JULY / AUGUST 2020
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
CONTENTS SETC Events Page 1
Professionals Pages 2 - 5
Community Theatre Page 6
Theatre for Youth Page 7
Secondary Schools
www.setc.org
Don’t Miss SETC’s Upcoming Events FALL PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS
Aug. 30-31, Video and In-Person Auditions* Sheraton Charlotte, Uptown Charlotte, NC Registration: Open now Online registration deadline: Noon EDT, Aug. 7 See Page 2 for more information. To register: www.setc.org/fall-professional * Live auditions will be held only if they can proceed in accordance with
Page 8
all CDC, state and local governmental restrictions and regulations.
Colleges/Universities
NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OUTDOOR THEATRE
Page 9
New SETC Database Page 10
SETC Calendar Page 11
Outdoor Theatre Page 12
Governance & COVID-19 Page 13
EDIA Initiative Pages 14 - 15
Black Lives Matter Page 16
Miscellaneous News Page 17
NEWS SUBMISSIONS Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
Oct. 1-2, Virtual Event Online registration: Opens in August See Page 12 for story on conference. For more info and to register: www.outdoor-theatre.org/conference
SCREENING AUDITIONS
October-November, Video Auditions Registration: Opens Noon EDT, Sept. 15 See Page 2 for more information See Page 5 for a list of registration deadlines and screening dates for each state. Don’t live in one of the SETC states? You can still participate. Visit www.setc.org/setc-screenings for details and for the location where your audition will be screened.
LiNK GRADUATE SCHOOL AUDITIONS/ INTERVIEWS: Acting, Directing, Management, Design & Technology Nov. 5-8, Atlanta, GA** Online registration: Opens in August More info: www.setc.org/link
** SETC is monitoring COVID-19 impact and is exploring the possibility of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
virtual attendance.
More info: www.setc.org
FALL PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS
Hoping to Audition at the Spring SETC Auditions, but Don’t Meet the Criteria for a ‘Professional’ Yet? You may want to participate in SETC’s Professional Screening Auditions, which will take place via digital format this fall. A select number of those who participate will earn audition spots at the Spring Professional Auditions. The screening auditions are: • Open to any auditionee 18 years or older who has completed high school and does not meet the criteria to apply as a career professional. • Overseen by 11 state theatre organizations, based on your home or college/ university location. (See Page 5 for locations and deadlines. Visit the website below for more information on your screening host’s dates if you are not in one of the 11 states noted.) • Open for applications at noon EDT on Sept. 15. Applicants will be required to submit the SETC Screening Application, which includes a 60-second video regardless of whether you act, sing, or act and sing. Details: www.setc.org/auditions/setcscreenings
Join us for Fall Professional Auditions Aug. 30-31, 2020
l
Uptown Charlotte, NC
Options for Video Audition or In-Person Audition *
PLEASE NOTE CHANGES THIS YEAR! The Fall Auditions are traditionally conducted in person. However, as a result of COVID-19, the process has been altered in 2020 to increase the opportunities for those who are not able or willing to attend in person. Those changes include: • All applicants are required to provide an audition video. This will initially serve as part of your audition application. • You will have two options for your audition:
1. Attend the in-person auditions in Charlotte, NC, if live auditions can be held in accordance with CDC, state and local governmental restrictions and regulations.
2. Forego attendance, and your audition video will be shared with the hiring companies.
An auditionee at the 2019 Fall Professional Auditions.
NOTE: If you sign up for an in-person audition and we are unable to hold inperson auditions, the video audition you submitted as part of your audition application will become your audition and will be shared with the hiring companies.
Who: This annual event connects professional actors to opportunities in the theatre and entertainment industries. Theatre types represented typically include repertory, regional and stock companies, single-show venues, cruise lines, dinner theatres, entertainment agencies, seasonal shows and more.
How: To apply or get more information, visit www.setc.org/auditions/fallprofessional.
Where: If in-person auditions can be held, they will take place at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel in uptown Charlotte, NC.
* Live auditions will be held only if they can proceed in accordance with all CDC, state and local governmental restrictions and regulations.
