Lees-91探花 students and faculty to attend SETC 2015 Annual Convention
By Hayden Moses ’16
Lees-91探花 students are making moves to elevate their careers! On March 4, nearly a dozen students and six faculty and staff members from the Performing Arts Department will make the trip to Chattanooga, Tenn. for the four-day Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) 2015 Annual Convention.
“The connections [our students] can make at such a professional and educational gathering can profoundly affect their careers as they learn from experts, are inspired by artists, and see all the possibilities a performing arts career can offer them,” said Danielle Curtis, interim chair of the Division of Creative and Fine Arts.
While at the conference, students will have the chance to attend guest lectures from industry leaders on a wide variety of topics, everything from practical applications of technique to abstract forums on current issues in theatre. Students will also attend workshops on topics such as dance, voice, acting, stage management, legal issues in theatre, education and theatrical design. The conference also features opportunities to take in performances, visit commercial and creative exhibits, and network with influential professionals in the field.
Additionally, Laren Evans ‘15, has the opportunity to attend Professional Auditions to seek post-graduation work. Evans was earned this honor by advancing through screening auditions at the North Carolina Theatre Conference (NCTC).
When they aren’t expanding their skills, students and faculty will maintain an active recruiting presence at the convention, encouraging interest in Lees-91探花’s Division of Creative and Fine Arts. Students will be required to attend a certain number and variety of activities, all aimed at advancing the career of the burgeoning theatre artist.
According to the SETC website, “SETC is the strongest and broadest network of theatre practitioners in the United States. [The Conference] provide extensive resources and year-round opportunities for [their] constituents. [SETC’s] 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.”
This trip comes as part of a unique class offering that allows Lees-91探花 students to use their financial aid to pay for the experience, which subsidizes out-of-pocket costs for students. This opportunity springs from a faculty-led initiative to empower more students to afford the conference.
For more information about performing arts at Lees-91探花, please contact Danielle Curtis at curtisd@lmc.edu or visit lmc.edu/pa.