NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
Bimonthly Newsletter of Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
www.setc.org
CONTENTS SETC CONVENTION: Registration Opens Page 1 Pro Auditions/Job Fair Pages 3 - 4 Undergrad/Grad Auditions Page 5 Propose a Workshop Page 6 Virtual Exhibit Hall Page 7 Festivals Page 8 Miscellaneous Page 9
LiNK Grad Auditions Page 2
Professionals Pages 10 - 11
SETC Video Library Page 12
Your Story. Your Opportunity. Don’t miss the 2021 SETC Convention, coming virtually to a screen near you on March 3 - 7, 2021! Registration opened Nov. 9 for this year’s event, which is being held online due to COVID-19. All major events of the convention – from auditions to workshops to keynotes – will take place in a virtual format, making it easier than ever for members from across the country and around the world to participate. Join us to learn, grow and connect with opportunity! Register here.
President/ExCom Report Page 13
Annual SETC Audit Page 14
CONVENTION REGISTRATION (INCLUDES SETC MEMBERSHIP)
Page 15
Early Bird Advance 11/9 – 1/21 1/22 – 2/11
2/12 – 3/6
Miscellaneous
Individual
$ 255
$ 295
$ 345
C/U Student
$ 155
$ 195
$ 245
NEWS SUBMISSIONS
HS Student
$
$
$
Deanna Thompson, Editor deanna@setc.org
Senior (65+)
$ 175
Executive Director
Page 16
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
45
45
$ 215
March 3 - 7, 2021 More info: convention.setc.org
Regular
45
$ 265
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY NEWS
FIND YOUR GRADUATE SCHOOL AT WHEN:
Dec. 2 - 4
7th Annual LiNK
WHERE:
a virtual recruiting event co-presented by SETC and USITT
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: LiNK connects master’s candidates from all areas of theatre with graduate school recruiters. For this virtual event, schools will view candidates’ auditions and portfolios in advance of the event and schedule callback times for those they are interested in meeting during LiNK. WHEN: Dec. 2 - 4, 2020 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Dec. 2 Acting/Musical Theatre Callbacks Arts Admin, Directing, Stage Management Interviews Dec. 3 Design, Technical Interviews Dec. 4 Additional Callbacks and Interviews as necessary
100% Virtual
Registration Deadline: Extended to Nov. 16!
Deadline for Uploading Virtual Gallery: Nov. 20 SCHOOLS RECRUITING FOR PROGRAMS IN:
ACTING & DIRECTING
MUSICAL THEATRE
DESIGN & TECH
ADMIN & MANAGEMENT
WHO WILL BE RECRUITING AT LiNK? Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University Atlantic Acting School Boston University CalArts (California Institute of the Arts) Carnegie Mellon University College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati DePaul University, The Theatre School Florida Atlantic University Florida State University Hollins University Indiana University Kent State University Le Moyne College Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Mary Baldwin University/ American Shakespeare Center Michigan State University The New School, School of Drama New York Film Academy Oklahoma City University
Purdue University Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance San Diego State University Savannah College of Art & Design Southern Illinois University Stella Adler Studio of Acting Texas State University The Neighborhood Playhouse The Ohio State University Touchstone Theatre/Moravian College Tulane University The University of Alabama University of California - San Diego University of Georgia University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign University of Maryland University of Memphis University of Missouri – Kansas City University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Nebraska - Lincoln
DID YOU KNOW? Most schools offer
financial assistance!
University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of New Orleans University of North Carolina at Greensboro University of North Carolina School of the Arts University of South Dakota University of Southern Mississippi University of Texas at Austin Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech West Virginia University Yale School of Drama
More info: info: www.setc.org/link www.setc.org/upcoming More www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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SPRING AUDITIONS: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
Sign up for Professional Auditions Make Sure Companies Have Your Video Audition When They Are Ready to Hire! The SETC Spring Professional Auditions will go on as scheduled, but will happen 100% virtually. SETC has had to shift gears a bit to accommodate this new format, but we are committed to providing the same service and opportunity as in our live auditions. PROFESSIONAL AUDITIONS SCHEDULE/DEADLINES* Some deadlines and communication dates are different this year to take advantage of the flexibility of the virtual platform and provide more accessibility for all.