More info: www.setc.org/fall-professional www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Hiring through SETC: Old Colony Players ‘One of the greatest benefits of being a part of SETC is the network that we are able to build because of this wonderful organization. I now have people I know and trust who can help me brainstorm and find answers to the challenges that we all face in the performing arts community in these times.’ - Edyth Pruitt, General Manager SETC recently caught up with Edyth Pruitt, general manager of Old Colony Players in Valdese, NC. Below are excerpts from the interview. Old Colony Players will present its 2020 summer production, From This Day Forward, an outdoor historical drama directed by David Sebren, beginning July 17. State restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic will limit nightly audiences to 25 people. Above: Joshua Smiley, Cameron Carroll and Joshua Clarke appear in a scene from the 2019 production of the play. Photo by Jennifer Wood Photography.
Tell us a little about your theatre. Old Colony Players was founded in the 1930s as a community theatre. During World War II, the theatre suspended all productions. The Old Colony Players was reimagined in 1967 with the dream of producing From This Day Forward, an outdoor drama that tells the story of the Waldensians from Northern Italy who founded the town of Valdese.
What type of shows are you mainly known for? From This Day Forward is the only show for which we pay actors, but we are a very active community theatre the rest of the year. We strive for a well-balanced season with at least one full-scale musical a year.
What type of theatre/stage do you have? Our two main locations are the Old Rock School in Valdese, with a seating capacity of 480, and the Fred B. Cranford Amphitheatre, with a seating capacity of 573. We also have spread out to have dinner theatres at a local winery and the local American Legion Hall and are looking at partnering with a local restaurant for a dinner theatre in 2021.
What are you currently producing? We plan to open From This Day Forward on July 17 and run Fridays and Saturdays until Aug. 15, unless more restrictive executive orders for the COVID-19 pandemic force us to suspend production.
How does SETC assist you in your operations? SETC’s National Conference on Outdoor Theatre has really been invaluable to us. This year, for the first time in many years, we were able to attend the Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions. I’m not sure what was more beneficial, being able to see so much talent in one place or being able to network with other companies and share ideas, dreams and expertise. The SETC auditions provide space for both beautifully.
More info: oldcolonyplayers.com www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY NEWS
Professional Companies Benefit from SETC Grants SETC presented two convention grants and one staffing development grant to theatres in 2020. 4 Convention grants provide organizations that are not current members of SETC with monetary support to attend an SETC Convention. 4 Staffing development grants provide SETC member non-academic professional theatres with money to assist with the hiring of staff to support existing programs or develop new ones.
WHAT DO GRANT RECIPIENTS SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE? 2020 Staffing Development Matching Grant: HANGAR THEATRE COMPANY, Ithaca, NY
Scene from Hangar Theatre Company’s Raisin in the Sun. Photo by Rachel Philipson.
This grant supported the creation of a new Fellowship in Theatre Arts Management at the Hangar Theatre. For nine months, the Hangar provided one young professional with hands-on employment and training in theatre arts administration, specifically in marketing, development and audience services. “The Theatre Arts Management Fellowship program at Hangar Theatre Company was the perfect transition from academia to full-time professional work in the arts,” said Hollyann Bucci, Hangar’s 2019-2020 theatre arts management fellow. “I got to develop practical skills I had previously only learned in theory, and now feel prepared to enter the theatrical market in a variety of roles I never would have imagined I would find a passion for.” 2020 Convention Grant: THEATRE WEST SUMMER REPERTORY, Scottsbluff, NE
Scene from Theatre West Summer Repertory’s The Music Man. Photo by Mark Rein.
Theatre West sent two representatives to the SETC Convention in Louisville: Artistic Director Patrick Newell and TOFY Stage Director/Actor Lauren Newell. They took full advantage of Professional Auditions and Theatre Job Fair and were able to secure contracts with five actors, a stage manager, a props master, a master carpenter, a sound board operator/charge artist and, through connections made at SETC, a technical director. Patrick, a teacher of singing, also attended the Training Trans Voices workshop: “It became a wonderful discussion about training changing voices, finding repertoire, casting and other related topics.” 2020 Convention Grant: RHINOLEAP PRODUCTIONS, Asheboro, NC
Scene from RhinoLeap Productions’ Leaving Eden, created by Mike Wiley and Laurelyn Dossett. Photo by Andrea Akin.
RhinoLeap Productions sent Artistic Director Jeremy Skidmore to the SETC Convention in Louisville. “This was the first time I was able to attend SETC, and the grant made that possible. I was exposed to the talents of several actors from my state who I did not previously know, and I met multiple people I have now approached about helping RhinoLeap with its marketing.”
