TCG Bulletin
March 2009, Volume 32, Issue 3
Also online this month:
FIELD LETTER
As reported last month, we’ve changed the content approach to the Field Letter so that, each month, we can go into depth on a particular aspect of TCG’s work in the field. In February, we witnessed an exciting and energized advocacy effort aimed at maintaining a $50 million allocation for the NEA in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, while minimizing the impact of the Coburn Amendment (which originally banned theatres and arts centers from receiving economic stimulus funds). This month, I’ve asked Laurie Baskin, TCG director of government and education programs, to provide an inside look at how this advocacy process unfolded, as well as what’s on the horizon for the future.
TCG NEWS
The Next Leadership Teleconference, Taking Your Fiscal Pulse: What Are the Implications for Your Theatre, Slated for March 19
TCG is thrilled to announce the next session in the Leadership Teleconference series, Taking Your Fiscal Pulse, What Are the Implications for Your Theatre. The teleconference will lead participants through the findings of TCG's latest snapshot survey, Taking Your Fiscal Pulse: January 2009. A panel of esteemed theatre leaders (from various budget group-sized theatres) will then provide context to the findings, discuss the fiscal realities facing theatres today and offer strategies to cope during this economic downturn. There will also be an opportunity for participants to offer comments and ask questions of the panelists. Registration for the first phone line is free of charge to TCG members. (Feel free to use a speaker phone so others can listen with you). Each additional phone line is $35.
Action: The registration deadline is March 13. Visit the Teleconferences section of the website for more information and registration materials.
Back to TopTaking Your Fiscal Pulse: January 2009 Report Now Online
This report is a compilation of the data from TCG's second Taking Your Fiscal Pulse snapshot survey, which was conducted in January 2009. It highlights fiscal data from members during the period of fall 2008-winter 2009, as well as budget projections and re-projections for participants' fiscal year end. The report also includes notes on various Budget Group outliers that were discovered in the analysis. A companion report to Taking Your Fiscal Pulse: January 2009 is also available and includes detailed data organized by Budget Group.
Action: Visit the Snapshot Survey section of the website for a copy of the reports and more information. You can also download the Press Release (PDF).
Back to TopFiscal Survey 2008 Deadline Extended to March 6
TCG member theatres are encouraged to participate in our 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 extended deadline is March 6. Visit the Fiscal Survey section of the website for more information. You will need your username and password to access the survey. Email customer service if you do not have your username and password.
Back to TopTCG Launches 2008 Education Survey
We are pleased to announce the 2008 Education Survey, TCG's annual online survey of the theatre education field. 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 TCG 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 extended deadline is March 9. Visit the Education section of the website to complete the survey. Contact Laurie Baskin or Alissa Moore with any questions.
Back to TopYou Are Invited to the American Theatre Magazine 25th Anniversary Benefit!
TCG invites you to a benefit in celebration of American Theatre magazine's 25th anniversary on Monday, April 20. Come celebrate the legacy of American Theatre with drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a Celebrity Piano Bar. In conjunction with the event, TCG Books is publishing a reader of the most significant articles from the magazine's first quarter century. Already focused on the future, American Theatre's anniversary issue in April will feature 25 theatre artists who are shaping the next 25 years. As the newspaper and magazine industries experience declines in coverage for the arts, American Theatre becomes ever more critical as a leading voice for theatre in the U.S. and beyond. We encourage you to purchase extra tickets, which will be used to underwrite attendance by the writers, artists, designers and editors who have served American Theatre over the years.
Action: Visit the Events section of the website for more information and to reserve your tickets.
Back to TopRegistration is open for the 2009 TCG National Conference, Roots, Renaissance, Revolution: Defining the New Landscape
Registration is open for the 2009 TCG National Conference, Roots, Renaissance, Revolution: Defining the New Landscape, June 4-6 in Baltimore, MD. Join us as we examine the ROOTS of our field–our founders, their dreams, and the growth of the field into the diversity of voices we hear today. Strategize toward a much-needed RENAISSANCE–especially in critical times, we have the opportunity to re-examine our priorities and create a renewal of the significance of the theatre in our communities, in the social dialogue throughout the country, and in the lives of our audience members. And connect with the REVOLUTION of tomorrow–as new leaders enter the field, what will change? What are their ideas, dreams and aspirations, and what will theatre look like in the very near future? What are the new possibilities afforded by advances in technology, communication, leadership, demography, and how might the study of generational differences alter the course of our work? We're shaking things up with invigorating speakers like filmmaker John Waters, Gen Y journalist Nadira Hira, futurist Andrew Zolli and others; breakout sessions proposed and created by our members; and a series of events designed to address the most immediate concerns of the moment.
You are also invited to register for one of two TCG pre-conferences in Washington, DC on June 3: ACTivate Change: Bridging Cultural Exchange and Creativity or ACTivate Change: Advocating for Theatre Now. 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. Save $50 per person when you register for both the National Conference and either Pre-Conference.
