Mind the Gap
In 1986, Zelda Fichlander wrote an article for American Theatre Magazine describing the journey of building a long-lasting theatre institution with her husband and her mentor by her side. In the article, she quotes Bertolt Brecht’s Caucasian Chalk Circle, telling the reader:
“Everything should belong to whoever is best for it—”
Within our organization, SETC President Jeremy Kisling, reminds us that we, the members, are SETC. I am proud to be a member, and I am excited to be an active part of this organization’s past, present, and future.
A year ago, I began a long journey as a PhD student and researcher in the field of arts administration. My research focuses on America’s regional theatres. PhD research requires you to identify areas of the field that have not received the attention they deserve—or any attention at all. In academic research, this is often known as a gap analysis. When a friend asked me to become more involved with SETC, I used that same gap analysis to find where I could make my own contribution. I found that the best way for me to help SETC was to get involved with the long-range strategic planning of the organization, to amplify the voices of playwrights and those interested in new play development, and to contribute to the growth of our sponsorship and fundraising efforts. As a member of SETC, recognizing gaps and working collaboratively with other members, staff, and board members to address them is one way to strengthen our organization.
My work as a fundraiser, artistic director, educator, and now researcher has always been inspired by the other leaders in the regional theatre field. Molly Smith, the long-time artistic director of Washington, D.C.’s Arena Stage (1998 to 2023), began her career in her hometown of Juneau, Alaska, where she founded a small professional theatre called Perseverance Theatre that at the time was only accessible by plane or boat. Their first artist in residence was Paula Vogel. This partnership between Smith and Vogel continued throughout their careers.
The title of Fichlander’s article, “Institution as Artwork”, is a concept that rings true to me. Institutions are often perceived as complete buildings, established organizations, or centers with distinct beginnings and endings, and little room for artistic choices. In this article, Fichlander illustrates through her personal journey how institutions can also be a part of the process of creating artistic acts rich in imagination. SETC is just that - a work of art in progress, with each of us as artistic collaborators.