Both auditionees and professional companies will enjoy “one-stop shop” benefits: being seen by several companies at one time, with SETC’s assistance in seamlessly scheduling and executing virtual callbacks. Remember that video auditions also have a “shelf life.” Companies will have the auditions to view and share with their counterparts for months to come.
How SETC virtual auditions will work
Extended Screening Audition Deadline (For ALL Applicants, Including Professionals) Tues., Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET
All applicants must create and submit a video screening audition, which will be adjudicated for advancement to the SETC Spring Professional Auditions. If you are selected to advance, your screening audition will become the final audition submitted to the professional companies.
Announcement of Auditionees Selected to Advance to SETC Spring Professional Auditions Mon., Jan. 4
Professional companies will review the selected auditions prior to the convention. They will have two options for callbacks:
Deadline for Selected Auditionees to Accept Slot/Register (Early Bird Price Available) Thurs., Jan. 21 at 11:59 p.m. ET Selected Auditionee Videos Distributed to Professional Companies for Review Mon., Feb. 15 Virtual Callback Scheduling Mon., Feb. 22 – Fri., Feb. 26
Professional Company Callbacks Mon., Mar. 1 – Sat., Mar. 6 Offers for Contracts Begin Mon., Mar. 8 at 9:00 a.m. ET * All dates and times are subject to change.
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Companies can tell SETC which actors they want to call back, and SETC will notify those actors. Companies will provide available time blocks. Actors will then fill out virtual appointment sheets to schedule callbacks during those periods. Callbacks will be run through Zoom, with assistance in waiting rooms provided by stage managers.
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Companies will also have the option to communicate directly with auditionees, arranging for their own callbacks with actors. These callbacks may occur before, during or after the SETC Convention.
Need help creating or paying for your screening audition? If you have not already submitted a video screening audition, there’s still time! Click here for tips on how to self-tape a terrific audition – and get started on your application! A limited fee waiver program is available for those who might need help with financial resources. Please e-mail Susie Prueter, SETC executive director, at susie@setc.org for more information.
More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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THEATRE JOB FAIR: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
Find Your Next Job at SETC’s Virtual Theatre Job Fair SETC hosts one of the nation’s largest offstage theatre job fairs during the annual SETC Convention. If you are looking for a job or to hire for offstage and/or technical theatre positions, the SETC Theatre Job Fair is the place for you!
Register Now for the Theatre Job Fair CANDIDATES Early bird (11/9/20 – 1/21/21): $20 Advance (1/22/21 – 2/11/21): $30 Regular (2/12/21 – Convention): $50
PROFESSIONAL COMPANIES $220 To register or for more information, click here.
Join us for a virtual event in 2021 The 2021 SETC Theatre Job Fair will take place virtually on March 3 - 7, 2021. Candidates will upload resumes and digital portfolio materials to a gallery they have created through their SETC account. Companies will review candidate galleries and request interviews with the candidates in whom they are interested. Candidates will also be able to connect with companies that pique their interest. All interviews will take place via Zoom sessions scheduled during convention dates. How do I create a gallery with my resume and portfolio materials? Log in to your SETC account, and at the top, where it says “What would you like to do?” click on ”Application portal” in the dropdown menu. This will take you to our application platform where you can create your gallery. What kinds of jobs are available? Companies hire through the SETC Theatre Job Fair for a range of positions: academic, administrative, backstage, design, stage management, costumes, props, electrical, carpentry, lighting, frontof-house, box office and other company or crew jobs, as well as intern and apprentice positions.
More info: convention.setc.org/job-fair www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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COLLEGE AUDITIONS: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
SETC Undergrad and Grad Auditions Go Online in 2021 Don’t miss your chance to connect with schools around the country at SETC’s Virtual Undergraduate and Graduate School Auditions & Interviews during the 2021 SETC Convention.
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Register Now for Undergraduate Auditions HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Early bird (11/9/20 – 1/21/21): $20 Advance (1/22/21 – 2/11/21): $30 Regular (2/12/21 – 3/6/21): $50
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES $25 (also must pay organizational member fee of $80)
Register Now for Graduate Auditions COLLEGE STUDENTS Early bird (11/9/20 – 1/21/21): $20 Advance (1/22/21 – 2/11/21): $30 Regular (2/12/21 – 3/6/21): $50
COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES $25 (also must pay organizational member fee of $80) To register or for more information, click here.
