TCG Bulletin

September 2006, Volume 29, Issue 9

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In the September Field Letter, interim executive director Gigi Bolt reflects on her first month in her new position, including recaps and updates on TCG events and initiatives such as Expanding the Theatre Manager's Repertoire and the upcoming Free Night of Theater 2006. She also chronicles recent theatre events from across the country, with a special emphasis on her home in recent years, Washington, DC. "There's so much to celebrate and the season hasn't even begun! What a remarkable and fortunate thing it is to know that invigorating debate, delight and spiritual balm are as close as a theatre down the road."

• Click here to view the September 2006 Field Letter.

TCG NEWS

Fall Forum 2006, Backstage with the Board: A Look at Art-Making, November 10–12 in New York City

The TCG Fall Forum 2006, Backstage with the Board: A Look at Art-Making is designed to enhance board effectiveness and performance. While historically Fall Forums have dealt with management structure and financial issues, last year we focused on the artistic process, with a special emphasis on playwriting. This year, we continue the conversation on art-making with an emphasis on adaptation and design. We will seek to explore the links between financial planning, governance and artistic mission/aspiration. How can board members best support and contribute to the artistic mission of the theatre? How can board members think about artistic success beyond critical reviews and box office receipts? What is the role of creativity in true leadership?

The focus on art-making at Fall Forum 2006 will be expanded upon with continued discussion of American theatre in the new century at the 2007 TCG National Conference, to be held at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis next June. We look forward to engaging board members and theatre leaders in this important discussion, both at the Fall Forum and next year in Minneapolis.

Invitations and registration materials were sent to TCG member theatres in late August. The Fall Forum is one of TCG's most heavily-attended events, and spaces are limited, so register early to ensure that you can join us in New York for what is sure to be an illuminating weekend!

Action: The registration deadline is Friday, September 22. Visit the Events section of the website for more information or to download a registration form.

TCG Announces 2006–07 Board of Directors

TCG's Board of Directors represents a diverse range of geographic, cultural, aesthetic and professional viewpoints. Board members are elected for an initial term of four years, and are eligible to be re-elected for an additional term of two years. We would like to express our appreciation to all of our board members for their generous donation of time, expertise and counsel throughout 2005–06.

With the close of fiscal year 2006, we extend our heartfelt goodbye to departing board members Gary Anderson, Catherine Maciariello, Charles Newell, Nancy Keen Roche, Paula Tomei and Susan Tsu. As we enter a new year, we are extremely pleased to welcome the following new members to the 2006–07 Board: Douglas R. Brown, Dawn Chiang, Philip Himberg, Rachel Kraft, Marc Masterson, Tim McClimon, Mark Shugoll and Kate Warner.

Action:Visit the About TCG section of the website for a complete listing of the TCG Board of Directors and their bios.

Free Night of Theater 2006—Coming to a City Near You

TCG is pleased to announce that Free Night of Theater 2006, its unprecedented campaign to attract new audiences to live theatre, will open on Thursday, October 19. On that night, theatregoers from coast to coast will attend performances at over 450 selected theatres free of charge.

This year's event builds on the program's successful 2005 debut, when over 8,000 people attended 150 performances in Austin, Philadelphia and San Francisco. The 2006 program will be presented in the following communities: Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Boston, MA; Cleveland, OH; Lexington, KY; Los Angeles, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Washington, DC; and statewide in Connecticut, Oregon, New Jersey, North Carolina and Wisconsin.

Action:Visit the Events section of the website for more details on Free Night of Theater 2006, and be sure to check out the Free Night of Theater website later this month for a complete listing of shows and how to reserve your free ticket.

2007 Observership Program Grants: Deadline November 1!

Recipients of the Observership Program, TCG's oldest grant program, are given travel stipends of up to $2,000 to travel across the country and internationally. The program provides opportunities for key staff at TCG member theatres to observe the administrative and artistic work of other theatres and to meet with colleagues.

Action:The postmark deadline for the 2007 Observership Program is November 1. Visit the Grants section of the website for more information or contact Casey Baltes.

Call for Nominations: 2007 Alan Schneider Director Award

Beginning in mid-November, we will be accepting nominations from artistic directors for the 2007 Alan Schneider Director Award, given in honor of Alan Schneider's significant contribution to the American theatre and his lifelong concern for the development of career opportunities for freelance directors. The $10,000 award has been designed to identify and assist exceptionally talented mid-career freelance directors whose talent has been demonstrated through work in specific regions, but who are not known nationally. It may be used for travel, research or other activities specifically focused on the development of the directing craft or on career opportunities. The award will be presented at the TCG National Conference in Minneapolis, where the recipient will receive valuable exposure. Previous award winners are Mark Brokaw, Peter C. Brosius, Kyle Donnelly, Michael John Garcés, Henry Godinez, Nancy Keystone, Roberta Levitow, Charles Newell, Roman Paska, Mary Robinson, David Saint and Darko Tresnjak.

