TCG Bulletin

March 2008, Volume 31, Issue 3

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

Writing her March Field Letter from a site visit in Denver, Teresa recounts a meeting with Congressman Norm Dicks, at which arts service leaders thanked him for his support for this year’s major NEA increase and discussed the proposed cuts the President included in next year’s budget. She also reports on preparations for the National Performing Arts Convention in June, and she depicts Denver’s cultural community as a beacon of bold vision-setting and collaborative action. During her ride from the Denver airport, she and her cab driver, a Sudanese refugee who became a U.S. citizen last year and is voting in his first U.S. presidential election, discussed politics and the performing arts. After contemplating that conversation, Teresa writes, “It’s hard to imagine what it must be like to flee a country known for some of the worst human rights atrocities in the world, spend years in refugee camps and finally to arrive in a place of relative peace and civility, to be able to vote, to talk to a random taxi cab passenger about your views on elections, to participate in and discuss the rich and wide availability of art and creative expression in one’s own community. And these contrasting realities remind me of the things we sometimes take for granted and why our performing arts convening is so very important.”

• Click here to view the March 2008 Field Letter.

TCG NEWS

Fiscal Survey 2007: FINAL Deadline Extended to March 7

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 FINAL deadline has been extended to Friday, March 7. 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.

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 is now open. Visit the Events section of the website or the National Performing Arts Convention website for registration and more information. A TCG press release on the convention can be found in the About TCG section of the website.

New Generations Program: Future Collaborations

Travel grants of $3,000 will be awarded in the spring/summer season to theatres and theatre professionals for unrestricted international travel, enabling them to share ideas and techniques and/or collaborate with their colleagues around the world. The timeline is as follows:

Action: The postmark deadline for applications is March 17. Visit the Grants section of the website for more information.

METLIFE/TCG A-ha! Program: Think It, Do It

A program for TCG member theatres that supports creative thinking and action in two ways: Think It grants (up to $25,000) give theatre professionals the time and space for research and development, Do It grants (up to $50,000) support the implementation and testing of new ideas.

Action: Email Roweena Mackay or call (212) 609-5900 x.214 for information about guidelines and application.

2007–2008 TCG Theatre Directory

In March, you will be receiving your theatre’s complimentary copy of the 2007–2008 TCG Theatre Directory. Please consider ordering additional copies for your staff. TCG’s annual guide to theatres and related organizations contains personnel information from over 450 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 $14.95 each and shipping is $5.00 for the first copy and $.50 for each additional copy. TCG Member Theatres save 15% ($12.70) when ordering one additional copy and save 30% ($10.45) when ordering two to four copies. Order five copies or more and save 50% ($7.45 each). Contact TCG’s customer service department at (212) 609-5900 for additional information.

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 Broadway League 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 Broadway League 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 June 1 issue are due by May 15. To participate, email your details to Ben Pesner, Broadway League.

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. Summer and fall 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.

President Bush Presents FY09 Budget Request

On February 4, the President released his FY09 budget request which serves as a starting point for the Congressional Appropriations process. Following a historic $20.3 million increase for the NEA for FY08, the President requested a $16.3 million decrease in funding for the agency for a total budget of $128.4 million. This figure is identical to the President’s FY08 budget request—Congress had approved a final budget of $144.4 million for the agency for FY08.

For the eighth consecutive year, the President also zeroed funding for Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Congress had approved $35.3 million for this program for FY08.

In the FY09 budget request for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Administration proposed a rescission of $200 million from the $400 million already appropriated by Congress for FY09, a rescission of $220 million from the $400 million already appropriated by Congress for FY10, and declines to request advance funding for FY11. In the past few years, the Congress has restored both the cuts and the advance funding. The President’s FY09 budget proposed a permanent enactment of the IRA Charitable Rollover provision which expired in December 2007.

Action: Stay tuned for more updates on these issues as we move through the appropriations process, and please respond when you receive an Action Alert from the American Arts Alliance, urging you to take action on one of these issues! Every email makes a difference. If every one of TCG’s 466 member theatres sent an email in response to an Action Alert, we would have a significant impact as a sector. If every member theatre generated 10 emails from staff, board, patrons, audience, students and parents, we would have an even greater impact. Please participate and make your voice heard!

