TCG Bulletin

January 2008, Volume 31, Issue 1

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In her first Field Letter of the year, Teresa reports on the $20.1 million increase for the NEA, which is the single largest dollar increase for the agency since 1979, shares TCG grant news and makes some observations on theatre and movie attendance. She writes, “It’s always interesting to listen in on conversations about what might be influencing the results….In theatre, when discussing an unpredictable audience picture, we talk about competition for leisure time, the trend toward collaborative online creation and the absence of arts education in the schools as influencers. With respect to the idea of new formats taking over from the old—and for theatre, that was supposed to be radio and then film and then TV—why did theatre keep on growing? Hmmm…clearly, we are not alone in wrestling with this issue.”

• Click here to view the January 2008 Field Letter.

TCG NEWS

Salary Survey 2008—Final Deadline Extension: January 7!

Have you completed your 2008 Salary Survey yet? Time is running out! The annual survey, which is administered online, launched in mid-October and an email was sent to managing leaders containing a link to the online survey. In response to member feedback, this year's survey introduces several new items—so be sure to thoroughly read the instructions!

Not sure what this survey can do for you? The Salary Survey reports the salary range and average for over 60 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, you are free to ask for special reports tailored specifically to your theatre's needs. Remember, surveys are confidential and only managing leaders from participating organizations are entitled to receive the results.

Action: The deadline has been extended to Monday, January 7. There will not be another deadline extension, so submit your survey today! Visit the Tools & Research section of the website for a link to the online survey. You will need your username and password to access the survey. Email Ilana Rose if you have any questions.

Fiscal Survey 2007: Deadline Extended to January 11!

In December, TCG sent managing leaders an email with a link to our interactive Fiscal Survey 2007. For easier workflow, we recommend printing the survey worksheet and completing the survey offline before entering the results on our website. Advantages of the online survey include:

While we recognize that the survey can be a burden on your time and energy, please let us urge you to complete it. Theatre Facts, the annual in-depth report drawn from this data, is the only document analyzing the national not-for-profit theatre field and is a vital advocacy and policy tool for trustees, foundation and corporation executives, policymakers and the national press. Also, only participating theatres will have online access to the full survey results. We will not be able to accept surveys after the survey is closed! Remember, in order to apply for any TCG grant program, completion of the Fiscal Survey is required.

Action: The deadline has been extended to Friday, January 11. Visit the Tools & Research section of the website for a link to the online survey form. You will need your username and password to access the survey. If you do not have your username and password, email customer service.

Dual Leadership 2008 in New Orleans: Registration Deadline Extended!

For the second time, TCG, Dance/USA and the Institute for Cultural Policy and Practice at Virginia Tech are pleased to offer Dual Leadership: Partnering from the Inside Out from February 24–26, 2008, in New Orleans, LA. Dual Leadership provides a unique opportunity for artistic and managing leaders from theatre and dance companies to come together and build their understanding of the specific challenges involved in developing sustainable and effective dual leadership structures. This highly engaging seminar focuses on the competencies and practices required to build strong team-based leadership models that support both the artistic vision and the institutional resilience required for long term impact.

Action: The registration deadline has been extended to Friday, January 18. Visit the Events section of the website for more details or to download the registration form.

2008 TCG National Conference: Save the Date!

It's time to mark your calendars for next year's exciting opportunity to spend FIVE exhilarating days among the 5,000 performing arts professionals who will converge in Colorado for Taking Action Together!

TCG is thrilled that the 2008 TCG National Conference will be held in conjunction with the 2008 National Performing Arts Convention in Denver, Colorado, from June 10–14, 2008. The 2008 National Performing Arts Convention will present important voices from the performing arts and beyond in keynote speeches, the best and brightest problem solvers in workshop and breakout sessions and ample opportunities for building relationships between arts disciplines. In addition to convention events, TCG will individually host a variety of theatre-specific activities, including events at the Denver Center Theatre Company and the Curious Theatre Company.

Action: Registration begins on January 7, 2008. Visit the Events section of the website or the National Performing Arts Convention website for more information. A TCG press release on the convention can be found in the About TCG section of the website.

