicole Francis John Friedenberg Lindsay Fussell Pat Gagliano Nancy Gall-Clayton Tiza Garland Jeff Gibson
Ben Gillespie Denise Halbach Cynthia Harper Lonny Harrison Isabelle Haverty Scott Hayes Robert Hobbs * Robert Homer-Drummond Betsey and David Horth Mike Hudson Crystal Jordan Lily Jordan Chip Keebaugh * Kevin Kelly Rex Knowles Matthew Leckenbusch Teresa Lee Alan Litsey Russell Luke Greg Mach Abigail MacKay Darby Madewell Elaine Malone Caiti Marlowe Tim Matheny Sarah McCarroll Julie McCracken Ali McMurtrey Kim Miller John Mullican Mike Murphy Amanda Nelson Mary Norman Gregor Patti
Rachael Petranek Andrew Phillips Gregory Phillips Morgan Piner Charles Pogue Susie Prueter Kris Rau McIntyre Andrew Ray Chris Rich Julie A. Richardson Sarah Robbins Caroline Robinson Timothy Scott Margaret Shivers Savannah Slaby Dean Slusser John Spiegel Lyle Tate Clay Thornton Jeremiah Turner Demi VanderWerff Stephen Vaught Karen Vuranch Lamont Wade Katherine Webster Dennis Wemm Jonathan Wentz Tia Williams David Wohl Dominic Yeager Russ Yoe Lacey Zeller
* Denotes Contributors to the Institute of Outdoor Theatre Endowment
More info: info: www.setc.org/board-meetings www.setc.org/upcoming More www.setc.org
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SETC EVENTS
WHY DO
SETC/USITT LiNK l Nov. 7-9 l Atlanta, GA
ATTEND?
Make Plans to Attend the 6th Annual LiNK
SCHOOLS “One-stop shopping for designers.” - Ruth Hutson,
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
WHY DO
STUDENTS ATTEND?
“Amazing opportunity to speak with so many programs at once. No other way to do it!” - Jenni Propst, Student, Lighting Design/Tech
Graduate School Interviews, Auditions and Networking SETC and USITT will partner again for the sixth annual LiNK Graduate School Interviews and Auditions. Schools and prospective students will come together for a weekend of auditions, interviews and networking on November 7-9, 2019, at the Crowne Plaza AtlantaAirport Hotel in Atlanta, GA. In 2018, more than 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 Aug. 1, 2019. For more information about LiNK, including recruiting programs that attended last year, please visit www.setc.org/link or www.usitt.org/link.
A student interviews with a graduate school at the 2018 LiNK event. Students also audition for graduate schools at LiNK.
It’s Time to Plan Your Workshop Proposals for the 2020 SETC Convention SETC is excited to enrich its program offerings for our next convention in Louisville, KY. For 2020, 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. 6-3-2019
8-30-2019
9-13-2019
10-15-2019 11-1-2019
OPENING: 9 a.m., Workshop Proposal Submissions
DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Audio/Video Equipment Requests
DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Workshop Proposal Submissions
OPENING: Noon, Registration for 2020 Convention
NOTIFY BY THIS DATE: Workshop Proposal Approved/ Declined
12-2-2019
2-26-2020
DEADLINE: Midnight, Convention Registration by Presenters
CONVENTION: 2020 SETC Convention Begins
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
INSPIRATION for Professionals
Hiring through SETC: Sacramento Theatre Company ‘SETC helps provide a way to meet great candidates who we otherwise may have missed meeting from all over the country.’ - Michele Hillen-Noufer SETC recently caught up with Michele Hillen-Noufer, director of School of the Arts/ Education for Sacramento Theatre Company in Sacramento, CA.
WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK? The 85 companies that attended SETC’s most recent Fall Professional Unified Auditions, Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions and Spring Professional Auditions came from 27 states. Click on the map above to see a larger version, showing locations of the companies (denoted with orange circles). The home states of the 1,599 auditionees, who traveled to auditions from 43 states, also are shown (denoted with blue stars). More information on Fall Auditions: www.setc.org/fallprofessional
When was your theatre founded? And what is its mission? Sacramento Theatre Company (STC) was founded in 1942 and strives to be the leader in integrating professional theatre with theatre arts education. STC produces engaging professional theatre, provides exceptional theatre training, and uses theatre as a tool for educational engagement.
