TCG Bulletin
August 2008, Volume 31, Issue 8
Also online this month:
FIELD LETTER
In the August Field Letter, Teresa alerts TCG members of some upcoming surveys: a survey of the effectiveness of TCG programs and services, a very simple mini-fiscal survey, a survey regarding technology and strategic technology planning and the annual Fiscal and Salary surveys. She reports on her participation in the National Critics Institute and the Trustee Residency at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, urges the field to take action on the ongoing White Space issue and promotes the upcoming TCG Fall Forum. Teresa also announces the release of Theatre Facts 2007, which is now available on the TCG website. She points out a few developments which have gotten her attention, and observes, “Within the attendance categories, main stage attendance is down, but the continuing trend of increased attendance at family programming is notable, as well as for booked-in shows. Are theatres planning more of such programming? More theatres ended the year in the black in 2007, but how much of the collective surplus is related to capital campaigns, endowment earnings and/or capital gains, which can mask operating deficits?”
TCG NEWS
- Save the Date: TCG's Annual Fall Forum, November 7-9 in New York, NY
- Theatre Facts 2007 Now Online
- Audio Transcript of Leadership Teleconference with Dory Vanderhoof Now Online
- First Annual New Leaders Conference: October 5-6 in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA
- Last Chance to Participate in Free Night of Theater 2008
- TCG Member Discount: Arts Reach National Arts Marketing and Arts Development Conferences, October 4-7 in San Francisco, CA
- TCG Theatre Membership Renewal Deadline Has Passed!
Save the Date: TCG's Annual Fall Forum, November 7-9 in New York, NY
Held annually, TCG Fall Forums are designed to enhance board effectiveness and performance. This year we plan to focus on radical shifts. How will changes in politics, the economy, the environment and other sectors impact theatre? How can arts organizations be prepared to operate in a constantly changing environment?
The Forum will bring together approximately 150 participants, including teams of artistic and management leaders and trustees from TCG member theatres, to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion on governance issues. TCG's Fall Forums give theatre leaders the chance to hear some of the most provocative thinkers in the field and to engage with their peers in an intimate and informal setting. Fall Forum attendance is open to staff and trustees of TCG member theatres only.
Action: Registration materials will be sent to member theatres in August.
Back to TopTheatre Facts 2007 Now Online
Based on TCG's comprehensive Fiscal Survey, Theatre Facts 2007 provides three lenses through which to view the not-for-profit theatre field’s attendance, performance and fiscal health. The report shows that although the field suffered some set-backs, it also made progress, with the majority of theatres ending the year in the black. Theatres continue to make tremendous contributions to the nation’s artistic legacy, to their communities and to the economy while facing both ongoing challenges and an environment of increasing uncertainty.
Action: Visit the Theatre Facts section of the website to download the full report (PDF).
Back to TopAudio Transcript of Leadership Teleconference with Dory Vanderhoof Now Online
The audio transcript of TCG’s recent Leadership Teleconference is now available on the TCG website. The teleconference featured one of the leading professionals in the field of philanthropy, Dory Vanderhoof, a senior partner for Genovese, Vanderhoof and Associates, who offered commentary and insights on new strategies that not-for-profit arts organizations can use to generate contributed income.
Action: Visit the Teleconferences section of the website to download the full audio transcript (MP3).
Back to TopFirst Annual New Leaders Conference: October 5-6 in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA
Theatre Bay Area is excited to announce the first annual New Leaders Conference, hosted by Theatre Bay Area with sponsorship from Berkeley Repertory Theatre and TCG. The conference, New Leaders for a New Century, will take place October 5 and 6 in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA, and will feature topics ranging from intergenerational interactions in the workplace to identifying the intrinsic value of art. This conference is specifically designed to address the questions and needs of mid-career leaders-to-be, who have decided to forge a career in the arts (either administrative or artistic) and have the drive and passion to become an industry leader, given the right opportunities.
Action: Visit the Theatre Bay Area website for more information.
Back to TopLast Chance to Participate in Free Night of Theater 2008
Free Night of Theater 2008 is confirmed to open in over 120 cities on Thursday, October 16. Free Night of Theater, TCG's annual nationwide audience development program for America's professional not-for-profit theatres, provides an opportunity for TCG member theatres to improve their visibility, gain access to new audiences and obtain insight into patron behavior.
Action: The deadline for new managing organizations and theatres to contact TCG about participating in the program has passed, but you have one last chance! Visit the Events section of the TCG website or contact Phillip Matthews ASAP for complete details on how to participate in the 2008 campaign.
Back to TopTCG Member Discount: Arts Reach National Arts Marketing and Arts Development Conferences, October 4-7 in San Francisco, CA
TCG members are entitled to $50 registration discounts to the 2008 Arts Reach National Arts Marketing and Arts Development Conferences, scheduled for October 4-7 in San Francisco, CA. The theme of both events is Relationships Built to Last: Creating Communities of Audiences and Donor-Investors. Top theatre professionals, as well as leaders from other arts disciplines, will be discussing trends, best practices and ways to recession-proof your organization. Managing leaders and board members, as well as marketing, public relations, membership and development professionals from all cultural disciplines are encouraged to attend.
Action: The early bird registration deadline is August 22. Visit the Arts Reach website to view all of the conference offerings or to register online.
Back to TopTCG Theatre Membership Renewal Deadline Has Passed!
TCG theatre membership renewal materials were mailed out to all
member theatres in mid-March. We hope that you will once again choose
to join the national theatre field in a spectrum of programs and
conferences designed to further our collective artistic and management
skills, advance internal field communication and position the field
more effectively in our local and national communities.
As a TCG member, you belong to an increasingly vibrant community
of more than 475 theatres and make a stand for artistry, effectiveness
and advocacy. We hope we can count you as part of the TCG family
in the coming year.
Action: The deadline for membership renewal deadline was June 2. To avoid suspension of your membership and to ensure your listing in the Season Preview issue of American Theatre magazine, please contact Jen Cleary.
Back to TopNext Section: Recurring TCG News
Copyright 2008 Theatre Communications Group, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Information appearing in the TCG Bulletin may not be reprinted
without permission.