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Volume 4, Issue 5
September 2008

Table of Contents:

A Message from the President
From the Editor
Diversity at the 2008 VASTA Conference
Your Board at Work
Dorothy Mennen Research/Development Grant
VASTA's Beneficent Grant
PS (From Beth)

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Beth McGee

Hello Everyone,

It was so good to see so many of you at this year’s conference in Ashland, Oregon.  We partnered with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and had terrific days of attending OSF productions, talking about the shows with their voice coaches and directors, playing on the OSF Elizabethan stage, experiencing and discussing “color blind casting,” and learning from each other in jam-packed VASTA day sessions.

For those of you who weren’t able to attend, I look forward to continuing our relationships through the VASTAVox, the VASTAVoice, and our 2009 conference in New York City the first week of August, 2009.

If you haven’t done so, join VASTAVox 2.0 through our Yahoo group--the VOX is so successful that we’re too big for the old server through the University California-Irvine and have to move to Yahoo.  Go to www.vasta.org/resources/vastavox.html for instructions on how to make the switch.

VASTA has been such an important resource to me throughout my career; at first in helping me define my career trajectory through its conferences and publications, then to support my career through the VASTA opportunities and generous colleagues, and now to have the honor of leading the organization with an exemplary Board and slate of Officers.  Our Board meetings are the most fun I’ve had working long hours with few breaks (always one for chocolate!) because the people on your Board and serving as Officers are talented, generous, insightful, creative, tenacious, hard-working, and lots of fun to be with.  The VASTA membership has truly been a huge, positive and generous network.
We are always looking for members who would like to be more involved in VASTA.  It’s easy to go to vasta.org and search the “Organization” button in the left menu to see what our Board, Officers, and Committees are doing.  Contact us and let us know your interests.

My best to you, and looking forward to an exciting two years as President,

Beth McGee
president@vasta.org

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FROM THE EDITOR

Jeff Morrison

Greetings VASTAns,

This is the post-conference newsletter, which this year, for the first time in a while, will contain the Minutes of the annual VASTA Board Meeting. VASTA has had an enormous impact on how Voice and Speech is perceived as a profession, as an academic discipline, as an area of scholarly inquiry, and in a myriad of other ways since its inception in 1986, and most of those changes are ultimately the result of the hard work of VASTA’s Board over the years.  But it’s important to remember that VASTA’s Board Members are drawn from the organization’s membership and that what the organization does is driven by the needs of its members. VASTA’s membership is made up of voice and speech professionals from all the nooks and crannies of our strange and wonderful world, and the Board tries to pursue initiatives that will serve that entire constituency. 

One of the primary concerns of all of our work is in teaching people to speak truthfully. In these days of impenetrable governmental secrecy, spooky corporate shenanigans and cynical media manipulation, when it’s hard to know where to turn for the real story or who is speaking the truth, it’s nice to be reminded that in our professional lives, at least, truth—artistic truth, anyway—is still highly regarded. Publishing the Minutes for the membership to read is a further reminder that our service organization values aspects of truth that pertain to institutions—transparency, candor, openness, and so on. 

VASTA is fundamentally an egalitarian institution, where professional peers work without remuneration because they want to, often without seeing each other but once a year at the annual conference (which I missed this year, but I hear it was a good one). This way of working requires trust. Truth leads to trust, and it goes both ways—members give time and energy, and VASTA gives all kinds of things that directly and indirectly improve our professional lives. So check out the Minutes this issue with that in mind: here’s how VASTA works! And here’s to that!

And remember, the next issue is the Fall Member News issue, so start writing those blurbs.  You will receive reminders of to whom and where to send your news as November approaches.

And finally, a correction: In my haste to get the Special Grants Issue to you in a timely manner, I attached an incorrect picture to Eric Armstrong's clear and well-written grant proposal notifications.  The picture that went out with the Special Issue is of D'Arcy Smith.  This issue contains the same important information on the two grant opportunities, but with the correct picture of Eric Armstrong, whose tireless work in this area has resulted in some excellent opportunities for all of us. Apologies to Eric, D'Arcy, and the membership.