What type of theatre/stage do you have?
Ruby Sketchley, Monique Lonergan and Janet Motenko (left to right) appear in Macbeth at Sacramento Theatre Company in 2018.
We have three stages: a proscenium-style mainstage that seats 292; a black box-style theatre with 85 seats; and the cabaret stage, with small round tables seating 100.
What did you produce in your most recent season? Our 2018-2019 season included The Crucible, Steel Magnolias, A Christmas Carol, Murder for Two, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, When We Were Colored – A Mother’s Story and Disaster! Our youth series included Oh Freedom! The Story of the Underground Railroad, The Secret Garden: Spring Edition, Mary Poppins Jr., As You Like It and The Tempest, For Kids.
How does SETC assist you in your operations? This spring marked our fourth year attending SETC as a company, although many of our staff members have attended the convention in various capacities over the years. We attend both the Professional Auditions and the Theatre Job Fair and look to hire for our internship program. We have been so impressed with the caliber of interns we’ve found at SETC. They have been hard-working and eager to learn all aspects of professional theatre. It has been a joy to immerse them in several departments and mentor their 10-month journeys. More info: www.sactheatre.org
www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Remembering Knoxville: 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 2019 SETC Convention, which drew 5,056 people to Knoxville, TN, Feb. 27-March 2, 2019.
KEYNOTES • I loved the diversity and the current relevance of the speakers! • Good range of sessions, professionally presented. • It’s always good to have actors present because they are used to talking in front of a crowd, so Levi was amazing. Elyzabeth and Muriel were amazing as well and brought tears to my eyes and inspiration to my heart.
Spiderwoman Theater founder Muriel Miguel poses with the Distinguished Career Award she received at the annual awards banquet.
• I enjoyed the choice of keynote speakers in design. They were wonderful and eloquent! • Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder was a fantastic speaker. • I liked getting to know Muriel Miguel and her work, and it was a charming presentation.
ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME • It was very well-organized, and I learned a lot from all the workshops I attended. • Everyone was so welcoming. It was easy to navigate, and I got amazing interviewing experience – and, hopefully, a summer internship!
Jeremy Kisling (right) accepts the Tom Behm Award, which provides professional development funds to a person involved in theatre for youth, from Teresa Lee, the award chair.
W. Riley Braem, director of theatre at Northwest High School in Clarksville, TN, is the winner of SETC’s Innovative Playwriting Instruction Award.
Esthere Strom, a longtime SETC volunteer, poses with the Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award she received at the awards banquet.
Jennifer Welch, artistic director, and Cade T. Smith, education director, accept SETC’s Sara Spencer Child Drama Award on behalf of Cookeville (TN) Children’s Theatre, from Jeremy Kisling, the award chair.
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Keynote Emerging Artist of Promise (KEAP) Award The 2019 KEAP Award recipients are (left to right) Damian Bowden, Mary Fran Healey, Norma Kapusinski and Diane Snoddy.
Winners of High School Festival
HIGH SCHOOL FESTIVAL • Altogether great experience! • I had so much fun watching most of the other high schools perform and learning from theatre professionals in the workshops!
sponsored by Norcostco
The winner of the High School Festival was Perry High School (GA) for its production of The Terrible Infants. Joe Sendek (back row, second from right) is the director.
Helena Schatzki (above, left) and Jenna Reed won Best Actress. Kieshaun Butts (above, right) and Daniel Baesler won Best Actor. There were two winners (one for spoken performance, one for signed performance) in each category for their performances in Taste of Sunrise at SCAPA/Lafayette High School (Lexington, KY).
The runner-up in the High School Festival was Charlotte Country Day School (NC) for its production of The Crane Wife. Jenny Goodfellow (second row, third from left) is the director.
More info: www.setc.org/high-school-theatre www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS
Winners of Community Theatre Festival sponsored by Dramatists Play Service
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Mill Town Players (Pelzer, SC) won for Romeo and Juliet. At right: Director Christopher Rose (second from right) is shown with cast members (left to right) Cindy Mixon and Kelly Crittendon, and Will Ragland, executive/artistic director and set designer.
COMMUNITY THEATRE FESTIVAL • Learned a lot and connected with likeminded people. • The staff of the festival was superb!! They were kind and helpful throughout the process.