American Arts Alliance and TCG Thank Congressman Norm Dicks

TCG joined the American Arts Alliance and many national arts service organizations and local arts organizations in Tacoma and Seattle in placing an advertisement in the Tacoma News Tribune saluting Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA-6) for his unwavering support for the arts and humanities. As Chairman of the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Dicks helped secure a $20.3 million increase for the NEA. The advertisement ran on February 8 and was presented to Congressman Dicks in Washington on the same day.

Action: None

U.S. Mayors Develop 10-Point Plan Which Includes the Arts!

The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently developed a 10-point plan, titled Strong Cities, Strong Families for a Strong America. Alongside such priorities as climate protection, fighting crime and rebuilding infrastructure, is a focus on tourism and the arts. This point begins, “The arts, humanities and museums are critical to the quality of life and livability of America’s cities,” and ends with a call for full funding for our federal and local arts funding agencies.

Action: Visit the U.S. Conference of Mayors website for more information.

California Assembly Passes Foundation Diversity Bill

The California Assembly has passed Assembly Bill 624, introduced by Assemblyman Joe Coto (D-San Jose). The bill requires every private, corporate and operating foundation with assets over $250 million to collect and publicly disclose ethnic, gender and sexual orientation data pertaining to its governance, operations and grantmaking. This data would be required with respect to the foundation’s board, staff, grantees and even its vendors. The aim was presumably to address the issue of diversity, but has been criticized for being overly intrusive.

Action: California Arts Advocates includes a link to Southern California Grantmakers, which has formally and publicly opposed this legislation. Please visit the Southern California Grantmakers website for more information.

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Nominations for Lifetime Honors National Medal of Arts

The NEA recently announced a call for nominations for the National Medal of Arts, the United States’ highest honor in lifetime achievement by an artist, arts patron or arts organization. The National Medal of Arts is awarded by the President to individuals or groups who, “…are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.” Past recipients include actress Uta Hagen, director/choreographers Twyla Tharp and Tommy Tune, playwright Horton Foote, arts patron Roy N. Neuberger, the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Action: The deadline for nominations is March 17, 2008. Visit the NEA website for nomination forms and frequently asked questions.

Call for Submissions: New Jewish Theater Project Program

The Foundation for Jewish Culture’s New Jewish Theatre Projects provides grants of up to $5,000 to national, not-for-profit theatre companies for the commissioning of new plays, musicals or multimedia works of Jewish significance. Since its inception in 1994, the program has commissioned 88 new plays that have been produced at theatres across the country. A New Jewish Theatre Projects grant supports play or performance development, which can include commissioning fees, playwright’s residency expenses and research or workshop costs. Awards are distributed directly to the venue where the work is to be presented unless special arrangements are made in advance.

Action: The deadline for submissions is March 24. Visit the Foundation for Jewish Culture website for details and application materials.

Princess Grace Foundation: Theatre and Playwriting Grants Available

The Theatre program is dedicated to identifying and assisting emerging theatre, dance and film artists, who are at the outset of their careers or at early stages of professional development. The grant provides tuition assistance for students at accredited not-for-profit schools located in the U.S and also can cover apprenticeships and fellowships at professional companies.

The Playwriting program is dedicated to identifying and assisting emerging theatre, dance and film artists, who are at the outset of their careers or at early stages of professional development. The mission is accomplished in playwriting through a residency program at New Dramatists, Inc. in New York City. Eligible playwrights must not have had any professional productions. Development opportunities such as readings, workshops and Equity showcases are admissible.

Action: The deadline for submissions is March 31. Visit the Princess Grace Foundation website for more information.

ARTS EDUCATION

TCG Accepting 2007 Education Surveys

We are still accepting 2007 Education Surveys! We urge every member theatre to visit the Education section of the website to fill out the survey. As of mid-February, we have only collected 67 surveys. In order for this database to be a truly useful resource for the field, we need greater participation. It is an easy survey and TCG staff stands ready to assist you!

Action: If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Laurie Baskin or Alissa Moore.

