July / August 2010 Where Will Your SETC Audition Take You? Come to Atlanta! ETC Professional Auditions help performers launch careers in regional theatre, on S Broadway and in other creative enterprises – and those careers sometimes take SETC Fall Meetings, some surprising turns. Two former SETC auditionees share their journeys below. Auditions, Interviews TAYLOR TRENSCH RAYE LANKFORD ake plans now to attend SETC’s 2008 SETC Auditionee 1983 and 1984 SETC Auditionee M fall events September 10-13 in Cast as Moritz in the national tour of Spring Writer for several animated series; previ- Atlanta, GA – a new location for Awakening in July 2009 while a student at ously an actress working in regional and this annual event. In addition to the tra- Elon University in North Carolina. off-Broadway theatres for 20 years. ditional Fall Meetings and Professional The national tour of the Tony Award- Raye Lankford credits her theatre Auditions, the Fall Graduate School winning musical Spring Awakening just background with helping prepare her for Auditions and Design/Tech Interviews ended May 23, and Taylor Trensch says, “I her job as a writer for the animated TV return for a fourth year. And, of course, miss it already.” series Martha Speaks (PBS) and Let’s Go there are social and networking oppor- Trensch took a break from Elon Uni- Pocoyo! (a Spanish series). Lankford, who tunities. All events will be held at the versity after his sophomore year to tour in just finished a season as co-head writer of Westin Hotel – Atlanta Airport. the show, which he auditioned for at SETC Curious George, is a Tuscaloosa, AL, native Fall Board Meetings: 2008. who worked previously as an actress. Fri., Sept. 10 and Sat., Sept. 11 “It was a show I felt like I HAD to be in,” SETC Auditions helped launch her career, www.setc.org/fall.php he says. “I would have swept the floors just Lankford says. She remembers getting five to be involved but, instead, I was offered the offers at her first SETC audition and 14 at Fall Graduate School Auditions and Tony Award-winning role. [John Gallagher, her second, including an apprenticeship Design/Tech Interviews: Jr. won a Tony for his portrayal of Moritz on at Actors Theatre of Louisville (which she Sat., Sept. 11 Broadway.] It was too amazing of an oppor- accepted, joining the 1984-85 company). Just For actors and design/tech students tunity not to take advantage of.” as importantly, SETC auditions educated her interested in grad school in 2011. Trensch had begun vying for a role in on how to navigate the world of professional Application deadline: Aug. 15 ($25) Spring Awakening as a high school senior in theatre successfully, she says. www.setc.org/auditions/graduatefall. Tampa, FL, submitting a video to the show’s “Every audition situation is an opportunity php website. It attracted notice from the casting to get better at your craft,” Lankford says. “And Fall Professional Auditions: director and a request for a new video of him one way of doing that is by making a fearless Sun., Sept. 12 and Mon., Sept. 13 (Continued on Page 7) (Continued on Page 6) Early deadline: July 15 ($35); Standard deadline: Aug. 15 ($45); Walk-ins: $60 www.setc.org/auditions/fall.php Social Event Afternoon Tea, Sat., Sept. 11, 3:45 p.m., Peachtree City Foyer Strategic Planning Task Force Meetings, Thurs., Sept. 9 and Fri., Sept. 10

What’s Inside

2010-11 SETC Calendar...... Page 2 Who Is SETC?...... Page 3 What’s New in Your Division?.....Pages 4-5 Screening Auditions Schedule...... Page 6 Ready for Work’ in Dallas...... Page 7 Taylor Trensch (second from right, doing a split in the air) appears as Moritz in the national tour of ‘Next to Normal’ and Copyright...... Page 8 Spring Awakening. CALENDAR, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NEWS