The SETC Undergraduate Auditions/Interviews offer high school juniors, high school seniors and college transfer students the opportunity to audition, interview and display their portfolios for many recruiting schools in one convenient location. For an additional Ed Expo fee, recruiting institutions can create individual gallery pages on our virtual convention platform, where candidates can view information about each school. Prospective students also will upload audition materials/digital portfolios to individual gallery pages. Schools recruiting at the virtual SETC Convention will review candidate galleries, identify candidates they would like to meet, and schedule interviews through an online conferencing platform. Candidates will also be able to connect with schools that pique their interest. All interviews will take place during the convention dates.
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To register or for more information, click here.
Looking for an undergraduate school for 2021-2022 or beyond?
Looking for a graduate school for 2021-2022 or beyond?
SETC’s Graduate Auditions/Interviews are ideal for anyone considering graduate school for theatre, whether you’re an undergraduate student or a working theatre professional wishing to pursue an advanced degree. At this event, you will receive exposure to multiple schools in one location. For an additional Ed Expo fee, recruiting institutions can create individual gallery pages on our virtual convention platform, where candidates can view information about each school. Prospective students also will upload virtual auditions or digital design/ tech portfolios to individual gallery pages. Schools recruiting at the virtual SETC Convention will review candidate galleries, identify candidates they would like to meet, and schedule interviews through an online conferencing platform. Candidates will also be able to connect with schools that pique their interest. All interviews will take place during the convention dates. More info: convention.setc.org
www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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WORKSHOPS: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
Propose Your Workshop Now for 2021 Virtual Convention SETC has moved to a virtual workshop format for our 2021 convention, allowing us to continue providing new and safe opportunities in theatre while protecting the health of SETC members. Workshop slots will be offered on March 3 - 6, 2021, at the following times:
IMPORTANT DATES: Workshop Proposal Submissions Opened Nov. 9, 2020 Convention Registration Opened Nov. 9, 2020 Deadline: Submit Workshop Proposals Nov. 29, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. ET Accept/Decline Notifications Sent by This Date Jan. 11, 2021
10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m – 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Pre-recorded sessions with live Q&As Our virtual workshop format will consist of 45-minute, pre-recorded sessions that will each conclude with a 15-minute live Q&A between presenters and attendees. If your workshop proposal is accepted, you will receive a notification and link that will allow you to upload your pre-recorded workshop. Your pre-recorded workshop should not be longer than 45 minutes. SETC will send additional information to accepted workshop presenters regarding the 15-minute Q&A session that will immediately follow the pre-recorded workshop.
Early Bird Registration Deadline (Accepted Presenters must register by this date) Jan. 21, 2021
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility SETC is resolutely committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life and culture of our organization. Each presenter is expected to be mindful of marginalized and vulnerable constituents and to incorporate/ embrace inclusive and welcoming language/gesture to your program. A short, required webinar will be presented closer to the convention to assist presenters in this endeavor.
SETC CONVENTION: March 3 - 7, 2021
Send your workshop proposals For in-depth information about submitting program proposals, including an application form, click here.
More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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EXHIBITS: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
Exhibit Hall and Ed Expo Move to Virtual Format in 2021 Commercial Exhibitors: Don’t miss the opportunity to spotlight your company’s theatrical products in SETC’s Virtual Exhibit Hall during the 2021 SETC Convention and in SETC’s new Professional Company Vendor Directory. Vendors in the Virtual Exhibit Hall will have the opportunity to connect in new ways with a broad range of attendees this year, including:
Register Now for Virtual Exhibit Hall COMMERCIAL EXHIBITORS Early bird (11/9/20 – 1/21/21): $545 Advance (1/22/21 – 2/11/21): $645 Regular (2/12/21 – 3/6/21): $645 To register or for more information, click here.
Register Now for Virtual Education Expo COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES Early bird (11/9/20 – 1/21/21): $260 Advance (1/22/21 – 2/11/21): $360 Regular (2/12/21 – 3/6/21): $360 Colleges and universities also must pay organizational membership fee of $80, plus $25 fee for participating in Undergraduate and Graduate Auditions & Interviews. To register or for more information, click here.
An individual page on the virtual convention platform, where each u company can promote its brand. A listing in SETC’s new Professional Company Vendor Directory, to u be published in the spring/summer edition of Southern Theatre magazine. The Virtual Exhibit Hall will provide an opportunity for convention attendees – browsing from the comfort of their homes or offices – to explore the latest theatre equipment, products and services offered by SETC exhibitors. For more information on Commercial Exhibits, click here.
