TCG Bulletin

December 2009, Volume 32, Issue 12

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In her final Field Letter of the aughts, Teresa reflects upon some of TCG’s big events of 2009, including the Fall Forum on Governance and the National Conference in Baltimore. She also shares some major events from member theatres—specifically those that have recently garnered recognition from the White House. She concludes by sharing a charming story from Barry Kornhauser of Fulton Theatre, who recounts his own trip to the White House accompanied by a lively youth ensemble member.

• Click here to view the December 2009 Field Letter.

MONTHLY MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT

Thanksgiving is over, and we all know what that portends: Christmas music–all the places, all the time. There’s not much you can do about it, save for staying in your house from now until New Year’s. As our gift to you this holiday season, we’re offering you musical entertainment that affords you a bit more agency. In Bb 2.0 bills itself as a “collaborative music/spoken word project”—it’s a compilation of YouTube clips featuring people playing a variety of instruments in Bb major (as well as one spoken word piece). All of the clips are arranged as a grid on a single webpage, and you can stop and start as many or as few of the clips as you’d like at whatever intervals you’d like, to create a digital symphony all your own. It’s pretty hard to mess this one up—try a multitude of different combinations and find that they’re all unique and beautiful in their own right. Happy holidays from everyone at TCG!

TCG NEWS

Fiscal Survey 2009

UPDATED This story was originally published in the November 2009 issue of the Bulletin.
TCG member theatres are strongly encouraged to participate in this comprehensive annual survey, which serves as the basis for Theatre Facts, TCG's in-depth report on the field's attendance, performance and fiscal health. Only participating theatres will have online access to the full survey results.

Action: The deadline for Fiscal Survey 2009 has been extended from December 4 to December 18. Email Ilana Rose with questions.

Salary Survey 2010

UPDATED This story was originally published in the October 2009 issue of the Bulletin.
The Salary Survey gathers the salary range and average for over 70 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. Remember, surveys are confidential and only managing leaders from participating TCG member theatres will receive the results.

Action: The final deadline is December 4. An email was sent to managing leaders at TCG member theatres with a link to the online survey, also available in the Tools & Research section of the website. You will need your username and password to access the survey. Contact Ilana Rose with questions.

Two New Titles from TCG Books

TCG has published the first anthology of hip-hop theatre, Plays from the Boom Box Galaxy, edited by Kim Euell and Robert Alexander. This groundbreaking collection includes work from cutting-edge theatre artists across the country, mixing music, movement, rap, spoken word and visual design to create an entirely new form of theatre. Also available now from TCG Books is The Walworth Farce and The New Electric Ballroom, Irish theatre artist Enda Walsh’s galloping gothic comedies, published together in a single volume, specially printed back-to-back so that each play has its own cover, depending on how you flip the book.

Action: Visit the TCG Bookstore to purchase these titles and others. Plays make great holiday gifts for your theatre-loving friends and family!

TCG Individual Membership Benefits: Upgraded and Enhanced!

New benefits include free associate membership in Fractured Atlas—the national not-for-profit arts service organization that brings benefits to independent artists and arts organizations—along with free membership in the Performing Arts Alliance—the principal advocate representing performing arts interests. Members also receive the Individual Member Wire, a bimonthly electronic newsletter bringing you the very latest insider news from TCG, exclusive content from American Theatre, special pre-publication offers from TCG Books and more. Member discounts include 20 percent off on a subscription to ARTSEARCH, the essential source for a career in the arts, 15 percent off on all books from TCG and discounts on tickets at participating TCG member theatres from coast to coast. Additional benefits include: access and full printing privileges to the online TCG Membership Directory, discounts on Club Quarters™ accommodations and Hertz Rent-A-Car and you may apply for the TCG Platinum Plus® MasterCard® credit card with WorldPoints® Rewards. Enjoy all of these great benefits along with your free subscription to American Theatre.

Action: Visit the Membership section of the website to register and ensure you receive all of your Individual Member benefits.

ARTSEARCH Goes Paperless

As of January 1, ARTSEARCH will be available exclusively online. The December 15 issue will be the final print edition. ARTSEARCH will continue to be available to all subscribers as a printable PDF. The online version continues to deliver the same high quality jobs—guaranteed to be timely and accurate—that ARTSEARCH has been delivering for nearly 30 years. Features of ARTSEARCH online include:

• Create email alerts based on your customized searches and be the first to know when the perfect job appears.
• Focus on essential details like salary range and company info with expanded job profiles.
• Save multiple searches to your profile for each of your interests.
• Navigate hundreds of opportunities more easily with improved search functionality.