E X C O M N E W S 2010-2011 SETC Calendar by President Alan Litsey Aug. 15, 2010 Deadline: ◆ Online submission, professional actor applications for Fall In accordance with SETC Rule I.13, Professional Auditions there shall be a published report of the ◆ Online submission, student applications for Fall Graduate proceedings of all Executive Committee School Auditions/Interviews (ExCom) meetings available to the general ◆ For POSTMARK on applications by companies for Fall membership. ExCom, composed of the five Professional Auditions and by schools for Fall Graduate School elected officers, a division representative, a Auditions/Interviews state representative and the immediate past Sept. 10 – 11, 2010 Fall Board/Advisory Council Meeting, Atlanta, GA president, met in Greensboro May 15-16 to conduct business for the organization. The Sept. 11, 2010 Fall Graduate School Auditions/Interviews, Atlanta, GA following actions were taken: Sept. 12 – 13, 2010 Fall Professional Auditions, Atlanta, GA STATE REPRESENTATIVES: ExCom Sept. 30, 2010 Deadline: Program proposals for 2011 SETC Convention approved a motion by ExCom’s State Representative regarding the timing for Sept. – Nov., 2010 Deadline: Applications for State Audition Screenings for SETC Spring Professional Auditions (dates vary by state). See Page 6 for appointments of new representatives in list, or check with your state coordinator, your college or university each state. The motion asks the 10 state theatre department, or at www.setc.org. organizations to select state representatives Oct. 15, 2010 2011 SETC Convention registration opens for the upcoming SETC board term prior to the September Board Meeting so that Dec. 1, 2010 Deadline: High School New Play Contest entries all new state representatives will be at the Dec. 20, 2010 Deadline: Board Meeting effective fall 2010. ◆ Early bird convention registration WEBSITE COMMITTEE: A motion was ◆ Early bird hotel reservations made that the Website Committee be ◆ Convention program advertising eliminated because it has completed its Jan. 14, 2011 Final Deadline: charge as noted in Rule II.17. This will go to ◆ Convention Commercial Exhibit space reservations the Board for a vote in September. ◆ “Education Expo” space reservations (Non-Commercial Exhibits) STRATEGIC PLANNING: The Strategic ◆ Applications by college and university institutions and Planning Task Force continued its representatives for: collaboration with the Board, committee ◆ Graduate Auditions/Interviews chairs and SETC staff to examine and ◆ Undergraduate Auditions/College Interviews prioritize strategic planning goals generated Note: College/university reps should include ALL registrations with during the 2009-2010 strategic planning institutional activity forms. process. ExCom will present a Mission and Jan. 15, 2011 Deadline: a Vision Statement to the Board in the fall ◆ Professional auditionee applications for official endorsement. In collaboration ◆ with the Strategic Planning Task Force, Polly Holliday Award applications (High School Students) Board members will examine three potential ◆ William E. Wilson Scholarship applications (High School Teachers) governance models at the fall meeting. ◆ Marian A. Smith Award applications (Costume Design) ◆ Leighton M. Ballew Award applications (Graduate Study in Directing) ◆ Robert Porterfield Award applications (Graduate Study) SETC ENDOWMENT NEWS ◆ SETC Secondary School Scholarship (High School Students) ◆ Keynote Emerging Artist of Promise (KEAP) Award (High School Students) Thanks to the following members who supported our scholarship awards by Jan. 17, 2011 Deadline: Convention program to printer; no changes after this date. contributing to the SETC Endowment Jan. 22, 2011 Deadline: Employer registration for Spring Auditions and during the past two months. Job Contact Service Don Loeffler Jan. 28, 2011 Deadline: ◆ Online applications from auditionees for Graduate Auditions and Walter Shipley Undergraduate Auditions/College Interviews Denise Halbach ◆ Entries in Graduate and Undergraduate Design Competition (Scene, Costume, Lighting, Crafts/Technology) We will give out over $27,000 in scholar- ◆ Convention advance registration (Individuals, students and seniors ships this year. Awards are given from not participating in Professional Auditions) interest earned; your donations increase NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE! the principal! FULL FEES WILL BE CHARGED to all applications postmarked Would you like to make a donation to after this date and on-site. the SETC Endowment? Visit www.setc. Feb. 15, 2011 Deadline: Convention hotel reservations org/endowments/index.php for more information. March 2 – 6, 2011 62nd Annual SETC Convention, Atlanta, GA