More info: www.setc.org/theatre-company-grants www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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PROFESSIONAL THEATRE NEWS
Creating a High-Quality Self-Taped Audition Is Key to Getting a Job in Our Socially Distanced World
Mark Catlett C H AI R, PR OFESSION A L TH E AT R E D IV ISIO N
Prior to March 2020, video auditions, or “self-taped” auditions, were gaining momentum and becoming a mainstream process for recruiting actors for hard-to-fill roles across the country, but many companies and actors were taking baby steps into this new world. And then, in mid-March 2020, all things changed. Only two weeks after we were all together for SETC 2020 in Louisville, our busy, hectic lives hit a hard pause. As theatres navigate this new socially distant world, one of the first parts of the theatrical process, auditioning, is being rethought and adjusted. And the video audition has become critically important.
Here are some tips and tricks for producing the highestquality audition video:
Registration Opens Sept. 15 for SETC Screening Auditions Screening auditions will be held virtually this fall. (See details, Page 2.) Auditionees will submit video auditions for screening in the state where they live or go to school. Those from out of the region will be assigned a location. STATE
SCREENING DATES
Alabama Oct. 16-17 Florida Nov. 6-7 Georgia TBA Kentucky Nov. 21-22 Mississippi Nov. 21-22 New Jersey Oct. 16-17 N. Carolina Nov. 13-14 S. Carolina Nov. 14 Tennessee Oct. 24-25 Virginia Oct. 30-31 W. Virginia Nov. 7
APPLICATION DEADLINE Oct. 7 Oct. 28 TBA Nov. 11 Nov. 11 Oct. 7 Nov. 4 Nov. 4 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28
All application deadlines are at noon ET on the date listed.
More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings
MATERIAL: Be specific and create fresh audition material for each posting. Take the time to create a new, fresh submission video specific to the opportunity. Companies know if you are sending a general “to whom it may concern” type of audition clip. BACKGROUND, LIGHTING AND SOUND: Record your submission in a professional setting. The background, lighting and sound are critical to your submission. Make sure the background is free of clutter and distraction and that you find good natural lighting and sound. ACCOMPANIMENT: Partner with an accompanist. Avoid karaoke tracks or oversynthesized tracking. Spend the time and small amount of money that are necessary to have your favorite accompanist record your unique audition cut virtually and send it to you on your smartphone. ATTIRE: Dress professionally. You may be recording from your home, but dress and style yourself as if you were attending the audition in person. PERSONALITY: Find a way to create a quick and concise introduction. Video auditions lose the personal interaction that takes place at the start and finish of your audition. Casting directors get a lot out of those moments in live auditions, and we love to see a bit of “you” in your introduction and salutation.
More info: www.setc.org/setc-screenings www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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COMMUNITY THEATRE NEWS
Shows for AACTFest 2021 Will Be Chosen via Application Instead of Through Festivals
Tom Booth CHAI R, C OM M U N ITY TH E AT R E D IV ISIO N
What a ride this year has been for everyone, including our community theatres. But we will go on and grow as individuals and arts organizations – and find that the light at the end of the tunnel is not a train but a bright future. While adapting to our current environment, the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) is making some changes to AACTFest 2021 at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville, KY.
National Shows Selected from Applicants
Most of us are aware of the tradition of holding state and regional competitions each year, with the top two shows selected at the SETC Community Theatre Festival going on to participate in the national festival. With COVID-19 concerns this year and the uncertainty of how or if all state and regional festivals will happen, AACT has moved the 2021 gathering to an invitational event.
LOUISVILLE, KY JUNE 14-19, 2021
The 12 companies in the 2021 national competition will be chosen by application, evaluation and adjudication instead of the usual festival process. This model alleviates any financial burden or obligation of the state or regional festival while theatres are struggling with the effects (and after-effects) of COVID-19. Applications are now open. To apply, visit aact.org/aactfest-2021-invitational. Deadline is Nov. 1, 2020.
Opportunities to Gather in Louisville
AACTFest 2021 will begin with a fantastic Welcome Party, sponsored by Disney Theatrical Group, with ArtsAfterglow parties each night sponsored by Stage Rights. Concord Theatricals will sponsor Saturday’s Pre-Award Show Cocktail Reception. Music Theatre International will be sponsoring the Closing Celebration Party, a great ending to an exciting week of theatre. Planning has begun for the Monologue Competition, sponsored by Dramatists Play Service, and AACT’s National Design Competition. Exhibitors will also be on hand with information on products and services to make your theatre the best it can be. “We’re excited to be hosting the next festival in such a vibrant and arts-friendly city as Louisville,” says AACT Executive Director Quiana Clark-Roland. “It is an iconic, historic destination and home to world-class restaurants, tourist attractions and museums, and over a dozen entertainment venues and performance companies. We’re going to have a wonderful time!” Please join us in Louisville for AACTFest 2021 next June!
