SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS Outdoor Theatre Pages 1, 6
LiNK Grad Auditions Page 2
2022 CONVENTION:
www.setc.org
Join us for the 58th / 2nd VIRTUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OUTDOOR THEATRE SEPT. 30 – OCT. 1, 2021
The Basics Page 3
Pay what you will: $35 – $95
Accessibility Page 4
COVID Safeguards Page 5
More info: Page 5
Professional News Pages 7 – 8
Central Office News
Click here for details and to register!
Page 9
SETC Scholarships Page 10
Programming supported by: Paul Green
Around the Region Page 11
Perspectives Column Page 12
EDIA Update Page 13
Eye on the Ball … Page 14
Miscellaneous News Pages 15 – 16
Miami New Drama’s 7 Deadly Sins / Photo by Ernesto Sempoll
Where Theatre Leaders Share Their Experience and Explore New Concepts exploration | innovation | transformation
NEWS SUBMISSIONS Deanna Thompson, Editor (she/her) deanna@setc.org
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
Foundation and CIAv
More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NEWS
LOOKING FOR A GRADUATE PROGRAM?
Don’t Miss This Year’s Virtual LiNK! REGISTRATION DETAILS: Registration opened: Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 Registration closes: Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. ET Deadline for candidates to upload materials: Friday, Nov. 19, 2021
Every year, graduate programs from across the country attend LiNK to audition and interview prospective candidates for all areas of theatre study. This low-cost event, created jointly by SETC and USITT, offers a convenient and affordable opportunity for future grad students to interview with multiple schools. Almost every graduate program that attends LiNK offers financial assistance to applicants in the form of scholarships, assistantships, stipends and tuition waivers.
How the Virtual LiNK Will Work
Recruiters receive access to candidate information/ galleries: Monday, Nov. 22, 2021
Candidates need to register. Then they will receive a link to upload auditions and portfolios through a web portal. Recruiters will be able to view those materials and choose candidates to interview. They will contact candidates they are interested in and schedule meetings with them during the appropriate LiNK dates below. Candidates are also able to reach out to programs they might find interesting.
MORE INFORMATION:
Wednesday, Dec. 1:
Visit www.setc.org/link or www.usitt.org/link for details on participating in LiNK.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Recruiters will meet virtually with acting, directing and management candidates.
Thursday, Dec. 2: Recruiters will meet virtually with design and technical theatre candidates.
Friday, Dec. 3: Recruiters will meet virtually with any remaining candidates.
What’s the Cost? The cost for applicants is $75. The cost for academic institutions is $325.
Registration Is Open Sign up for LiNK now to start your graduate school journey! More info: setc.org/link or usitt.org/link www.setc.org
September / October 2021
2
2022 SETC CONVENTION: THE BASICS
SETC Looks Forward to Seeing Everyone in Memphis!
We Are Back and In Person!
Registration Opens: Oct. 12, 2021 Early Bird Registration Closes: Jan. 20, 2022 COVID Vaccination Required – See Page 5 for Convention COVID Protocols REGISTRATION FEES
HOTEL BLOCKS
(Includes One-Year Membership in SETC)
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10 hotels are located just a 1-minute to 17-minute walk from Renasant Convention Center.
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Rates range from $139 to $159, plus local tax of 18.25% + $2/night.
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Reservation blocks open Oct. 12 with Registration.
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One-night deposit will be waived this year, but we ask for everyone’s cooperation to not hoard reservations.
Early Bird Regular
Adult College/University Student High School Student Senior (65+)
$290 $380 $190 $280 $165 $255 $210 $300
Individuals: Registration now is all-inclusive for individuals. No additional candidate fees are required to participate in Professional Auditions, Theatre Job Fair, Undergrad/Grad Auditions and Design Competition. Others: Registration fees for Professional Companies, Colleges/Universities and Commercial Vendors will be announced at Registration, as hospitality and wi-fi fees are still being determined, but fees are anticipated to be very similar to years past. Virtual Option: Fees for virtual participation will be the same as in-person participation.