2 OFFICER COLUMNS Join Us as SETC’s Fall Meetings Relocate to Atlanta or SETC to remain a strong and vital SETC Board of Directors, Advisory Council to attend. Perhaps the move to the west F organization, we must continually and several key committees have met will enable you to attend this year’s fall examine and review every aspect of in Charlotte, NC, each September to meetings and participate in the business of the organization and its operation. Change discuss the future of our organization. our organization. is a natural byproduct of examination and This September, our meetings will be held If you have a question or a concern review. And, yes, change is on the horizon. instead in Atlanta, GA, at the Westin Airport about SETC, please contact your state Last March SETC embarked in a Hotel. representative, division representative or new direction for selecting and retaining What does this change mean to you? committee chair. If you are unsure who the leaders of the On first blush, it appears to be nothing to contact, e-mail the Central Office at organization. As you From the more than the move of a meeting several [email protected], or send me a note at Administrative may remember, we Vice-President hundred miles to the west. However, a closer [email protected] and I’ll help you find voted to change our examination shows an organization that is the correct individual. SETC is only as rules and bylaws so Jack Benjamin moving to the center of its constituency. strong as its constituency – and that is that all officers of the Because of Atlanta’s central location, the YOU! organization may be re- move will allow more individuals to become a elected for up to three part of the process. As always all committee years in succession. chairs, state representatives and division Board Works to Define A different type of representatives are required to be present change – a geographic to voice the concerns of their individual SETC Mission, Vision one – is on the horizon constituencies. However, let me remind ast December, SETC Board mem- for SETC this fall. For you that all meetings of the organization L bers, staff and other stakehold- the last 10 years, the are open, and members are encouraged ers gathered with Bill Mitchell of MITCHELLworks, Inc. for an intensive two days of strategic planning. A key piece of our Who Is the Southeastern Theatre Conference? process included the creation of a Mission hat question was discussed as part of our strategic planning and a Vision Statement. These two state- T From the process during May’s Executive Committee meeting. Legally the Executive Director ments are designed to encapsulate who Southeastern Theatre Conference is identified as a not-for-profit SETC is and what we do. membership organization. However, during the extended discussion at Betsey Baun A formal vote on these items is not our recent meeting, we collectively experienced a revelation: SETC is required in our bylaws, but we believe much more than a membership organization! it’s important that our That legal description minimizes who the members are and doesn’t entire membership is From the President begin to acknowledge the greater theatre community that SETC serves. included in this vital We took on the task of identifying our constituents. The result of our next step. Therefore, Alan Litsey brainstorming session was enlightening for us and will be helpful as final drafts of the we consider our programs, projects and publications in the future. Mission and the Vision Who are SETC’s constituents? Following are the ones we Statement will be identified. Did we miss any? Let us know. presented to the entire membership for a vote Professionals Community theatre Senior citizens at the March 2011 University students Committee members Vendors business meeting. University professors State organization members Audiences The Board will con- High school students Board members Donors tinue its work on both High school teachers Religion in theatre advocates Sponsors of these statements K-12 teachers Arts advocacy organizations Advertisers at the Fall Board Meeting. For example, Playwrights State and federal organizations Scholars members will choose from among three very Actors State theatre organizations Parents similar versions of our “Mission” as listed Technicians Collaborative arts organizations Spouses below: Administrators Institute for Outdoor Drama Host cities • Connecting you to opportunities in Performers Arts-accredited agencies Convention centers theatre. Educators SETC liaisons and their theatre Keynote speakers • We connect you to opportunities in Lovers of theatre organizations Adjudicators theatre. Anyone interested in theatre Other theatre conferences Award recipients • SETC connects you to opportunities People who make theatre Convention & visitor bureaus in theatre. Theatre for Youth Arts foundations Your input on our ongoing work is very important to us! Please feel free to share any Did your membership expire June 30? thoughts or comments you may have with Beth Harvey, chair of the Strategic Planning Call SETC Central Office at 336-272-3645 to renew, Task Force, at [email protected], or with me at or fill out a new membership form at www.setc.org/membership/index.php [email protected].

3 DIVISION NEWS

Community Theatre Division College/University Theatre Division We Will Survive by Joining Forces, Marketing Ourselves Embrace the Challenge