More info: aact.org/aactfest-2021 www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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THEATRE FOR YOUTH NEWS
An Opportunity to Pause, Reflect and Listen
Laura S. Byland CHAI R, T HEAT R E FO R Y O U T H D IV ISION
During these difficult times, it is important to focus on ways those of us in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) can address tough issues in meaningful ways. Because so many of us have been forced into a season of inactivity, we are in a perfect position to participate in the discussion currently taking place about equality, diversity and inclusion. It is, in fact, an opportunity to “pause, reset, reflect and listen in order to propel action for change,” according to TYA/USA Board President Nina Meehan. Some of our colleagues are already hard at work planning, collaborating and creating theatre experiences that will help to further the dialogue and promote racial justice and healing. (Click on the logos below to read more about each initiative.) Rising Youth Theatre in Phoenix, AZ, was recently awarded the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America’s Founders Project Fulfillment Grant for FACE to FACE. This initiative includes story circle conversations led by an intergenerational ensemble of artists who will work to develop this project at the intersection of race, class and age. In preparation for its upcoming production of Sit-In by Pearl Cleage, the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA, is offering Get Up, Stand Up! Summer Camps. The story follows three young friends as they learn about the sit-ins of the civil rights era and apply lessons to their contemporary lives. The camps will explore stories of fairness, justice and friendship. Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD, offers a conversation with best-selling author Jason Reynolds (Ghost) to talk about what has led to the tensions we’ve seen recently, why racism persists and what we can do to build a less racist society. Mirror Image Arts in Denver, CO, employs Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to explore human emotions, motivations and reactions in hopes of helping young people “reflect, reclaim and rehearse for their past, present and future realities.” These are just a few examples of how Theatre for Young Audiences is participating in the national discussion. If you have more, please feel free to share them as we all work toward a more just future.
More info: Visit links above www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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SECONDARY SCHOOL THEATRE NEWS
Get Help with Online Resources Through SETC’s New Theatre Teaching Collaborative
Elaine Malone CH AI R , SEC ON D A RY SCH O O L T HEAT R E D IV ISIO N
Want to Participate in the July 15 Webinar? Get information about how to join the Theatre Teaching Collaborative’s July 15 webinar at www.setc.org/ttc. You can register for the entire day’s schedule or just for the sessions of interest to you.
Life has changed for all of us. Theatre teachers have spent months struggling to adjust to teaching a collaborative art form alone in a home office or perhaps in a living room. Collaboration means partnership and teamwork. A hard, cold computer screen does not inspire us with the excitement and creativity that students in the rehearsal space provide. We are adjusting to a future that we must now create for our students and ourselves. SETC is very lucky to have a team of college and university faculty offering to guide us in taking a different approach to theatre education through a new SETC initiative, Theatre Teaching Collaborative (TTC), which will help us consider ways to shape creative and collaborative classrooms online. Sessions will be geared toward and useful to both secondary and college/university theatre educators. The first TTC event will be a free webinar on July 15. This day of panel discussions will cover multiple topics about teaching theatre online, with each webinar topic addressed by a different panel of faculty members.
