TCG Bulletin

January 2006, Volume 29, Issue 1

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In the January Field Letter, Cameron reflects on the Fall Forum, provides an update on the planning process for the National Conference in June 2006 and dispels a recent rumor. He also calls TCG members to provide celebratory stories to share with the field. He writes, "At various points in the past, we've asked questions in the Field Letter, tried to elicit information, etc., with wonderful—but relatively few—responses. Never being one to give up on this, I'm wondering whether we can't think of the Field Letter in a slightly different way. Especially when times can be as hard as they often are, might we use this letter as a forum to celebrate? Has anyone out there taken a risk, tried a new strategy, bucked a trend in a way that might inspire and teach others? If you feel that your theatre has experienced a particular triumph that might prove instructive for others, email me. I'll run at least one cause for celebration a month and, in fact, have already embedded one in the next section—let's see how we can do together."

• Click here to view the January 2006 Field Letter

TCG NEWS

Unaffiliated Organization Using TCG Trademarks

It has come to our attention that a new organization in Columbus, Ohio is purporting to call itself Theatre Communications Group of Ohio (TCG) and claims that its mission is "to strengthen, nurture and promote northeast Ohio not-for-profit theatre arts." Please be aware that this group, which has copied TCG's name, acronym and mission statement, is unaffiliated with TCG and is using our trademarks without permission. TCG plans to take appropriate legal action, and member theatres should not be confused into thinking that TCG has any connection with this organization.

Action: Please share any information you have regarding this matter with TCG deputy director Joan Channick.

Fiscal Survey Deadline Extended!

TCG has extended the deadline for its annual Fiscal Survey to January 9. If you have not already begun filling out the survey, please do so. Please contact customer service if you need help with your username and password.

While we recognize that the survey can be a burden on your time and energy, please let us urge you to complete it. Remember, only participating theatres will have online access to the full survey results and the ability to create detailed reports. In addition, completion of the Fiscal Survey is required for application to TCG grant programs.

Action: The deadline is Monday, January 9. For more information and to access the survey, visit the Fiscal Survey section of the website.

Salary Survey 2006 Coming Soon!

Early this month, managing leaders will be sent an email with a link to our annual Salary Survey form. We are thrilled to introduce a new, secure online survey form, designed to make participation easier than ever before. Please note that, in order to preserve the particularly sensitive nature of the information, we have deliberately restricted the online tool to survey submission only. No Salary Survey data or other reporting tools will be made available online; rather, we will continue to mail a printed summary report to managing leaders and will process custom reports as needed via written request directly from survey participants.

Not sure what this survey can do for you? The Salary Survey reports the salary range and average for over 42 job titles that are common among not-for-profit theatres, from artistic director to box office manager. The survey results also track average fees paid to guest artists and average weekly salaries for both union and non-union actors and stage managers. All data is broken down by budget group so you don't have to compare your theatre's data with that of theatres half or twice your size. After you have received the Salary Survey results, managing leaders are free to ask for special reports tailored specifically to your theatre's needs. Remember, only member theatres that participate in the 2006 survey will be entitled to receive the results.

Action: The deadline is Monday, January 23. Managing Leaders will be sent an email early this month with a link to the survey. You will need your TCG username and password in order to complete the survey. If you do not have your username and password, email customer service.

TCG Annual Report 2004-05 is Coming Soon!

As with every year, there was much to be proud of at TCG during fiscal year 2004-05. In continuing times of unprecedented pressures facing the not-for-profit arts world, this was a year of equally unprecedented programming and success at TCG. While continuing many of the services for which TCG has long been known—the convenings, the grant programs, the publications, the research and the advocacy activities—this was a year of new undertakings, expanded thinking and new partnerships.

The TCG Annual Report will be available online early this month. Check out the website for all the news from 2004-05, with complete listings of our programs, publications, American Theatre, grantmaking initiatives and much more.

Action: TCG Annual Report 2004-05 will be available online in early January. Check the About TCG section of the website early this month for the report.

