TCG Bulletin

February 2008, Volume 31, Issue 2

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In the February Field Letter, Teresa promotes various upcoming convenings, reports on the most recent TCG board and National Council for the American Theatre meetings and ponders the new economic realities that we are all facing. She writes, “Meanwhile, in real life, news reports are building about the possibility and/or reality of a recession—and what it means for many segments of our economy. For theatres, the consumer belt tightening that accompanies recessionary times can affect programming, ticket sales and contributions. But paradoxically, some theatres have experienced steady or increased attendance during past recessions. It behooves us to consider the impacts of various weak economy scenarios and possible impacts on the field, its organizations, artists and patrons—as well as recalling how we’ve handled such environments in the past.”

• Click here to view the February 2008 Field Letter.

TCG NEWS

Fiscal Survey 2007: Deadline Extended to February 8!

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, February 8. 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.

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.

2007–2008 TCG Theatre Directory

In February, 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 of the Theatre Directory 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 March 1 issue are due by February 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. 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.

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Call for Submissions: Second Annual Festival of New Works Contest

The Second Annual Festival of New Works Contest, sponsored by the Oxford International Institute for Drama and Documentary in Conflict Transformation (OxDocs), has announced a call for submissions. Two separate competitions, one for stage drama and one for screenplays, are now accepting manuscripts.

The Festival is open to new, emerging, non-professional playwrights and screenwriters whose work explores issues related to political, religious, racial, gender-based and/or community conflict. Prizes include small cash honoraria and showcase opportunities for your work.

Action: Submissions are accepted until June 21. Visit the OxDocs website for details and required application materials.

Spring/Summer Creativity Workshops Slated For New York and Europe

The Creativity Workshop was designed to help participants find new sources of inspiration, break through creative blocks, take pleasure in imagination and develop a daily practice to accomplish these goals. The Workshop uses writing, drawing, storytelling and memoir as tools to explore and develop creativity. The program was founded in 1993, and has helped individuals from all backgrounds and experiences explore the uniqueness of their imagination in all endeavors. The only requirements for the Creativity Workshop are curiosity about your creative process and a sense of playfulness. Class size is limited.

The schedule of upcoming workshops is:

Action: Class sizes are limited, so interested parties are encouraged to register early. Visit the Creativity Workshop website for more information.

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 February 15. 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.

DEVELOPMENT

New Survey Finds Direct-Mail Appeals Suffering

Direct-mail appeals sent by charities are not producing as much money as they did in years past because the number of people who give through the mail is declining, a new survey has found. Charities have increased the amount raised per solicitation, but not enough to make up for the failure to recruit new donors through the mail. The quarterly survey, conducted by Target Analytics, a Boston consulting company, is based on more than 70 million donations of less than $5,000 apiece made by 39 million donors, mostly in response to the direct-mail solicitations of large not-for-profit organizations.

Action: Visit the Target Analytics website to view a summary of the survey findings.

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, January 8, 2008

INTERNATIONAL NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

International Physical Theatre Laboratory Slated for March 23–28, 2008, in Malpils, Latvia

The International Physical Theatre Laboratory is open for performers from different countries and backgrounds inspired by physical theatre as a bold, vibrant and multidimensional approach to contemporary theatre performance. The Lab is putting particular emphasis on practical exploration of methods and techniques of group theatre training as the foundation for coherent rehearsal process, open creative atmosphere and efficient performance making. The program is open to actors of physical, dramatic, musical and dance theatres, dancers, choreographers, directors, stage designers, playwrights and scriptwriters.

Action: Register by February 20 to receive the 590 Euro rate. Visit the Physical Theatre Laboratory website for more information.

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

New Report: Culture Track 2007 Tracks U.S. Cultural Participation

LaPlaca Cohen recently published Culture Track 2007, a survey on U.S. participation in culture. The report, which defined culture to include traditional arts, pop culture, historic attractions and national parks, found that 74 percent of respondents had attended at least one cultural activity each month. The highest participation rates were found in the following groups: younger audiences (18–29), college graduates and those with incomes over $75,000.

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

Source: Cultural Policy Listserv, January 10, 2008

RESOURCES

New Online Fundraising Guide Launched

Network for Good has announced the launch of their new Online Fundraising and Nonprofit Marketing Learning Center. This free resource center is designed to be a fundraising guide for “overwhelmed and overworked" not-for-profits. A few of the topics available are “Eight Things Your Homepage Must Have," “The Five Minute Guide to Social Networking," among others.

Action: Visit the Online Fundraising and Nonprofit Marketing Learning Center website for more information.

League of American Theatres and Producers Changes Its Name to the Broadway League

The League of American Theatres and Producers announced its name change to the Broadway League. “The new name more aptly reflects the composition of the League’s membership," says executive director Charlotte St. Martin. Some key services of the Broadway League include overseeing government relations for the Broadway industry, maintaining extensive research archives and databases, investing in the future through audience development programs and supporting charitable efforts benefiting the theatrical community.

Action: None

NEW TCG MEMBERS

South Carolina Repertory Company

PO Box 23464
Hilton Head, SC 22925
tel (834) 324-2057
mail@hiltonheadtheatre.com
www.hiltonheadtheatre.com
Pat Haskell, Artistic Director
Hank Haskell, Business Manager
Blake White, Production Associate

Stage Works

PO Box 3428
Tampa, FL 33602
tel (813) 251-8984
www.stageworkstheater.com
Anna Brennen, Producing Director
Peggy Huey, Managing Director
Andrea Graham, Board President

TCG DEADLINES

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