ACCESSIBILITY u
Virtual accessible services available – See Page 4.
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Limited number of Access Registrations (Fee Waivers) available when Registration opens.
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No extra candidate fees for Professional Auditions, Theatre Job Fair, and more.
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For 8 hours of volunteer time at the convention, SETC will waive the Registration Fee, but kindly charge the Membership Fee. A great way to connect and add a resume credit!
Look for updated information as we build out our convention site: convention.setc.org More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org
September / October 2021
3
2022 SETC CONVENTION: ACCESSIBILITY
Accessibility/Access Options Planned for 2022 SETC Convention As part of SETC’s continuing commitment to accessibility, we will offer online access options for our core services at the 2022 SETC Convention in Memphis, TN. We are aware that COVID variants are possible and that, at any point, your company’s or your travel may be impacted by that. To ensure all have access to the March 9 – 13 convention events, we are digitizing some portions of our convention. Here are some details to aid you in your planning. COLLEGIATE AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS Candidates: Both in-person and online candidate galleries will be created to share with all participating colleges, universities and training programs. Prospective candidates will upload audition materials/digital portfolios to individual gallery pages using the SETC OpenWater application. Candidates will be able to view recruiting institutions’ online galleries prior to and during the convention. Recruiting Institutions: Colleges, universities and training programs recruiting at the SETC Convention will have access to both in-person and virtual candidate galleries. They will identify candidates they would like to meet and then schedule callbacks and interviews at their Exhibit Hall booths or via their chosen conferencing platform. Additionally, each recruiting institution will be asked to create an online gallery for students to access prior to and during the convention.
SETC WORKSHOPS While workshops are in-person this year, an online video gallery will be created as an accessibility option for programming that has been approved. Each presenter will be given the option to upload a recording of their presentation on their workshop application form once accepted. Unlike last year, there is not a live component to this gallery, but we encourage all presenters to state contact information in case an attendee wishes to follow up with a presenter after viewing their session. Attendees that are seeking an accessibility option will be able to view the recordings online during the span of the convention. These recordings will be removed at the end of the convention.
COMMERCIAL EXHIBITORS Commercial companies will have the opportunity to gather leads in-person on the Exhibit Hall floor and by creating an individual company gallery page, which will be searchable using the mobile SETC Convention app.
PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS/ THEATRE JOB FAIR Professional Auditionees: We will continue to offer online auditionee galleries to the hiring companies. Auditionees that are passed through Screenings will have the opportunity to audition in-person at the convention and will also be included in the online gallery provided to hiring companies. Theatre Job Fair: We will continue to offer online candidate galleries to the hiring companies. Candidates that register for the convention will apply through the SETC OpenWater application portal and provide their information/resumes. This information will make up their page in the online gallery that is provided to the hiring companies. Candidates will also be able to schedule in-person interviews with hiring companies prior to and during the convention. Hiring Companies: Companies hiring at the SETC Convention will have access to in-person live auditions as well as the virtual auditionee/candidate galleries. Companies will be able to schedule and host callbacks/interviews at their tables/booths or their booked spaces. Additionally, each hiring company will be asked to provide information for their page on a virtual company gallery that will be provided to auditionees/candidates.
More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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2022 SETC CONVENTION: COVID SAFEGUARDS
SETC Plans for COVID Safety at 2022 SETC Convention COVID has made us understand that personal safety is a very personal thing. However, as a producer of a very large event and one that spans several days, SETC has a responsibility to our many constituents and other business entities to do our due diligence for everyone’s safety. The last thing we want is to become a superspreader event or be forced to shut down the convention and send everyone home early. SETC is setting forth the following COVID protocols for the March 9-13, 2022 SETC Convention. If conditions become better, we will/can rescind some of these items, but for now, we want everyone interested in attending in-person to know that we are doing all possible for your protection. The theatre industry’s unions (with many producing/hiring companies following their lead) have done the most extensive research and consideration and are requiring and reopening with similar protocols. u At this time, we expect to require COVID vaccination. SETC is still determining the methodology of data collection and any legal requirements, but it’s highly possible that we will be requiring vaccination for in-person attendance. If someone has reason not to vaccinate, they will have the ability to appeal for an exception and testing will be required. u Masks will be required at all times. Masks will be required for all workshops, activities, social gatherings, etc., unless eating or drinking. The only exception to the mask requirement is for actors performing an audition. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation. u Temperature checks will be performed. There will be only two entrances to the Convention Center and Cannon Center (site of the Secondary School Theatre Festival). Those with a high temperature will be asked to make their way to an on-site rapid testing room. u Certified COVID Compliance Officers will be onsite. They will be members of a private Memphis health care company, which will be in charge of temperature checks, rapid testing, consulting and other issues that might arise.