Institutions: Showcase your college, university or training program to students looking to attend undergraduate or graduate school in 2021 or beyond at the Virtual Education Expo during the SETC Convention. The Education Expo typically features exhibits by 100+ institutions. This year, in our virtual format, recruiters will have the ability to create individual pages highlighting their schools in a virtual gallery. They will be able to connect with students, who also have created virtual gallery pages, for callbacks and interviews. For more information on Education Expo, click here.
More info: convention.setc.org/exhibit-hall www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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FESTIVALS: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
Enjoy SETC’s Festivals in a Virtual Format in 2021 Secondary School Theatre Festival
SETC’s first Secondary School Virtual Theatre Festival will feature a 10-Minute Play Competition, presented March 3 - 6, 2021. SETC is increasing the number of participating productions to a maximum of 200, allowing us to accommodate more secondary school participants than ever before. Entrants are welcome from the 10-state SETC region and nationwide. Schools will not have to be passed through a state festival to participate.
BRING A PLAY, CREATE A PLAY Fringe Festival Since 2004, the Fringe Festival has offered a variety of performing artists a venue in which to showcase their work. This year’s Fringe will feature up to four productions, which will be streamed on Thursday and Friday evenings during the convention. For more information, click here. Ten-Minute Play Festival Each year, the Ten-Minute Play Festival is open to all SETC Convention attendees, no matter your age or affiliation. Apply this year, and be ready to create and produce a Zoom production within 24 hours. For more information, click here.
Benefits to Particating: All schools: u Will have access to the 200 productions during convention and for one week afterward. u Will receive three adjudication forms with comments. u Are invited to the featured session/award ceremony with the top 16 schools. All participants: u Will have full access to the 200+ convention events (all virtual), including a special keynote geared toward high school students. u Will receive a one-year SETC membership, which includes SETC News, Southern Theatre magazine, and the annual College, University & Training Program Directory. For an additional fee of $20, students will have access to a “one-stop shop” gallery of numerous college/university theatre programs where they will be able to upload audition videos and other materials for recruitment. For more information, click here.
Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival
Up to four companies will be chosen this year to present shows in a virtual format in the annual SETC Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival, a noncompetitive exhibition of theatre produced for young audiences. Eligible organizations will submit an online application for consideration. The shows will receive feedback from award-winning playwright Idris Goodwin, who will serve as moderator. For more information, click here.
Community Theatre Festival
Details are still being worked out for the 2021 SETC Community Theatre Festival. Stay turned to this page for more information. More info: convention.setc.org/festivals www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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MISCELLANEOUS: 2021 SETC CONVENTION
2021 SETC Virtual Convention Schedule
This graphic provides a bird’s eye view of the daily schedule for the 2021 SETC Virtual Convention, with workshops occurring Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., keynotes from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and readings, the Fringe Festival and awards after that. The times of other festivals will be announced closer to the convention. All other events will take place at set times in the daytime, as noted in the color-coded chart above. Board meetings are the only events that will be held on Sunday, March 7, the final day of the convention.
Serve as a Stage Manager at the Virtual Convention SETC’s new virtual convention will be an experience like no other. Virtual gatherings across the event industry are not going away anytime soon, and opportunities for “virtual stage managers” are burgeoning. SETC is looking for stage managers and others who already have the skills/experience or want to learn how to manage a virtual event for 5,000 people and over 300 events. A limited number of recruits will be required to attend training and preparation meetings, engage in day-to-day coordination, and be available for at least one day-long shift between March 3 and March 6, 2021. This is a paid position – not a volunteer position – and applicants must be available and prepared to provide the necessary services. Hourly rates will be paid, and SETC membership and convention registration will be included. Applications with more details will be available soon on SETC’s website. SETC is still evaluating the need for general volunteers and will be posting updated information in the near future on the SETC website.
Design Competition Is Indeed Happening SETC will offer its annual Design Competition again in 2021. With categories from scenic design to costume crafts and all areas of design/execution in between, this popular event will be held virtually with four keynote professional designers adjudicating. The application is being built and will be available soon. Please check back here for more information.
