After hurricanes hit the U.S. in 2007, Mike Murphy  “…came to a SETC Board of Directors meeting after the hurricane and passed out empty sandbags so that we all could collect money for the theatres in our region that were devastated by the hurricanes.”

Mike Murphy | From the 2008 SETC Awards Banquet remarks by former SETC President David Wohl while presenting the Suzanne M. Davis Award to Mike Murphy

It was an absolute honor to receive the first John Spiegel Theatrical Artist Award in 2017. It was a joy to be able to attend the conference and meet so many talented and interesting people, some of whom have become my collaborators. The scholarship funds are offsetting the cost of software so that I can take the leap from “Educational Version” to “Professional License” as I launch my career. 

Maranda DeBusk | 2017 Spiegel Theatrical Artist Award Recipient | www.setc.org/john-spiegel-award/

I was ready to put Moving behind me, but hearing people respond to the reading re-energized me and inspired me to revisit that kind of play again…bringing my script to SETC was an amazing experience. I was treated like a rock star, and I hope that more of my fellow playwrights take advantage of the opportunity.

Sean McCord | 2018 Charles M. Getchell New Play Award winner for his play, Moving | From the Southern Theatre 2018 Getchell Award article

I like being around a group of people who share my same passion and can actually ask questions that make me think…I may actually be able to tell them something they don’t know that could be useful. They were so enthusiastic and supportive…. I can’t believe this is what I do for a living.

Tony award-winner Beth Leavel | From her 2009 SETC Convention keynote address | From the Southern Theatre Broadway Success article

My trip to SETC had a terrible beginning because I was tired and stressed out…I ended up getting 17 callbacks… instead of focusing on getting the job, which is important, I focused more on my art and sharing it and rejoicing in it. When you realize that conferences like SETC are about the journey and not the destination, a huge weight is taken off…less than a week after…I received a job offer…I thank SETC for providing this opportunity!

John Yi | Actor/Writer | From his Southern Theatre Auditionees Share Advice article

You never know who you’re working with who can give you a job later…. Always. Say. Yes. SETC creates synergy and momentum for kids to come get work….it starts them on the ‘audition/rejection/success process’ that all actors must come to grips with as they proceed through their careers… There is no magic bullet, you just always have to say ‘yes.’

Terrance Mann | Broadway actor and 2014 SETC Distinguished Career Award winner | From the Southern Theatre Power of Yes article

My first auditions at SETC were a great success for me.  The opportunity to see 60 plus companies at once, was wonderful, and the audition team answered all my questions….I received interest from five companies and as a result…I booked my first professional theatre job.  SETC’s will be on my schedule for years to come as a great way to book work, network and grow through the numerous workshops they provide.  THANKS SETC!!!

Jef Canter | AEA-SG/AFTRA actor | www.jefcanter.com