Lights, camera, opportunity: 'Berg students gain industry access at SETC

A group of 11 theatre students got a chance to see themselves inside the world of theatre when they attended the prestigious Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, accompanied by Theatre Director and Professor Karla Kash and instructor Sue Hlavinka.

During the conference, three 'Berg students, Dylan Reid, Zion Pinell, and R. Wiles, were appointed to the conference "Dream Team," gaining exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to industry-scale production management. The process to join the Dream Team was selective, Karla explained, noting that the students worked on "the backbone of the convention's technical operations."

"Our students gained exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to industry-scale production management," she said.

Additionally, the 'Berg delegation took center stage in the 24-hour/10-minute Play Festival and engaged in auditions and interviews, securing vital connections and offers for summer contracts and internships.

Karla and Sue also utilized the conference environment to recruit prospective theatre students for the Fall 2026 and 2027 cohorts. "These efforts have already seen immediate success, with two high-caliber students officially applying for Fall 2026 admission as a direct result of our presence at the conference," Karla noted.

While at the conference, she delivered a masterclass in ActorMovement: Laban, sharing expert methodology with practitioners and students from across the region. Karla's presentation drew an impressive 144 participants, positioning Heidelberg as a leader in specialized movement pedagogy. 

Heidelberg Theatre is grateful to Berg Bravo! and the Hammel Family for their generous support in making this important professional development and recruitment opportunity possible for o ur students and faculty.