More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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PROFESSIONAL NEWS
What Past Recipients Say Convention Grants NORTH CAROLINA BLACK REPERTORY COMPANY Winston-Salem, NC “This grant allowed NC Black Repertory Company to heighten our visibility with the southeastern theatre community in a way that was previously unexplored. We were so honored and thankful for the opportunity to take part in SETC as grant recipients.”
Staffing Development Matching Grants ENDSTATION THEATRE COMPANY Lynchburg, VA Endstation used its grant to hire two additional apprentices for its 2019 summer season. “The Apprenticeship Program is beneficial to both students and staff. It provides apprentices with a stepping stone into the industry and the staff with an opportunity to share their craft with the next generation of theatre professionals. We are forever grateful to SETC for this opportunity!”
Apply Now for SETC Professional Grants SETC offers three grant programs that provide assistance for emerging artists and professional theatres.
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SETC Convention Grant
This grant provides non-academic professional theatres that are not yet organizational members of SETC with funds to participate in the annual SETC Convention and become an organizational member of SETC for one year. The 2021 SETC Convention will be virtual. Grant applications for 2020-2021 will close on Jan. 7, 2021. For more information or to apply for a convention grant, click here.
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Staffing Development Matching Grant
This grant is awarded to non-academic professional theatres with current SETC organizational membership status to support/develop programs that provide early-career theatre professionals with experiential learning opportunities in the field. Grant applications for 2020-2021 will close on Jan. 7, 2021. For more information or to apply for a staffing development grant, click here.
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Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant
In 2019, SETC established the Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant in honor of Betsey Horth’s 20-year tenure as the executive director of the Southeastern Theatre Conference. The grant supports either an individual theatre professional or a theatre organization in developing, retuning or expanding leadership and/or management skills or areas. The guidelines and grant application for the 2020-2021 Betsey Horth Arts Administration Advancement Grant will be available on the SETC website Nov. 23. Applications will close Jan. 7, 2021. For more information, click here.
More info: www.setc.org/grants www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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PROFESSIONAL COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Hiring through SETC: Spoleto Festival USA ‘Each season, the Festival employs more than 500 full-time, part-time and seasonal staffers, including 60 apprentices in arts administration and production. We have found several crew members since we started recruiting at SETC and hope to have even more join us in the future.’
- Leah Gordon, Production Operations Manager
SETC recently caught up with Olivia Anderson, box office manager, and Leah Gordon, production operations manager, at Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, SC. Below are excerpts from the interview.
Tell us a little about your organization. Spoleto Festival USA was founded in 1977 by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti as an American counterpart to the annual Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which he founded in 1958. Spoleto Festival USA, presented over 17 days each spring, is most known for producing world-renowned operas, but also presents theatre, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, jazz and popular music. The world premiere of Paradise Interrupted, an installation opera by artist Jennifer Wen Ma and composer Huang Ruo, was presented in 2015 at Spoleto Festival USA. Photo by William Struhs.
What type of theatre/stage do you have? Spoleto uses up to 13 venues in the Charleston area during a season. These venues range from intimate (70 seats) to grand (more than 6,000 seats) and include everything from traditional proscenium stages to unique black-box configurations.
What are you currently producing? We are in production for the world premiere of Omar, a newly commissioned opera set to open Spoleto’s 45th season, May 28 to June 13, 2021. Rhiannon Giddens, a MacArthur Fellow and Grammy Award winner known for exploring African American folk traditions, created the libretto and music. Michael Abels, an American composer who wrote the music for Jordan Peele’s films Get Out and Us, is co-composer.
How long have you been involved with SETC and how does the organization assist you in your operations? Several of our employees have had the opportunity to be involved with SETC over the past two years. We utilize the convention and job fair to recruit candidates and develop professional relationships. Each quarter, we eagerly await the Southern Theatre publication to stay connected with news and trends in our region. SETC continues to be a leader in news and resources, especially in recent times while we all work to navigate the current pandemic. More info: spoletousa.org www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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VIDEO LIBRARY
Explore SETC’s New Video Library Over the last six months, SETC has produced a variety of videos and webinars designed to help those working in theatre address key issues – from teaching online to diversifying acting processes. Now, we have gathered these videos under one “roof” on a web page accessible only to SETC members.