Action: Contact TCG Customer Service at (212) 609-5900 with questions.

SAVE THE DATE: 2010 TCG National Conference, IDEAS INTO ACTION: Cultivating the New Landscape, June 17-19 in Chicago

The TCG National Conference brings together approximately 800 theatre professionals from across the nation and around the world for meetings, speeches and performances and a chance to explore the local theatre community. Registration opens in mid-January.

Action: Visit the Conference section of the website where full details will be announced in December.

TCG National Conference 2010-Pre-Conference on Arts Education

UPDATED This story was originally published in the November 2009 issue of the Bulletin.
TCG will focus on Arts Education and Assessment at a Pre-Conference to the June, 2010 TCG National Conference. We will follow up on the Building a National TEAM: Theatre Education Assessment Models Pre-Conference from 2007. Education directors will be trained in adapting the national models for use in their education programs as well as aligning the evaluation and assessment work with federal and state standards.

Action: Save the dates June 16-17, 2010, and stay tuned for more information!

Fall Forum Recap

The 2009 Fall Forum on Governance, themed Opportunity Knocks: Proactive Leadership in a Wait-and-See World, was a consummate success. Speakers included playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, futurist Jack Uldrich and NEA Chairman Rocco Landesman. Over 160 theatre leaders and trustees were in attendance at the Desmond Tutu Center in New York, NY. Many thanks to all who participated.

Action: Watch the Events section of the website for upcoming audio files of certain sessions.

2010 Alan Schneider Director Award-Call for Nominations

Beginning in mid-December, TCG will be accepting nominations from artistic directors for the 2010 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 $7,500 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 Chicago, where the recipient will receive valuable exposure. Previous award winners include Mark Brokaw, Peter C. Brosius, Kyle Donnelly, Michael John Garcés, Henry Godinez, Nancy Keystone, Roberta Levitow, Charles Newell, Roman Paska, Mary Robinson, David Saint, Joel Sass and Darko Tresnjak.

Action: The nomination deadline is February 1, 2010. Visit the Grants section of the website for more information. Nomination forms will be made available in mid-December.

ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG

National Arts Advocacy Day, April 12-13, 2010

The dates for the 2010 Arts Advocacy Day have been announced–April 12-13. The 23rd annual Arts Advocacy Day is the only national event that brings together a broad cross-section of America’s cultural and civic organizations, along with hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country, to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts. It continues to be important to let congressional leaders know that the arts are an economic engine for development and a priority for every American.

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to register. Email Laurie Baskin at TCG so your visit can be coordinated with other theatre advocates.

Corporation for National and Community Service Releases Information on Social Innovation Fund

The Corporation for National and Community Service has released information on the Social Innovation Fund. Applications for funds will be due in early 2010 and the grants will be awarded in late spring or summer of 2010.

Action: Visit the Social Innovation Fund website for more information.

NEA Appropriations Update

At the end of October, Congress approved a $12.5 million increase for the NEA for FY 2010! This brings the NEA funding level to $167.5 million for FY 2010.

Action: Visit the Performing Arts Alliance website to thank your Members of Congress and Senators for this funding increase for the NEA.

New Appointees to the President's Committee on Arts and Humanities

In addition to the President’s recent leadership appointments to the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the President has now appointed 25 members to the Committee, which assists in bringing together the public and private sectors to advance the non-partisan cultural objectives of the Administration.

Action: Visit the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities website to view the full list of new appointments.

NEA Chairman Landesman Presents Guiding Principles

In a speech at the Grantmakers in the Arts Conference, Chairman Landesman laid out the guiding principle that will inform his work at the agency: "Art works." Chairman Landesman explicated the three meanings found in this phrase:

• "Art works" is a noun. They are the books, crafts, dances, designs, drawings, films, installations, music, musicals, paintings, plays, performances, poetry, textiles and sculptures that are the creation of artists.
• "Art works" is a verb. Art works on and within people to change and inspire them; it addresses the need people have to create, to imagine, to aspire to something more.
• "Art works" is a declarative sentence: arts jobs are real jobs that are part of the real economy. Art workers pay taxes, and art contributes to economic growth, neighborhood revitalization and the livability of American towns and cities.

Chairman Landesman announced that he will spend the next six months learning and highlighting the ways that art works in neighborhoods and towns across America.