“Did you think I’d lay down and die? Oh no, involved. We look for op- ‘May you live in interesting times’ not I. I will survive!” – Gloria Gaynor portunities to help other area theatre groups, am an academic. The first thing that I his iconographic Gloria Gaynor loaning costumes, set I did after writing down this quotation, T anthem from the 1970s says it all. pieces, props and ex- which seemed particularly appropri- The arts are alive and well in the pertise. We loan our ate right now, was to look it up so that I could Southeast – despite the economy. Sure, space to festivals need- cite it properly. You all know the story about times are tough, and many community the- ing venues and offer this being an old Chinese curse. Well, it isn’t atres across our region have had to make summer internships to – it’s a made-up, fictional Chinese curse. And Lynn Nelson adjustments in order to survive. But we will local college students. somehow, for me, that makes it even better. survive and prosper. We never miss an opportunity to market After all, that is what theatre does – deal with Historically, the entertainment industry ourselves in creative ways: partnering with real life in the world of fiction. has rallied during tough times. During the local restaurants for discounts, hosting so- We college and university theatre people, Great Depression in the 1930s, theatres cial events, raffling season tickets, using a faculty and students alike, live in interesting – both movie and legitimate – provided an variety of creative approaches to sell season times indeed. We face opposite ends of the outlet to help people forget their troubles, as tickets and attain higher levels of patron giv- same financial challenges – rising costs and well as keep their actors and crews working. ing – the backbone of community theatres. falling budgets. It’s getting harder for students Easy? Of course not. Possible? You better We have to relentlessly listen, learn and to come to colleges and universities, and it’s believe it! And it’s time to do it again. communicate if we want to remain a strong getting harder for colleges and universities “All of us,” the saying goes, “is more theatre. That’s the hard part, but utterly nec- to give students a quality education. We are than each of us.” There are myriad ways essary. And it’s why we never miss a chance all searching for creative ways to continue for theatres of all kinds to build and grow to be as involved as we can in the affairs of to produce good and meaningful theatre. through economic adversity, but the most SETC. Our theatre sends representatives SETC gives us a place to share solutions successful are those things we should be each March to attend the festival, with its we have found, both in giving and attend- doing whether times are good or bad: workshops, performances and networking. ing workshops and in casual conversation. • Partnering with other organizations, You should, too – it’s how your theatre can So, even as it becomes more challenging to whether in the arts or not. tap into ideas of all kinds to take back home come to the SETC Convention, it becomes • Paying attention to how we market to help you not only grow but thrive, no more important to make the effort. ourselves. matter how tough the times are. Your return One challenge facing us is the increased • Continually reflecting on who and what on the investment of coming to Atlanta in emphasis on outcomes assessment in higher we are and where we want to go. March 2011 will be doublefold and help you education. I have been struggling with this for My home theatre partners with local for years to come. See you there! a while, but not because I am against out- schools to bring theatre to students who Lynn Nelson, [email protected] comes assessment – after all, we do this all would not ordinarily have the chance to be Chair, Community Theatre Division the time in theatre. Every actor is subliminally aware of the audience; we know when we Theatre for Youth Division are not getting through. And designers can see when their ideas have not connected New Members, Shows and Audiences Welcomed for 2011 with the director. If we couldn’t do this, we wouldn’t be in this business. Theatre people his year, we in the Theatre for Youth 3) Contribute to our like to communicate – you might say that’s T Division are working to create more new website! We are what we live for. But this holistic, gut instinct awareness of our organizations, our creating a Southeast- doesn’t get institutions accredited. So, one performers and our audiences. We have four ern Theatre for Youth of my pet projects for my time as C/U chair key messages for members of SETC. website, with production is to bring us together to develop strategies 1) Join us! We would like to invite every- calendars, show photos for outcomes assessment. I know it doesn’t one attending this year’s annual convention and announcements. sound exciting, but it could prove useful. to attend the Theatre for Youth Invitational If you have materials Another project that came up in our an- Festival. These are free performances pro- you would like to add nual meeting was a workshop facilitation John Spiegel duced by some of the region’s best theatres to the site, please send site – a place where people from different for youth. Last year we were treated to them to me and I will post them. institutions with similar interests might con- performances by the Lexington Children’s 4) Become a division member! If you nect to create workshops together. Look for Theatre, Western Kentucky University and produce, perform or just like to see theatre more about that idea soon. The Jitterbug Theatre. for youth, you can be part of our division. Yes, we live in interesting times. We are 2) Bring a play! If you are part of a In addition to our website, we also have a faced with political turmoil and natural di- theatre that produces theatre for youth, division e-list through which we circulate saster. Let’s embrace the interesting times we are looking for performances for our info. We would love to add your name to our that we live in, and go out and make some 2011 Theatre for Youth Invitational Festival. e-list. interesting theatre! Please contact festival chair Amie Dunn at John F. Spiegel, [email protected] Lesley Preston, [email protected] [email protected] for info. Chair, Theatre for Youth Division Chair, College and University Division

4 DIVISION NEWS

Professional Theatre Division Many Theatres Are Offering Incentives to Build Audiences in Today’s Tough Economy

