The 57th Annual | 1st Virtual

October 1 – 2, 2020

Where Theatre Practitioners Share New Concepts

pandemic proofing | equity and inclusion | creative solutions

Fee: Pay What You Will

Suggested registration fee – $95.00
Attend for as little as $1.00!
Registration Closes Midnight Sept. 25

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Due to the Covid-19 crisis, this year’s conference will be provided virtually at a reduced cost to attendees. The conference will focus on practical solutions for the pressing issues that we are all facing during this time.

Our live presentations will build robust discussions and reach for solutions that range from safely reopening a theatre in the midst of a pandemic, building equity and inclusion in the performing arts, alternative performance options for outdoor theatre, and incorporating design in a virtual world. Of course, we will continue our informative roundtable discussions with a built-in happy hour.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 1, 2020

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET

Roll Call and Company Exchange
Traditional introduction of theatres and a virtual lightning round of successes and challenges from the past year. All are invited to share.
Facilitator: Bradley Branham, Program Manager, SETC

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM ET

Pandemic Proofing for Your Theatre
Hear from experts in the field as we examine and discuss a range of recommended safety guidelines, and how they can be implemented in your theatre. Topics will focus on Front of House, Backstage, and Onstage.
Presenters: Steve Adelman, Event Safety Alliance; James Badrak, MT Production Group; Kristi Ross-Clausen, Theatre Safety Consultant

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM ET

Moving Forward Together: A Call to Action for Equity & Inclusion
Join in this panel discussion and call to action for true change … not just checking items off of a diversity list, but embarking on a real equity and inclusion evolution of your own organization and the outdoor theatre industry as a whole. Panelists will discuss how to begin and will share steps taken in their own work and organizations. Q&A will follow.
Presenters: Howard Craft, Playwright and Educator; Cariel Klein, Double Edge Theatre; Sarah Williams, Cal Shakes; Sarita Ocón, Actor & Producing Artist

This session is supported by a grant from the Paul Green Foundation.

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM ET

Wine Down Discussion
Bring your technology and bring your cocktail! Attendees will have the opportunity to introduce issues they want to talk about, making for discussion and experience that is relevant to each professional and organization at the table.

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET

Un-Conference Conversation for Theatre Board Members of the Attending Outdoor Theatres
This time is set aside for board members of the attending Outdoor Theatres to network and engage in an open discussion about current challenges and opportunities. This session is open to all board members whether they have registered for the conference or not. We invite all attendees to share the zoom link for this session with their organization’s board members.
Facilitator: Susie Prueter, Executive Director, SETC

Friday, October 2, 2020

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET

Opening the Day: An Un-Conference Discussion
Kick off the day with discussion on the previous day’s topics. Bring any leftover questions or shower thoughts to the group for exploration. The floor is yours!
Facilitator: Bradley Branham, Program Manager, SETC

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM ET

Mufflers, Porches, and Sanitized Headphones: New Approaches in a New Crisis
Explore artistic inspiration with our panelists as they discuss new concepts and approaches to performance that have stemmed out of the COVID-19 Pandemic. From the parking lot to the front yard, Outdoor Theatre is being reimagined for future audiences.
Presenters: Katy Brown, Barter Theatre; Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder, Playwright and Educator; Sonia Clark, ArtPark; Carin Jean White, Director and Visual Artist

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Special Session Sponsored by The United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
We are excited to have USITT join us as a partner for the third year. USITT’s sponsorship provides Technical Theatre programming that is focused on new innovations and resources for Outdoor Theatre facilities and technology. In the past, these topics have ranged from energy-efficient and durable technology to emergency preparedness for natural disasters. Check back for more information on this year’s session sponsored by USITT.
Presenter(s): TBA

Sponsored by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET

Where Do We Go from Here?
What is the pathway forward? How might SETC help? We invite all attendees to bring insights from the week and join us as we reflect on the work behind us, and the work ahead of us. Cocktails are encouraged!
Facilitator: Bradley Branham, Program Manager, SETC

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET

Un-Conference Conversation for Theatre Volunteers of the Attending Outdoor Theatres
This time is set aside for volunteers of the attending Outdoor Theatres to network and engage in an open discussion about current challenges and opportunities. This session is open to all volunteers whether they have registered for the conference or not. We invite all attendees to share the zoom link for this session with their organization’s volunteers.
Facilitator: Susie Prueter, Executive Director, SETC