TCG Bulletin

November 2007, Volume 30, Issue 11

Also online this month:

FIELD LETTER

In the November Field Letter, Teresa shares stories from recent travels across the country, gears up for the Fall Forum and makes a call to action regarding upcoming FCC "white space" rulings: "This issue is going to be decided in the next several weeks. We need letters expressing the potential negative impacts on your artists, productions and patrons if the FCC were to allow new wireless devices to interfere with the frequencies used by your theatres. This issue is the most serious technological concern the American performing arts community has faced in the last 30 years."

• Click here to view the November 2007 Field Letter.

TCG NEWS

Salary Survey 2008 is Here!

Have you completed your 2008 Salary Survey yet?! The annual survey, which is administered online, launched in mid-October and an email was sent to managing leaders containing a link to the online survey. In response to member feedback, this year's survey introduces several new items—so be sure to thoroughly read the instructions!

Not sure what this survey can do for you? The Salary Survey reports the salary range and average for over 60 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. All data is broken down by budget group, so you don't have to compare your theatre's data with that of theatres half or twice your size. After you have received the Salary Survey results, you are free to ask for special reports tailored specifically to your theatre's needs. Remember, surveys are confidential and only managing leaders from participating organizations are entitled to receive the results.

Action: An email was sent to managing leaders at TCG member theatres last month with a link to the survey, or you can check the Tools & Research section of the website for a link to the online survey. You will need your username and password to access the survey. Email Ilana Rose if you have any questions.

Fall Forum 2007: It's Not Too Late!

TCG's Fall Forum 2007, Cultivating Innovation: From the Board Room to the Box Office, will be held in New York City from Friday, November 9, to Sunday, November 11. The Forum will bring together approximately 150 participants, including teams of artistic and management leaders and trustees from TCG member theatres, to provide an opportunity for in-depth discussion on governance issues. TCG's Forums give theatre leaders the chance to hear some of the most provocative thinkers in the field and to engage with their peers in an intimate and informal setting.

Held annually, TCG Fall Forums are designed to enhance board effectiveness and performance. Past forums have focused on management structure, financial issues and the artistic process. This year we plan to focus on how managers and boards think about innovation. Do arts organizations set aside resources for artistic leaders and managers to innovate? How can we stimulate creative thinking in order to develop and implement new strategies to move our organizations forward? The 2007 Fall Forum keynote speaker will be Peter Gelb, general manager of the Metropolitan Opera, who will lay the groundwork for our exploration of all facets of innovation. He has led by example, and we hope he will share the organizational context and culture at The Metropolitan Opera that has allowed for him to embark on their recent innovations.

Action: Limited spaces are still available for the Fall Forum, and hotel rooms in New York are in high demand, so register and make your plans soon! Visit the Events section of the website for more details, including a recently updated agenda.

Dual Leadership 2008: Registration Now Open!

For the second time, TCG, Dance/USA and the Institute for Cultural Policy and Practice at Virginia Tech are pleased to offer Dual Leadership: Partnering from the Inside Out from February 24–26, 2008, in New Orleans, LA. Dual Leadership provides a unique opportunity for artistic and managing leaders from theatre and dance companies to come together and build their understanding of the specific challenges involved in developing sustainable and effective dual leadership structures. This highly engaging seminar focuses on the competencies and practices required to build strong team-based leadership models that support both the artistic vision and the institutional resilience required for long term impact.

Action: The registration deadline is December 14. Visit the Events section of the website for more details or to download the registration form.

Free Night of Theater 2007 a Big Success

Free Night of Theater 2007, TCG's exciting national audience development program, opened on Thursday, October 18, in over 70 cities from coast to coast. 400 theatres offered more than 30,000 tickets to over 600 performances. Based on the continued success of the program, Free Night will expand to Chicago, New York City and other communities across the country in 2008.

Action: Visit the About TCG section of the website to read the full Free Night program press release. For more information on the Free Night of Theater 2008 program, please contact Phillip Matthews.

TCG Board of Directors Nominations

We are currently soliciting nominations for the TCG Board of Directors to fill the positions left open by the Board members whose terms are expiring at the end of the 2007–2008 year. The Board is comprised of artistic and managing leaders, trustees, individual artists, funders and others representing the full spectrum of our field. We invite you to express your interest in serving by submitting a self-nomination or by nominating a colleague. To find out more about the current TCG Board make-up and the nomination process, please see this month's Field Letter.

