NGU students attend Southeastern Theatre Conference
Treasure Hardwick, News and Feature Editor
Photo Courtesy of Seth Atkins
Students majoring in theatre from North Greenville University are gaining real-world experience and expanding their networks by attending the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) on March 4-7. The SETC is one of the nation’s largest gatherings for those practicing theatre.
For students attending, this is more than just a fun trip. It is an immersive professional experience. The conference brings together directors, actors, educators and companies from across the country, creating an environment focused on growth and opportunity.
Throughout the event, students gain experience by participating in events such as auditions, workshops and classes. These workshops and masterclasses led by professionals allow students to grow in their craft, gain insight on the ins-and-outs of the industry and receive practical feedback from artists.
Beyond the sessions, the conference offers valuable networking opportunities. Students connect with peers from other universities, build relationships with companies and engage with mentors who can influence their career path.
For NGU attendees, the SETC represents a step between classroom and professional theatre. By stepping into an arena of creativity, they show not only their talents but also begin planning their lives after graduation.
This year, nine NGU students have the opportunity to attend the conference.
Rebecca Panagiotacos, junior theatre major, is looking forward to attending the conference because it is an opportunity to put herself out there and stretch herself in ways that she would not have in a classroom setting.
After she submitted a screening audition in the fall of 2025, the SECT accepted Panagiotacos to perform at the conference. This is a competitive opportunity where companies watch performers and only callback if they are interested. If they callback, students can audition again at the conference.
During the audition, Panagiotacos will have one minute to perform. She explained that she will do half a minute of monologue and then half a minute of a song. While this is intimidating, she sees this as an opportunity to learn and gain experience.
“I think it’s going to be great for me to kind of open my eyes to what it’s like in the professional world,” said Panagiotacos.
She also realized the realities of pursuing theatre in professional settings.
“You just got to go. You got to go and get out there and audition, and you are going to get told no a lot, again and again,” she said.
Beyond the auditions, she is looking forward to workshops and interest groups. She is especially interested in the Faith in Theatre group which brings together theatre artists who want to explore the connection between faith and the performing arts. She is also looking forward to the movement workshops where she will be able to brush up on skills she hasn’t practiced in a while.
Panagiotacos hopes to connect with Sight and Sound Theatres, a company in Pennsylvania and Missouri that produces, writes and directs their own biblical musicals.
Ultimately, she views the conference as an opportunity to grow professionally and personally while glorifying God. While she has mostly preformed in Christian theatre, she is hoping to step into a secular environment and be a light as she finds ways to share the love of Jesus throughout the conference.