u The Renasant Convention Center has GBAC Star Facility Accreditation for its demonstration of superior ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from biorisk and infectious disease situations. More info: gbacaccredited.issa.com/#whatis u The Renasant Convention Center ventilation system is standard with outside air and economizer mode on all units and meets all codes required. Units run continuously, year round. Virtual options (see Page 3) will be available for attendees to participate from home. And we’ll be having a look at events like the Saturday night Banquet Gala and Awards Ceremony, where seating will be tight and most will have their masks off for eating and drinking. We have a lot to sort, but we are carefully monitoring/ following CDC guidelines and coordinating with local health authorities and agencies. We appreciate everyone’s patience, cooperation and feedback. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail SETC Executive Director Susie Prueter at susie@ setc.org.
Questions/comments? Email susie@setc.org www.setc.org
September / October 2021
5
OUTDOOR THEATRE CONFERENCE
All Are Invited to SETC’s 2021 VIRTUAL National Conference on Outdoor Theatre
CONFERENCE DETAILS • Cost: Pay what you will, from $35 (Tier 3) to $65 (Tier 2) to $95 (Tier 1) • All are welcome; you need not be an SETC member
Due to the continuing pandemic, the 58th National Conference on Outdoor Theatre will be held virtually. We are happy to offer this conference on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at a reduced rate for attendees. This year’s programming will focus on the reimagination of performance spaces during the pandemic, including virtual, and additional EDIA and Design/Tech programming. Below is an abbreviated schedule (all times are ET). Look for more information here.
Where Theatre Leaders Share Their Experience and Explore New Concepts exploration | innovation | transformation
• Registration closes: 11:59 p.m. ET, Monday, Sept. 27
THURSDAY, SEPT. 30, 2021
• For details and to register: outdoor-theatre. org/conference
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
10 a.m – 11:15 a.m.
Roll Call and Company Exchange
11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Exploration of New EDIA Initiatives in Outdoor Theatre
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Lunch Break
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Innovations in Outdoor Drama: New Year, New Model with Miami New Drama Sponsored by Paul Green Foundation 4:15 – 5:30 p.m.
Wine Down Discussion
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dinner Break
7 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
After Hours (Optional)
FRIDAY, OCT. 1, 2021 10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Company Exchange and Open Discussion
11:45 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Unmute Your Virtual Ticket Sales:
How to Sell an Online Performance
1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Lunch Break
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Eliminating Interference: Understanding Best Practices for Wireless Microphones in Outdoor Theatre Sponsored by CIAv
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Awards Ceremony, Followed by Closing Discussion
More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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SCREENING AUDITIONS
SETC Professional Screening Auditions Will Remain Virtual in 2021
REGISTRATION CLOSES: Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. ET SUBMISSIONS ADJUDICATED: Friday, Nov. 12 – Dec. 9, 2021 AUDITIONEES NOTIFIED OF PASS OR NO PASS: Monday, Dec. 20, 2021 DEADLINE FOR PASSED AUDITIONEES TO REGISTER FOR SETC CONVENTION: Thursday, Jan. 20, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. ET
Innovated Captures
REGISTRATION OPENS: Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at Noon ET
As part of SETC’s continuing commitment to accessibility, we will continue the virtual model for this fall’s Screening Auditions. In the spring, SETC will hold Professional Auditions and the Theatre Job Fair live, in person, in Memphis on March 9 – 13, 2022. Below is a brief summary of how Screening Auditions will work: u All auditionees will submit together an application and a 60-second video audition. u The video audition should be self-taped with phone or in-home equipment. u Time limit is 60 seconds and can include acting, singing or both (in either order). u No slate. Do not state your name or the piece you are performing. u The “video progress” or “scrubber bar” should read no more than 60 seconds or audition will be disqualified. u Please frame your body in the audition video from the knees up. u Musical pieces should be accompanied by live piano or keyboard only or pianoonly track. u Permitted file formats include .MOV, .AVI, .MP4 and .MKV. (Most phones use .MP4 format.) u Please, no performance reels, commercial clips or professionally edited studio tapes. u All auditionees will be screened, regardless of number of professional credits. u The screening fee will be $35. Follow the directions above and others on the website very carefully. Registration is first-come, first-serve, with a cap of 2,400 applicants. Early preparation and application are key!