The schedule for the July 15 webinar includes:
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Teaching Performance Online
Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Teaching Theatre Design Online
3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Teaching Technical Theatre Online
Introduction to Teaching Theatre Online: Best Practices
The TTC will be creating additional collaborative webinars to share projects and assignments that help us and our students rethink how we use that hard, cold computer screen. We can use technology to develop working classrooms full of excitement and inspiration while we share best practices and enrich ourselves and our students. The goal is to develop numerous webinars and instructional videos on multiple theatre topics, including Acting, Stage Management, Lighting Design, Rehearsing from a Distance, and more. These would be posted in an online library available to members on the SETC website. The Theatre Teaching Collaborative will help us all move forward, focusing on what is possible now in this uncertain environment. I hope you will join us! More info: www.setc.org/ttc www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY THEATRE NEWS
College and University Professors Face Shared Obstacles in Teaching Online
Kevin P. Kern C HAIR, CO L L EG E A N D UNIVE R SIT Y T HEAT R E D IV ISIO N
I recently ended a Zoom meeting with a statement that I meant to be inspirational. “May you live in interesting times,” I blurted out to the nine tiny screens arranged in Brady Bunch-like fashion before me. Before I could tap “End Meeting for All,” a colleague dryly retorted, “That’s a curse, you know.” Indeed, as theatre educators, we found ourselves in interesting times this spring as college and universities shut down their campuses and moved to online instruction due to the coronavirus pandemic. Daniel Gordon, theatre chair at Winthrop University, notes that his biggest obstacle in teaching online has been accommodating a percentage of students who lack reliable internet access. I have heard stories of students sitting in parking lots of libraries and stores to pick up the free WiFi. Zoom seems to be the platform of choice among colleagues, and its popularity has skyrocketed since March. As of July 9, Zoom stock is up over 297% from its per share price in January. Bill Adams, an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University, has had some success with the Zoom platform. While using the “Acting and Singing with Archetypes” training method, Adams utilized Zoom to lead participants through a virtual journey. “They loved it,” he reported, “and it kinda worked.” Most in academia had the heartrending decision to cancel spring productions made for them, which made it no less devastating. The loss was particularly painful for those at the end of their college careers. How many senior Roxie Harts, Hamlets or Blanche DuBois missed their final collegiate curtain call? As we look ahead to fall, uncertainty abounds. Jon Liebetrau, associate professor of theatre at Wilkes University, has been asked to make contingency plans for several scenarios, including splitting his acting classes in two, with half the class watching remotely. “The situation is fluid,” notes Liebetrau, in what is becoming a typical, if no less maddening, refrain. If you would welcome some help in navigating the online teaching environment, SETC has gathered a list of teaching resources at setc.org/covid-resources. In addition, SETC’s Theatre Teaching Collaborative (TTC) will be offering numerous webinars and instructional videos to aid professors in teaching online, with a first event set for July 15. (See Page 8 for details.) Maybe the smallest of comforts is that none of us is immune to the “interesting times” created by the COVID-19 pandemic – we’re all in this together.
More info: setc.org/covid-resources www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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NEW SETC DATABASE
Have You Updated Yet to SETC’s New Membership Database? Two Names to Know As you access the new system, you may notice the names of the two partners that are assisting us with our new membership and application portals.
NeonCRM is our Account Portal provider, handling your log-in to our portal and managing our database.
Once you have logged in to our new database, you have access to our new Application Portal, provided through a second partner, OpenWater. Here is where you can access information and applications for auditions, scholarships, grants and more.
SETC has been busy the last few months making the move to a new user-friendly membership and application system. This new system enables users to: 4 Easily discover and access SETC grants, awards, scholarships, auditions, events and services. 4 Update and maintain an accurate record of affiliations and contact information. 4 Be guided toward the services that may best benefit their careers. 4 Easily obtain and renew their SETC membership.
How to access the new system: If you had an account on our old system, you can complete the setup of your account on our new system by visiting SETC.org. Click “Login” in the top right corner of the home page. Then click “I forgot my login name or password” and enter the email associated with your account on our old system. Further instructions will be sent to you by email.
What you can do on the new system: Once you have signed in to your new account, please take a few minutes to review and update your account information. Using the dropdown menu at the top, you can perform a variety of other tasks, such as managing your membership and accessing the membership directory. When you click on ”application portal” in the dropdown menu, you will be taken to a new screen where you can access information and applications for current auditions, events and other services.
Not a member? If you are not already an SETC member and would like to review information about individual and organizational membership benefits, please visit www.setc.org/membership/join.
Looking for further instructions?
Click on the screen at left to take a virtual tour of the new system. More questions? Please contact us at info@setc.org.
More info: info@setc.org www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
2020-2021 SETC Calendar FALL EVENTS FALL BOARD/ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS This year’s meetings will be held virtually. Please visit www.setc.org/events/board-meetings for the latest information.