Wetumpka Depot Players (AL) won for The Diviners. At right: Director Kim Mason holds the award, surrounded by cast and crew of the show.
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Greg Vander Wal (left), Best Actor, Of Mice and Men, The Actor’s Charitable Theatre (Northport, AL). Director Carlos Asse and Executive/Artistic Director Stephen H. Butler (right) accept the Best Actress award for Lola Bond, Mud, Actors’ Warehouse (Gainesville, FL).
CONVENTION LOCATION • I loved Knoxville. This was a great city to have the convention. • I am so glad that just about everything was contained in the convention center or across the street. It made getting from one event to the next easy. The civic auditorium was also just a really nice place. • Loved Knoxville as a site. • I really liked this location. The convention center was really nice, and the expo hall was laid out well. Plenty of parking with good rates very close to the site. • The city was gorgeous, easy to navigate, and very welcoming.
More info: www.setc.org/community-theatre www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Distinguished Corporate Sponsor
Ready to Design Award Winners
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 2019 winners are (left to right): Alice Trent (lighting designer, University of Tennessee, Knoxville), selected by Serenbe Playhouse; Erin Reed (costume designer, University of Tennessee, Knoxville), selected by Triad Stage; Emily Tappan (costume designer, Virginia Commonwealth University), selected by Lexington Children’s Theatre; and Katherine Stepanek (scenic designer, University of Tennessee, Knoxville), selected by The Rose Theater.
At the 2019 convention, SETC honored Barbizon Lighting Company as Distinguished Corporate Sponsor in recognition of the major support that the company has provided to SETC over the past two decades. In addition to its longtime and substantial financial support, Barbizon has encouraged and shared its employees’ energy, time and leadership with SETC. Thank you, Barbizon! Pictured above with the award (left to right) are Barbizon employees Thomas Augusta, Victoria Fisher, Chris Collins, Bob Leonard (general manager), Rebecca Beasley and Esthere Strom.
Costume Technology Awards sponsored by Betsey Horth
(Left to right) 1st Place: Elaine Yuen, Kent State University, Western Dressing Style in Japan during the Meiji Period; 2nd Place: Ellis Greer, Indiana University, Classical Tutu and Bodice; 3rd Place: Rebekah Clow, University of Florida, Red Velvet; Honorable Mention: Erin Reed, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Half-Scale Dress and Undergarments, Alias Grace.
1st: Costume Technology Elaine Yuen Western Dressing Style in Japan during the Meiji Period
More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Costume Design Awards sponsored by Norcostco
Undergraduate Costume Design Award Winners (Left to right) 1st Place: Natasha Cox, College of Charleston, Dangerous Liaisons; 2nd Place: Anthony Fiore, Virginia Commonwealth University, In the Red and Brown Water; 3rd Place: Kyle Artone, Virginia Commonwealth University, The Little Shop of Horrors; Honorable Mention: Evan Chesney, Harding University, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Graduate Costume Design Award Winners (Left to right) 1st Place: Stacey Herrison, Texas State University, The Tempest; 2nd Place: Emily Tappan, Virginia Commonwealth University, The Three Musketeers; 3rd Place: Audrey Reed, Virginia Commonwealth University, The Skriker; Honorable Mention: Julianne Babel, Florida State University, Shakespeare in Love.
1st: Graduate Costume Design Stacey Herrison The Tempest
Costume Crafts Awards
sponsored by Norcostco
(Left to right) 1st Place: Ashley Sercovich, Southeastern Louisiana University, Dracula Makeup Design; 2nd Place: Toni Gary, University of Southern Mississippi, Cabaret; 3rd Place: Jonathan Wentz, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Millinery Design; Honorable Mention: Margaret Lavigne, College of Charleston, Marisol.
John Spiegel Theatrical Artist Award
1st: Costume Crafts Ashley Sercovich Dracula Makeup Design
Alice Trent (right), the winner, is shown with John Spiegel, who endowed the award (for students pursuing design/tech degrees) in honor of his father.
More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Scenic Design Awards sponsored by Sculptural Arts Coating, Inc. Graduate Scenic Design Award Winners (Left to right) 1st Place: Katherine Stepanek, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Detroit ‘67; 2nd Place: Jelena Andzic, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, King Charles III; 3rd Place: Rebecca Johnson, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Alias Grace; Honorable Mention (Tie): Jeremy Smith, Indiana University, Machinal; Carrie Ferrelli, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, The Real Inspector Hound.