Free Night of Theater 2008 Planning Underway

Free Night of Theater 2007, TCG's exciting national audience development program, opened on Thursday, October 18, in over 70 cities from coast to coast. 400 theatres offered more than 30,000 tickets to over 600 performances. Based on the continued success of the program, plans are well underway to expand Free Night to a fully national program (including Chicago and New York City) in 2008.

Action: Information on participation in the Free Night of Theater 2008 program will be available in the Events section of the website in late January. For details please contact Phillip Matthews.

Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships: Deadline January 14!

The goal of the Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships is to further an actor's artistic and professional development, deepen and enrich his/her relationship with a not-for-profit theatre, ensure his/her continued professional commitment to live theatre and encourage actors to work outside their comfort zone. The fellowships are awarded to actors in two categories: Extraordinary Potential and Distinguished Achievement. Recipients in the Extraordinary Potential category will receive $15,000, with an additional $10,000 available to relieve student loan debt. Recipients in the Distinguished Achievement category will receive $25,000. Host theatres will receive $7,500 to be applied to costs incurred in the actor's residency activities.

Action: The Intent to Apply deadline for round 3 of the Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships is January 14. Visit the Grants section of the website for more information, including guidelines and the Intent to Apply form.

Wanted: Electronic Human Resources Documents for TCG's Topical Files

As a service for member theatres, TCG maintains electronic resource files for inquiries about performance reviews, job descriptions, organizational structure, trustee evaluation, software packages and more. Some of our most useful and most requested files contain employee handbooks, reviews, job descriptions and contracts that are submitted by member theatres to be used as a resource by other member theatres.

All member theatres are encouraged to send us any electronic human resources-related documents they utilize for inclusion in these files. We can remove any language that identifies your theatre, if you wish to contribute anonymously. In particular, we are looking to expand our collection of employment contracts for full-time and management-level staff, but we gladly welcome any and all submissions. Also, if you have worked with a consultant that you particularly would recommend, please forward their information as well.

Action: If you have any documents that you would like to contribute to our files, please email them as an attachment (Microsoft Word preferred) to Ilana Rose.

Update Your Staff Contacts with TCG

TCG sends email notification of the TCG Bulletin and Field Letter directly to general managers, education directors, business managers, marketing directors, PR directors, literary managers, dramaturgs, development directors and associate artistic directors at TCG member theatres. We do this in order to keep staff informed of the activities and developments of the not-for-profit theatre field, to deepen staff knowledge of TCG and to increase participation in our programs. Many of these senior staff already participate in TCG programs and have sent TCG their email addresses. However, we are far from a complete list. We strongly encourage you to send us email contacts for all senior staff at your theatre, and to inform us of any staff changes when they occur.

Action: To receive notification of the TCG Bulletin and Field Letter by email or to inform TCG of staff changes at your theatre, contact Kelly Haydon.

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, 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 450 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, Management Programs, Advocacy/Education Programs, American Theatre magazine/Publications, National Conference, Graphic Design, Business Administration and Website. Spring and Summer 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

Register Now for National Arts Advocacy Day, March 31–April 1, 2008!

Arts Advocacy Day will begin on Monday, March 31, 2008, with a day of legislative training sessions and guest speakers. The Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy takes place on Monday evening at the Kennedy Center. This year's speaker is Daniel Pink, a best-selling author and an expert on innovation, competition and the changing world of work. On Tuesday morning, the day begins with the Congressional Arts Breakfast on Capitol Hill and continues with Hill Visits to elected officials. Members of Congress want and need to hear from their constituents—your involvement does make a difference and we hope you will consider participating in this year's event.

Action: Arts Advocacy Day is taking place on March 31 & April 1. If you can attend, please register by visiting the Americans for the Arts website and please contact Laurie Baskin at (212) 609-5900 x228.

Congress Approves Historic NEA Increase!

NEA funding will grow by $20.3 million in FY08, the largest single increase for the agency in more than 30 years. In a very lean budget year, Congress approved this major restoration of NEA funds, bringing the total support for the agency to $144.7 million. Thank you for letting Congress know the value of NEA support for theatres and the communities they serve in your emails and advocacy over the years. Advocacy efforts in 2007 were closely coordinated between national service organizations and the entire arts community, spurring this major advance in NEA funding.