FALL PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS Aug. 30-31, 2020
LiNK: YOUR CONNECTION TO ADVANCED THEATRE DEGREES Nov. 5-8, 2020 Recruiter and Student Registration: Opens in August More information: www.setc.org/auditions/link
WINTER EVENTS
Professional Actor Pre-Registration: Open Now - Aug. 7
Professional Company Registration: Open Now - Aug. 7
More information: www.setc.org/auditions/fall-professional
VIRTUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON OUTDOOR THEATRE Oct. 1-2, 2020 Registration: Opens in August More information: outdoor-theatre.org/conference
SETC SCREENING AUDITIONS October-November 2020, All Southeastern Member States and New Jersey Registration: Opens Sept. 15; deadlines vary by host Application guidelines will be available soon at: www.setc.org/setc-screenings
EXCOM MEETING January 2021, Date and Location TBA SUMMER AND OUTDOOR THEATRE AUDITIONS Jan. 15-17, 2021 Registration: Opens at noon EST on Dec. 4 and closes at noon EST Dec. 18 (or when all slots have been filled) More information: outdoor-theatre.org/auditions
GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS SETC is proud to provide financial support to students, professionals and producing theatre companies through theatre grants, scholarships and awards. Submission acceptance dates and deadlines vary. For more information, please visit www.setc.org/scholarships-awards.
Actions taken by the SETC Executive Committee during meetings on May 13-14 and June 19 via Zoom conferencing included: • Approved wording to add Rules for Teachers Institute, Fringe Festival, and Ten-Minute Play Festival.
ExCom Report by Maegan McNerney Azar SETC President
• Approved 24 manuals that now reflect the updated Articles, Bylaws, and Rules. • Amended the fiscal year 2021 budget in an effort to plan for COVID-19 financial ramifications. Full minutes available soon at www.setc.org/leadership/minutes-archives. The next Executive Committee meeting will take place on July 31, 2020.
More info: www.setc.org www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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OUTDOOR THEATRE
Join Us Virtually for the 57th National Conference on Outdoor Theatre The 2020 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre will be held Oct. 1-2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference will be presented online at a reduced cost to attendees. This year’s virtual conference will focus on practical solutions for the pressing issues that we are all facing during this time. The live presentations will build robust discussions and reach for solutions on timely topics, such as: 4 Safely reopening a theatre in the midst of a pandemic. 4 Building equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in the performing arts. 4 Exploring alternative performance options for outdoor theatre. 4 Incorporating design in a virtual world.
Nominations Sought for SETC Leaders Nominations are being accepted for SETC officers and the Nominations Committee for 2021-2022. Visit www.setc.org/ leadership/boardof-directors to meet current leaders of the organization. To nominate a leader, complete the form online here by July 27.
Of course, we will continue our informative roundtable discussions with a built-in virtual happy hour. While we will miss meeting with one another in person this year, we are happy to announce plans for an in-person event next year. Our 2021 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre will be held at The Promise in Glen Rose, TX. To learn more about The Promise at Glen Rose, visit thepromiseglenrose.com.
MORE INFORMATION Registration opens in August. Keep an eye out for a detailed schedule as well as registration information at outdoor-theatre.org/conference.
Join Us in Person for an Unconference at the
Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions Would you like to meet in person in early 2021? You are invited to an in-person Unconference for theatre representatives associated with the Summer and Outdoor Theatre Auditions on January 15-17, 2021. Look for more information closer to that date at: outdoor-theatre.org/auditions
More info: outdoor-theatre.org/conference www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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GOVERNANCE DURING COVID-19
ABR Change Proves Fortuitous SETC’s Executive Committee, Board Continue Work Virtually
Jack Benjamin VP, AD MIN IST R AT ION
Change is a word that many people are leery of, no matter what the benefit might be. On February 29, 2020, SETC made a change to its Articles, Bylaws and Rules (ABR) that, as it turns out, was more significant than any of us could have imagined at the time. Let me explain. A little over a year ago, I and a group of hearty souls were charged with updating the ABR for the organization. The primary purpose was to bring our organization into the 21st century, as well as to ease the process of getting the business of the organization done in a more efficient manner. So, the ABR Task Force went about its task of reviewing, rewriting or reinterpreting the governance of the organization. Some of the changes that we made turned out to be more important than we ever thought possible. The world as we knew it changed in March of this year as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold of all our lives. Business could not be accomplished in the “normal” style. However, having added “I.A-Rule 16. Electronic Voting” to our rules enabled the Executive Committee to continue the work of the organization during the summer months, even though we were not able to meet in person. This new rule allowed us to meet via Zoom and vote electronically – something that had not been permitted under our old rules. As a result, we were able to react in a swift manner to changes based on our new Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA) initiative. We also will be able to conduct our normal business in August at the Fall Board Meetings, even though we will be meeting remotely. Due in small part to the ABR changes, I asked all committee chairs to review their manuals for accuracy of practice and to review the changes in the new ABR as well. The new option for electronic voting allowed chairs to quickly complete their reviews and ensure that their manuals met the preferred EDIA standards. Change may be a negative word to some, but for SETC in 2020, it has meant a positive move forward for our organization!