Best,
Jeff Morrison

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Diversity at the 2008 VASTA Conference

Antonio Ocampo-Guzman

I am delighted to succeed Beth McGee as Chair of the Diversity Committee for VASTA and to re-introduce our members: Nancy Bell, Joanna Cazden, Micha Espinosa, Michelle Lopez-Ríos, Elizabeth Terrel and Phil Thompson. Beth will continue to serve in her capacity as President, and Phil Timberlake is our new Board Liaison.

The conference in Ashland provided a wonderful opportunity to further our conversations about diversity, specifically when it comes to non-traditional casting. We were lucky to have Dr. Ayanna Thompson, Associate Professor of English and Gender Studies at Arizona State University, as one of our presenters. In her informative and provocative presentation “On Hearing Non-Traditionally Cast Shakespeare,” Dr. Thompson remarked that:

         …While the casting of actors of color in Shakespearean productions is now extremely common, there are still wide-ranging practical and theoretical questions about the semiotic meanings of race in performance. I thought it was important to approach the conversation at VASTA as the continuation of the dialogue started in 1986 at the First National Symposium on Non-Traditional Casting. Although equity has not been achieved, and although there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to remove glass ceilings, equity in casting does not solve every problem. So I invited VASTAns to consider the various practical and theoretical issues involved in non-traditional casting by outlining different non-traditional casting models. Well, the conversations at VASTA were incredibly honest and productive: from the large question-and-answer session after my talk, to the round-table discussion about diversity; to the smaller conversations I had over meals and in between shows. What I took away from VASTA was the knowledge that voice trainers are uniquely positioned to advance conversations about diversity in casting because of their roles in training centers and on production teams. I hope the conversations continue, and I hope to be included in them!

Indeed, following her presentation Micha Espinosa led a two-hour diversity panel with Dr. Thompson, Kimiko Shimoda, manager of the FAIR Experience at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and myself. It is clear that issues of racial and ethnic diversity are on the forefront of all of our work and practice. I am excited to continue their examination and hope to include other layers of diversity into our conversations, such as gender identity and physical ability.
The main focus of the Diversity Committee this year will be to ensure more significant diversity representation at next year’s conference in New York City. We are looking at several sources of  funding to allow us to invite participants who represent VASTA’s diversity to join us. If you are interested in these issues of diversity or representation, please let me know.

With best wishes,
Antonio Ocampo-Guzman

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Your Board at Work

Anne Schilling

The VASTA Board of Directors met July 26th and 30th during the VASTA Conference in Ashland, OR for the annual summer board meeting.  The meeting was a great opportunity for the Board and Officers to reflect upon the 2008 Conference while still basking in its successes and its challenges.  In addition to conversations about the conference, the Board addressed a wide range of issues, for example, the 2009 New York conference, options for future conferences, Board and Officer position openings and replacements, technological advancements and modifications to web resources, the 2009 Voice and Speech Review, and endowment grants and awards.  The following outline reflects highlights of the meeting.