TCG Moves Forward on Plans for Free Night of Theater 2006

According to reports from Austin, Philadelphia and San Francisco, nearly 7,000 new theatregoers attended over 120 performances offered through TCG's Free Night of Theater 2005 pilot program, "I'm Free, Are You?" Our pilot program participants experienced a real influx of people they had never seen before and based on this overwhelming success our 2005 theatres are anxious to repeat the program. TCG is moving ahead with plans to expand the campaign to more cities across the country in 2006.

The major advantage of the 2005 effort was the groundwork that was developed from the partnerships with our local service organizations—Theatre Bay Area, Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia and Austin Circle of Theatres. That experience has lead us to prepare a presentation for participation that spells out what theatres can expect if they are interested in participating in 2006. TCG will make firm decisions about participating communities in early 2006, but if you wait until February to even consider your own participation, the proverbial ship may already have sailed.

Action: Free Night of Theater 2006 will take place on Thursday, October 19. Visit the Free Night of Theater section of the website for complete details on participating in the 2006 campaign.

2006 TCG National Conference in Atlanta

Invitations for the 2006 TCG National Conference in Atlanta will be sent to TCG member theatres in mid-January. The conference, which will be hosted by the Atlanta theatre community, will be held at the Woodruff Arts Center, home of the Alliance Theatre, from June 8-10, with a pre-conference day on June 7. Save the dates and we'll see you in Atlanta in June!

Action: Check the National Conference section of the website for conference updates in the coming weeks and months.

New William & Eva Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships Seeks Applications

The goals of the fellowship are to further the actor's training, provide him/her with an artistic home at a not-for-profit professional theatre and ensure his/her continued professional commitment to live theatre. The program will bestow a total of six fellowships per year, including one to a British artist and theatre. Actors in the Extraordinary Potential category will receive an award of $15,000, with up to an additional $10,000 available to relieve student loans; actors of Distinguished Achievement will receive the entire $25,000 award. Host theatres will receive grants of $5,000 each.

To be eligible to apply, U.S. theatres must be members of TCG with a minimum annual operating budget of $500,000. TCG's advisory selection panel, composed of independent theatre professionals, will provide the William & Eva Fox Foundation with a ranked list of finalists, and the Fox Foundation will make the final determination of fellows.

Action: The deadline for filling out the Intent to Apply form online is January 17. Preliminary proposal materials must be postmarked by February 15. Visit the Grants section of the website for more details.

2005-2006 TCG Theatre Directory

You will receive your theatre's complimentary copy of the 2005-2006 TCG Theatre Directory soon. Please consider ordering additional copies for your staff. TCG's annual guide to theatres and related organizations contains personnel information from over 440 theatres nationwide, including addresses, email and websites. Also included are notes about theatres' special interests and an index to theatre and service organization personnel.

Action: Individual copies are $13.95 each and shipping is $5.00 for the first copy and $.50 for each additional copy. TCG member theatres save 15% ($11.85) when ordering one additional copy, save 30% ($9.75) when ordering two to four copies. Order five copies or more and save 50% ($6.95 each). For additional information, contact TCG's customer service department at (212) 609-5900.

TCG Requests Production Posters

TCG is requesting posters from your theatre's current season. We prominently display members' posters in our office, which not only creates a lively and attractive work environment but also helps us showcase the full diversity of our membership to the artists, funders, government leaders, theatre administrators and board members who visit TCG. We also remind you to send posters to your federal, state and local legislators. They often like to display their constituents' posters in their offices.

Action: Mail posters to Demosthenes Chrysan, TCG, 520 Eighth Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10018-4156, as well as your legislators.

TCG Trustee Leadership Network

All trustees of TCG member theatres are eligible to join the TCG Trustee Leadership Network. For $75 annually, the network affords trustees the following benefits: American Theatre magazine; annual TCG Theatre Directory; and notification of management publications including the TCG Bulletin, Ben Cameron's Field Letter and Centerpiece. Please encourage your board members to join.