More info: view revised ABR here www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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EDIA: SETC’S COMMITMENT
More Than a Moment
Maegan McNerney Azar PR ESID ENT
Two pandemics: coronavirus and racial inequality. I am learning more and more every day about my complicity in structural and aversive racism. One pandemic has provided the space that I have needed to understand the other by attending webinars, reading books and articles, reflecting deeply on my journey through a world that is set up against my Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) neighbors. When I became President of SETC in February, I promised to “bring an equitable and inclusive vision for SETC to fruition.” Even before that, the Board of Directors and Central Office staff had been working on a strategic plan that placed diversity and inclusion as the No. 1 priority for the next five years. And that work had already begun with an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Series at the 2020 SETC Convention. But we know that we need to do more.
Meet the Members of the EDIA Task Force, Page 15
This March, Executive Director Susie Prueter and I formed an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA) Task Force with the goal of outlining action items for the organization to take steps toward inclusivity, as well as being our guiding force toward accountability. In a short period of time, we have embarked on the following actions: 4 Create an EDIA Philosophy Statement and Values Statement. 4 Write Land Acknowledgements for SETC Central Office and meeting locations. 4 Identify BIPOC, LGBT+, Disabled organizations and Affinity Groups with whom SETC can partner and amplify. 4 Pursue EDIA training for board, staff, and volunteers. 4 Make Professional Auditions, Screening Auditions, and Job Fair more accessible. 4 Develop a Need-based Fee Waiver Application for all events and services. 4 Create a Diversity Expectations Statement for hiring companies and presenters. 4 Infuse EDIA programming into the convention. 4 Continue building relationships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 4 Require BIPOC, LGBT+, Disabled representation in publications, as keynotes, as adjudicators, as presenters, and in leadership positions. This is not a complete list. There is more to be done. And we are committed to action. This is more than a moment.
More info: www.setc.org/edia-resources www.setc.org
July / August 2020
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EDIA: THE TASK FORCE
Meet the Members of SETC’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access Task Force Thanks to the following for agreeing to serve on SETC’s EDIA Task Force. Read about the task force’s work on Page 14.
Matt Bivins Accessibility Designer and Web Developer, Bivins Brothers Creative
Cadie Burks Educational Services Manager, SETC
Steven H. Butler Executive Director, Florida Theatre Conference
Johannah Maynard Edwards Executive Artistic Director, Women’s Theatre Festival
Ricky Ramón Lecturer of Theatre Arts, Howard University
Neil David Seibel Associate Professor of Theatre, Auburn University at Montgomery; Faculty, Playwright’s Lab at Hollins University
Bob Shryock Director of Communications & Recruiting; Faculty at Accademia dell’Arte (Arezzo, Italy)
JD Stokely Producer/Cultural Organizer
Elizabeth Theodora Membership & Technology Manager, SETC
Elizabeth Watkins Theatre Arts Teacher in Richland One School District (SC); Playwright, Director
Co-chairs
Tiza Garland, Co-chair Associate Director, School of Theatre & Dance, University of Florida; Past SETC President Email: tgarland@arts.ufl.edu
Kyla Kazuschyk, Co-chair Associate Professor of Costume Technology, Costume Shop Manager, Louisiana State University Email: kkazuschyk@lsu.edu
Neno Russell, Co-chair Associate Professor, Head, Design/Technology, Virginia Commonwealth University Email: nrussell@vcu.edu
More info: See Page 14 www.setc.org
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SETC BLACK LIVES MATTER STATEMENT
Black Lives Matter. Black Theatre Matters. As a theatre organization with longstanding roots in the South, the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) mourns the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others. The deaths of Black and Brown people in our country as a result of police brutality have devastatingly become commonplace, and we acknowledge the suffering and longstanding systemic racism that has perpetuated a cycle of violence against the people we serve.
Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R
On June 3, SETC published a BLM Statement to share our pledge for action. It’s important that we keep this statement in front to continually impress upon us the importance of our EDIA work. We share it again here and encourage all to reflect and find ways to end systemic racism in our organizations and personal lives.