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!
Action: The Early Bird deadline is April 7. Take advantage of our Early Bird registration and save $70 per person off the standard registration rates. Register five or more representatives and save another ten percent off of each registration. Visit the National Conference section of the website to register for more information.
Back to TopCall for Nominations for the TCG Awards
The annual TCG Awards are a vital part of acknowledging unyielding commitment and artistic contributions to the theatre field. Since 2001, the TCG Awards have saluted extraordinary dedication to the American theatre community, and we will present these honors again at the 2009 TCG National Conference at the Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore.
Each TCG member theatre is urged to nominate one honoree for each
award. There are three awards for theatre professionals: the TCG
Theatre Practitioner Award, the Peter Zeisler Memorial Award and
this year’s new award, the TCG Visionary Leadership Award.
There are also two awards recognizing the commitment and support
of donors: the TCG National Funder Award and the TCG Regional Funder
Award.
Action: The nomination deadline is March 9. Visit the Conference section of the website for award descriptions and nomination forms.
Back to TopFifth Annual Free Night of Theater Set for October 15
In today's economy, attracting new audiences to our theatres has never been more vital. While many individual theatres and regional service organizations have free ticket giveaways or discounted ticket programs, Free Night has several unique components that set it apart from those programs. Free Night 2009 will open on Thursday, October 15, and the buzz is already building across the country.
Action: The deadline for new organizations or theatre companies to contact TCG about participation is March 30. Visit the Free Night section of the website to learn more about the 2009 program, including details on how to participate.
Back to TopNew Generations: Future Collaborations Travel Grants
A geographically unrestricted travel grant awarded to U.S. theatres and individual theatre professionals to facilitate international collaboration. Grants are intended to support the development of an international artistic collaboration at any stage or to explore the possibility of future work together. Open to individuals and non-TCG member theatres. The grant amount is $3,000.
Action: The application deadline is March 13. Visit the Grants section of the website for guidelines and full application materials.
Back to TopTCG/ITI International Travel Grants
Applications are now available for the Spring/Summer 2009 TCG/ITI Travel Grants, a travel grant that supports theatre artists, administrators and educators wishing to foster the exchange of ideas and theatre practices between the United States and Russia, Eastern or Central Europe. Grants may be used for U.S. theatre professionals to travel abroad, or for U.S. theatre organizations to host international theatre professionals traveling from abroad. Open to individuals and non-TCG member theatres. The grant amount is $3,500.
Action: The application and registration deadline is March 23. Visit the Grants section of the website for guidelines and full application materials.
Back to TopMetLife/TCG A-ha! Program: Think It, Do It
The MetLife/TCG A-ha! Program is a program for TCG member theatres that supports creative thinking and action in two ways: Think It grants (up to $25,000) give theatre professionals the time and space for research and development; Do It grants (up to $50,000) support the implementation and testing of new ideas.
Action: The application deadline is May 15. Visit the Grants section of the website for more information.
Back to TopFox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships
Fox Fellowships are awarded in two categories: Extraordinary Potential and Distinguished Achievement. The Fellowships are intended to further an actor's artistic and professional development; to deepen and enrich his/her relationship with a not-for-profit theatre; to ensure his/her continued professional commitment to live theatre and to encourage actors to work outside their comfort zone.
Action: The application deadline has been extended to June 15! Visit the Grants section of the website for more information.
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ADVOCACY NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN ARTS ALLIANCE AND TCG
Economic Stimulus and the Arts: A Win for the Arts!
Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have approved the compromise Economic Stimulus package called The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The final piece of legislation includes $50 million to preserve jobs in the non-profit arts sector to be distributed through the NEA. Please see this month's Field Letter (LINK), where Laurie Baskin details the rollercoaster ride to victory and explains how TCG advocates on your behalf.
Action: Communicate to your state and local officials the significant contributions your organization makes to your state and local economies and the impact the economic downturn is having on the health of your organization. Stay tuned for more detailed information on how to apply for additional funding opportunities in the final economic stimulus package.
Back to TopNEA Acting Chair Announced
Patrice Walker Powell, Deputy Chairman for States, Regions and Local Arts Agencies at the NEA, has been named by the Obama administration as Acting Chairman of the NEA. In addition, Anita Decker has been appointed by the White House as director of government affairs.
Action: Visit the NEA website for the full announcement.
Back to TopWhite Space: Change is Coming!
Reminder! A specific portion of the White Space (channels 52-69, roughly between 700 and 800 MHz frequencies) has already been auctioned off and current users, including performing arts organizations, will be required to vacate this part of the spectrum by February 17. Although Congress has approved a delay in the final transition to digital TV until June 12, transition can begin sooner. Depending on the 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. We have learned that Shure Microphones is offering a trade-in rebate to customers who purchased equipment that operates in the 700 MHZ range in the past year.