Action: Visit the Membership section of the website to download a registration form or for more information.

TCG and League of American Theatres and Producers Collaborate on Quarterly Information Alerts to Commercial Producers

As part of ACT II's ongoing dialogue between not-for-profit theatres and commercial producers, TCG and the League of American Theatres and Producers have instituted quarterly alerts to commercial producers about upcoming workshops, staged readings and new productions of plays and musicals of particular interest.

If your theatre is developing a new work or production that you feel has commercial potential, it will be suitable for the alert. You will need to provide the following information: name of new work; author(s); theatre; a one-line description; dates and location of workshop, reading or production; and contact name, phone and email at the theatre. Entries will be distributed quarterly to League members.

Action: Submissions for the March 1 issue are due by February 15. To participate, email your details to Ben Pesner, League of American Theatres and Producers.

TCG Seeks Interns

TCG's Internship Program is looking for highly motivated individuals with good organizational, communication and computer skills. Learn about contemporary American theatre through contact with the artists and professionals who work in our over 430 member theatres, as well as constant interaction with the TCG staff and its unique resources. Internships are offered year-round in the following areas: Artistic Programs, Fundraising, Communications/Public Relations, Management Programs & Advocacy/Education Programs, American Theatre magazine/Publications, Graphic Design, Business Administration and Website. Spring, Summer and Fall 2006 internships are available.

Action: For more detailed information, please visit the About TCG section of the website. To apply, email your résumé and a cover letter indicating primary area of interest to Jen Cleary.

Club Quarters: A Benefit for TCG Member Theatres, Affiliates and Individual Members

Club Quarters are private, full service hotels exclusively for member organizations; they offer unique, user-friendly services designed for both business and leisure. Club Quarters have rooms of various sizes for long or short stays and each location has a restaurant and bar, club room, fitness facility and meeting space accommodating up to 250 people.

TCG is a member of Club Quarters, and TCG member theatres, affiliates and individual members can pay low rates for quality hotel rooms in eleven prime urban locations, such as New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, Houston and London.

Action: Visit the Club Quarters website or call Club Quarters Member Services at 212-575-0006 to make reservations or for more information. Your password is TCG.

ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG

Arts Education Funding Update

As we reported in the December TCG Bulletin, the President and the U.S. House of Representatives had zeroed out funding for arts education within the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year. The U.S. Senate restored the funding, which meant that the issue had to go to conference committee to reconcile the difference between the House and Senate funding levels. Level funding was approved in conference committee, but the conference agreement was voted down on the House floor. The Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill went back to conference committee, and again, funding was held firm at last year's level. The U.S. House of Representatives has now approved the second conference report, in a very close vote of 215-213. At publication time, it appears the arts education funding is intact for FY 06.

Action: None

Update on Federal Katrina Relief Packages

The original $62 billion federal relief package includes about $40 billion that remains unspent. The White House has proposed re-allocating $17 billion from FEMA for other uses, primarily repairing roads, levees and federal property. None of these funds would be specifically dedicated to the arts, although the proposal includes $1.5 billion in Community Development Block Grants, which historically have been a source of funding for arts organizations. Congressional approval of the White House proposal is required. It is thought that another re-allocation of remaining FEMA funding may occur in the spring, and arts advocates are trying to see that relief funds for the arts be included.

Action: Visit the White House website to view a press release detailing the White House proposal.

Americans for the Arts Publishes 2005 Election Impact on the Arts Report

Citizens voted overwhelmingly for pro-arts ballot initiatives and candidates. While 2005 was an off-year for national and most statewide elections, hundreds of local elections took place in communities across the country as well as two statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia. Four out of four local ballot initiatives that would have a positive direct impact on the arts and arts education (through increased tax-based funding or the construction of new facilities) passed overwhelmingly in Arizona, California, Ohio, and Utah. Dozens of pro-arts mayors were reelected to office as well as both governors-elect in New Jersey and Virginia.