Undergraduate Scenic Design Award Winners (Left to right) 1st Place (Tie): Sora Mullis, Guilford College, Lobby Hero; Molly Rodabaugh, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Little Shop of Horrors; 2nd Place: Jennifer Gould, University of Kentucky, Crimes of the Heart; 3rd Place: Teila Vochatzer, Brevard College, An Evening with Tennessee Williams; Honorable Mention: Kennon Cliche, University of Memphis, The Spitfire Grill.
Sound Design Awards sponsored by Shure, Inc.
1st: Graduate Scenic Design Katherine Stepanek Detroit ’67
1st: Sound Design Anna Hibbert Us/Them
Stage Management Games
Sound design adjudicator Victoria Deiorio (middle), poses with the winners (left to right): 1st Place: Anna Hibbert, Wake Forest University, Us/Them; 2nd Place: Lance Perl, Brevard College, Into the Woods; 3rd Place: Jeremiah Turner, Louisiana State University, The Diary of Anne Frank; Honorable Mention: Connor Maloney, Ball State University, Fun Home.
sponsored by EmptySpace Technology (Left to right) 1st Place: Ana Muñoz, University of Montevallo; 2nd Place: Abby Truett, University of North CarolinaGreensboro; 3rd Place: Claire Young, Florida State University.
More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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2019 SETC CONVENTION: DESIGN COMPETITION
Lighting Design Awards sponsored by Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc. 1st: Graduate Lighting Design Miriah Borden, Cabaret
Undergraduate Lighting Design Award Winners (Left to right) 1st Place: Erin Featherston, Middle Tennessee State University, Noises Off; 2nd Place: Rachel Hemm, Ball State University, It Can Happen Here; 3rd Place: Brittany Posso, Florida School of the Arts, The Trial; Honorable Mention (Tie): Evelyn Rodgers, Wake Forest University, Light Up the Sky; Matt Middleton, Furman University, Daddy Long Legs.
Projection Design Awards sponsored by Broadway Media Distribution
Graduate Lighting Design Award Winners Lighting design adjudicator Jonathan Spencer (back row, second from right), poses with the winners: (back row, left to right) 1st Place: Miriah Borden Texas State University, Cabaret; 2nd Place: Helen Garcia-Alton, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, A Public Reading of an Unproduced Screenplay About the Death of Walt Disney; 3rd Place: Qier Luo, Indiana University, The Heiress; (front row, left to right) Honorable Mention (tie): Jordan Vera, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Alias Grace; Alice Trent, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Newsies; Bill Miller, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Wings.
Properties Design and Construction Awards sponsored by Friends of Props,
Robert O’Leary & Doug Brown
(Left to right) 1st Place: Alice Trent, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, King Charles III; 2nd Place: Evan Hamlin, North Greenville University, Antigone.
1st: Props Chris Mueller Weapons for Titus Andronicus
1st: Projection Design Alice Trent King Charles III
(Left to right) 1st Place: Chris Mueller, Indiana University, Weapons for Titus Andronicus; 2nd Place: Kathryn Nabors, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Throne; 3rd Place: Katie Pulling, Stetson University, The Importance of Being Earnest.
More info: www.setc.org/design-competition www.setc.org
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THEATRE SYMPOSIUM
Scholars Discuss Theatre and Citizenship at SETC’s Theatre Symposium Event This year marked the 28th annual gathering of Theatre Symposium, a three-day scholarly exchange centered on a single subject. Academics from Florida to Washington state met April 12-14 on the beautiful grounds of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, to share their work on the topic of “Theatre and Citizenship.”
Look for selected papers from this year’s event in the journal Theatre Symposium 28, scheduled for publication in fall 2020. All adult members of SETC receive a copy of the journal as a benefit of membership.