u Questions? Visit www.setc.org/setc-screenings for more information.
More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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PROFESSIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Getting a Job Through SETC: Bianca Alomar ‘SETC was an amazing experience that I believe any theatre performer should involve themselves in. It teaches you so much about the industry and even yourself as a performer, and it’s also just a great time. It almost feels like an adult thespian festival, except the reward after a great audition process is actually booking professional work, which is such an amazing feeling.’ - Bianca Alomar
In March 2018, Bianca Alomar (she/her) participated in the SETC Professional Auditions – and was excited to receive a number of callbacks, including one that led to a “dream-come-true” job: a role at Walt Disney World in Orlando as the full-time leading female vocalist/emcee for the Move It! Shake It! Mousekedance It! Street Party in the heart of the Magic Kingdom. How did getting this job through SETC affect your career? SETC was actually the main catalyst in helping my theatre career reach the professional level I wanted to achieve. In landing this job with Disney, I had the immediate opportunity to join, and did end up joining, the Actors’ Equity Association, which was something I’d been dreaming of since my career began at age 11.
What was it like working at Disney?
Bianca Alomar performs at the Magic Kingdom in January 2020.
Getting to have such a close encounter with the Walt Disney company as one of its theme park performers, seeing how the different parks were run, and simply getting to be at Walt Disney World almost every day was absolutely amazing and an experience I will never forget. I made so many friends/ fans, got to meet people and characters I’d only ever dreamed I’d meet, and got to bring so much joy to so many people while performing there, which was always a huge source of happiness for me.
How has the pandemic impacted you? The pandemic made my career come to a complete halt, as I’m sure it did with most performers. I was actually getting ready to start my second year-long contract with Disney when the pandemic hit, and they had to lay me off months later as a result. I have been doing smaller performance gigs where I am locally, but I haven’t had the opportunity to do another theatre or theatre-based performance since then. In the meantime, while waiting for the world to get to where it needs to be, I’m working for a small business owned by a member of my family. Though I appreciate each phase of life as it comes, I have so much hope for a near future where the pandemic no longer exists, and I can get back to doing what I love!
More info: www.setc.org/auditions www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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CENTRAL OFFICE NEWS
Meet Lea Gilbert, SETC’s Membership Services Manager
Lea is responsible for:
Lea Gilbert (she/her) joined SETC in September 2021 as membership services manager. A 2020 theatre graduate, she is excited about the opportunities her new position provides for her to connect with members and assist them in achieving their goals. What drew you to SETC and this job?
n Assisting SETC members with membership. n Serving as the main contact for convention registration questions. n Coordinating 100+ volunteers for the convention. n Managing the SETC database and technology support. n Managing scholarship/ grant and individual giving programs.
I have been attending SETC since 2019, and the opportunities they have provided for me as a young theatre professional have been invaluable. When I saw that there was an opportunity to join SETC and assist other theatre professionals in facilitating connections, I knew I wanted to be a part of that. I am so excited to work with a team that’s so passionate about the work that they do!
