CONTENTS
Thoughts from the President’s Desk
Page 1
Tom Stephens: In Memoriam Page 2
The Legacy of Samm Art Williams Page 3
Job Listings & More
Page 5
Welcome New Staff Page 6
Design Tech Award Announcements Page 7
Thoughts from the President’s Desk
The summer months sometimes offer a slower pace for some theatre professionals and a busier one for others Summer is a golden opportunity to rejuvenate and gear up for the bustling season For others, it's a period marked by the storm of creativity, where the seeds of performances are sown and nurtured. Our anticipation of our state's fall conferences and festivals begins to build, as individuals and groups prepare to converge, share, and expand their horizons
Jeremy Kisling (he/him) President
Don't forget to fill out your application to present at SETC's convention next March, our conference not only fosters the exchange of innovative ideas but also serves as a connector for potential partnerships and growth in your perspective areas of the craft
SUBMISSIONS
Thomas Pinckney (he/him)
Marketing & Communication Manager
thomas@setc org
Please consider bringing a production to one of SETC’s festivals. It presents a joyous opportunity to share your artistic enterprises, offering a chance to commune with diverse audiences and leave an incredible exchange of artistry It's a joy to share the power of storytelling through performance and our festivals strive for that goal Meanwhile, we know that young actors everywhere are looking to hone their craft and begin to meticulously prepare their monologues serving as both an audition piece and a personal statement. We are
NEWS
Connecting Opportunitie TheatreNat
CentralOffice
SETC
5701 W Gate City Blvd
Suite K, Box 186
Greensboro, NC 27407
336 265 6148 info@setc org
ExecutiveCom
JeremyKisling (he/him President
MatthewLeckenbusch(h VPofServices
LynnNelson(she/her) VPofDivisions
RickyRamón(he/him) VPofEquity&Inclusion
IanAndersen(he/him) VPofStates
so happy that as an organization we can connect young aspiring artists to their first jobs in the theatre industry.
As the summer progresses, the collective efforts of SETC's committees and divisions are filled with dialogue and support, ensuring that the momentum of this creative art form propels us forward It's a collaborative sharing of ideas and aspirations
The culmination of our summer endeavors is the moment when the curtain rises on the SETC conference in March, and all the preparation and work develop into moments of shared experiences that lead us to be renewed and refreshed. Now is the season of growth, learning, and new experiences, a prelude to the ovation that awaits. We hope you stay connected as SETC connects you to opportunities in theatre nationwide
Jeremy Kisling (he/him) President
AnnetteDeesGrevious(she/her) VPofFinance
TBD(they/them) VPofAdministration
JeffGibson(he/him)) ElectedPastPresident
CarolineJaneDavis(she/her) Secretary
ADVERTISE withus!
SETC offers several affordable ways to put your program in front of a board audience
Emailus for more information
Send your news to Thomas Pinckney, Marketing & Communication Manager
thomas@setc.org.
IN MEMORIAM
Thank you for your service.
Home and the Legacy of Samm-Art Williams
by Toni Simmons Henson
(She/Her)
This essay was published among other tributes in American Theatre: Samm-Art Williams, Gentle Giant, Is Called Home (May 2024)
As a theatre and festival producer, I have been privileged to bring stories to the stage that unveil the tribulations and triumphs of Black life in America It can be overwhelming to see how much work is worthy of production and how few reach the forefront of American theatre. The brilliant Samm-Art Williams stands out among playwrights who have risen to the occasion. Born in Burgaw, N.C., in 1946, he grew into a statuesque (6’6”) but gentle man who loved poetry and words. With this physical stature,
he could have easily become an athlete, and even tried his hand at basketball It was also said he sparred with Muhammad Ali But Williams followed his dreams and pursued a career in acting, producing, and writing He struggled as a playwright initially and worked as an actor to help pay the bills.