Dr. Charlotte Canning of the University of Texas at Austin delivered an opening keynote address that traced the long history of theatre’s role in defining citizenship in what is now the United States. Papers delivered over the course of the weekend addressed citizenship through examples drawn from modern-day Confederate pageants, the digital realm, and Muppet performances, to name but a few. Some of this year’s presentations will appear in essay form in Theatre Symposium, the annual publication that accompanies the conference. Those attending next year’s SETC Convention in Louisville will also be able to hear a sampling of this year’s papers in the annual “Highlights of Theatre Symposium” panel. The editor of Theatre Symposium would like to thank David Thompson, past SETC president and chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Agnes Scott College, as well as associate editor Chase Bringardner, immediate past editor Sarah McCarroll, SETC Executive Director Susie Prueter and the Central Office staff for their assistance. All are invited to attend next year’s Theatre Symposium event, where we’ll take up the topic of “Theatre and Race.” - Andy Gibb, Editor, Theatre Symposium 28
Dr. Charlotte
Canning of the University of Texas at Austin delivers her keynote address, “Theatre and Citizenship: Are and of Right Ought to Be.”
More info: www.setc.org/theatre-symposium www.setc.org
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FROM THE VP OF SERVICES
SETC 2020 IN LOUISVILLE
Enjoy an Easy-to-Navigate Convention in the Beautifully Redesigned KICC Lee Crouse VI C E PR ESID ENT OF SERV IC E S
Seven years after the last SETC Convention in Louisville, SETC returns in 2020, this time to the newly refurbished Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC). Louisville spent $207 million to renovate the space to create a great convention experience for visitors.
Closed for two years for major renovations, the Kentucky International Convention Center opened for business again in August 2018.
The new center has the capacity to host all of our events on-site in one enclosed space, with the exception of the High School and Community Theatre Festivals (locations to be announced). The renovated convention center boasts: • a natural light-filled and community-engaging design reflecting Louisville’s bourbon culture; • 52 meeting rooms and a 175-seat tiered conference theatre; • a 40,000-square-foot, column-free ballroom, with color-changing LED walls; • more than 200,000 square feet of contiguous Class A exhibit space; • a 15,000 meals-per-day kitchen capacity; • a coffee-by-day, bourbon-by-night experience called Oak & Brew. In addition to the renovations at KICC, Louisville also has seen a major change in the hotel scene in recent years. A number of downtown hotels have renovated their spaces, and additional hotels have been built since SETC last held its convention there in 2013. Louisville is excited to host SETC once again! See you there Feb. 26 to March 1 for the 2020 SETC Convention.
More info: www.setc.org/convention www.setc.org
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
SETC Hall of Fame Inducts Three The 2019 SETC Convention in Knoxville provided an opportunity to celebrate three of the most dedicated and impactful individuals involved in SETC. All have contributed to the organization over many years and in significant ways, earning them induction into the SETC Hall of Fame. Jeff Gibson PR ESID ENT
The 2019 inductees, who received their awards at the annual SETC Business Meeting on Saturday, March 2, are: Jose Simbulan (left) Completing 25 years of service as the accompanist for SETC’s Fall and Spring Professional Auditions, Jose has played for many thousands of auditionees and has dedicated himself to the highest standards of professionalism in his work.
Do you know someone who should be in the SETC Hall of Fame? Visit www.setc.org/ hall-of-fame 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.
Chip Egan (center) A life member of SETC and former president of both SETC and the South Carolina Theatre Association, Chip has been heavily involved with the board of SETC for over two decades, including his 2018 role as chair of the search committee for a new executive director. Betsey Horth (right) As executive director for 20 years, Betsey provided exemplary leadership that resulted in widespread recognition for SETC. She led and managed significant growth of the organization’s operations, including the addition of programming and services that extend year-round.
Horth Designated Executive Director Emeritus SETC members approved a resolution at the annual SETC Business Meeting on March 2, 2019, that designates Betsey Horth as the organization’s first emeritus staff member. Horth, who left the position of executive director this spring, received the honorary title of Executive Director Emeritus, along with SETC life membership. Among the many accomplishments noted in the presentation by Past Presidents Jack Benjamin, Chip Egan, Jere Hodgin and David Wohl were Horth’s 20-year effort to “professionalize” the organization, including its board, its staff and the position of executive director.