The offerings in the SETC Video Library (shown at right) include all of the virtual sessions included in the 2020 National Conference on Outdoor Theatre held in October, as well as a series of webinars conducted through SETC’s Theatre Teaching Collaborative. As an SETC member, you can access the video library in two ways: Log in to your u SETC account, visit the applications portal, then click on “SETC Video Library” at the bottom of the page. u Or, from the SETC website, click on “SETC Video Library” under “Resources” in the Publications & Resources tab. Then log in to your SETC account.
More info: See directions above at left www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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PRESIDENT/EXCOM REPORTS
A Racial Justice Journey with Alexis Jemal and Karen Gaffney
Maegan McNerney Azar S E TC PR ESID ENT
A few good reads on this topic: Moving Beyond Diversity Toward Racial Equity - Harvard Business Review Equity Mindedness - USC Center for Urban Education Moving the Race Conversation Forward - Race Forward raceforward.org
“While individual choices are damaging, racist ideas in policy have a wide-spread impact by threatening the equity of our systems and the fairness of our institutions. To create an equal society, we must commit to making unbiased choices and being antiracist in all aspects of our lives.” – from Talking about Race, National Museum of African American History & Culture This summer, the Executive Committee, in collaboration with the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (EDIA) Task Force, decided that it would be important to focus our Fall Board Development Training on issues of racial justice. Together with the Board, Advisory Councils, and Central Office staff, we embarked on a five-part workshop series, “A Racial Justice Journey: Creating a Sustained, Lifelong Practice of Antiracism,” facilitated by Alexis Jemal (Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College) and Karen Gaffney (Raritan Valley Community College). Meeting once each month since August, we have engaged in conversations geared toward education about racism. The first three sessions – “Myth 1: Race is Biological,” “Myth 2: Race Has Always Existed,” and “Myth 3: The Problem of Racism Has Been Resolved” – focused on false and dangerous myths through a historical and social lens to set us on a journey of discussing how systemic racism continues to have an effect on our own organization. We still have two more sessions this November and December that will help the leadership of SETC consider how we can challenge systems that harm our own goals of sustained antiracist practices. We recognize that we have work to do – we continue to make mistakes and learn from those missteps. As you engage with SETC leadership, I hope you will share your concerns and needs with us so that we can be held accountable by all the voices, bodies, and stories that we serve.
Actions taken by the SETC Executive Committee during an emergency meeting via Zoom conferencing on Oct. 9, 2020, included:
ExCom Report by Maegan McNerney Azar SETC President
• Revised the fiscal year 2021 budget for an all-virtual convention, and increased funding in the budget for SETC’s equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiative. (See Page 14.) • Approved an administrative rule for the Scholarship Committee. Look for the full minutes on the SETC website at www.setc.org/minutes
More info: www.setc.org/minutes www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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ANNUAL SETC AUDIT
SETC Responds to Pandemic
Jonathan Michaelsen VI C E- PR ESID ENT OF FIN A N C E
In the last six months, SETC has faced unprecedented challenges in predicting income for next year’s budget. The convention is by far SETC’s largest income generator, with roughly 90% of revenue coming from this annual event. This year we also received help from the federal bailout program to cover roughly two months of Central Office expenses. Looking ahead, we have worked extremely hard to cut expenses and have created and passed amended budgets twice in the last three months as we began to understand the future more fully. With the pandemic still very much a threat, the Executive Committee and Central Office have wisely made the choice to move to a virtual convention in March of 2021. There is good news to the approach we are taking. By moving to online auditions and convention, we are greatly increasing our accessibility. Participants can join us without incurring travel expenses, which can be a barrier to attendance, and we Audit Summary can now welcome theatre makers from Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. all over the world, bringing our global Schedule of Revenues and theatre community just a little bit closer. Expenses – Cash Basis Year Ended June 30, 2020 With an equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiative underway in our organization, a virtual convention allows Audit numbers to come us to live those values and, in doing so, provide new people the opportunity to take part and get to know SETC. With this in mind, the one place we felt it was important to increase funding was in the budget for our equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiative. This addition is reflected in the amended budget. Years of careful financial stewardship have afforded SETC the ability to weather the crisis thus far, and staff and board leadership are putting in the planning hours to ensure the organization emerges stronger and more connected with our national and global theatre community.
More info: www.setc.org/leadership www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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VIRTUAL CONVENTION BENEFITS
Your Story. Your Opportunity.
Susie Prueter EX E CUTIV E D IR EC T O R
Below are terrific reasons to stay engaged and take advantage of the SETC all-virtual Convention!