1. Summer Conference 2008: The conference in Ashland was a great success.  It also provided the Board with valuable information to consider as we look forward to planning the 2009 Conference.  Special thanks to David Carey, Ayanna Thompson, Andrew Wade, Scott Kaiser and Ursula Meyer for their presentations, leadership in discussions, and service.  A warm thank you to Michele Cuomo for undertaking the gargantuan task of being the Conference Planner.  The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. As a result of this conference, the Board intends to keep in contact and conversing with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival about the evolution of the vocal profession and its challenges.  Thank you to everyone who participated.
2. Summer Conference 2009:  Everyone is excited about spending next summer’s conference in New York City.  The Board believes it may be VASTA’s largest conference to date.  We are currently booking some VERY exciting international presenters and will announce them soon.  Tentative dates at the moment are August 4th-7th, but dates are still subject to change.  Keep checking the website (vasta.org) for alterations and final decisions.  Please contact Michele Cuomo at conference.director@vasta.org if you would like to volunteer your assistance.
3. Future Conferences:  The Board is already looking ahead to 2010 and beyond.  Many ideas are under discussion, with particularly international locations under examination.  The plan is to solidify this decision during the November board meeting. 
4. Board and Officers Position Openings and Replacements:  There was some major “changing of the guards” at the end of the 2008 Conference.  Phil Thompson stepped down as VASTA’s much-loved president after effectively serving his two-year term.  Warm welcomes to Beth McGee, former President-Elect, who steps into the presidential seat, and to Patty Raun who has accepted the position of President-Elect.  The presidential positions were not the only areas that needed attention.  Three board members completed their term in 2008 and Joanna Cazden, Michael Barnes and Cynthia Bassham filled those areas.  Congratulations and welcome to all.  For those who are new to VASTA, these positions are in a constant state of deliberate fluctuation, and individuals within the membership are always encouraged to participate.  If you are interested, the best way to get started is simply to start volunteering.  Go to the VASTA website for contact information.
5. Technological Advancements and Modifications to Web Resources:  Michael Barnes continues to be VASTA’s tech wizard and online hero.  Please keep referring to vasta.org for information regarding contact lists, conference materials, committee reports, etc.  Please note that VASTAvox, has now changed servers.  The Vox is converting its listserv over to a Yahoo Group.  Voxers should have received notice of this change and how to go about making the switch.  If you did not receive notice, or you are new to VASTA and interested in being a Voxer, please go to vasta.org for specific instructions on how to sign up.
6. The 2009 Voice and Speech Review:  VASTA’s journal continues to grow and is doing better than ever, with sixty authors currently writing for the 2009 issue. Due to Rena Cook’s determination and diligence, VASTA is now a member of the Council of Editors of Learned Journals and is listed in the MLA Index.  September 30th, 2008 is the due date for the first draft of articles to be included in the 2009 Voice and Speech Review. Please refer to the FAQ list under the ‘Voice and Speech Review’ section on the website if you have questions about submitting an article, or contact Rena Cook at vsr.editor@vasta.org. Also, Rena is looking for photos of coaching and/or performance situations with actors engaging in voice and body for the Journal cover.  She can be contacted at the address listed above.
7. Endowment Grants and Awards:  These awards continue to be a great way to get new members involved, while also supporting and rewarding active members who would like financial assistance to host conferences, expand their research opportunities, etc.  Please keep an eye on the website for details and deadlines.
8. Diversity:  Antonio Ocampo-Guzman has stepped in as the new Chair for Diversity.  Phil Timberlake will take over as the new Diversity Board Liaison. 
9. Membership:  How to support the membership while also engaging new members continues to be under discussion.  The Board brainstormed and came up with ideas that will be addressed again in November, such as, offering an online document compilation written by VASTA members detailing their experiences.  The intention is to foster the community aspect of VASTA and give new members a look into the organization at a more personal, welcoming level. 
10. Honorary Membership: Andrew Wade and Dudley Knight were awarded with Honorary Memberships at the Summer 2008 Conference.  A list of all Honorary Members will soon be on the website.
11. Financial Outlook: Thanks to the work and commitment of the Board, VASTA continues to be financially sound.

Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Schilling
Secretary

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Dorothy Mennen Research/Development Grant

Eric Armstrong

The VASTA Endowment Grants and Awards Committee is pleased to announce its first grant/award for 2008-09. VASTA's Dorothy Mennen Research/Development Grant awards  of up to $1000 to fund VASTA members for research or professional development. This is the second time VASTA has been able to offer this kind of grant, thanks to the success of our VASTA Endowment; the first grant was awarded to Brad Gibson, who attended a workshop with Richard Armstrong at the Banff Centre (in Alberta, Canada) with his award money. As part of the ongoing mission of the organization, VASTA is very pleased to be able to support the profession by providing an opportunity to members for greater professional development.

This award is named for Dorothy Runk Mennen, "the mother of us all," who served as the founding president of VASTA. She organized the voice and speech program for the American Theatre Association in 1968, and in 1986 helped to found VASTA. Dorothy created the voice curriculum at Purdue University where she taught until 1985, and as Professor Emerita she was involved in the classroom climate interactive theatre workshop program. Dorothy continued as a vital member of the VASTA board  for a good twenty years into her retirement. Dorothy's spirit of encouragement, vision of inclusivity, professionalism, determination and generosity are at the heart of VASTA's mission.