TCG, along with our members of the Performing Arts Alliance, has
been very active on this issue. We recently met with Hill staffers,
who are responsible for FCC issues in the House and Senate, to convey
our concerns. In addition, we also met with senior technical and
policy staff at the FCC to further explore the issue and our concerns.
Action: You are urged to contact your wireless microphone equipment manufacturer. Visit the Shure Microphones website to take advantage of the rebate offer. Contact Laurie Baskin if you have questions or concerns on the White Space issue.
Back to TopNational Arts Advocacy Day is March 30-31
The dates for the 2009 Arts Advocacy Day have been announced-March 30-31. Arts Advocacy Day 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: The advanced registration deadline is March 16. Visit the Americans for the Arts website for more information and to register. Contact Laurie Baskin so your visit can be coordinated with other theatre advocates.
Back to Top
ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES
Business Committee for the Arts Accepting Nominations for the BCA Ten
Business Committee for the Arts is now accepting nominations for the BCA Ten: Best Companies Supporting the Arts in America. Arts organizations, company employees and individuals are eligible to nominate. Organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and companies already in the BCA Hall of Fame are not eligible to receive awards.
Action: The deadline for submitting nominations is March 6. Visit the BCA website for more information and to nominate a company.
Back to TopCall for Applications: New York Theatre Workshop Artists of Color Fellowships
New York Theatre Workshop is now accepting applications for both the 2009-10 Emerging Artists of Color Fellowships for directors, playwrights and designers of color, as well as for the Resident Artists of Color Fellowships in Literary Management/Dramaturgy, Production/Stage Management and Arts Management.
Action: The deadline for applications is March 13. Visit the NYTW website for full descriptions of fellowship programs.
Back to TopDirectors Lab West Now Accepting Applications
Directors Lab West, like its New York inspiration at Lincoln Center Theater, seeks mid-career directors to participate in a week long series of workshops, panels, roundtables and symposia with some of the nation’s leading theatre artists. Directors Lab West creates an intensive laboratory environment where theatre directors come together to inspire, educate and challenge each other. The tenth annual Directors Lab West will take place May 16-23 at Pasadena Playhouse and Boston Court Performing Arts Complex.
Action: The deadline for application is March 20. Visit the Directors Lab West website for more information and application materials.
Back to TopRhizome Announces 2010 Commissions Cycle
The Rhizome Commissions Program is designed to support emerging artists by providing grants and institutional support for significant works of new media art. Rhizome seeks projects that creatively engage new and networked technologies and/or works that reflect on the impact of these tools and media in a variety of forms. Commissioned works can take the final form of online works, performance, video, installation or sound art. Projects can be made for the context of the gallery, the public, the web or networked devices and can be at any stage of production, from conception to distribution. Nine grants will be awarded during the 2010 cycle in the amounts of $1,000 to $5,000.
Action: The deadline for submissions is April 2. Visit the Rhizome website for full guidelines and application materials.
Back to TopVSA Arts Accepting Scripts from Middle and High School Students for Playwright Discovery Program
The VSA Arts Playwright Discovery Program invites middle and high school students to take a closer look at the world around them, examine how disability affects their lives and the lives of others and express their views through the art of playwriting. Young playwrights with and without disabilities are encouraged to submit a script. Entries may be the work of an individual student or a collaboration by a group or class of students. The winning play will be professionally produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The winning playwright receives $2,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. to see his or her play performed.
Action: The deadline for submissions is April 15. Visit the VSA Arts website for guidelines and application materials.
Back to Top
CONFERENCES & SEMINARS
Theatre Pedagogy: Teaching the Art Form, New York City, April 23-26
The goal of this forum is to facilitate dynamic exchange with the best teachers of theatre on all educational levels and to talk about what works in theory, in practice and the space between. Participants will share inspirations, challenges and discoveries-whether in teaching and presenting the art form, integrating drama into any given theatre curriculum or engaging in teacher preparation.
Action: The registration deadline is March 13. Visit the NYU website for more information and to register.
Back to TopSave the Date: 2009 LMDA Annual Conference in Washington DC, July 16-19
The 2009 Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of America Conference: Out of Bounds will take place July 16-19 in Washington DC. The conference will explore dramaturgy in action in arenas as diverse as museums, scientific institutions, and the political system, with a special focus on how dramaturgs of all countries might define and redefine themselves. The Kennedy Center and George Washington University will help host the event.
Action: Visit the LMDA website for more information and a full conference brochure.