More info: www.setc.org/hall-of-fame www.setc.org
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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
My Goal Is to Build on SETC’s One-of-a-Kind Mission to Help Theatre People Succeed
Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R
Mark Your Calendars Now for the Next Two SETC Conventions! 2020: Louisville, KY
Feb. 26-March 1 2021: Cincinnati, OH
March 10-14
I sure am learning a thing or two about convention planning! While I have organized a bunch of events in my career, nothing holds a candle to hosting 5,056 of your closest friends! My first months as SETC’s new executive director have been a whirlwind, but I can truthfully say how privileged I am to be here to help achieve the one-of-a-kind mission of SETC and to be of service. I am one of many SETC success stories, having landed my graduate assistantship in arts administration at an SETC Convention back in 1989 … and in Louisville! Almost 31 years to the day afterward, I will be back in Louisville with gratitude, determination and proof that SETC is vigorously relevant and meaningful to theatre professionals, organizations and the industry. I don’t know of another organization After earning her MFA in arts administration from the that supports our industry and University of Alabama, Prueter worked as company professionals in such a 360-degree manager for Broadway shows and tours, including the way as SETC. We help support, third national tour of Les Miserables in 1995. Above, train and hire professionals from she is shown in the company manager’s office for that tour with cast member Ashley Tisdale. proscenium-back to prosceniumforward. Looking ahead, I have my eye on making sure we build our programming to promote, support and raise the bar for every job/professional in the theatre industry. The words that ring in my ears are “relevant,” “innovative,” “collaborative,” “professional,” and “inclusive.” As I settle into my role at SETC, I must applaud the Executive Committee, the Search Committee, Betsey Horth and Central Office staff for their vision, planning and ongoing support in this transition process. Leadership change, especially after a 20-year tenure of the previous executive director, is daunting and unknown territory. SETC’s leadership provided incredibly thoughtful insight and skillful planning for this succession. After four months on the job, while I am certainly on my toes, I feel surrounded by support, goodwill and humor. Thank you to all for the very warm welcome!
More info: www.setc.org/central-office-staff www.setc.org
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
Central Office SETC Institute of Outdoor Theatre 1175 Revolution Mill Dr., Studio 14 Greensboro NC 27405 336-272-3645 info@setc.org Susie Prueter susie@setc.org Executive Director April J’C Marshall april@setc.org Professional Theatre Cadie Burks cadie@setc.org Educational Services Clay Thornton clay@setc.org Marketing/Advertising Kim Doty kim@setc.org Communications/Website Bradley Branham bradley@setc.org Programming Nicole Francis nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Pat Shumate pat@setc.org General Questions Amanda Nielsen info@setc.org General Questions
Executive Committee Jeff Gibson President Maegan McNerney Azar VP of Administration Lee Crouse VP of Services Jonathan Michaelsen VP of Finance Rebecca Beasley Secretary Jack Benjamin Elected Past President Kris Rau McIntyre VP of States
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE SETC members Matthew Leckenbusch and Shannon Robert of the Clemson University Department of Performing Arts have been awarded the 2019 USITT Innovation Research Grant to begin work on a “plotting robot.” Collaborating with the College of Engineering and its associate dean, Brad Putman, the trio and their students are moving forward to design and prototype a robot which, with the help of an AutoCAD upload, can make its way around a stage, chalking out scenic layouts, rigging points, spike marks and more. Possible applications might include stage managers spiking rehearsal hall floors, touring head carpenters marking rigging points, or event managers laying out exhibit hall floors. USITT awarded $49,700 to the project. The team hopes to secure a patent soon and plans to partner with professional collaborators to test in the field. Maranda DeBusk received the 2019 Rising Star Award from USITT at its annual conference in March. The award recognizes a young professional working in the disciplines of scenic, lighting, sound or projection design. A multiple winner in SETC’s Design Competition, DeBusk also was a 2017 SETC Ready to Design award winner and the inaugural recipient of SETC’s John Spiegel Theatrical Artist Award. Sean Michael McCord, the 2018 winner of SETC’s Charles M. Getchell New Play Award for Moving, won the 2019 National Partners of the American Theatre Playwriting Award from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the same play. He received a cash prize, Dramatists Guild membership, an invitation to the Kennedy Center’s national festival and a summer residency opportunity.
In Memoriam Don Wolfe, who served as SETC president in 19941995, passed away March 1, 2019, at the age of 84. He was a retired professor of theatre who taught at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, from 1968 until 2000. Active in SETC for many years, he received the organization’s prestigious Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award in 1998. He also was a past president of the North Carolina Theatre Conference.
Tom Booth VP of Divisions
Send your news to deanna@setc.org www.setc.org
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