TCG Bulletin

January 2009, Volume 32, Issue 1

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In her first Field Letter of 2009, Teresa announces registration for the TCG National Conference, encourages public commentary on the arts transition document at Change.gov and directs attention to several reports relevant to the field. She also reveals some changes to TCG’s regular communications with the field, including a new approach to the Field Letter, and quarterly updates. “I am hopeful for the year ahead,” she says, “but at the same time, I share a certain unsettledness. Having been in the trenches through organizational shifts, financial crises and times of great opportunity, I’ve never before felt such a kinship with a President taking on a new job. At TCG, we will be doing our best this year to keep in touch, keep track of what is happening, provide thought and analysis—which we hope will be helpful—and undertake the research and the advocacy work to keep our field as strong as it can be.”

• Click here to view the January 2009 Field Letter.

TCG NEWS

Fiscal Survey 2008 Deadline Extended!

TCG member theatres are 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.

For many of our member theatres, participation in TCG’s Fiscal Survey has become a routine annual activity that has proven well worth the time, effort and, admittedly, a small measure of pain! Not only has online submission become a much easier process, but members have long reported that the work they put into our survey creates a fiscal template for their organizations—one that serves as a foundation for a variety of grant applications and donor correspondence. For many theatres, the Fiscal Survey process further provides an unparalleled opportunity to take stock of, and improve upon, the financial systems that they have in place.

Only participating theatres will have online access to the full survey results. In order to apply for any TCG grant program, completion of the Fiscal Survey is required.

Action: The Fiscal Survey extended deadline is January 9. Visit the Fiscal Survey section for more information. You will need your username and password to access the survey. If you do not have your username and password, email customer service.

2009 National Conference, Roots. Renaissance. Revolution., Registration Opens January 8

Registration opens January 8 for the 2009 TCG National Conference, Roots. Renaissance. Revolution., June 4–6 in Baltimore, MD.

How do generational perspectives affect our art, our leadership, our audiences and the evolution of the resident theatre landscape? Register to join us when the theatre community will come together to investigate the possibilities of our future, to share the stories of our past and to explore the complexities of our present. Interact with a provocative mix of “big thinkers” and master artists including keynote speaker, John Waters, futurist Andrew Zolli and Gen Y journalist Nadira Hira, as we celebrate the future of our field while continuing to cherish the stories that have defined the movement.

You are also invited to register for one of two TCG pre-conferences in Washington, DC on June 3: ACTivate Change: Advocating for Theatre Now and ACTivate Change: Bridging Cultural Exchange and Creativity. Be among the first to participate in field wide conversations with international experts, funders and congressional policy-makers as we chart a course for arts advocacy and global artistic exchange in today’s increasingly intricate world. The new administration has shown already that it is receptive to the arts’ message, but we have to participate in the process if we want a place in the national and international dialogue. Come to Washington, DC on June 3 to be part of that conversation. Save $50 per person when you register for both the National Conference and either Pre-Conference.

Save money by registering now! Given the current turbulent national landscape, it is more important than ever that we gather together to share our knowledge, fortify our connections and strengthen our resolve as we face an uncertain future. Don’t miss out on this momentous event. Take advantage of our Early Bird Registration and save $70 per person off standard registration rates. Register five or more representatives and save another ten percent off each registration. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Register January 8!

Action: Registration Opens January 8. The Early Bird deadline is April 7. For more information, please visit the Conference section.

Fall Forum Transcripts Now Available

Transcripts are now available for several of the 2008 Fall Forum sessions. Audio and written transcripts are available for Turbulent Times: Steering through Today’s Crisis, Diversity in 360° and Philanthropic Giving in Troubled Economies. Written transcripts are available for the keynote address, delivered by noted journalist Mark Halperin, and the closing remarks delivered by Kate Warner, artistic director of Dad’s Garage Theatre Company and TCG board member.

Action: Visit the Events section of the website to listen to or read the transctripts.

NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Designers and Directors

Supported by the NEA and TCG, the Career Development Program is designed to nurture and support exceptional early-career theatre designers tailored to fit the goals of the artist. The program offers exceptionally talented, early-career theatre designers and directors the opportunity to spend six months over a two-year period developing their skills, expanding their artistic boundaries and increasing their knowledge of the field. Each experience is hand-tailored, matching recipients’ goals to appropriate and challenging assignments.

Action: Online registrations forms must be completed by midnight, January 30. Visit the Grants section of the website to view guidelines for directors and designers.

ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG

White Space: Change is Coming!