Action: Visit the NEA website to learn more.

IRA Charitable Rollover

The IRA Charitable Rollover provision is nearing its expiration date of December 31, and advocates in the not-for-profit community are urging Congress to extend this important charitable giving incentive. The IRA Charitable Rollover has allowed for millions of dollars in new contributions to support the work of not-for-profit organizations. It is critical to maintain the charitable giving options for individuals in order to provide a consistent source of revenue for programs and services to people and communities.

Action: Visit the Performing Arts Alliance website to send a message about the IRA Charitable Rollover to your member of Congress.

New Study Reveals Popularity of U.S. Cultural and Heritage Travel

A recent research study conducted by Mandala Research for the U.S. Cultural and Heritage Tourism (USCHT) Marketing Council, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce, reveals that 78 percent of all U.S. leisure travelers participate in cultural and/or heritage activities while traveling, translating to 118.3 million adults each year. With cultural and heritage travelers spending an average of $994 per trip, they contribute more than $192 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

Action: For more information about the study or to purchase a final report, email Laura Mandala or call her at 703.798.5452.

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Fourth Round of STAGE International Script Competition

Submitted plays must explore scientific and/or technological stories, themes, issues or events. Multimedia theatre pieces, non-traditional plays and new forms are encouraged.

Action: The deadline is December 15. Visit the STAGE website for application guidelines and materials.

Ensemble Studio Theatre and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Science and Technology Project

This project seeks proposals for developing and producing full-length and one-act plays and musicals that address the questions and dilemmas faced by “hard” scientists. Commissions between $1,000 and $10,000 are available for script proposals, and rewrite commissions of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available for existing scripts.

Action: The deadline for commission proposals is November 30. The deadline for script submissions is December 31. Visit the Ensemble Studio Theatre website for application guidelines and materials.

id Theater Accepting Submissions for Seven Devils Playwright Conference

Full-length plays of any genre or style are accepted. Preference will be given to plays that embrace, explore and challenge the diverse geographical, philosophical, cultural, aesthetic and political landscape of the American experience—rural and urban, east and west, coastal and inland.

Action: The deadline is December 31. Visit the id Theater website for application guidelines and materials.

Premiere Stages Accepting Submissions for 2010 Premiere Play Festival

The winner of this festival will be awarded $2,000 and a fully produced Equity production in our 2010 season. The runner-up will receive $750 and an Equity workshop; the second runner-up will receive a cash prize of $500. All three finalists will have public readings of their plays March 11-13, 2010.

Action: The deadline is January 15, 2010. Visit the Premiere Stages website for application guidelines and materials.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre Voices At The River II Playwrights' Residency Program

This program, designed to support African American and Latino playwrights both nationally and in Arkansas, is now accepting submissions in the form of full-length plays, translations and adaptations (providing the rights have been secured). The program includes a two-week residency for playwrights, directors and actors at Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

Action: The deadline is January 31, 2010. Visit the Arkansas Repertory Theatre website for application guidelines and materials.

Arts Midwest Announces Guidelines for 2010-2011 Performing Arts Fund Grants

This fund supports the inter-state touring of professional performing artists throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Grants are applied for and made directly to presenting organizations, and engagements must feature a professional performing artist or ensemble from anywhere outside the applicant’s state.

Action: The review of applications will begin on March 24, 2010 and continue until funds are depleted. Visit the Arts Midwest website for application guidelines and materials.

National Dance Project Accepting Applications for Production Grants

Projects applying for production grants should make possible the creation of regionally or nationally significant work that will tour; offer potential to engage audiences; explore collaborations within and across disciplines, if appropriate; and involve creative and dynamic partnership with one or more U.S. presenter partners in the development of the work.

Action: The deadline is March 2, 2010. Visit the New England Foundation for the Arts website for application guidelines and materials.

Can You Bring a New Full Power Radio Station to Your Area?

The FCC will accept applications for new full power radio stations in mid-February 2010. For the past decade, not-for-profits in different locations across the country have petitioned the FCC to set aside commercial channels for non-commercial use. Sixty-seven of these petitions have been granted, and the frequencies have been set aside. As a result there will be an upcoming window on February 19-26, 2010 during which time the FCC will accept applications from groups wishing to use these for non-commercial broadcasting. These are full power stations in mostly rural areas. Only certain communities, with specific zip codes, are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Action: Visit the Future of Music Coalition website for more information and eligibility requirements (PDF).