hether it is a “Free Night of Theater”, audience base in this tough economy. can performances on a W a Web-based discount or an extra Many SETC theatres have tapped into regular basis. benefit offered with the purchase of the “Free Night of Theater” launched by Many theatres have a ticket, theatres throughout our region are Theatre Communications Group (TCG), and offered “student rush” finding creative ways to entice audiences to the publicity it generates. TCG’s research tickets for a number of spend their hard-earned entertainment dol- on the national program shows rates of years as a means of lars. It is no longer a matter of attracting new paid return attendance ranging from 34 to attracting a younger audiences through creative incentives. We 41 percent over the past three years. Some audience. Some the- are all scrambling to maintain the existing year-round theatres also offer pay-what-you- atres have begun to Dewey Scott-Wiley expand the “rush” idea Secondary School Theatre Division to other groups and/or specific performance days. “Senior Rush” or “Weekday Rush” Take Advantage of Opportunities for Students, Teachers ticket offers are being employed to combat the drop in overall ticket sales. want to thank all who came to Lex- donation from play- While backstage tours, talkbacks, wine I ington and participated in one of the wright/actor Samm-Art tastings and other incentive-based programs most energetic and exciting con- Williams, helps eco- have been used for some time in theatre de- ventions we’ve ever had! I’m sure that next nomically disadvan- velopment, more encouragement is needed year’s convention in Atlanta will also be an taged students attend to lure the spontaneous ticket buyer. As the amazing collaboration of theatre artisans. the SETC Convention. subscriber rate continues to decline, more The Secondary School Theatre Divi- KEAP Award recipi- theatres are relying on single-ticket sales sion has so many opportunities available ents not only attend the to boost their bottom lines. This usually to its members, including a thrilling one-act convention, but also requires more flexibility as well as the oc- David Giambrone play festival, many diverse workshops for have the opportunity casional enticement. students and teachers, and a number of to meet with a keynote speaker and attend Perhaps we can take a cue from res- audition and scholarship opportunities. major convention events. They also receive taurants and retailers that offer Web-based Please make sure you and your students a one-year SETC membership, as well as a promotions on the various social networks. are taking full advantage of these opportuni- convention registration and a shared room or Certainly, people who hear about arts events ties, including: up to $250 in room reimbursement. For more via word-of-mouth or TV/radio spots are • Undergraduate auditions/interviews info or to nominate a student, visit www.setc. increasingly turning to the Internet to find Student performers can participate in org/awards/keap.php. more information. It is more important than auditions and design/tech students can • SETC scholarship for teachers ever for theatres to have a highly function- participate in interviews with colleges and Secondary school teachers wishing to ing website. Self-promotion through social universities, with numerous scholarship op- pursue graduate studies in theatre (NOT the- networking is a requirement for successful portunities available. With so many universi- atre education) can apply for the William E. marketing, but if you add incentives and ties and colleges coming to the auditions, Wilson Award. This $6,500 award is funded flexibility to that, you have a chance at real there has NEVER been a better time to by a generous bequest of $100,000 from success in audience development. bring your students to audition or interview the late William E. Wilson. More information: The key to the success of all of us in at the SETC Convention. More info: www. www.setc.org/scholarship/wilson.php. professional theatre is collaboration and the setc.org/auditions/undergraduate.php. Make plans to join us in Atlanta for SETC’s sharing of ideas. SETC provides a forum for • SETC scholarships for college 62nd annual convention. In addition to exciting that type of interaction. Please share your Visit the SETC website to view scholar- activities happening on-site, our High School ideas and experiences on audience develop- ship opportunities SETC provides to high Play Festival will be held at North Atlanta ment with me at the e-mail address below. school students: the $1,000 Polly Holliday High School, just a short drive away. I look Also, please let me know ideas you have for Scholarship (www.setc.org/scholarship/hol- forward to seeing you next March! how SETC can help you stay afloat! liday.php) and the $2,100 SETC Secondary David Giambrone, [email protected] Dewey Scott-Wiley, [email protected] School Scholarship (www.setc.org/scholar- Chair, Secondary School Theatre Division Chair, Professional Theatre Division ship/secondary.php). These scholarships not only provide assistance with educa- tional expenses, but also give the recipient a one-year SETC membership, as well as a Attention: High School Playwrights and Teachers complimentary convention registration, hotel SETC sponsors a High School New Play Contest to encourage young writers, and we room and awards banquet ticket. hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. • KEAP scholarships for convention • Unproduced one-act plays written by one high school student are eligible. Know a talented high school theatre • Entries should be submitted between October 1 and December 1. student who can’t afford to attend the SETC • Winner receives $250, SETC Convention registration, a staged reading and more! Convention? Recommend him or her for Details: www.setc.org/scholarship/hsnewplay.php a Keynote Emerging Artists of Promise Questions? E-mail contest chair Nancy Gall-Clayton at [email protected] (KEAP) Award. This award, begun with a