As TV goes digital in February, there will be resulting changes in the use of the broadcast spectrum, specifically the “white space” that exists between broadcast television channels. Recent auction of a portion of the “white space” is resulting in a reorganization of the broadcast spectrum, changes to the allowable uses of the spectrum and the development of new devices.

On November 4, the FCC voted to authorize the development and use of new devices that would operate in the same space currently used for wireless microphones. The FCC ruling includes certain ‘protections’ for wireless microphones. Please stay tuned for more information on this latest ruling in the coming months.

Meanwhile, a specific portion of the “white space” (channels 52-69, roughly between 700 and 800 MHz frequencies) had already been auctioned off, and current users, including performing arts organizations, will be required to vacate this part of the spectrum by February 17, 2009.

Action: Reminder! You are urged to contact your wireless microphone equipment manufacturer. Depending on make and model, your equipment could be re-banded with a new frequency range. Otherwise, it will need to be replaced. Please do this as soon as possible, especially if you are in a metropolitan market. TCG is interested in hearing about the impact of this change on our member theatres. Please contact Laurie Baskin if your theatre is adversely impacted.

National Arts Advocacy Day, March 30–31 in Washington, DC

2009 Arts Advocacy Day will take place on March 30–31 in Washington, DC. It will bring together arts, education, entertainment and policy leaders to develop strong public policies and support for increased public funding for the arts. A new administration and Congress brings the promise of bold, new leadership for the arts in America. However, during these uncertain economic times, it is important to let congressional leaders know that the arts are an economic engine for development and a priority for every American. Join hundreds of grassroots advocates from across the country in legislative training sessions, the Congressional Arts Breakfast on Capitol Hill, the Nancy Hanks Lecture on Arts and Public Policy at the Kennedy Center, and meetings with your Members of Congress on important arts-related issues. Your involvement does make an impact!

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

President-Elect Obama Talks About the Arts on Meet the Press

On December 7, in his first Sunday morning talk show interview since winning the election, President-Elect Obama discussed his plan to make an impact on our country by inviting more arts and culture into the White House. Obama said that he has been “thinking about the diversity of our culture and inviting jazz musicians and classical musicians and poetry readings in the White House so that, once again, we appreciate this incredible tapestry that's America.” This level of support for arts and culture from a president is unprecedented.

Action: Visit the Arts Action Fund website to view a video of President-Elect Obama’s remarks.

Representative Todd Platts Named Co-Chair Congressional Arts Caucus

Representative Todd Platts (R-PA) was invited and has accepted the position of Co-Chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus (CAC), joining current Co-Chair Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) for the 111th Congress. Rep. Platts’ acceptance ensures that the CAC will continue to have strong bipartisan support for the arts.

Action: None.

Americans for the Arts Publishes Arts Funding Response and Readiness Kit

Americans for the Arts has developed an online toolkit to help arts organizations respond effectively in times of crisis. The Arts Funding Response and Readiness Kit provides current information, key messaging, communications and advocacy strategies and the research you need to make the case for keeping the arts in your community.

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

Colorado Supreme Court to Review Stage Smoking Ban

The Colorado Supreme Court has agreed to review the constitutionality of the statewide smoking ban as it is applied to live theatre performances. This is the first victory in a two-year legal battle between three local theatre companies and the Colorado Department of Health. Curious Theatre Company, Paragon Theatre and Boulder's Theatre 13 argue that smoking onstage is expressive behavior protected by the First Amendment. A Denver District judge rejected that argument in October 2006, and a three-member appellate court followed suit last March. Oral arguments are expected to be heard in early March.

TCG has filed several Amicus Briefs, expertly written by Bruce Johnson, trustee of Seattle Repertory Theatre and member of TCG’s National Council for the American Theatre, in support of Curious Theatre Company.

Action: Stay tuned for further developments.

Source: Denver Post, December 12, 2008

Rand Corporation, Commissioned by Wallace Foundation, Produces Report on State Arts Policy

A new Rand Report, Trends and Future Prospects, predicts a changing role for state agencies. State arts agencies, key players within the United States system of public support for the arts, face a wide variety of challenges to their typical roles as grantmakers. The author concludes that future state arts policy is likely to focus more on efforts to develop the creative economy and to grow the audience for the arts.

Action: Visit the Rand website to download a free copy of the report.

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Yale Institute for Music Theatre Announces Call for New Works

The Yale School of Drama and the Yale School of Music recently announced the creation of the Yale Institute for Music Theatre, which seeks “to identify distinctive and original music theatre works by emerging writers and composers, and to serve those writers by matching them with collaborators who can help them further develop their work in an unpressured workshop setting.” Three works will be selected for workshop, and each member of the writing team will receive an honorarium of $1,000, as well as round-trip transportation and accommodation for the duration of the workshop. The Institute will accept applications for projects at various stages of development, but focuses on work that is ready to be explored musically and dramatically with performers and directors.