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to view the entire report.

National Governors Association Issues Report on Rural Economic Development and the Arts

The Leaders in Learning Awards program recognizes administrators, educators, community leaders and policymakers who demonstrate vision, innovation, action and transformation in education. The objective of the awards is to promote and encourage innovative learning practices by honoring individuals who have transformed an aspect of education on a large or small scale. Winners will receive a $3,000 grant, an expenses-paid trip for two to Washington, DC, and will participate in a gala celebration and other activities.

Action: The deadline for applications is January 31. Visit the Leaders in Learning Awards website to learn more or to apply.

ARTS EDUCATION

Leaders in Learning Awards Seeks Applications

The Leaders in Learning Awards program recognizes administrators, educators, community leaders and policymakers who demonstrate vision, innovation, action and transformation in education. The objective of the awards is to promote and encourage innovative learning practices by honoring individuals who have transformed an aspect of education on a large or small scale. Winners will receive a $3,000 grant, an expenses-paid trip for two to Washington, DC, and will participate in a gala celebration and other activities.

Action: The deadline for applications is January 31. Visit the Leaders in Learning Awards website to learn more or to apply.

DEVELOPMENT

NEA Announces Challenge America and Access to Artistic Excellence Grants

On December 1, 2005, the NEA announced grant awards totaling $1,350,000 through the Challenge America: Reaching Every Community program. Bringing the arts to all Americans is a significant part of the NEA's mission. Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast Track Review is integral to that effort through its funding of projects that can have significant effects within their community because of the breadth of audiences and participants those projects include. One hundred and thirty-five grants of $10,000 each will be given to primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations—those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability.

TCG Member Recipients of Challenge America Grants:

On December 8, 2005, the NEA announced that it will award $20.4 million in 844 grants. The Arts Endowment will distribute $20,406,500 in this round of FY 2006 funding to not-for-profit national, regional, state and local organizations across the country, funding Access to Artistic Excellence grants as well as Literature Fellowships for individuals.

Access to Artistic Excellence grants support the creation and presentation of work in the disciplines of dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature, local arts agencies, media arts, museums, music, musical theatre, opera, presenting, theatre and visual arts. Projects include commissions, residencies, workshops, performances, exhibitions, publications, festivals and professional development programs. Through this category, the NEA will fund 794 projects out of 1,353 eligible applications, for a total federal investment of $19,406,500.

TCG Member Recipients of Access to Artistic Excellence Grants:

Action: None

NEA Announces Shakespeare in American Communities RFP

Shakespeare in American Communities, the major theatre initiative of the NEA, has funding available for not-for-profit professional theatre companies. This newest phase of this initiative will focus on exposing students to high-quality, professional productions of Shakespeare's plays. Awards will be given to theatre companies to support performances and educational activities that reach at least 10 schools in their communities, states or regions. Approximately 30 theatre companies will be selected. Generally, grants will be $25,000.

Action: The in-house deadline for proposals is January 31. Visit the Shakespeare in American Communities website for more information and to download the Request for Proposal. If you have questions, contact Christy Dickinson at Arts Midwest at (612) 341-0755 x19, or at christy@artsmidwest.org.

The Laguna Playhouse Receives $5 Million Gift

Board members Mr. and Mrs. James R. Mellor made a $5 million pledge to the Laguna Playhouse that will be used to support the theatre's expansion. The pledge is the largest gift in the history of the Laguna Playhouse and the largest philanthropic contribution ever made to a not-for-profit organization in Laguna Beach, CA.

Action: Visit the Laguna Playhouse website to read the full press release.

Theatre de la Jeune Lune Recipient of McKnight Foundation Grant

Theatre de la Jeune Lune (Minneapolis, MN) was awarded a $120,000 grant from the McKnight Foundation in support of the theatre's general operations.