Are you a “theatre person”? Have you acted or been involved in productions? I am very much a “theatre person.” While I have done my fair share of tech and crew gigs, I am a director and actor first and foremost. I just finished directing two plays for the inaugural production of Calliope Stage, located in the mountains of Sylva, NC. Before that, most notably, I studied with Leon Ingulsrud of the SITI Company and performed in an original, devised piece of theatre for the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
What did you do prior to joining SETC? I was the membership coordinator for a children’s nonprofit and marketing coordinator for a printing industrial supplier company. In 2020, I graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a BA in drama and a double minor in arts management/entrepreneurship and accounting.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy hanging with my dog Stone, reading, hiking in the woods and singing loudly in libraries.
More info: Email louise@setc.org www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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SETC SCHOLARSHIPS
Announcing the 2021-22 SETC Scholarship Winners SETC offers thousands of dollars in scholarships for individuals studying theatre. SETC’s Scholarship/Awards Fund supports these monetary awards, which go directly to the winners to use as they wish. Meet this year’s winners.
LEIGHTON M. BALLEW SCHOLARSHIP
DENISE HALBACH SCHOLARSHIP
ROBERT PORTERFIELD SCHOLARSHIP
MARIAN A. SMITH SCHOLARSHIP
For Graduate Study in Directing
For Graduate Study in Acting or Musical Theatre
For Graduate Study in Theatre
For Graduate Study in Costume Design/ Technology
Rouba Palmer is pursuing an MFA in directing at Florida State University. Palmer has been directing, writing and acting for the theatre since 1991 and has taught middle, high school or college students since 1997.
Anna Medley recently began work on an MFA in acting at the Actor’s Studio Drama School at Pace University. Medley received a BFA in musical theatre from Samford University, where she performed in a number of plays.
Victoria Walters is pursuing a master’s degree in arts management at Carnegie Mellon University. An actor since age 11, Walters recently earned a BFA in professional theatre from North Carolina A&T State University.
Alex Hagman is a third-year MFA student in costume production at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on practical applications for digital technology in regional theatres.
WILLIAM E. WILSON SCHOLARSHIP For Graduate Study by a High School Teacher
Donna Seage is a theatre educator at Oakland High School in Rutherford County, TN, who also teaches as an adjunct for the theatre department at Middle Tennessee State University. Seage is pursuing an MFA in design and production, with a focus in costume design, through the University of Memphis.
STEVE BAYLESS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP For Undergraduate Study in Theatre
Casey Butler has appeared on Broadway as George Llewelyn Davies in the musical Finding Neverland and has performed in a number of regional productions. With the help of this scholarship, Butler is continuing his training in musical theatre at the Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University.
More info: www.setc.org/scholarships-awards www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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AROUND THE REGION
Check out the Southeast Region’s Theatre Conferences! Click here to get the latest updates on virtual or in-person events happening this fall in the states in the Southeast region, including conventions, workshops and performances. Check back often for the most current information.
Click below for details on other theatre organizations’ events: American Association for Community Theatre American Alliance for Theatre & Education Americans for the Arts Association of Arts Administrators Educators Association for Theatre in Higher Education Association of Theatre Movement Educators Broadway Stage Management Symposium Educational Theatre Association KCACTF, Region IV Shakespeare Theatre Association Stage Managers’ Association Theatre Communications Group Theatre for Young Audiences University Resident Theatre Association USITT More info: www.setc.org/state-organizations www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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PERSPECTIVES
The Underutilization of Disabled Artists Leads to the Misunderstanding and Disrespect of Disabled People
(he/ hi m )
Ben Otto Sunderman is an actor and reading specialist based in Upstate, SC, who is a wheelchair user. Links that provide additional perspectives: SAG-AFTRA Panelists Say ‘Disability Consistently Overlooked in Conversation About Diversity & Inclusion’ Disabled Characters Should Be Played by Disabled Actors
“You sure know how to move that chair around!” “It’s so good to see you are out doing something!” “You’re so brave, such an inspiration!” The latter group is surprised and impressed that I have time to focus on something other than my disability. However, their perspective is not entirely their fault. The entertainment industry bears the burden of holding a mirror up to society, and it is failing to reflect images of complex and whole disabled people. As a disabled person and actor, I want the following things: To stop disability infantilization. To never see disabled stories told as inspiration for the able-bodied again. To raise awareness of disabled people, the U.S.’s largest minority. Theatre and film need to do three things to fulfill these desires: Hire disabled artists. Able-bodied artists have proven that they are either unwilling or unable to portray disabled people accurately. Provide the world with stories about disability that it needs to see, where the disabled character’s goal is not to be able-bodied. Show characters who happen to be disabled, and their disability is not their purpose in the story. t
“Perspectives” is an SETC News column where guest contributors are invited to share their diverse voices.