5 AUDITIONS, JOB RESOURCES

Raye Lankford (Continued from Page 1) Fall SETC Screening Auditions: Details and Deadlines inventory of your own personal failings as a per- STATE AUDITION APPLICATION AUDITION STATE AUDITIONS former, learning to capitalize on your strengths, DATE DEADLINE LOCATION COORDINATOR committing to improve your weaknesses, and observing and mimicking successful audition Alabama 10/15-16/2010 09/30/2010 Univ. of Montevallo Jen Nelson Lane strategies employed by others. Montevallo, AL [email protected] “In that respect, SETC is a gold mine. Florida 10/29-30/2010 10/01/2010 Lakeland Center Laura Wayth Those 20 minutes in that hotel ballroom Lakeland, FL [email protected] watching 19 other people audition – I hear Georgia 10/15-16/2010 09/30/2010 Armstrong Atlantic Steven Graver it’s 40 these days – you’re seeing a tiny little Savannah, GA [email protected] slice of life in the professional theatre world, Kentucky 11/05-07/2010 10/20/2010 Morehead State U. Jeremy Kisling and if you can step outside your racing Morehead, KY [email protected] heartbeat and audition terror and just watch, Mississippi 12/04-05/2010 11/17/2010 Hinds CC Alison Stafford you can learn so much. You can’t buy that Raymond, MS [email protected] knowledge. “In terms of increasing a performer’s expo- N. Carolina 11/18-19/2010 11/03/2010 Greensboro College David Schram schramd@ Greensboro, NC greensborocollege.edu sure (ergo, odds of finding employment) it was a terrific chance to be seen by myriad profes- S. Carolina 10/30/2010 10/13/2010 Trustus Theatre Dale Savidge sional people (casting directors, theatre direc- Columbia, SC [email protected] tors, professors offering graduate programs) Tennessee 10/23-24/2010 10/06/2010 Tennessee Tech Meleia Lewis and venues (musical theatre, Shakespearian Cookeville, TN [email protected] theatre, outdoor theatre, dinner theatre, ap- Virginia 10/29-30/2010 10/13/2010 Reston Hyatt Kate Arecchi prentice programs at Equity theaters) – all folks Reston, VA [email protected] to whom I would not have had access except W. Virginia 11/06/2010 10/20/2010 WV State University Jeff Ingman at tremendous personal expense. Institute, WV [email protected] “The rejections at SETC were every bit as important as the job offers. Getting com- nolias through an Actors Equity cattle call. I Festival, New Mex- fortable with being told ‘no’ is imperative if understudied Shelby and Annelle, and when ico Rep, Theatre- you hope to have a life-long career in the “Shelby” flew to Los Angeles for pilot season Virginia, St. Louis entertainment industry. In more concrete while the tour was in Baltimore, I asked The Rep, as well as Off- terms, when you’re in NYC without a signed Gage Group to come and see me perform. Broadway at the agent, one of the few ways you can hope to It was a turning point in my career, and I Lucille Lortel and get work is via the dreaded cattle call audi- worked steadily for 20 years after that.” other theatres. tion. SETC made the cattle call a familiar ex- She worked regionally at many theatres, Lankford moved perience. Despite gloomy pronouncements including the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, from acting to writ- that ‘no one ever gets hired at a cattle call,’ I Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Pioneer ing in 2000 after booked the first national tour of Steel Mag- Theatre Company, Alabama Shakespeare turning 40, an age she characterizes Raye Lankford as “a wasteland between ingenue and Ruth I need a job as a technical director, and it’s Gordon if you are extremely petite.” She not convention time. How can SETC help asked her boyfriend (now husband) Ken me? Scarborough, a writer who had developed Q the kids’ TV show Arthur and written for There are two ways SETC can help: other shows, “to teach me how to do what 1) S.O.R.T. he did because, let’s face it, sitting at home This is a new online service for offstage job seekers in your pajamas with a keyboard on your Athat SETC began offering in 2010. S.O.R.T. is an acronym for lap and a cup of coffee at your elbow while SETC’s Online Resumes for Theatre. On S.O.R.T., you can post trying to think like a nine-year old kid – as your resume, contact information and availability so employers jobs go, that’s pretty sweet.” looking to hire a technical director (or other position) can find She got the opportunity to submit a script you. To post on S.O.R.T., go to http://sort.setc.org. The cost is for Arthur, which led to more scripts. The $45 for three months. SETC organizational members can access show’s writing that year won an Emmy “and the listings at no charge. They simply contact the SETC Central that was that,” Lankford says. While she occasionally acts and says a s k SETCOffice at [email protected] to obtain a login name and password. 2) Job Contact Bulletin she may return to acting as a profession This year-round SETC service gives employers a place to publicize openings for off- when she’s older, for now “I’m having way stage positions. Simply go to www.setc.org/jobs/jcb.php to view the jobs that employers too much fun writing,” she says. “I love that have posted; there is no charge to view the job posts. In addition, when new jobs are it is so portable – and that the rejection is so posted, members receive a weekly e-mail listing new positions. Employers pay to post very far away. It comes in an e-mail, instead jobs, with the rate based on the number of words in the ad. Both SETC organizational of “Next!” members and non-members can post jobs. Read the entire e-mail interview with Raye Lankford at www.setc.org/auditions/success.php

