SETC - Theatre takes over Atlanta!

Actors, directors, technicians, and artists from all over the East Coast attended the Southeastern Theatre Conference, better known as "SETC" from March 2-6 at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia. This conference is similar to UPTA, but is even larger, with more theatre companies represented from across the nation as well as many workshops and seminars to attend, from acting and singing to tech and theatre administration. There are also various networking mixers and nightly performances for attendees to enjoy. SETC is also a wonderful opportunity to meet new faces in the theatre, network, and make new friends.

 A Cirque performance the first night of the conference

The whole auditioning process and tech/production job interviews is very similar to how UPTA is run. Post auditions, callbacks happen and actors sign up for their second audition with various companies. For technicians and directors/arts administration personnelles, each company has a set table in which one can interview for a position with the company if they qualify for it. Following an initial interview, the company representative would then schedule a second interview, just like actors do their second audition at their callbacks. As of this last Monday, since the conference is over, companies may begin contacting those their interested to hire. TheatreVCU was well represented by both our performance and production departments in the auditions and job contact services, as well as in the design competitions, winning eight of the competitive tech design categories.

 Cast/Crew of "Overwhelmed" at the SETC 10 Min. Play Festival

L to R -- Rusty Hrabe, Mark Bailey (Writer), Walid Chaya, Meredith Kelly, Sarah Stewart (SM), Diedre Locklear

 There was also the annual 10 Minute Play-writing Festival that happens in 24-hours, which I had the opportunity to be registered for and part of as a "Director". On Wednesday night at 10pm the first night of the conference, about 20 actors audition for the 5 chosen directors. By midnight this is over and the playwrights have til 6am to write a 10-Minute play. The next morning the directors read through and cast the plays, followed by rehearsals during the afternoon. Tech happens that evening with a performance for the entire SETC conference to follow at 10pm with a feedback session from playwright, screenwriter, author, teacher, producer, Gary Garrison from the Dramatists Guild of America in NYC. As a director, it was a new and different process working with the playwright in the room, as well as with actors from different universities, and I learned a lot from the experience.

While at SETC I also got to meet two wonderful people, Cecilia and Ken from the Creative Studios of Atlanta. Having just finished the Senior Showcase in Los Angeles, it was interesting to get information on the film and TV industry in Atlanta. In L.A. many seniors asked casting directors if Atlanta or Austin, Texas would be good "stepping-stone cities" to get some experience in before coming to L.A.. While most of them suggested to dive right into the industry and move straight to L.A., Cecila and Ken shared great insight with me on the work that's happening in Atlanta and nearby cities, such as Miami, Florida and while they realize Atlanta is no-L.A., it still has a lot to offer. Many shows shoot here including Vampire Diaries, Past Life, Joyful Noise, and Army Wives just to name a few, and there's a lot of new and independent work. Cecilia talked about how Atlanta can help an actor perhaps land a role as a Daytime Player and then go off to the West Coast with a few worthy credits and connections. In any case, it was great to hear what professionals in this region had to share about the film and TV industry.

SETC provided a quick-paced, busy time to find a job, land a role, and network along the way. Thank you to April Marshall, the Show Hub, and the rest of the staff and volunteers at SETC for a few days of theatre friends and fun!