Williams was known to write stories inspired by the characters he developed. He advised playwrights to focus on evolving characters before creating the story. Many of his stories were inspired by his own experience or members of his family, layered with authenticity and realistic complexities His writing was profound, eloquent, and masterful One common theme in his writing was the migration of Blacks from the desperation of Southern living toward the pursuit of civil liberties and economic opportunities in the North
Though he wrote about the Black experience, he often touted his ability to write plays about any ethnic group because of his focus on his characters’ humanity rather than their racial identity. As an intuitive writer, he reflected a complete understanding of human nature. He expressed the importance of fleshing out the characters first and the story that would arise from those characters
ConnectingYouto Opportunitiesin
TheatreNationwide
CentralOffice
SETC
5701 W Gate City Blvd
Suite K, Box 186
Greensboro, NC 27407
336 265 6148
info@setc org
ExecutiveCommittee
JeremyKisling (he/him) President
MatthewLeckenbusch(he/him) VPofServices
LynnNelson(she/her) VPofDivisions
RickyRamón(he/him) VPofEquity&Inclusion
IanAndersen(he/him) VPofStates
His most famous play, Home, was written in 1976 while he was riding a Greyhound bus to North Carolina. The ride inspired the characters, leading to this iconic work. Home was first produced on the stages of New York City’s Negro Ensemble Company in 1979 and made it to Broadway in 1980, garnering a Tony nomination Home is a master class in playwriting, delicately weaving the rhythms and stories of life in New York City with a vibe that transcends generations. Though written in the ’70s, it speaks a language that penetrates beyond the surface, firmly rooted in realism. The setting of the story brilliantly reflects the flavors and textures of New York, with each character layered with their own story and one prevailing theme: their perceptions of home as an object of belonging
AnnetteDeesGrevious(she/her) VPofFinance
TBD(they/them) VPofAdministration
JeffGibson(he/him)) ElectedPastPresident
CarolineJaneDavis(she/her) Secretary
SETC offers several affordable ways to put your program in front of a board audience
Emailus for more information
Send your news to Thomas Pinckney, Marketing & Communication Manager
thomas@setc.org.
The story is as relevant today as it was when it was written Today’s generation is also grappling with themes of discovering and exploring a sense of community. In a world where globalization and digital connectivity bring us closer yet sometimes make us feel more isolated, searching for a place to call home resonates deeply. The play’s exploration of migration, identity, and the quest for personal freedom strikes a chord with contemporary audiences navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and belonging
The show’s current Broadway revival, directed by Kenny Leon, began performances the same week as Samm’s passing, poignantly reminding us of the timeless and fragile nature of the human experience and our enduring quest for a place where one truly belongs. One might consider the revival of this iconic work a poetic, metaphorical message. As many in the Black community would say, “God has called our beloved Samm-Art Williams home ”
Home: Original Broadway Production, 2024 - Stori Ayers, Tory Kittles, & Brittany Inge (Photo: Joan Marcus)
JOB LISTINGS
Assistant Technical Director at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA
Scene Shop Supervisor at UT Chattanooga in Chattanooga, TN
Scene Shop Supervisor at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE
Costume Shop Supervisor at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE
Take the next step in your career! Explore theses and many more available positions at the SETC Theatre Job Board.
To post a job listing, click here
Thanks to SETC’s Contributors Contributions made
Chadwick McDonald* Ricky Ramon* Mia L Self*
J. Theresa Theresa Bush*
M Mary Sullivan Toni Henson
*denotesmonthlycontributions
To make a donation to SETC, click here
Steven H. Butler
SETC Welcomes New Staff
Steven H. Butler has had the opportunity to serve SETC through the Equity Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, the BIPOC Global Committee and the Steve Bayless Scholarship Committee. Prior to joining SETC as our Convention Manager, Steven served as the Artistic Director for the Sarasota Players (Sarasota, FL) and prior to that he served as the Executive Director for the Florida Theatre Conference He is the Founder of Actors’ Warehouse (Gainesville, FL) which was honored to represent the United States at Mondial Du Théâtre International Amateur Theatre Festival (Monte Carlo, Monaco).
On a national level, he serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Community Theatre and its respective committees: Play Selection, Nominations, Finance, and International Festival.
Megan K. Audette
Megan K Audette is the new Marketing Research Intern at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), focusing on social media outreach and expanding the network. As a senior at Florida State University majoring in International Affairs (Economics) and Theater (Performance) with a minor in creative writing, Megan brings a unique blend of skills and experience! Her previous roles as an Arts Specialist and Digital Director on nonprofit boards have equipped her with proficiency in analytical research, communication, and web design, which she is thrilled to share Megan is passionate about musical theatre and excited to contribute her marketing research acumen to SETC's mission
2024 Design Tech Award Winners
Green Production Award
–
Adjudicated by Liz Haynes
Timothy Simon is the winner of the John Spiegel
Theatrical Award which is presented annually to a student pursuing a degree or certificate in one of the following areas: Lighting Design, Projection Design, Properties Design, Scenic Design, Sound Design, Technical Direction, and Stage Management.
