I knew SETC’s (
Southeastern Theatre Conference) as a great audition opportunity for college students, but I learned they have opportunities for actors at all stages of their career. Check out my conversation with
Marci Duncan, the audition committee chair, as I get some insider info on how to prepare for and what to expect at the big spring auditions.
www.setc.org Marci Duncan -Actor -Audition committee chair for SETC -Florida Theatre Conference Screening Coordinator -Professor at University of West Florida -
One-on-one actor coach SETC is one of the largest theatre conferences around - and there are so many different opportunities there. SETC is for: -Professional actors (AEA, SAG/AFTRA) -Just starting out/recent college graduates -Current college students, looking for summer stock/graduation opportunities -Transfer auditions -Grad School prospective students -High School - looking for programs/getting experience/networking/workshops SETC also provides scholarships. -Go to the website and put “scholarships” in the search engine, and you’ll get the info. Workshops -Over 300 workshops during the conference. These are workshops for the actor, professor, musician, technical theatre, etc. QUESTION: I’m in college and looking for summer stock work or just about to graduate, how do I get to audition? -Go to SETC WEBSITE, click on the screening auditions. (If you’re in college, you’ll have to be screened before being sent on to the main conference in the spring). -Each state has a coordinating conference at which they do these screenings. BUT make sure you register on the SETC website and not that state’s website. -The screening auditions are in early fall, starting in October and ending in early December. You don’t have to wait long - notified immediately. QUESTION: What do I need to prepare? What should I expect? -Musical Theatre candidates: You can sing and you can do a monologue, and you have 90 seconds total. You can do just a song, or a song and a monologue. They encourage you to do both as most companies want to hear both. -SETC does NOT encourage a “sandwich audition” - sing, monologue, then sing. Accompanist provided. -Actor only: 60 seconds, choose one monologue. -The time starts with your name and audition number. If you choose to sing, the 90 second limit does not include the time you speak with your accompanist. For the screening auditions: -It’s basically a qualifier. There is no dance call; it’s just your audition. -In the spring at the official conference, it’s set up in the same way to the screening, but you will be called back by whoever wants to see you and if you are called for the dance call. For the main auditions: -You audition in a group, you leave with the same group and go to the holding room. Then you’ll be free to look in the callback room pending instructions. What opportunities/types of companies will be there and what material should I put forward? -Cruise Ships -Shakespeare Companies -Children’s Theatre -Professional Theatre -Repertory Companies -Regional Theatre Companies -All of the attending companies will be posted on SETC website TIP: Shape your audition for what you want to book – check out the attending company websites in advance. QUESTION: Should I change my package between qualifiers? -Wouldn’t recommend - it’s why you qualified. Look up the theatre companies attending. TIPS: -You need to be clear if you want to do musical theatre, straight plays, Shakespeare, or cruise line work. Be specific and tailor to it -List your true availability, especially if you’re in college. Only say you can work year-round if yo