Action:Visit the Grants section of the website for more information on the award. The nomination deadline will be January 12, 2007. Nomination forms will be made available in mid-November.

2007 Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships

Next year, we will be accepting applications for a second round of the Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships. Six fellowships will be awarded to support an individual actor's professional and artistic development and underwrite a four-month residency at a TCG member theatre. Actors will receive up to $25,000. Host theatres will receive grants of $5,000 in support of the residency. The fellowship must occur between October 2007 and March 2011.

Action:The deadline for the online Intent to Apply form is January 16, 2007. Visit the Grants section of the website for more information. Application materials will be available in mid-October.

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 Jason Schroeder.

TCG Bulletin Notification Expands to Staff

TCG is now sending 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.

TCG is undertaking this effort 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 the aforementioned staff at your theatre.

Action:To receive notification of the TCG Bulletin and Field Letter by email, contact Jessica Schnall.

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 December 1 issue are due by November 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 445 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 internships are available.

Action:Visit the About TCG section of the website for more information. 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. A brand new Club Quarters was recently opened at Rockefeller Center in New York.

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

Senate Committee Approves Amendment to Extend Disaster Recovery Assistance to Performing Arts Organizations

On July 27, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee approved an amendment sponsored by Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI) which specifies that America's not-for-profit performing arts organizations should be eligible to receive FEMA support. The amendment to the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (S 3721) was accepted without debate. There is a misconception that federal resources are readily available for the not-for-profit performing arts to recover and rebuild from natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. The reality is that performing arts organizations are ineligible for FEMA assistance, which accounts for the bulk of federal disaster relief expenditures. This is an important first step towards securing federal disaster recovery assistance for performing arts organizations.

Action:None

2006 Creative Industries Legislative District Reports Now Available

The 2006 Creative Industries State Legislative District reports—one for every state legislative district in the country—are now available for download via the Americans for the Arts website. These reports are sophisticated mapping and statistical reports that show the number of not-for-profit and for-profit arts businesses and the people they employ within a legislative district. Each report is three pages, and all are available in an easy to download Adobe Acrobat document (PDF):

These reports can be used at the federal, state and local levels. They are potent advocacy and visibility tools, and we encourage you to utilize these reports to make the case for the arts in your community—deliver the reports to your legislators, use them for testimony and even post them to your website. The source for our data, current as of January 2006, is Dun & Bradstreet—widely acknowledged as the leading source for business information in the United States.

Action:Visit the Americans for the Arts website for more information.

National Arts and Humanities Month Toolkit Available

National Arts and Humanities Month is being celebrated across the country in October. This year National Arts and Humanities Month is focusing on community development and how the arts can bring cultural richness and better well-being to communities nationwide.

Action:To get tips and ideas on how to participate, and to obtain a toolkit, visit the Americans for the Arts website.

ARTS EDUCATION

Senate Restores Funding to Arts in Education Programs

The U.S. House of Representatives zeroed out funding for the Arts in Education programs at the U.S. Department of Education for FY 2007. On June 20, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $36.5 million in funding for the Arts in Education programs, adding a small increase to program funds and supporting much-needed research regarding the status of arts education in the nation's public schools.

Action:Urge your Senators to support the Senate funding level for Arts in Education when the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations bill comes to the Senate floor. Visit the American Arts Alliance website for more information.

Guggenheim Museum Announces Findings of Study Evaluating Impact of Arts Education on Literacy

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum recently released the second year of findings of a three-year study to evaluate the impact of arts education on literacy among elementary school children. The results suggest that arts education increases fundamental literacy skills in elementary school students. The study, Teaching Literacy through Art, was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and was designed to examine the impact of the Guggenheim's program, Learning Through Art, on students' ability to describe and interpret art, and to apply these skills to understanding written text. The study found that students in the program performed better in several categories of literacy and critical thinking skills—including extended focus, hypothesizing and providing multiple interpretations—than did students who were not in the program.

Action:Visit the Learning Through Art website to learn more about the study and results.

National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts to Hold Conference

The National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts will host its 69th national convention, the Conference for Community Arts Education, in Phoenix, AZ, from October 31–November 4, 2006. 350 leaders of community-based arts education organizations from 45 states will attend to share information and ideas, learn from experts in the field and set the direction for the future of the community arts education field.

Nationally renowned leaders in the fields of advocacy, arts integration, arts education assessment, board development, curriculum, evaluation, finance, fund raising, marketing/ public relations, management, partnerships, planning, research and technology, will lead sessions. Two pre-conference institutes, on arts education partnerships and outcome-based evaluation, are also planned. Staff, faculty, trustees and volunteers at community-based arts education organizations and programs are encouraged to attend.

Action:Detailed program, schedule and registration information is available at the conference website or by phone at (212) 268-3337 x 18.