Stage Management Games
1st Place: Alyssa Sheppard of University of Mississippi
2nd Place: Elijah Hughs of Brevard College
3rd Place: Carolina Inches of Point Park University
1st Place – Bristol Barnes of College of Charleston for their design for Firebringer
2nd Place – Madelynne West of Indiana University –Bloomington for their design for Orlando
3rd Place – Madison Young of Ball State University for their design for Spongebob Squarepants: The Musical
Casey Lockledge’s Design for The American Playt
Undergraduate Scenic Design Award
- Adjudicated by Beowulf Boritt
1st Place – Casey Lockledge of Virginia Commonwealth University for their design for The America Play
2nd Place – Kayla Jacobs of University of Mississippi for their design for Silent Sky
3rd Place – Van Montes of Virginia Commonwealth University for their design for Anon(ymous)
Honorable Mention – Caitlin Herndon of University of Kentucky for their design for Aida
Undergraduate Lighting Design
- Adjudicated by Rachael N. Blackwell
1st Place – Kayla Moore of University of Tennessee –Knoxville for their design for Cato: A Tragedy
2nd Place – Spencer Duff of Lehigh University for their design for Antigonick
3rd Place – Madelyn Miessmer of Point Park University for their design for The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Honorable Mention – Natalia Dunn of Towson University for their design for How to Catch Creation
Undergraduate Costume Design
- Adjudicated by Erik Teague
1st Place – Ava Greer of University of Mississippi for their design for Head Over Heels
2nd Place – Melanie Kiser of Virginia Commonwealth University for their design for The Elephant Man
3rd Place – Tallie Pugh of Virginia Commonwealth University for their design for Anon(ymous)
Sound Design Award
- Adjudicated by Eric Brown
1st Place – Christopher Sauerbrey of Clemson University for their design for The Table
2nd Place – Vir Gupta of Wake Forest University for their design for Sense and Sensibility
3rd Place – Natalie Papai of Ball State University for their design for Language of Angels
Honorable Mention – Seth Fogelsonger of University of North Carolina – Greensboro for their design for Night of the Living Dead
Production Photography: Ning Goff
Projection Design Award
- Adjudicated by Kevin Frazier and Maranda Debusk
1st Place – Helen Erikson of University of North Carolina – Greensboro for their design for Night of the Living Dead
2nd Place – Cara Oates of University of Oklahoma for their design for Everybody
Costume Technology Award
- Adjudicated by Aryn Carr
1st Place – Asher Lipscomb of Florida State University for their design of the Opera Gown from Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
2nd Place – Tallie Pugh of Virginia Commonwealth University for their design for Beline in The Imaginary Invalid
3rd Place – Allie Hildebran of Coastal Carolina University for their design for Lucille Frank in Parade Honorable Mention – Blue Supinger of Ball State University for their design for Moth to a Flame
Costume Crafts Award
- Adjudicated by Aryn Carr
1st Place – Zachary Payne of Florida State University for their Leather Work in the design for Bolero
2nd Place – Morgan Hughes of Indiana State University for their design for Creature Called Hope
3rd Place – Ella Dietzel of Coastal Carolina University for their design of The Black Knight in Spamalot
Honorable Mention – Allie Hildebran of Coastal Carolina University for their design of The Collapsing Barrel in Cabaret
Costume design by: Zachary Payne Actress: Kyra Paternoster
Makeup Design Award
- Adjudicated by Aryn Carr
1st Place – Renee Drake of North Greenville University for their design for A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2nd Place – Jaiden Chambers of the University of North Carolina – Greensboro for their design for Winnie the Pooh
Technical Direction and Construction Award
- Adjudicated by Zach Gibson
-Sponsored by Productions Unlimited, Inc
1st Place – Timothy Simon of University of Nevada –Las Vegas for their work on The Cherry Orchard
2nd Place – Elliot Carnell of Indiana University for their work on Cabaret
3rd Place – Patrick Costello of Point Park University for their work on The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Timothy Simon’s design for The Cherry Orchard
Renee Drake’s Makeup Design for A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Properties Design and Construction Award
- Adjudicated by Vinny Paragon
1st Place – Lillian Hargesheimer of Western Kentucky University for their design of Pinchy in Child of the Night
2nd Place – Lindsay Kramer of Coastal Carolina University for their design for the Puppet from Cabaret
3rd Place – Ella Dietzal of Coastal Carolina University for their design for Wands from Puffs
Honorable Mention – Josie Smith of Indiana State University for their design for Radium Girls
Graduate Scenic Design Award
- Adjudicated by Beowulf Boritt
1st Place – Michaela Lochen of University of Tennessee – Knoxville for their design of The Giver
2nd Place – Sopie Smrcka of University of Tennessee – Knoxville for their design for Fun Home
3rd Place – Maggie Jackson of Indiana University for their design for Vox Pop: A Post-Democratic Musical
Graduate Lighting Design Award
- Adjudicated by Rachael N. Blackwell
1st Place – Madelynne West of Indiana University –Bloomington for their design for Orlando
2nd Place – Mitch Wilson of University of Tennesseee
– Knoxville for their design for The Giver
Michaela Lochen’s design for The Giver
Madelynne West’s design for Orlando
Graduate Costume Design Award - Adjudicated by Erik Teague
1st Place – Sungwon An of Florida State University for their design for Angel’s Bone
2nd Place – Zachary Payne of Florida State University for their design for The Secret Garden
3rd Place – Kasey Brown of Virginia Commonwealth University for their design for The Imaginary Invalid Honorable Mention – Kaelyn Williams of University of Tennessee – Knoxville for their design for Cato: A Tragedy
Sungwon An’s design for Angel’s Bone