History
SETC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and dynamic membership organization serving a diverse constituency and reaching out across the United States and beyond.
The Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc was organized in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in March 1949 and incorporated under the laws of the state of Florida in 1962. SETC’s board of directors includes representatives from each of the ten southeastern theatre state organizations.
As of July 1, 2017, the Institute of Outdoor Theatre (established in 1963 with a mission to serve the historical outdoor drama movement in the United States) is under the management of the Southeastern Theatre Conference. With their respective service missions in the field of theatre, SETC and IOT have a long history of shared values that facilitated this merger under the SETC banner.
The SETC Archives are housed in the Jackson Library of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and may be used for research. The archives of the IOT pre-dating the merger will remain a part of the Special Collections Division of the East Carolina University Joyner Library.
Mission, Vision...
MISSION: "Connecting You to Opportunities in Theatre"
VISION: SETC is the strongest and broadest network of theatre practitioners in the United States. We provide extensive resources and year-round opportunities for our constituents. Our services, publications, and products contribute significantly to the careers of emerging artists, seasoned professionals and academicians. SETC energizes the practical, intellectual and creative profile of theatre in America.
ETHOS: SETC is resolutely committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the life and culture of our organization. We are actively interrogating our policies and practices to deliberately take action and institutionalize anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practices. SETC will work to center marginalized voices, bodies, and
stories. We will listen and learn about racism, discrimination, and adversity.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Before the Southeastern Theatre Conference connected the nation through theatre,
the Saponi, Occaneechi, and Catawba Peoples connected their children, elders, and ancestors through stories,
hopes, and dreams, and have stewarded this land for over 13,000 years. It is with gratitude that we honor the land and the First Nation people who call Greensboro home, and we also acknowledge that we benefit from their tragic loss of land through colonialism, genocide, and systematic attack. The elders say that they have lived here forever, that they looked up at the sky and the Creators gave them their language and culture. We encourage SETC constituents to research and acknowledge the indigeneity of the land where you are located.
Advocacy
Although regional in its founding, the SETC invites a national audience to its mission, namely, "stimulating and organizing... theatre experiences of the highest possible standards and encouraging appreciation and understanding of the same."
SETC champions a vision of theatre that expands exponentially from the individual artist-practitioner-educator; it finds its genesis within the five organizational divisions, articulates itself at the state level, comes together in celebration at the regional level, and ultimately extends into the national and international arenas. SETC actively promotes interdisciplinary and multi-cultural participation in theatre and honors the diversity of the members and constituencies it represents.
Opposing viewpoints are recognized and respected within and by the organization. SETC endorses exchanges where significant political and social considerations can be examined. Acknowledging its non-political nature and affirming its constitutionally-mandated opposition to propagandizing "or otherwise attempting to influence legislation," SETC nonetheless may as an organization - under extreme circumstances, upon due reflection, and with appropriate approval of its membership - signify support or disapproval of events or instances that directly affect the free expression of its constituencies.
Forging educational and artistic forums to stimulate growth and cohesion within the organization, SETC stimulates learning and critical thinking, empowering theatre artists toward creative discovery. In its most basic manifestation of inclusion, the organization urges its ten member states at their annual conventions equally to embody and incorporate all its membership and SETC's five divisions. Above all, SETC advocates the constant raising of standards and expectations in the art of theatre. As a result, SETC exists as a sentinel of artistic and aesthetic conscience to spur the growth of theatre and its expression.
Structure
The following is a summary of the structure of SETC. It is outlined in detail in the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
Membership is open to individuals, active theatre groups, and organizations, nationally or internationally, that are interested in theatrical activities. Membership becomes effective upon payment dues. Annual dues are also included in convention registration.
The Board of Directors, elected by a majority vote at the annual meeting or convention of members or at special meetings of members whenever necessary, is composed of nine executive officers of the Corporation, each to serve a term of one year, constitute the Executive Committee.
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the Corporation. In partnership with the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, the Executive Director is responsible for the success of the mission and vision of the Corporation and the management of the Central Office.
There are five Division Chairs: College and University Division, Theatre for Youth Division, Secondary School Division Chair, the Community Theatre Division, and the Professional Theatre Division Chair. Division Chairs are not limited to individuals currently located in the Southeastern states.
State Representatives each from the charter state members:
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia
If no such state organization exists, the Nominations Committee may seek an individual SETC member who will execute the duties of a State Representative arising from that state.
There are three Standing Committees: the Nominations Committee, the Bylaws Committee, and the Finance Committee.
The Advisory Councils is composed of: a Vice President of the Corporation acting as Chair; the Chairs of all committees identified by their respective Vice President, including but not limited to those concerned with auditions, festivals, awards, and activities; and a member from the Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council.
There are 27 committees of the Corporation that fall into three categories: 1. convention program and areas of interest; 2. award and scholarship administration; and 3. ongoing projects and activities of the Corporation, maintenance of organizational goals, and finances.
We welcome you to JOIN SETC today!