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

Kennedy Center Board Member Seminar in October

From October 19–21, the senior staff of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, will lead teams in discussions promoting more effective and efficient board leadership. During this seminar, participants will learn how to delve into not-for-profit financial statements, how to select creative, resourceful and forward-thinking individuals to lead their organizations, how to evaluate and implement fundraising campaigns and the importance of and techniques for building institutional identity. Tickets for the 3-day program cost $150 each.

Action:Visit the Kennedy Center website for more information or to purchase tickets.

Arts Reach National Arts Marketing Conference in November—TCG Member Discount!

TCG members are entitled to steep registration discounts to the Arts Reach National Arts Marketing Conference 2006, scheduled for November 17–19 in New York City. The theme of this year's conference, which will be held at New York University's Kimmel Center, is "Building Your Organization Through Strategic Marketing." It is being presented in collaboration with INTIX, The International Ticketing Association.

Managing leaders and board members, as well as marketing, public relations, membership and development professionals from all cultural and science education disciplines will attend. Conference highlights include "The Great Debate: Subscriptions vs. Single Tickets;" "The Mission, Branding and Research Loop: A 21st Century Imperative;" "Developing Creative Partnerships: Leveraging Corporate Sponsorships Beyond Just the Cash;" and "Marketing to Generation X and Y on Their Terms."

Action:Register by September 30 to get the early registration discount in addition to your membership discount. Visit the Arts Reach website to view all of the conference offerings or to register online. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

DEVELOPMENT

American Express Gives $1.3 Million to Performing Arts Institutions Including 4 TCG Member Theatres

American Express announced $1.3 million in grants to be awarded to 12 institutions nationwide to help energize, educate and entice new audiences. Four of the twelve institutions that received grants are TCG member theatres:

Action:Visit the American Express website to learn more about its Performing Arts Fund, or to see a full list of grant recipients.

Source:PNNOnline, August 8, 2006

James Irvine Foundation Grants $1 Million to TCG Member Theatres in Southern California

The James Irvine Foundation (San Francisco, CA) recently awarded 3-year grants to East West Players (Los Angeles, CA) and La Jolla Playhouse (La Jolla, CA) totaling $1 million. East West Players will receive $300,000 over 3 years to expand its New Works Development Program, which serves Asian and Pacific Islander artists and playwrights in L.A. La Jolla Playhouse will receive $700,000 over 3 years to develop a production and audience-development model for new theatre works.

Action:None

Source:Chronicle of Philanthropy, August 17, 2006

INTERNATIONAL NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

UNESCO 2007 Young Professionals Program

The United Nation's Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Young Professionals Program, which takes place each year, is a great opportunity to infuse new talent into the UNESCO Secretariat in Paris and to help increase the number of American citizens working for UNESCO. The U.S. is classified as an under-represented member state at UNESCO and is thus eligible to submit forward for consideration twelve (12) applications of Americans who will not be 30 years of age before January 1, 2007, for consideration by UNESCO for a two-year fellowship. The program is extremely competitive and only ten (10) young professionals are selected by UNESCO worldwide. Many are granted the opportunity to stay on for further employment with the United Nations system.

Action:Applications for the 2007 Young Professionals Program are not yet available from the UNESCO Secretariat. Visit the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO website for more information, or send an email to dcunesco@state.gov to be added to the Commission's distribution list to be informed when the application becomes become available and the deadlines are determined.

RESOURCES

New Electronic Journal for Arts & Entertainment Industry Professionals

Insights, from AMS Planning & Research, is a free service for arts & entertainment industry professionals. Each issue interprets industry trends and developments, shares colleague experiences, describes the latest audience and market research and provides a forum to discuss the state of our industry.

Action:Visit the AMS Planning & Research website to view the first issue (July 2006) or to subscribe to this new electronic journal.

NEW TCG MEMBERS

ARTSWEST

4711 California Ave S.W.
PO Box 16152
Seattle, WA 98116-0152
tel (206) 938-0963
fax (206) 937-6193
www.artswest.org
Alan Harrison, Executive Director
Tim Woodland, Board President

Infernal Bridegroom Productions

PO Box 131004
Houston, TX 77219-1004
tel (713) 522-8443
fax (713) 527-9538
info@infernalbridegroom.com
www.infernalbridegroom.com
Anthony Barilla, Artistic Director
Lisa Haymes, Managing Director
Chet Farmer, Board President

Mill Mountain Theatre

1 Market Square S.E., 2nd Fl
Roanoke, VA 24011-1437
tel (540) 342-5730
fax (540) 342-5745
mail@millmountain.org
www.millmountain.org
Patrick Benton, Artistic Director John Light, Board President

Waterfront Playhouse

PO Box 724
Key West, FL 33041
tel (305) 294-5015
fax (305) 294-0398
www.waterfrontplayhouse.com
Danny Weathers, Artistic Director
Gary J Symons, Business Manager
Sabrina Hurt, Board President

TCG DEADLINES

Looking for a list of TCG Staff?

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