6 PROFESSIONAL NEWS, READY FOR WORK AWARD Ready for Work Winner Kyra Beanland Enjoys Work on Superman PROFESSIONAL PULSE yra Beanland, the winner of the News Digest for Theatre Professionals K 2010 Ready for Work Award pre- sented by Broadway, international Catch the O’Neill in action and regional costume designer Jennifer Congratulations to the Eugene O’Neill Caprio and SETC, is working this summer Theater Center in Waterford, CT, for at the Dallas (TX) Theatre Center, where winning the regional theatre Tony Award. she is assisting Caprio on It’s a Bird... It’s a You can see some new works in develop- Plane... It’s Superman! ment at the center’s National Playwrights The Ready for Work Award gives a Conference, to be held this year from July talented design student the opportunity to 9-31. Among those directing: 2010 Tony work alongside an established designer in Award nominee, Sheryl Kaller. More info: a professional setting. www.playbill.com/news/article/140122- A month into her job with Caprio, Bean- Tony-Nominee-Kaller-Peterson-Cosson- land says she is working hard and loving it. Cabnet-Scott-Agins-and-Daniels-to-Di- “I have never assisted on a show of this Broadway, international and regional costume designer Jennifer Caprio (left) discusses rect-at-ONeill-Playwrights-Conference scale before, so just about every step has Superman’s suit with Ready For Work Award What’s theatre worth in your city? been a learning curve,” says Beanland, winner Kyra Beanland. In 2008-09, Broadway contributed $9.8 a graduate student at the University of billion to the New York City economy, the Tennessee at Knoxville. “In addition to the this instance, but it is also necessary to be Broadway League says. That includes size of the show being a challenge, the open and adaptable to whatever changes or $7.7 billion from tourists, $2 billion from fact that this is a re-working of the original surprises may occur that day.” shows and $51 million from theatres. The 1960s musical means that changes to the The most fun part of the work? “Every report also noted that jobs supported by script, characters, tracking, etc., were hap- minute,” says Beanland. Broadway total more than 84,000 and pening throughout the rehearsal process. More info on the Ready for Work Award: taxes generated by the theatres total Through working with Jen, I have learned www.setc.org/conventions/2010_ready_for_ almost $478 million. Do you do a similar that, not only is organization important in work.php. arts economic impact report in your community? Read more at www.playbill. com/news/article/139515-Broadway- Taylor Trensch York,” Trensch says. “It was after that round of Contributed-Nearly-10-Billion-to-NYC- (Continued from Page 1) callbacks that I booked Spring Awakening.” Economy-During-2008-09-Season performing scenes from the show. Then he On July 20, 2009, he took over the role of Can ads, Facebook pages and petition played the “waiting game” until March 2008, Moritz, deciding to take a hiatus from school campaigns save arts funding? when he attended the SETC Auditions in for the role. After New York City Mayor Michael Chattanooga. He was excited to find the “Life on tour was a blast and definitely Bloomberg announced a 31 percent casting team for Spring Awakening there as the best artistic experience I have ever had,” funding cut for the city’s arts organiza- well. says Trensch. “I think what was most fun tions – on top of a 40 percent state cut “I sang more songs for them and got in- AND most challenging was doing the show to the New York Council on the Arts vited to callbacks in New York,” says Trensch. eight times a week. It required a lot of physi- – folks fought back on several fronts. “Then I played the waiting game again.” cal and vocal stamina. I have never sweat so The New York Observer ran public The summer of 2008, Trensch accepted much in my life but I always wanted to work service and billboard ads urging that a job offered by another company that had as hard as I possibly could because I think the money be restored. In addition, sup- seen him audition at the SETC Auditions Spring Awakening is one of the greatest porters created a Facebook page and a in Chattanooga. He performed in summer musicals in theatre history. Duncan Sheik’s website with a petition campaign (www. stock in the evening and worked as a camp authentic rock score juxtaposed with Steven savenyculture.org). More info: www. counselor during the daytime at the Lake Sater’s adaptation of a century-old story, observer.com/2010/30-million-cut-we- Dillon Theatre Company in Colorado. still relevant and extremely important, is can%E2%80%99t-afford The experience of auditioning at SETC breathtaking. And to top it off with direction Playwrights get salaries, benefits! was “VERY helpful,” Trensch says. “Before by Michael Mayer that is bold, daring, even The Tony Award-winning Arena Stage in SETC, I had never really been paid to act. revolutionary? There is nothing else like it.” Washington, DC, has put five playwrights The job I got through the auditions taught Although the national tour of Spring on its payroll, offering them salaries and me how to operate in a professional world. Awakening has ended, Trensch notes that health benefits and the opportunity to Additionally, the auditions themselves another non-equity production (also featur- write what they want for a three-year informed me as to what regional theatres ing some Elon University students) will begin period. The American Voices New Play frequently produce and, therefore, what I touring in October. Institute, founded in August, is financed need to be able to do.” And what’s next for Trensch, now 21? by a $1.1 million gift from the Andrew After his summer work in Colorado, “Who knows? I hope there is still a spot W. Mellon Foundation, the Washington Trensch returned for his sophomore year at for me at Elon!” he says. “For now, I’m in Post reports. More info: www.wash- Elon. At the end of the school year, he got New York getting a feel for what life in ‘the ingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar- a surprise phone call. Big Apple’ is like.” ticle/2010/06/17/AR2010061706004. “The casting director phoned me out Read the entire e-mail interview with Taylor html?hpid=topnews of the blue and asked me to come to New Trensch at www.setc.org/auditions/success.php