VASTA Members are invited to apply for awards of up to $1000. Examples of the kinds of projects or professional development opportunities include (but are not limited to):

• attending a workshop with a master teacher to further your development as a trainer and/or artist,
• a small research project related to voice and/or speech,
• subvention of publication of an existing manuscript,
• a travel subsidy to support training or research to cover transportation  and or subsistence,
• purchase of equipment to support teaching,  
• purchase of electronic equipment to support research.

Applicants for the Mennen Research/Project Grant should submit the following:

1. A 2-page condensed C.V.  
2. A 2-page project description, which must include the following:
   • project overview and rationale, 
   • indicating the scope and objectives of the project,
   • summarizing the significance of the project to your career; 
   • if this is a research project, a brief statement of its relationship to existing research and literature, and outline plans and methods; 
   • anticipated dates of the project. 
3. A detailed budget for how the money will be spent, based on actual quotes (do not use rough estimates).

In addition, applicants must answer the following questions:

1. Do you intend to seek additional support or matching funds for this project?  If so, please name other source(s) of funding.
2. If we are unable to fully fund this request, would partial funding encourage institutional support for your project? If we are unable to fund fully, would you prefer not to be funded at all?

Applicants must be VASTA members in good standing for a minimum of 2 years prior to application.
Please submit your materials in .doc or .pdf format via email to Eric Armstrong <e.r.armstrong@gmail.com> by October 15, 2008.

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VASTA's Beneficent Grant

Eric Armstrong

Beneficent -  adjective (of a person) generous or doing good.; resulting in good.

The VASTA Endowment Grants and Awards Committee is pleased to announce its new grant, The VASTA Beneficent Grant. This grant awards  up to $1000 to support an organization whose mandate reflects VASTA's Vision Goals and Mission. Thanks to the success of our VASTA Endowment, we are able to "give back" to the community through this grant.

VASTA Members are invited to nominate an organization whose mandate reflects the VASTA Vision Goals and VASTA's mandate, to whom VASTA will give a grant of $1000. Examples of organizations might include:

• Operation Smile, which repairs cleft palates for children in developing countries,
• Artists For Humanity, which provides underserved youth with the keys to self-sufficiency through paid employment in the arts,
• Little Kids Rock, which   provides free musical instruments and instructors trained in innovative teaching methods that are rooted in children's knowledge of popular music forms such as rock, rap, blues, and hip-hop,
• Clarke School for the Deaf/Center for Oral Education, which teaches deaf children to talk and prepare them for a successful transition to their neighborhood schools.

Applicants for the Beneficent Grant should submit the following:

A letter outlining the organization and project for whom they seek funding, detailing how the organization is suitable to VASTA's Vision Goalsand Mission (further information is available on the Vision Goals of Diversity,  and Internationalism ). Information regarding the organization, links to their website, and contact information is also required.    Applicants must identify any personal affiliation with the charitable organization. Applicants are asked to research the charitable organization, through their website or via websites such as charitynavigator.org , and to detail their ratio of Program expenses to Administration and Fundraising expenses. (e.g. Little Kids Rock: Program Expenses - 80.5%, Administrative Expenses - 15.9%, Fundraising Expenses - 3.5%.)

Applicants must be VASTA members in good standing for a minimum of 2 years prior to application.
Please submit your materials in .doc or .pdf format via email to Eric Armstrong by October 25, 2008.

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VASTA Board of Directors & Officers

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A P.S. from VASTA President Beth McGee:

Friends,
One of the adjectives members consistently use for VASTA members is "generous."  I am so pleased to announce another proof of this generosity.  Paul Meier's new e-book Voicing Shakespeare includes performances of several VASTA members.  The following members donated their performance fees to VASTA's Clyde Vinson Scholarship Fund, totaling $452.19.  And Paul plans to donate some of the proceeds from the sale of the book as well!  Please join me in thanking these VASTA members and celebrating their gift to the organization.

Eric Armstrong
Leslie Bennett
Amy Virginia Buchanan
Geraldine Cook
Tavia Gilbert
Dudley Knight
Paul Meier
John Staniunas
Marina Tyndall
Elizabeth Wiley

©2008, Voice and Speech Trainers Association

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