As an organization, we are resolved that our anti-racism commitment be reflected in the life and culture of our organization through policies, programs, practices, and partnerships as we continue to learn about racism. We are listening and recognize that we have work to do. We will do the work. Even in these uncertain and challenging times, we are committed to lifting up the voices of those who advocate for positive change, and we pledge to stand beside you. We pledge awareness. We pledge to listen to understand. We pledge to lead with our full hearts and minds. We pledge action. In that spirit of action and accountability, SETC has been working to address our long history as a predominantly white-led organization. We started an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access initiative this year, and in March formed a Task Force that has been working to address inequities in our organization. We are a place for storytellers, and we are dedicated to working together as one inclusive community to confront 400 years of marginalization, oppression, and bigotry. Please, if you have the means, lift up organizations and entities that are working to fix what is broken in our society, that center the power of Black voices and stories. We are invested in doing the work to become more anti-racist and anti-oppressive, and to the hard work of educating ourselves and listening to our communities. Here is a short list of funds and organizations that our members and staff have donated to in recent days, and we will continue to update our website for resources: Black Lives Matter Black Theatre Network North Carolina Black Repertory, producers of the National Black Theatre Festival Southern Poverty Law Center American Civil Liberties Union
The Movement for Black Lives NAACP (local, state or national office) Reclaim the Block Campaign Zero The Atlanta Solidarity Fund Black Immigrant Collective
Black Table Arts The Okra Project Louisville Community Bail Fund See these links and additional resources on our SETC.org website.
Black Lives Matter. Black Theatre Matters. Standing with you, Maegan McNerney Azar, SETC President Susie Prueter, SETC Executive Director SETC Executive Committee, Task Force on EDIA, and Central Office Staff
More info: www.setc.org/edia-resources www.setc.org
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MISCELLANEOUS NEWS
Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre Nationwide
Central Office SETC 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
COVID-19 PANDEMIC NEWS
Connect with Audiences on Their Front Porches Playwright Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder has created The Front Porch Plays, an evening of socially-distanced micro-theatre, and is offering the plays free to individuals and theatre groups. “The idea was born from a need to engage the community and connect with people during this time when we all feel so disconnected,” Wilder said. “I applaud the efforts being made to find creative solutions using Zoom and other technology, but theatre is really meant to be experienced in person.” The micro-plays are monologues combined to create a 15-minute show, presented in front yards. Actors perform at one location and then drive to the next host site. Audiences watch from front porches or yards, wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Clay Thornton clay@setc.org Marketing/Advertising
Interested in presenting The Front Porch Plays? Visit www.wilderwriting.net/ the-front-porch-plays for more information and to download a presentation guide. Email Wilder at egw@wilderwriting.net to request a script.
Chris Bailey chris@setc.org Communications/Website
A Good Time to Perform Maintenance on Stage Curtains?
Bradley Branham bradley@setc.org Programming Elizabeth Theodora elizabeth@setc.org Membership/Technology Nicole Francis nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Pat Shumate pat@setc.org Data Assistant General Questions info@setc.org
Executive Committee Maegan McNerney Azar President Jack Benjamin VP of Administration Lee Crouse VP of Services Jonathan Michaelsen VP of Finance Ginger Poole Secretary Jeff Gibson Elected Past President Kris Rau McIntyre VP of States Tom Booth VP of Divisions
In the months since the coronavirus pandemic shut down most theatres across the country, a drapery cleaning and flameproofing company says it has seen a 20% increase in theatre and school venue requests for maintenance of their stage curtains. Stephen McKee, president of Premier Drapery Cleaning, said the increase stems from a combination of factors. Theatre organizations are requesting service due to the ease of scheduling with buildings closed, and the pandemic is prompting organizations to thoroughly clean all facilities. “Drapes are big air filters,” he said. “They collect dust, and the dust harbors mold spores.” Also, he said, curtains must be cleaned before federally-required fire retardants can be applied. “They are supposed to be applied every three to five years, but most theatres don’t realize that.” More info: www.premierdraperycleaning.com
IN MEMORIAM Donna White, a theatre teacher at Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, FL, for more than 30 years, passed away May 7, 2020, at the age of 80. She was active in SETC for many years, serving as Florida’s state representative to SETC and chair of the Secondary/Transfer Auditions, among other roles. She received the Suzanne M. Davis Memorial Award, the organization’s highest award for one of its own, in 2009. Send your news to deanna@setc.org
www.setc.org
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