ARTS EDUCATION

TCG National Conference 2010-Pre-Conference on Arts Education

Action: See story in the Current TCG News section.

First Lady Highlights Arts Education, Cultural Diplomacy in Speech

First Lady Michelle Obama spoke out in support of arts education and cultural diplomacy while in Pittsburgh for the G-20 Summit. She spoke at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School [CAPA] and said “It is through our music, our literature, our art, drama and dance that we tell the story of our past and we express our hopes for the future. . . Our artists challenge our assumptions in ways that many cannot and do not,” she said. “They expand our understandings, and push us to view our world in new and very unexpected ways.”

Action: Visit the White House website to view the full speech.

Groundbreaking Study Links Higher High School Graduation Rates to Strong Arts Education Programs

According to a new study of New York City public high schools released by The Center for Arts Education, high school graduation rates and access to arts education are closely linked. “Staying in School: Arts Education and New York City High School Graduation Rates” is the first known analysis of the relationship between graduation rates and arts education. The Center for Arts Education (CAE) correlated different sources of data collected separately by the NYC Department of Education, which have never been looked at together before.

Action: Visit the Center for Arts Education website to download the full report.

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

Call for Papers: American Theatre and Drama Society Sessions at the American Literature Association 21st Annual Conference

The 2010 theme for the American Theatre and Drama Society (ATDS) sessions at this conference is Intertextual Exchanges. ATDS invites papers or panels that investigate the ways in which American dramatic texts (imagining “texts” in the broadest possible way) have engaged with a range of literary, visual or oral texts/traditions outside the playhouse.

Action: The deadline is January 15. Visit the University of Pennsylvania website to read the full CFP.

Arts Reach National Arts Marketing Conference in March 2010-TCG Member Discount!

TCG members are entitled to up to $160 off registration to the 2010 Arts Reach National Arts Marketing and Development Conference, scheduled for March 13–16, 2010 in New York City. TCG members will receive $80 off the Regular Conference, $40 off the Pre-Conference Day and $40 off the Post-Conference Day. The theme of the event is Coming Together, Setting the Course: Reinvent Your Future with the New Marketing and Fundraising Strategies of the Next Decade. The conference will include a special theatre track, with top theatre professionals, as well as leaders from other arts disciplines, discussing frameworks, strategies and techniques for surviving the current economy and thriving into the next decade. Managing leaders and board members, as well as marketing, public relations, membership and development professionals from all cultural disciplines are encouraged to attend.

Action: Register by December 22 and bring a colleague for FREE! Visit the Arts Reach website to view all of the conference offerings or to register online.

DEVELOPMENT

Cygnet Theatre Company Receives $325,000

Cygnet Theatre Company in San Diego, CA will receive $325,000 over three years from the James Irvine Foundation to increase financial sustainability and attract broader audiences.

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

Study Finds Cultural Consumers Still Spending on Creative Comforts Despite Economy

The 2009 American Life and Culture Report by Patricia Martin surveyed 2,300 consumers about their cultural goods spending habits.

RESOURCES

Grantmakers In the Arts Conference Blog

The 2009 Grantmakers in the Arts Recession Conference was held in Brooklyn, NY on October 18-21, with the theme Navigating the Art of Change. Blogger Ian David Moss offered daily recaps of the event on the official conference blog.

Action: Visit the 2009 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference blog.

The America Project: A Teaching Method for Collaboration, Creativity and Citizenship

Written by Kym Ragusa, this is a guide to arts-based and artist-driven public exploration of the meaning of engaged citizenship. It documents The America Project, a course developed and taught by Sekou Sundiata that combined intellectual inquiry with practical experience in the research and creation of new artistic work.

Action: To obtain a copy of this guide, email Ann Rosenthal.

Arts and Civic Engagement Impact Initiative

This initiative, part of Americans for the Arts’ Animating Democracy program, looks to examine how arts-based civic engagement initiatives actually influence or produce important effects and impacts—a working theory of social efficacy.
Action:

Action: Visit the Americans for the Arts website to read more and download reports generated as part of this initiative.

NEW TCG MEMBERS

The Latino Theater Company

514 S Spring St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
tel (213) 489-0994
fax (213) 489-1851
info@thelatc.org
www.thelatc.org
Jose Luis Valenzuela, Artistic Director
Paul Stuart Graham, General Manager
Moctesuma Esparza, Board Chair

TCG DEADLINES

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Information appearing in the TCG Bulletin may not be reprinted without permission.