7 PEOPLE NEWS, OPPORTUNITIES

PEOPLE Reach Potential Students via SETC’s Annual Directory on the move Attention, colleges and universities: Act soon to ensure that your institution receives its free listing in Southern Theatre’s 2010 College/University/Training Program Directory. Don’t miss this opportunity to reach prospective students! Join Past SETC President D a v i d S . SETC as an organizational member and provide listing information by September Thompson was named the Annie Louise 17 to be included. Limited ad space also is available. Contact Cheryl Ann Roberts Harrison Waterman Professor of Theatre

Free Listings! Free at [email protected] or 336-272-3645 for more info. at Agnes Scott College in Georgia. This endowed chair was established in 1953 by an alumna to improve “the work of the ‘Next to Normal’ Reacts to Copies with Contest college in the subject of speech.” o o o robably more than at any time in y’all have already been recording the songs Doug Schutte, former executive director P history, artists are talking about and been putting them up on YouTube.” of the Kentucky Theatre Association, and copyright. We really are in a new age Rather than initiating “take-down notices,” two partners are opening The Bard’s Town, of, well, copying. It is no exaggeration that Next to Normal has recognized this new a restaurant/performing arts venue in Louis- on a daily basis (if you use the Internet) you media, complete with its copyright infringe- ville, KY. In addition to Schutte, the partners are either viewing or creating unauthorized ment, as a new opportunity for involvement, include restaurateur Jon DeSalvo and Scot copies of copyrighted material. publicity and creation. (Yorkey even states Atkinson, formerly with Barter Theatre in If you’ve been to any presentation about that “some of it is awesome.”) Abingdon, VA, who will serve as the theatre’s copyright in the past few years, eventually I think this contest is a first step toward co-producing director with Schutte. More the discussion copyright holders accepting and encourag- info: www.thebardstown.com. ends up being ing significant changes in copyright law o o o about the Inter- that will be compatible with the realities of Steve Willis has been named chair of the net. Copyright online technology and usage. Keep in mind, Department of Performing and Visual Arts at laws haven’t however, that without permission, record- Bennett College in Greensboro, NC. changed (yet) ing someone else’s song or play or making to catch up derivative works is copyright infringement. with the real- Theatre and the Law by Dan Ellison Dan Ellison is a Durham, NC-based attorney In Memoriam ity of how the who has concentrated on arts-related law Internet works. and nonprofit law for 15 years. He is a past Matthew Trombetta, 30, managing However, it appears that some artists are president and the current executive direc- artistic director of Weathervane Play- realizing that “copying” can sometimes be a tor of the North Carolina Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Have a question? E-mail him at: house in Newark, OH, passed away good thing. Case in point: A recent e-mail I [email protected]. June 13, 2010, in received about a YouTube contest for the a head-on auto- Broadway show Next to Normal describes Note: The contents of this column are intended for mobile accident. how the show made available piano tracks general information purposes only and should not be A native of Cali- to some of its songs. Contest entrants are construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific fornia, he joined asked to record their interpretations (sing- facts or circumstances. Weathervane as ing/dancing/whatever) of the show songs a performer in and submit them online. 2002 and was in In a YouTube posting about the contest SETC 2011 his seventh sea- (www.youtube.com/NextToNormalBroadway), Where to Send News son as managing lyricist Brian Yorkey states that “we know that Atlanta, GA March 2-6 artistic director. Matthew Trombetta Where to Send News Dominic Joseph Cunetto, 78, ARTS passed away on June 19, 2010. A opportunities SETC News is published bimonthly former president of the Mississippi The- for the Southeastern Theatre Confer- atre Association, he was a professor ence. Deadline for the next issue is The Georgia Theatre Conference is emeritus at Mississippi State University, August 10. accepting submissions through August 14 for where he initiated the theatre program. Please send news items to: its One-Act New Play Competition in two cat- He also was one of the founders of Deanna Thompson, Editor egories: university/professional and second- Starkville Community Theatre, was one Phone: 336-292-6041 ary school. The competition is open to writers of the founders and the first president E-mail: [email protected] who live anywhere. More info: E-mail Jimmy of the Starkville Area Arts Council and or to: Bickerstaff at [email protected]. received the Cowboy Maloney Award Southeastern Theatre Conference o o o for outstanding contributions to the Mis- P.O. Box 9868 The Paul Green Foundation is accept- sissippi Theatre Association. Survivors Greensboro, NC 27429-0868 ing applications from theatre companies in include his son Stephen Cunetto, Phone: 336-272-3645 the SETC region for a $4,000 playwriting the executive director of the Mississippi E-mail: [email protected] fellowship. Application deadline is Oct. 15. Theatre Association. Web site: www.setc.org For more details, visit www.paulgreen.org.

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