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Stay Relevant – Any opportunity to explore others’ work, share your talents, connect with fellow practitioners, pick up tips/training/trends, recruit/apply for jobs, and keep yourself relevant as an emerging or seasoned theatre professional will nurture and energize your career.
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Be Proactive – While we don’t know when the industry will fully come back, we do know from our surveys that many companies hope to reopen in summer 2021, and many are doing new innovative work. Staying connected can help you seize opportunity and be competitive.
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Spend Wisely – SETC’s convention registration is still one of the lowest in the country and packs terrific value. You will find many offerings that speak to your interest area and beyond. We understand financial issues are real. We believe you will get your money’s worth and, in turn, support SETC. We also pledge to help all we can with a program to be announced soon to assist those who might need help with financial resources. We will work not to leave anyone out.
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Work Smart – Rather than submitting applications one by one to prospective employers, you can take advantage of a “one-stop shop” on our virtual platform, putting your audition/resume in front of multiple companies at one time. And with our professional company gallery, you might discover a company or a job you didn’t know about.
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Think Ahead – Many professional companies may not be ready to hire, but video auditions and virtual portfolios have a “shelf life” and are easy to share. And while you might be set with a contract offered to you pre-COVID, there is always the next job to think about.
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Remain Safe – A virtual convention could not be more accessible, convenient and safe. No COVID-19 fear. No travel costs. No hotel hassle. Participating at this year’s convention will be the easiest and most economical it’s ever been!
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REGISTER FOR THE 2021 VIRTUAL SETC CONVENTION HERE
The pandemic has certainly given us all reason to pause and evaluate. But despite the shutdowns and social distancing, there is still plenty of opportunity to create, network, train and set ourselves up for success when our industry comes back.
Support SETC – Like so many other nonprofit organizations, SETC will most likely experience a significant budget shortfall this year. We are working hard to provide the services we always do and will be ready to assist when the industry comes back. SETC needs your support! We hope you will join us!
More info: convention.setc.org www.setc.org
November / December 2020
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MISCELLANEOUS
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 Lee Crouse lee@setc.org Educational Services Clay Thornton clay@setc.org Marketing/Advertising Chris Bailey chris@setc.org Communications/Website Bradley Branham bradley@setc.org Programming Elizabeth Theodora elizabeth@setc.org Membership/Technology Nicole Francis nicole@setc.org Accounts Receivable/Payable Debi Belanger debi@setc.org Data Assistant General Questions info@setc.org
Executive Committee Maegan McNerney Azar President Jack Benjamin VP of Administration Pat Gagliano 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
The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, shares its drive-in theatre concept as part of the session, “Mufflers, Porches, and Sanitized Headphones: New Approaches in a New Crisis.”
More than 100 Participate in Outdoor Theatre Conference Thanks to all who were part of SETC’s first Virtual National Conference on Outdoor Theatre Oct. 1 - 2, 2020. Over 100 individuals joined us for two days of training and conversation. Thanks to our many incredible attendees and presenters, we were able to offer robust discussions and learning for a wide variety of outdoor theatres and theatre artists, even during these very challenging times. A special thanks to our event sponsors: Paul Green Foundation, USITT and Arts People. Comments from Participants “I think the conference was well thought out in the time of COVID. The “Pandemic Proofing Your Theatre” session was particularly timely and helpful. Also the “Equity & Inclusion” session was helpful from an artistic inclusivity standpoint. I really enjoyed the Un-Conference Sessions, learning from colleagues across the country.” - Larry Mabrey, Managing Director, Santa Cruz Shakespeare “Many of the topics were timely and applicable, most particularly those addressing COVID mitigation protocols and opening the subject of diversifying the outdoor theatre performance landscape. I also like the breakout sessions; the smaller groups enabled more discussion.” - Stuart Handloff, Executive Director/Board Chair, Piknik Theatre
Course on Creating Anti-Racist Theatre Ethos Offered in December Nicole Brewer, creator of Conscientious Theatre Training, is offering a new session of “Anti-Racist Theatre: A Foundational Course” in a two-part, six-hour class on Dec. 5 and 12, 2020. Participants will learn tools to craft their own unique anti-racist theatre ethos. All who believe the way forward for theatre is anti-racist and anti-oppressive are welcome. Reserve your spot here. Send your news to deanna@setc.org
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November / December 2020
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