t
t
The Actors With Disabilities Redefining Representation
Ben Otto Sunderman (left) plays the title character in a 2018 production of Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park in Anderson, SC.
t t t
BEN OTTO SUNDERMAN
Each night following a show, I leave the dressing room to greet an audience, preparing myself for two types of comments. The first type of comment is kind and congratulatory. Comments of the second type are the ones I force myself to smile and nod through. They come from older audience members:
Theatre can uplift the underrepresented, and it is our job to make sure it maintains that ability.
More info: visit links above left www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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SETC EDIA INITIATIVES
Continuing the Work
Maegan McNerney Azar S E TC PR ESID ENT ( she/ he r )
One year ago, SETC approved several important action steps for inclusive, anti-racist practices for our organization. As we continue the work, we are continuing to grow, learn, and change together. As we root out injustice, inequity, and unfairness in our industry, we are looking inward, as well. The initial steps are always the most obvious, the easiest to move forward, but as we continue, the work gets deeper, and more nuanced. But continue, we must. The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Advisory Councils, and Central Office staff have maintained introspection and empathetic listening as we analyze the work of the organization. And we feel it is important to report back to our constituents on the work that has been done in the last year. The following is a select list of steps taken to deepen our EDIA work since I last reported in September 2020: u Presentation of a Race & Representation Series at the 2021 SETC Convention focusing on artists of diverse backgrounds.
Read SETC’s mission, vision, ethos statement, values statement, land acknowledgement and EDIA representation goals here.
u Formulation of an accessible registration program for 2022 to build on the fee waiver program from 2021. u Facilitation by the Auditions Task Force of progressive and holistic changes for accessibility and inclusivity in professional screening auditions, alongside financial and educational support for charter states. u Approval of a revised convention fee structure to eliminate add-on fees for services. u Approval of a Grievance/Harassment Reporting Process, posted on the website. u Creation and sharing of online board training videos to demystify elements of SETC’s governance structure. u Formalization of the Presidential appointment process to include input and consultation from VPs as a way to combat “gatekeeping.” u Development by the Theatre Symposium Steering Committee of an Ethos Statement for the TS publication. u Exploration of options for virtual accessibility for all SETC events. u Work to amplify inclusive organizations by the Equity & Inclusion Council, with the Strategic Planning Committee. u Application for an NEA (ARP) grant to fund a full-time Equity & Inclusion Manager and support technology for virtual access to the 2022 convention, plus additional grant requests to assist with convention expenses for underserved constituents. Michael J. Bobbitt, who presented a professional development session for SETC leadership on cross-cultural competence, told us that anti-racism work and true organizational inclusivity can take 10-15 years. The past two years have seen a culture shift among the leadership of SETC – conversations about equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice permeate our work and decisions now. SETC is committed to continuing the work, with joy in our hearts for the change we want to be. More info: www.setc.org/mission-and-vision
www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND ACCESSIBILITY
Eye on the Ball …
Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R ( she/ he r )
When the pandemic forced SETC to go virtual last fall with Screening Auditions, it opened the door for further conversation about equity and accessibility. Last spring, SETC established an Audition Task Force to continue examination of our audition methodologies and fees. It became apparent that we needed to focus on students, the main group of constituents that are served through the Professional Auditions. Here are some changes being made to support students and accessibility: u The screening fee has been lowered from $85 to $35. For decades, the revenue model has leaned heavily on student pocketbooks.