Action: None
Source: Chronicle of Philanthropy, November 24, 2005

Two Fundraising Resource Organizations Merge

Network for Good and Groundspring.org, two organizations who provide fundraising support and tools for small to medium-sized not-for-profits have merged. The combined organization will use the Network for Good name, and hopes to provide a singular resource for not-for-profits seeking affordable, easy-to-use, web-based tools for fundraising, communicating online and managing donors.

Network for Good operates a website where donors can contribute to more than a million not-for-profit organizations, including a number of TCG member theatres. In addition, many organizations use Network for Good's "Donate Now" function, which allows them to collect online donations through their own website for the cost of transaction fees. Groundspring.org provides its customers with donation web pages that they can customize to match the look of their website. They also provide an email tool that allows organizations to send emails to supporters and track how many recipients opened the message and/or made a donation online as a result of the message. The merged Network for Good will continue to focus on small to medium-sized not-for-profit organizations as its primary customer base.

Action: Visit the Network for Good or Groundspring.org websites for press releases on the merger or for more information about their individual services.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

Applications Being Accepted for 2006-2007 UNESCO-Aschberg International Fellowships

UNESCO-Aschberg Bursaries for Artists, a flagship program of the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture, was established in 1994 to open new career prospects for young artists and provide them with the possibility for further training in specialized institutions. The bursaries are co-funded and managed by the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture and they are designed for young professional artists wishing to enrich their experience through a residency in a foreign country. In 2006-2007, 67 fellowships are being offered by 47 partner institutions in 26 countries, with six fellowships in the performing arts category.

Action: Deadlines vary, but most fellowships have an April 30 deadline. Visit the UNESCO website for a detailed listing of all fellowships, application procedures and more information.

Cyprus Centre of ITI Announces Summer Events and Call for Submissions to Greek Drama Festival

The Cyprus Centre of ITI has announced a variety of events occurring this summer centered on ancient Greek drama. One of the announced events, the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama, will be taking place from July 7 to August 6 in three open-air venues: the Paphos Ancient Odeon, the Curium Ancient Theatre in Limassol and the Makarios III Amphitheatre in Nicosia. The organizers are encouraging submissions of small-sized productions of ancient Greek plays (comedy or tragedy) from international theatre groups. Applications must be received by March 31 and should include the following materials:

The Cyprus Centre of ITI also announced the International Encounter and Festival of Theatre Schools (July 16–21), International Summer Institute for Ancient Greek Drama and Theatre (in cooperation with the University of Delaware's Center for International Studies, July 9–August 7) and the 9th International Symposium on Ancient Greek Drama (September 2–5). This year's symposium theme will be "History and ancient Greek drama: New ways of interpreting history and tragedy."

Action: The deadline for applications to the International Festival of Ancient Greek Drama is March 31, 2006. Visit the Cyprus Centre of ITI website to view a Microsoft Word document with festival application procedures and information on all Cyprus Centre of ITI events.

USArts International Training Program

USArts International Training Program announces J visa sponsorship in the performing arts, after originating two years ago in the visual arts arena. A department of International Arts and Artists, the program sponsors young actors from around the world for their trainee visas. International Arts & Artists is a 501(c)(3) arts service organization "dedicated to increasing cross-cultural understanding and exposure to the arts internationally." They share the commitment of theatre companies around the United States to keeping the performing arts vibrant and nourish the exchange of talent and ideas with international artists.

Action: Visit the USArts International Training Program website for more information on how to apply, or contact Anna Smith at (202) 338-0680 or annas@artsandartists.org.

Latest Issue of ITI News Available Online

Issue #89 of the International Theatre Institute's "News from the Secretariat" is available now on the ITI website. Included in the 36-page Microsoft Word document are reports on past ITI events, information on upcoming events and more.

Action: Visit the International Theatre Institute website to read this latest issue of ITI News as a Microsoft Word document.

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

New Postal Rates Take Effect January 8

On November 14, 2005, the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors approved a plan for an increase to postal rates, including the "nonprofit standard" and "nonprofit enhance carrier route" rates. The approved plan differs from a proposal made last spring by the Postal Service, which would have raised all rates by an average of 5.4%.