Back to Top
MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
Foundation Center Issues Research Advisory on Foundation and Corporate Response to Economic Crisis
The Foundation Center recently issued A First Look at the Foundation and Corporate Response to the Economic Crisis, a brief report from an ongoing research series intended to explore the impact of the economic crisis on the not-for-profit sector. The report finds that many grantmakers are expressing a desire to address issues that are a direct result of the crisis, and are also taking measures to maintain previous levels of giving despite their own decreased assets.
Action: Visit the Foundation Center website to read the full research advisory and explore the interactive map of U.S. foundation and corporate support in response to the economic crisis.
Back to TopFoundation Center Issues Report on Family Foundations
The Foundation Center released Key Facts on Family Foundations (2009 Edition), which found that giving by America's family foundations increased 13 percent from the previous year, reaching over $18 billion. The report also found that family foundations accounted for 56 percent of overall giving from independent foundations, and 30 percent of family foundations were established in the 2000s.
Action: Visit the Foundation Center website to download a free copy of the report (PDF).
Back to TopGrantmakers in the Arts Publishes Results of Economic Downturn Survey
In late January, Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) polled its members about their organization's responses to the economic downturn. The results of the poll showed that 41 percent of respondents expected their arts grantmaking activity in 2009 to be the same as in 2008. The report also lists measures being taken to assist grantees in the current economy.
Action: Visit the GIA website to read the full report.
Back to TopActors' Equity Holds Special Council Meeting Focused on Financial Crisis
The current global financial crisis and its potential impact on the American theatre was the focus of a special Council meeting on January 13. Speakers included John Connolly, executive director of Actors' Equity, James Parrott, an economist from the Fiscal Policy Institute, Jed Bernstein, head of the Commercial Theater Institute and Teresa Eyring, executive director of TCG.
Action: Visit the Actors' Equity website to read the full report from the meeting.
Back to Top
RESOURCES
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Announces Arts In Crisis Program
Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative is a program designed to provide planning assistance and consulting to struggling arts organizations throughout the United States. Open to not-for-profit performing arts organizations, the program will provide counsel from Kennedy Center President Michael Kaiser and the Kennedy Center executive staff.
Action: Visit the Arts in Crisis website to learn more about the program.
Back to TopChronicle of Philanthropy Features Podcasts on How Not-For-Profits Can Utilize Social Media
Alison Fine, a not-for-profit leader and expert on technology and communications is producing a monthly podcast series for the Chronicle of Philanthropy called “Social Good”. In each episode, Ms. Fine discusses how not-for-profits can more effectively use social media tools. New podcasts are published the first Thursday of every month.
Action: Visit the Chronicle of Philanthropy website to download episodes of “Social Good.”
Back to TopGoldstar CEO Discusses Effective Marketing and Pricing Tactics for Selling Tickets
The ArtsJournal blog Life’s a Pitch features an interview with Jim McCarthy, co-founder and CEO of Goldstar, a website offering listings, half-price tickets and reviews of live entertainment. In the interview, McCarthy discusses effective marketing tactics, how to determine when it’s time to discount tickets and why it might be a good idea to offer many comps in the first weeks of a performance.
Action: Visit Life's a Pitch to read the full interview.
Back to TopPew Internet & American Life Project Publishes Report on Generational Internet Use
Generations Online in 2009, a report published by the Pew Internet & American Life Project on generational internet use found that although the internet is dominated largely by younger generations, the percentage of older generations using the internet continues to grow. It also found that one-third of adults without internet are not interested in obtaining it.
Action: Visit the Pew Internet & American Life Project to read this report and others.
Back to Top
NEW TCG MEMBERS
Upstream Theater
PO Box 300006
St. Louis, MO 63130-0006
t el (314) 863-4999
upstreamtheater@sbcglobal.net
www.upstreamtheater.org
Phillip Boehm, Artistic Director
Sam Fiorello, Board Chair
Utah Valley University
Theatre Department
800 W University Parkway
MS 234
Orem, UT 84058
t el (801) 863-8105
f ax (801) 863-7265
cari.rymer@uvu.edu
www.uvu.edu
Cari Rymer, Administrative Assistant
TCG DEADLINES
| February 27: | (noon EST) ArtSEARCH deadline for March 15 issue |
| March 6: | Extended deadline for Fiscal Survey |
| March 9: | Deadline for submitting nominations for the TCG Awards |
| Extended deadline for Education Survey | |
| March 13: | Application Deadline for New Generations Future Collaborations Summer/Fall 2009/2010 |
| (noon EST) ArtSEARCH deadline for April 1 issue | |
| March 19: | Ad materials deadline for May/June issue of American Theatre |
| March 23: | Application and registration deadline for TCG/ITI Travel Grants |
| March 30: | Deadline for new organizations or theatre companies to contact TCG about participating in the Free Night 2009 program |
| April 7: | Early-bird deadline for 2009 TCG National Conference: Roots. Renaissance. Revolution. |
| May 15: | Application deadline for Metlife/TCG A-ha! Program: Think It, Do It |
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