Thanks to Contributors
u The move to a virtual format for Screening Auditions alleviates travel expense and schedule strain for students and makes the opportunity more accessible for underserved students across our region and nation.
We send our thanks to the following individuals for contributions made to SETC since July 1, 2021:
u The percentage system is being overhauled to more equitably accept students based on talent. In the three-year plan, every state will still be represented. More information here.
Robert Allen Tiffany Askew Carrie Bellew J. Theresa Bush * Kris Geddie Leah Gibson Timothy Haney Michelle Heche William Justice Katie Leckenbusch Tamra Kress Chad McDonald * Ali Ray Mia Self * Leslie Shrum Maryellen Sloat Dr. David S. Sollish Marsha Threlkeld Jazzlyn Threlkeld * Denotes Monthly Contributor
u The Professional Auditions are an educational experience. However, lowering the bar by requiring set percentages of students to pass through from each state is not helpful to them or fair to others. SETC will promote educational opportunities and welcome all to help students achieve a higher bar. u Extra fees for events such as Professional Auditions and Theatre Job Fair (previously $20/event) will be eliminated. Students who are taking full advantage of the SETC Convention will see their overall fees lowered. u Students who can’t travel because of COVID, lack of funding or schedule issues will have the opportunity to participate virtually in all the main convention events. u A limited number of “access registrations” (fee waivers) to assist students (and others) with financial hardship will be available. In addition, SETC is going the extra mile to find travel funds through grants. u The states have traditionally been supported financially through the screening fees. Even though we have moved to virtual Screening Auditions, SETC is committed to supporting the states. We have a plan to slightly raise convention fees, spread the economic burden and provide the state organizations with their typical funding, which will be equitably distributed. I want to acknowledge here that these changes have a profound effect on our state organizations. We are grateful to them for understanding that “doing the right thing and doing it now” is what makes change. We have all learned how to pivot in the last year. Our pivot is about COVID, but also about social justice. SETC looks forward to helping create new, relevant, accessible programs! More info: screening auditions plan
www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:
Are You in the Directory? SAVE THE DATE Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions Jan. 14 – 15, 2022 In-Person Auditions Greensboro, NC Venue TBA Each January, SETC Outdoor Theatre hosts auditions for summer and outdoor theatres looking to cast acting, singing, dancing and stage combat positions. Interviews are also available for technical positions and internship opportunities. Registration Opens: Dec. 6, 2021, at Noon ET Registration Deadline: Jan. 6, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET
SETC’s 2022 College, University and Training Program Directory is in the final stages of preparation. The directory, which is published in the winter issue of Southern Theatre magazine, includes listings of all SETC member colleges, universities and training programs. This is your opportunity to provide potential students with a brief profile of your school, a list of degrees offered, and contacts for more information. View last year’s directory here.
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& Traini
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Looking for the best setti theatre? Or perhaps you’ ng to launch your care to pursue re seeking er in an disciplines? advanced degree in the perfect place one of the To help you compiled the most com make those choices, theatre we have anywhere listing degr prehensive director y available ees at SETC member colle and special program s programs. offered ges, universit Dat ies and train institutions. a for the profiles ing is provided by the
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If you have not provided a listing or have questions about the directory, please contact Lee Crouse at lee@setc.org. Would you like to purchase an ad in the directory or in the main section of the winter issue of Southern Theatre magazine? Contact Clay Thornton at clay@setc.org by Thursday, Sept. 30.
Grad and Undergrad Students: Apply Now for 2022 Young Scholars Award Submissions of papers on topics related to history, theory, criticism and literature are being accepted from graduate and undergraduate students. One graduate and one undergraduate will be chosen to present their papers in person or virtually via Zoom (to accommodate COVID-19-related travel restrictions) during the 2022 SETC Convention. Deadline: Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at 5 p.m. ET More info here.