Action: The application deadline is January 23. Visit the Yale School of Drama website for more information and application materials.

ARTS EDUCATION

President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities Announces Coming Up Taller Awards

The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities invites nominations for the 2009 Coming Up Taller Awards. In partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the NEA and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Coming Up Taller Awards recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional arts and humanities after-school and out-of-school programs. Coming Up Taller finalists receive $10,000, an individualized plaque and an invitation to attend the Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference.

Action: The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 30. Visit the Coming Up Taller website to access the 2009 nomination application, or contact the President’s Committee at (202) 682-5409.

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

Registration Open for Nonprofit Technology Conference, April 26–28 in San Francisco

The 2009 Nonprofit Technology Conference will take place April 26–28 at the San Francisco Hilton. The 2009 Nonprofit Technology Conference will pay special attention to the tools and strategies that are reshaping how not-for-profits work by empowering clients and stakeholders. Featured speakers will include Clay Shirky, author of Here Comes Everybody and Eben Moglen, founder and director of Software Freedom Center.

Action: Visit the NTEN website for more information and registration materials.

DEVELOPMENT

Economic Crisis Updates: Ford Foundation Issues Statement; Madoff Investment Scam

Ford Foundation president Luis A. Ubiñas recently issued a statement on the Ford Foundation’s grantmaking in the current economic crisis. Ubiñas stresses the Ford Foundation’s “long-term vision”, and outlines plans to increase the percentage of the Ford Foundation’s endowment that is paid out in grants, implement a series of internal cost controls and continue to honor all outstanding grants.

At least three foundations have been forced to fold in the wake of allegations of fraud against Wall Street Financier Bernard Madoff, including New York’s JEHT Foundation, the Robert I. Lappin and the Chais Family foundations. Bloomberg News reports that the Madoff Family Foundation was a major donor to the Public Theater and the Robin Hood Foundation, and had made large donations to Lincoln Center Theater in past years.

Action: Visit the Ford Foundation website to read Ubiñas’ statement. The effect of Bernard Madoff’s alleged fraud has been covered by the Philanthropy News Digest, the New York Times and Boomberg News.

Report Finds Most Grantmakers Not Making Changes Necessary to Support Not-for-profit Success

A survey of both grantmakers and not-for-profit organizations recently conducted by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) concluded that grantmakers are not making the changes that they and their grantees say are essential to supporting not-for-profit success. Most grantmaking respondents reported not providing overhead costs associated with funded projects, and only a third of grantmaking respondents said that they regularly solicited feedback from grantees. Grantmakers and not-for-profits agreed that top priorities for change include providing more general operating support, providing multiyear support and creating a supportive and respectful relationship between grantees and grantmakers.

Action: Visit the GEO website to download a free copy of the report (free registration required).

NEA Announces First Round of Grants for FY09

Access to Artistic Excellence grants support the creation and presentation of work in the disciplines of dance, design, folk and traditional arts, literature, media arts, museums, music, musical theatre, opera, presenting, theatre and visual arts. Through this category, the NEA will fund 886 projects out of 1,394 eligible applications, for a total of $20,325,500 million. Awards to the following TCG member theatres were announced:

FY09 Grant Awards: Access to Artistic Excellence
About Face Theatre: $20,000
ACT Theatre: $20,000
The Acting Co: $40,000
Actors Theatre of Louisville: $45,000
Alley Theatre: $25,000
Alliance Theatre: $40,000
Amas Musical Theatre, Inc: $20,000
American Conservatory Theater: $45,000
American Repertory Theatre: $30,000
American Theater Co: $15,000
Arden Theatre Co: $25,000
Arizona Theatre Company: $35,000
Arkansas Repertory Theatre: $20,000
Berkeley Repertory Theatre: $30,000
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble: $15,000
Boise Contemporary Theater: $10,000
Bristol Riverside Theatre: $25,000
Center for Puppetry Arts: $15,000
Center Theatre Group: $50,000
CENTERSTAGE: $35,000
Chicago Dramatists: $15,000
The Children's Theatre Co: $35,000
City Theatre Co: $20,000
The Civilians: $20,000
Classic Stage Company: $30,000
The Cleveland Play House: $25,000
Cleveland Public Theatre: $15,000
Clubbed Thumb: $15,000
Cornerstone Theater Co: $30,000
The Coterie Theatre: $25,000
CounterPulse: $10,000
Court Theatre: $35,000
Cultural Odyssey: $15,000
Dell'Arte International: $20,000
East West Players: $15,000
Eugene O'Neill Theater Center: $20,000
Fools Fury Theater: $10,000
The Foundry Theatre: $20,000
GALA Hispanic Theatre: $20,000
Goodman Theatre: $40,000
Guthrie Theater: $50,000
Here Arts Center: $30,000
Huntington Theatre Company: $35,000
Illusion Theater: $20,000
Imagination Stage: $20,000
Indiana Repertory Theatre: $30,000
InterAct Theatre Company: $15,000
Intersection For The Arts: $15,000
LAByrinth Theater Co: $20,000
Lark Play Development Center: $20,000
Lincoln Center Theater: $20,000
Long Wharf Theatre: $30,000
Mabou Mines: $25,000
Madison Repertory Theatre: $15,000
Main Street Theater: $10,000
Manhattan Theatre Club: $40,000
Ma-Yi Theater Company: $25,000
McCarter Theatre Center: $30,000
Milwaukee Repertory Theater: $30,000
Miracle Theatre Group: $15,000
Mixed Blood Theatre Co: $25,000
New Dramatists, Inc: $40,000
New Federal Theatre, Inc: $10,000
New Paradise Laboratories: $10,000
New York Theatre Workshop: $30,000
Next Theatre Company: $15,000
Northlight Theatre: $20,000
The Old Globe: $35,000
Ontological-Hysteric Theater: $30,000
Oregon Shakespeare Festival: $40,000
Penumbra Theatre Company: $30,000
The People's Light & Theatre Company: $20,000
Perseverance Theatre: $20,000
Philadelphia Theatre Co: $30,000
Pick Up Performance Co: $10,000
Ping Chong & Company: $30,000
Pittsburgh Public Theater: $20,000
Plan-B Theatre Company: $15,000
The Playwrights' Center: $25,000
Playwrights Horizons: $30,000
Portland Center Stage: $15,000
Portland Stage Company: $15,000
Pregones Theater: $30,000
Providence Black Repertory: $10,000
Ripe Time: $15,000
Round House Theatre: $30,000
Roundabout Theatre Co: $40,000
Rubicon Theatre Co: $20,000
The Salt Lake Acting Co: $7,500
San Diego Repertory Theatre: $25,000
San Francisco Mime Troupe: $20,000
Seattle Children's Theatre: $30,000
Seattle Repertory Theatre: $35,000
Second Stage Theatre: $25,000
Shadowlight Productions: $15,000
The Shakespeare Theatre Company: $35,000
Shotgun Players: $25,000
Signature Theatre: $40,000
Signature Theatre Co: $30,000
SITI Company: $25,000
Soho Repertory Theatre: $10,000
South Coast Repertory: $40,000
Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre: $10,000
Southern Rep: $15,000
Steppenwolf Theatre Co: $45,000
The Studio Theatre: $30,000
Sundance Institute Theatre: $40,000
Synchronicity Performance Group: $15,000
Thalia Spanish Theatre: $15,000
TheatreWorks: $35,000
Unicorn Theatre: $15,000
Utah Shakespearean Festival: $15,000
TOTAL: $2,747,500

Challenge America: Reaching Every Community Fast Track Review Grants are an integral part of the NEA's mission to bring the arts to all Americans. One hundred and fifty-one grants of $10,000 each, totaling $1,510,000, will be given to primarily small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics or disability. Many projects emphasize the potential of the arts to help strengthen communities. In addition, projects often feature partnerships between arts organizations and other cultural, educational or civic organizations. Awards to the following TCG member theatres were announced:

FY09 Grant Awards: Challenge America Fast-Track Review Grants
Borderlands Theater: $10,000
Classical Theatre of Harlem: $10,000
The Globe Theatre: $10,000
Horizon Theatre Co: $10,000
Lorraine Hansberry Theatre: $10,000
Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey: $10,000
Roxy Regional Theatre: $10,000
Sierra Repertory Theatre: $10,000
TOTAL: $80,000

Creativity and Aging in America grants support projects that involve older Americans as creators through literature and music, and that promote lifelong learning in the arts. Projects are conducted by professional artists and engage older adults as students, artists and/or teachers. Fourteen projects were funded out of 55 applications, for a total of $330,000. This award to a TCG member theatre was announced:

FY09 Grant Awards: Creativity & Aging in America
Long Wharf Theatre: $15,000
TOTAL: $15,000

GRAND TOTAL: $2,842,500

Action: Visit the NEA website for more information and to read the full list of awards.