Under the approved plan, "nonprofit standard" rates rose only 3%, while "nonprofit enhanced carrier route" rates rose by 12.3%. Despite the higher rate of increase, the "nonprofit enhanced carrier route" rates are still several cents lower than the "nonprofit standard" rates.

Neal Denton, executive director of the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers, said that while the January increase will cause some hardships for not-for-profits, it is not as concerning as the rate increase the Postal Service is expected to request for 2007. He said that the projected 2007 increase "will cause nonprofit and commercial mailers alike to raise their eyebrows and consider their communications strategies and how much they want to put into direct mail."

Action: Prepare for rate increases and budget accordingly. Visit the United States Postal Service website for more information and complete rate charts.
Source:Chronicle of Philanthropy, November 17, 2005

Standards for Excellence Certification Now Available Nationwide

The Standards for Excellence Institute, part of the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, has expanded its Standards for Excellence Certification Program, previously available only in select states, to a national level. The Standards for Excellence program is meant to strengthen the ability of not-for-profit organizations to act ethically and accountably in their management and governance while enhancing the public's trust in the not-for-profit sector.

To earn the certificate, organizations must prove that they comply with 55 performance standards specified under the Institute's guiding principles. Participating organizations can display the Institute's certificate on their websites and fundraising materials. Applications are accepted four times each year, with the next deadline being January 31. Application fees range from $300 to $30,000 depending on annual budget and Institute member status.

Action: Visit the Standards for Excellence Institute website for more information or to begin the application process.

RESOURCES

Free Guides for Artist Residencies Available for Artists and Organizations

The New York State Artist Workspace Consortium has published two guides, available for free download. The Artist Workspace Residency: A Guide for Arts Organizations is written specifically for organizations looking to improve services to artists working on-site, and The Artist Workspace Residency: A Guide for Artists is written specifically for individual artists considering working in residence at a workspace facility. While the observations and recommendations in both guides are specific to the visual arts, they are pertinent to and adaptable for many artistic disciplines. They may be particularly useful to theatres who regularly workshop new pieces or host playwright or other artist residencies.

Action: Visit the New York State Artist Workspace Consortium website to download one or both of the guides in Adobe PDF format.

Free PowerPoint Presentation: "The Arts Add Value to Business"

The Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. (BCA), a national not-for-profit organization that brings business and the arts together, has produced a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation titled "The Arts Add Value to Business." The presentation, which concisely presents well-documented evidence of the beneficial effects of art on business, may be a valuable resource for theatres that are looking to begin or further develop partnerships with other businesses. The presentation is free for use and distribution, with the condition that organizations using the presentation credit BCA and do not change the presentation in any way.

Action: The presentation is available for download from the TCG website. Right-click on the link and select the "Save Target As…" option to save the presentation file on your computer's hard drive. You will need the full version of Microsoft PowerPoint or the free PowerPoint Viewer in order to view the presentation. Visit the BCA website for more information on their programs and services.

NEW TCG MEMBERS

The Jewish Theater of New York

PO Box 845
Times Square Station
New York, NY 10108-0845
tel (212) 494-0050
thejtny@aol.com
www.jewishtheater.org
Tuvia Tenenbom, Artistic Director
Miriam Lowy, Literary Manager
Sophia Gliksmann, Treasurer
Joseph Birnbaum, Board President

Native Voices at the Autry

4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1462
tel (323) 667-2000 x257
fax (323) 660-5721
www.autrynationalcenter.org/nativevoices.php
Randy Reinholz, Producing Artistic Director
Jean Bruce Scott, Producing Executive Director
Scott Kratz, Managing Director
David Burton, Director of Fundraising
Princess Lucaj, Production Manager

TCG DEADLINES

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Copyright 2006 Theatre Communications Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information appearing in the TCG Bulletin may not be reprinted without permission.