Auditionee Registration Fee: $55 For more information, visit outdoor-theatre.org/ auditions
SETC Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations Help us honor those who have made meaningful contributions to SETC. Submit your nomination by Oct. 28, 2021, at www.setc.org/hall-of-fame.
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
Central Office SETC 5710 W. Gate City Blvd. Suite K, Box 186 Greensboro NC 27407 336-265-6148 info@setc.org Susie Prueter (she/her) susie@setc.org Executive Director Lee Crouse (he/him) lee@setc.org Educational Services/Sponsorships Clay Thornton (he/him) clay@setc.org Marketing/Advertising Bradley Branham (he/him) bradley@setc.org Programming Elizabeth Theodora (she/her) elizabeth@setc.org Professional Services Lea Gilbert (she/her) louise@setc.org Membership Services Nicole Francis (she/her) nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Debi Belanger (she/her) debi@setc.org Data Assistant
SETC's 2021 Fall Professional Auditions, By the Numbers SETC’s 2021 Fall Professional Auditions were held 100% online. We had a solid response, with 220 actors sending audition videos and 22 companies reviewing the audition submissions. It’s not too late to get access to the auditionee gallery if you are a company representative seeking performers. Registration and audition galleries will be available to professional companies indefinitely as the industry reemerges. Click here to register.
SETC Announces Outdoor Theatre Pandemic Assistance Grants SETC provided $10,000 in pandemic assistance this summer to 10 outdoor theatres, which received grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 each. The recipients are: Cherokee Historical Association, Unto These Hills, Cherokee, NC; Cumberland Mountain Arts & Crafts Council, Inc. The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come, Jenkins, KY; Hip to Hip Theatre Company, Woodside, NY; Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise, ID; Roanoke Island Historical Association, The Lost Colony, Manteo, NC; Southern Appalachian Historical Society, Horn In The West, Boone, NC; Stephen Foster Drama Association, Inc., The Stephen Foster Story, Bardstown, KY; The Scioto Society, Inc., Tecumseh!, Chillicothe, OH; Water Works Theatre Company, Inc., Shakespeare Royal Oak, Royal Oak, MI; Yampa Valley Performing Arts Council, Piknik Theatre, Steamboat Springs, CO. Click here for more information.
Apply Now for 2022 Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival SETC is accepting submissions for the 2022 Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival to be held at the annual SETC Convention in Memphis, TN. Deadline is Nov. 1, 2021. Questions? Email Octavia Biggs at obiggs@lctonstage. org or Laura Byland at lbyland@samford.edu. Click here for details.
General Questions info@setc.org
Actions taken by the SETC Executive Committee and Board of Directors during meetings on June 4, July 2 and Aug. 14, 2021, via Zoom conferencing include:
Executive Committee Maegan McNerney Azar (she/her) President Kris Rau McIntyre (she/her) VP of Administration Neno Russell (he/him) VP of Services Jonathan Michaelsen (he/him) VP of Finance Adanma Onyedike Barton (she/her) VP of Equity & Inclusion Ginger Poole (she/her) Secretary Jeff Gibson (he/him) Elected Past President Jeremy Kisling (he/him) VP of States Lynn Nelson (she/her) VP of Divisions
• Approved Kristy Meanor as the new Alabama state representative. • Shifted the Cultural Diversity Committee by Maegan McNerney Azar from Services to Ongoing Projects. SETC President • Adjusted the fee structure to reduce professional screening fees and eliminate a la carte convention fees. • Moved the Applied Theatre Ad Hoc Committee to full committee status. • Approved two name changes: the Women in Theatre Committee and the Musical Theatre & Dance Committee.
ExCom Report
Full minutes available at www.setc.org/leadership/minutes-archives. The next Executive Committee meeting will take place in January 2022.
Send your news to deanna@setc.org www.setc.org
September / October 2021
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