Seattle Repertory Theatre Receives Major Gift

The Seattle Repertory Theatre received $750,000 over four years to develop and market eight new three-play Social Subscription pilot programs from the Wallace Foundation.

Action: None.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

Applications Now Being Accepted for Academy of Cultural Diplomacy

Sponsored by the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy allows individuals of all backgrounds to gain an introduction in, or deepen their knowledge of, the field of Cultural Diplomacy. A curriculum featuring leading figures from the public sector, private sector and civil society will lead discussion on contemporary Cultural Diplomacy. Founded in 1999, The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy is an international, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in the United States and Germany.

Action: Visit the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy website to apply for the Academy, and to learn about other upcoming international programs.

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

Bridgespan Releases Report on Not-for-Profit Management

Bridgepsan, a group that helps not-for-profit and philanthropic leaders to develop strategies and build organizations that inspire and accelerate social change, has released the report Strongly Led, Under-managed, which finds that many not-for-profits are struggling to transition from strong leadership and weak management to strong leadership and strong management. The report focuses on three recommendations: getting to strategic clarity; anchoring strategic clarity in a few key metrics; and building and aligning the senior leadership team. The article is based on a series of interviews with not-for-profit leaders whose organizations are intentionally making a transition to stronger management.

Action: Visit the Bridgespan website to download a free copy of the report.

NEA Releases Report on Not-for-profit Theatres

Drawing on data from the IRS Form 990, the TCG Fiscal Survey, United States Census Bureau’s Economic Census and the NEA’s Survey of Public Participation in the Arts, the NEA recently released All America’s a Stage: Growth and Challenges in Nonprofit Theater, a report on the growth, distribution and finances of America’s not-for-profit theatres since 1990. According to the report, the number of not-for-profit theatres in the United States has doubled since 1990, and the number of theatres in small and mid-sized population states has grown substantially. The report also examines audience trends, and finds that the percentage of United States adults attending non-musical theatre has declined from 13.5 percent (25 million people) in 1992 to 9.4 percent (21 million people) in 2008.

Action: Visit the NEA website to read the report.

NEA Releases Research Note on Women Artists

A recent research note issued by the NEA reported that although women are making gains in traditionally male artist occupations, they still earn less than their male counterparts. Other key findings showed that women’s pay disparity increases with age, pay gaps vary by occupation and pay gaps vary by state. According to the research note, women make up just under half of all artists nationwide, and are less likely to have children than female workers in the general workforce.

Action: Visit the NEA website to read the research note.

Freelancers Union Launches Health Insurance Company

The New York City-based Freelancers Union has launched the Freelancers Insurance Company, which will replace plans operated by commercial carriers that the Freelancers Union previously offered. Initially, coverage will only be available in New York, though officials hope to expand it to other states. The most comprehensive plan offered costs $450 per month, and more than 3,000 Freelance Union members have signed up for coverage. A coalition of philanthropies and businesses has contributed $17 million in grants and loans to start the company for an agreed two percent rate of return.

Action: Visit the Freelancers Union website for more information.

RESOURCES

Internal Revenue Service Publishes ABCs for Exempt Organizations

The Internal Revenue Service recently published a collection of documents and resources to help managers of a new exempt organization navigate tax issues. Documents include the Compliance Guide for 501(c)(3) Public Charities, Frequently Asked Questions About Tax-Exempt Organizations, links to online tax workshops and mini-courses, and a schedule of live workshops and events for tax-exempt organizations.

Action: Visit the IRS website for more information.

Guidelines for Corporate Blogs

The Marketing Nirvana and MarketingProfs blogs recently published sets of guidelines for effective corporate blogs. Marketing Nirvana’s criteria includes actionable goals, a dedicated blog editor, a schedule and a comment policy. MarketingProfs also suggests a blog strategy, an “about us” section and pictures and bios for every blogger.

Action: Visit the Marketing Nirvana and Marketing Profs blogs to read the guidelines.

NEW TCG BUSINESS AFFILIATES

Just Business! Inc

Just Business! Inc
1612 Prosser Ave
Kettering, OH 45409
Tel (866) 503-1966
Fax (877) 798-2779
Norm Orlowski, President
norlowski@jusbiz.com
www.jusbiz.com

TCG DEADLINES

RECURRING TCG NEWS

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 Sarah McLellan .

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 the TCG Bulletin and Field Letter by email or to inform TCG of staff changes at your theatre, contact Gregg Gomez .

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 $100 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.