Chipola’s Smith Named SETC Hall Of Fame

Chipola College Director of Technical Theatre Constance Smith has been inducted into the Southeastern Theatre Conference Hall of Fame. 

Established by SETC in 2015, the Southeastern Theatre Conference Hall of Fame recognizes persons, living or deceased, who have made major contributions to the organization. These contributions may be administrative, artistic, and/or financial and have made a significant impact on SETC’s success over a sustained period of time. The Hall of Fame commemorates their achievements and celebrates their meaningful contributions to the organization. The 2022 honorees include Quiana Clark-Roland, Ward Haarbauer and Smith.

“Connie” Smith became the Director of Technical Theatre at Chipola College in 2012. In addition to teaching the technical production courses, she is responsible for the scenic/lighting design & technical direction for all performances in the Center for the Arts. She holds an MFA degree in Technical Production from Florida State University, a BFA in Theatrical Design & Technology from Auburn University, and an MS in Recreational Therapy (Expressive Arts Therapy focus) from the University of South Alabama. Prior to working at Chipola, Smith was the Scene Shop Supervisor/Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Dramatic Arts at the University of South Alabama for 11 years. She has worked in theatrical design and production for over 35 years in theatres in the southeast. In addition to Chipola College and the University of South Alabama, she has designed and/or taught at Meredith College, University of Mobile, and Valdosta State University.

In the fall of 2001, just after being hired at the University of South Alabama, Smith attended a local arrangements committee meeting for the upcoming 2002 SETC Convention in Mobile, Alabama. She was assigned to work in the Job Contact Area (now known as Job Fair). When she reported for duty at the convention, she met someone who would turn out to be a lifelong friend, April J’Callahan Marshall. April was the Director of Professional Services in the SETC Central Office and headed up the Job Contact Service and Professional Auditions. After working together through that convention, it was clear they both shared a vision to improve JCS for both the companies and the applicants. From 2002 through 2020 Smith not only worked onsite in Job Fair but also worked implementing new plans and strategies to streamline and improve the convention experience. 

SETC is a nationwide organization that helps connect theatre practitioners of all experience levels with training and resources.  Services include Auditions and Interviews, Professional Hiring, Scholarships, Training, Competitions, Conference, Publications, and Events. For more information about SETC visit www.setc.org. 

For more information about Chipola College and the theatre program visit www.chipola.edu/finearts.