New Poll Reveals Stifling Imagination in Schools Underlies Innovation and Skills Deficit

A new national survey of 1,000 likely voters, found that, “30% of American voters are not only dissatisfied with public education’s narrow focus on the ‘so-called’ basics but that they also believe developing the imagination is a critical, but missing, ingredient to student success in 21st century schools and moving students beyond average.”

Key findings of the poll include:

Action: These findings affirm that there is strong public support for arts education and can be leveraged to strengthen the presence of theatre education in the schools. Visit the Imagine Nation website for more information.

NEA Announces Retirement of Arts Education Partnership Director Dick Deasy

The NEA has announced the retirement of Richard Deasy, director of the Arts Education Partnership (AEP). Mr. Deasy has been an exceptional leader of this coalition, founded by the NEA, the U.S. Department of Education, the Council for Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. Mr. Deasy will step down in June 2008.

Action: Visit the NEA website for the complete release.

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

Nonprofit Technology Conference Slated for March 19–21

The Nonprofit Technology Network’s annual conference, Building Community: Connections Around the Globe and Around the Corner, is slated for March 19–21 in New Orleans. Sessions at the conference will focus on areas such as internet fundraising, communications strategies for social networks, using technology in evaluation among other topics.

Action: Visit the Nonprofit Technology Network for more information.

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, February 7, 2008

DEVELOPMENT

New Survey Finds Corporate Philanthropy Continuing to Rise

According to a recent report from the New-York based Conference Board, total corporate contributions in the United States and abroad increased from $9.8 billion in 2005 to $10.2 billion in 2006. Median U.S. contributions rose to $10.7 million in 2006 from $8.7 million in 2005. The survey also notes an increasing significance of international grantmaking and an increasing importance of education as a corporate beneficiary.

Action: Visit the Conference Board Center for Citizenship and Sustainability website for more information.

Source: Cultural Policy Listserv

GuideStar Adds “Donate Now” Feature to Website

GuideStar, the searchable database of not-for-profit tax returns and other financial information, recently added a “donate now” feature to its website. Visitors to GuideStar.org can click the “donate now” button to make an instant donation to any charity in GuideStar’s database, which includes 1.7 million nonprofits. Donations are processed by the online giving portal Network for Good, which keeps 4.75 percent of each processed donation to cover the cost of processing the gift. Network for Good facilitated $53.5 million charitable donations in 2007, up from $35.4 million in 2006. Among Network for Good’s other initiatives are Fundraising123.org, and a weekly e-mail newsletter providing advice and case studies about online fundraising.

Action: Visit the GuideStar or Network for Good websites for more information.

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, January 24, 2008

The Public Theater Receives $2.7 Million

The Public Theater received $2.7 Million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to support a new works series.

Action: None

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, February 7, 2008

Sierra Repertory Theatre Receives Major Grant

The James Irvine Foundation awarded $275,000 over three years to Sierra Repertory Theatre. The grant is to improve financial stability, governance, growth and management.

Action: None

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, January 24, 2008

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

Arts Organizations Respond to Economic Worries

Two recent articles report on the arts and fundraising communities’ response to the forecasted economic downturn. “Arts Groups Expect Pain, Seek Early Deposits, Donors” from Bloomberg.com reports that some arts organizations are preparing for economic turbulence by asking board members to donate earlier than they had planned. Interviews with managing leaders and board directors such as Andrew Hamingson of the Atlantic Theater Company and Jane Robinson of the Florida Grand Opera discuss strategies including searching for new donors, asking major donors for larger contributions, cutting costs and diversifying investment portfolios.

“How a Recession Would Affect Fund Raising: Certain Gifts Could Grow” from the Chronicle of Philanthropy explores a recession’s potential affect on direct marketing, special events, foundation and government grants, corporate donations, capital campaigns and other planned gifts. Laura Fredericks, vice president for Philanthropy at Pace University, advises that in hard times, “donors would rather see their money go to the program or project itself” rather than a special event. Interviews with not-for-profit board members, managing leaders and consultants suggest that charities should consider trimming under-performing mailing lists, and expect smaller donations from companies directly affected by the mortgage crisis.

Action: Visit the Bloomberg and Chronicle of Philanthropy (requires subscription) websites for the full articles.

Sources: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, February 7, 2008; Bloomberg News, February 1, 2008

TCG DEADLINES

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