The NEA funding increase was included in an Omnibus spending bill that combined 11 annual federal funding measures. The bill has been sent to the President for approval. Congressional Arts Caucus co-chairs Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Rep. Chris Shays (R-CT) rallied House colleagues in support of the NEA, and Interior Appropriations Sub-Committee Chairman Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) championed NEA funding as a priority issue. This increase in NEA funding reflects years of advocacy since the agency's budget was severely cut in 1995.

Action: TCG and the American Arts Alliance will be working toward full restoration of NEA funding in 2008—stay tuned!

State Department Cultural Exchange Programs

Congress has allocated $505 million for Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs within the State Department's FY 08 appropriations. This is a $19 million increase over the President's request and a $59 million increase above last year's budget. Given the lean budget times, this remarkable increase in funding demonstrates that policymakers agree about the value and importance of cultural exchange.

The State Department is currently inviting grant proposals for this year's Professional Exchanges and Cultural Grant Program, the only competitive grant program at the Department which supports international exchanges and builds relationships between U.S. not-for-profit organizations and cultural groups abroad. Eligible programs will support exchanges with Africa, East Asia, Europe, the Near East, North Africa, South Central Asia and the Western Hemisphere. The application process is highly competitive, and focuses on projects that encourage citizen engagement in current issues, focus particularly on youth and promote the development of democratic societies and institutions.

Action: Applications are due February 15. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for more information.

Arts Education Appropriations and Research

What is the status of arts education in our nation's schools? After nearly 10 years without comprehensive national data, Congress has approved more than $2 million in funding to support a fast-response arts education survey in the 08-09 school year. Arts advocates rallied behind this request for data collection.

Congress also approved near-level funding for the competitive Arts in Education grant programs of the U.S. Department of Education, following an across-the-board cut to all of the Department's programs. Despite the President's proposal to eliminate Arts in Education spending, along with a number of smaller education programs, Congress acted to approve a total of $37.5 million in Arts in Education spending for FY08.

Action:We encourage you to take a minute to let your members of Congress know how the added funding for the NEA and support for arts education will make a difference to your organization and community. We are making history this year, and behind every federal dollar is a local story. Visit the American Arts Alliance website and send an email to your members of Congress today.

NEA Announces New Reading Study

The NEA announced the release of To Read or Not To Read: A Question of National Consequence, a new and comprehensive analysis of reading patterns in the United States. To Read or Not To Read gathers statistics from more than 40 studies on the reading habits and skills of children, teenagers and adults. The compendium reveals recent declines in voluntary reading and test scores alike, exposing trends that have severe consequences for American society.

Action: Visit the NEA website to download the report as a PDF.

ARTS EDUCATION

TCG Launches 2007 Education Survey

We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2007 Education Survey—TCG's annual online survey of the theatre education field. We urge every member theatre to fill out this important survey.

For the past eight years, TCG has conducted surveys of education programs across our membership. The surveys have resulted in Education Centerpiece publications which include tabulations of the survey results and observations from some of your colleagues. A reporting tool is available on our website, allowing member theatres to research education programs at other theatres, to run special reports on these education programs and to search the online database of study guides.

Action: The deadline for filling out the survey is January 7. Visit the Tools & Research section of the website to fill out your survey. You will need your username & password to gain access to your survey form. If you do not yet have a username & password, please call TCG's Customer Service Department at 212-609-5900. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Laurie Baskin or Alissa Moore.

Coming Up Taller Awards Program Seeks Nominations

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities is inviting nominations for the 2008 Coming Up Taller Awards. In partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, they are embarking on the eleventh year of the Coming Up Taller Awards, which recognize the accomplishments of exceptional arts and humanities after-school and out-of-school programs. Coming Up Taller finalists receive $10,000, an individualized plaque and an invitation to attend the Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference.

Action: The deadline for nominations is Thursday, January 31. Visit the Coming Up Taller website for more information.

