TCG Bulletin
October 2008, Volume 31, Issue 10
Also online this month:
FIELD LETTER
In the October Field Letter, Teresa reports on her recent trip to Madrid for the International Theatre Institute (ITI) World Congress, where she observed international theatres facing many of the same “challenges and aspirations” that TCG member theatres face, such as artist visas for international travel. Teresa also tackles the recent turbulence in the economy from theatre’s point of view, and she remarks that although a recent TCG mini-survey reflected more surpluses than deficits for FY08, that “theatres also continue to wrestle with cash flow issues and leadership burnout. So now this dramatic environmental curve ball, which some economists say will affect companies more than individuals, at least at the outset. But those companies represent many of our funders and trustees. And ultimately, the crunch will be felt or perceived to be felt by average citizens, who are also our audiences.”
TCG NEWS
New Generations Program Deadlines Approaching!
For the ninth round of the New Generations Program, theatres applying in the Future Leaders or Future Audiences objectives must submit an online Intent to Apply and a Preliminary Proposal form by midnight on October 6. Future Leaders grants will provide two-year grants of $76,000 per theatre ($38,000 per year) to foster relationships and develop a new generation of leaders through mentorship programs. Up to an additional $15,000 per grant ($7,500 per year) will be available upon request either to defray outstanding student loans or to meet unique travel and legal costs incurred if an international mentee is selected. Future Audiences grants will provide a matching grant of up to $65,000 ($32,500/year) to support theatres with a successful track record of cultivating relationships with young, culturally specific and/or underserved audiences.
Theatres or individual theatre professionals applying in the Future Collaborations objective are not required to submit an Intent to Apply form. Applications for Winter/Spring 2009 grants must be postmarked no later than October 3. Applications for Summer/Fall 2009/2010 grants must be postmarked no later than March 13, 2008. Future Collaborations grants consist of a geographically unrestricted grant of $3,000 to be paid to theatres and individual theatre professionals to facilitate international collaboration by way of hosting or traveling abroad.
Action: There are several New Generations application deadlines approaching. Visit the Grants section of the website for complete details. Visit the Deadlines section of the Bulletin for a complete list of grant deadlines.
Back to TopKeynote Speaker Announced for Radical Shifts: Governing Ahead of the Curve, TCG's Annual Fall Forum, November 7–9 in New York
This year the Fall Forum will address radical shifts that are occurring in our world. How will changes in communications, politics, cultural policy, the economy and other sectors impact theatre? How can theatres “stay ahead of the curve” and be prepared to operate in an environment of constant, radical change?
Friday’s keynote address, which will take place only three days after the 2008 Presidential Election, will be delivered by Mark Halperin, an editor-at-large and senior political analyst for Time, political analyst for ABC News and the author of The Undecided Voter’s Guide to the Next President: Who the Candidates Are, Where They Come From, and How You Can Choose. Other featured speakers will include Janet Babin, the Innovations reporter for American Public Media’s Marketplace, who reports extensively on economic trends and the arts, and a panel discussion on the ongoing changes in cultural reporting and journalism with Leonard Jacobs, national theatre editor and first-string critic for Back Stage; Frank Rizzo, an arts reporter for the Hartford Courant, Variety, American Theatre Magazine and other periodicals; Dan Shelley, executive editor of Digital Media for WCBS-TV and WCBSTV.com; and other media thought leaders.
TCG's annual Fall Forums provide an opportunity for theatre trustees and senior staff to spend quality time together, and to engage in in-depth discussion about governance. Fall Forums are designed to improve and enhance board performance and effectiveness. Teams of trustees and artistic and managing leaders are strongly encouraged to attend. Attendance is limited to 150 participants, and each member theatre may bring up to 5 participants.
Action: The registration deadline has been extended to October 15. Visit the Events section of the website for more information and registration materials.
Back to TopAnnual Salary Survey 2009 To Be Launched in Early October
TCG’s annual Salary Survey can assist you with planning, budgeting and making critical personnel decisions for your theatre company by providing comparative compensation levels for the theatre field at large as well as organizations within your own budget range. Salary Survey 2009 tracks the salary range and average for over 60 administrative, artistic and production jobs common among not-for-profit theatres; average fees paid to guest artists; average weekly salaries for both union and non-union actors and stage managers; and hourly wages for jobbed-in production personnel. Participating member theatres exclusively receive a full Salary Survey Report and the ability to request special reports throughout the year that are tailored specifically to your theatre's needs.
Action: The survey deadline is Friday, October 24. An email will be sent in early October to managing leaders at TCG member theatres with a link to the survey, which can only be accessed with your username and password. Check the Tools & Research section of the website for more information.
Back to TopFree Night of Theater 2008 Opens on October 16!
Free Night of Theater 2008 opens in over 120 cities on Thursday, October 16! Free Night of Theater is TCG's annual national audience development program to attract new theatregoers to America's professional not-for-profit theatres. From Seattle to Miami, and from Austin to Baltimore, more than 600 theatres from coast to coast will open their doors to provide thousands of new theatregoers the opportunity to experience the joy of live theatre absolutely free!
Action: Visit the Free Night of Theater national website to learn more about the 2008 program, including details on participating communities, theatres and performances.
Back to TopNext Section: Advocacy News from the Performing Arts Alliance and TCG
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