DEVELOPMENT

NEA Announces More Than $20 Million in Grants for the First Round of Fiscal Year 2008 Funding

In its first major grant announcement of fiscal year 2008, the NEA announced that it will award $20.2 million to fund 908 grants. The Arts Endowment will distribute $19,189,000 in this round of FY08 funding to not-for-profit national, regional, state and local organizations across the country, funding Access to Artistic Excellence grants as well as Creative Writing Fellowships awarded to individual writers totaling more than $1 million.

TCG Member Recipients of Access to Artistic Excellence Grants:

Action: None

Wallace Foundation Grants Excellence Awards to 3 Philadelphia TCG Theatres

In recognition of their commitment to community and audience building activities, the Wallace Foundation recently announced the ten Philadelphia arts organizations selected for Excellence Award grants ranging from $320,000 to $750,000 each. Among the ten recipients were three TCG member theatres: Arden Theatre Company ($425,000), Philadelphia Theatre Company ($410,000) and the Wilma Theater ($480,000).

Action: Visit the Wallace Foundation website to read a press release announcing the ten Excellence Award recipients.

Indiana Rep Receives $300K

The Lily Endowment recently awarded a $300,000 grant to Indiana Repertory Theatre (Indianapolis, IN) for general operating support.

Action: None

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, November 1, 2007

Signature Theatre Company Receives $100K

The American Express Copmany recently awarded a $100,000 grant to Signature Theatre Company (New York, NY) to produce work by the Negro Ensemble Company.

Action: None

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 4, 2007

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

New Report: National Board Governance Survey for Not-for-Profit Organizations

Published by Grant Thornton LLC, the fifth annual National Board Governance Survey for Not-for-Profit Organizations depicts how organizations have sharpened their governance knowledge and are implementing an array of governance-related policies and procedures.

Since the survey was first conducted in 2003, the governance landscape of the not-for-profit community has changed dramatically. In 2003, 80 percent of survey respondents said their organization had not made any changes to their governance policies as a result of Sarbanes-Oxley. Today, 87 percent indicate their organizations have created new governance policies.

Among the survey findings, 75 percent of respondents say their organization has a code-of-ethics policy, compared to 17 percent in 2003. And 89 percent have a conflict-of-interest policy, a substantial increase from 24 percent in 2003. In 2003, only 16 percent had such a whistle-blower policy in place. Today, 68 percent of respondents say their organization has implemented such a policy.

Action: Visit the Grant Thornton LLC website to download the report as a PDF.

GuideStar Releases Results From 2007 Nonprofit Economic Survey

For the past six years, GuideStar has been asking not-for-profit representatives to compare their organizations' current situations—in terms of services provided and donations received—to the previous year. Results from the sixth annual Nonprofit Economic Survey are detailed in a new report available on the GuideStar website. Survey data is sorted by location, organization size and subject area (including the category "Arts/Culture/Humanities").

Action: Visit the GuideStar website to view the report as a PDF.

BCA Survey Reveals Business Gave $3.16 Billion to the Arts in 2006

Business support to the arts totaled $3.16 billion in 2006 according to the triennial national survey released by the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc. (BCA), a national not-for-profit organization established in 1967 to bring business and the arts together. Titled The BCA Report: National Survey of Business Support to the Arts 2007, this survey revealed a 5% decline in support in comparison to the $3.32 billion business allocated to the arts in 2003.

Action: Visit the BCA website for more information on the survey or to order a copy of the report.

NEW TCG MEMBERS

The Antaeus Company

5114 Lankershim Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
tel (818) 506-5436
fax (818) 506-8479
antaeuscompany@sbcglobal.net
www.antaeus.org
Jeanie Hackett, Co-Artistic Director
John Apicella, Co-Artistic Director
Matthew Goldsby, Board Chair

Hippodrome Theatre

25 SE 2nd Pl
Gainesville, FL 32601
tel (352) 373-5968
fax (352) 371-9130
hipp@thehipp.org
www.thehipp.org
Mary Hausch, Producing Director
Lauren Caldwell, Artistic Director

TCG DEADLINES

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