Action: The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 30. To submit a nomination, please fill out the nomination form and, along with the requested supplemental material, mail it back to TCG. If you have any questions, please contact Jen Cleary.

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 Jason Schroeder.

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 League of American Theatres and Producers 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 League of American Theatres and Producers 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 December 1 issue are due by November 15. To participate, email your details to Ben Pesner, League of American Theatres and Producers.

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. Fall and Spring 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

FCC Rulemaking May Threaten Performing Arts Wireless Microphones

The FCC is under tremendous political pressure from the most profitable hi-tech manufacturers in the country to allow millions of their new wireless gadgets—which could range from blackberries to garage door openers to wireless toys—to operate on the very same wireless frequencies as our wireless microphones. This plan puts at risk theatre, music, dance and other live performances that rely on wireless microphones (including in-ear monitors, wireless intercoms, wireless assist video devices or wireless cuing "IFB" systems.) This issue is the most serious technology issue the American arts community has faced in the last 30 years. We need your help—NOW!

If the FCC were to approve these new wireless devices in the so-called "white spaces," your wireless microphone system could be in serious jeopardy. There is no proven technology to stop those gadgets from interfering with our wireless microphone systems.

In an effort to educate the FCC and protect our wireless microphone transmissions, TCG and the American Arts Alliance have joined an ad hoc committee to help strategize on this issue. This ad hoc committee includes representatives of several major sporting leagues, television broadcasters and houses of worship as well as the League of American Theatres & Producers.

The American Arts Alliance has filed a letter of opposition with the FCC, and is joining efforts with the League of American Theatres and Producers to ask the FCC to prohibit new wireless devices in the "white space."

Earlier tests by the FCC found that the unlicensed devices interfered with amplification and listening devices. On October 12, 2007, The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology announced that it will conduct additional testing of TV White Space Devices. The Commission could rule as early as November on the ability of these new devices to be allowed into the marketplace.

The FCC needs to hear directly from you about the real-world impact of their upcoming decision. We ask that you write a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to urge him not to permit "personal/portable unlicensed devices" to operate in the frequencies used by wireless microphones and to ensure that wireless microphones have dedicated, reliable, interference-free channels that are necessary to provide the clarity required for your live audio. In your letter, we would urge you to state plainly and with conviction the impact on your artists, productions and patrons if the Commission were to allow millions of new wireless gadgets to operate on the same frequencies as the wireless microphones used in your productions.

Action: If your organization has not yet filed comments with the FCC, please visit the American Arts Alliance website for more information. The FCC could act in early November on this issue.

Recent Attacks on Gifts to the Arts

In the past month or so, there have been several visible attacks on the notion that the federal tax code should allow gifts to the arts to be considered charitable deductions.

A September 6, 2007, New York Times article by Stephanie Strom, "Big Gifts, Tax Breaks, and a Debate on Charity" quoted investor William H. Goss: "When millions of people are dying of AIDS and malaria in Africa, it is hard to justify the umpteenth society gala held for the benefit of a performing arts center or an art museum. A $30 million gift to a concert hall is not philanthropy, it is a Napoleonic coronation."

In the October 1, 2007, LA Times, Robert Reich, penned an article entitled "Is Harvard a Charity?" and Reich takes on the rich and giving: "This year's charitable donations are expected to total more than $200 billion, a record. But a big portion of this impressive sum—especially from the wealthy, who have the most to donate—is going to culture palaces: to the operas, art museums, symphonies and theaters where the wealthy spend much of their leisure time." He goes on in the article to single out New York's Lincoln Center: "…a gala supported by the charitable contributions of hedge-fund industry leaders, some of whom take home $1billion a year. I may be missing something, but this doesn't strike me as charity. Poor New Yorkers rarely attend concerts at Lincoln Center."

And lastly, a September 25, 2007, House Ways and Means Committee hearing included troubling comments by Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA) that "he had reservations about whether donations to institutions such as art museums and universities should be given the same tax treatment as contributions to social services charities that help poor people."

The American Arts Alliance has responded by submitting written testimony for the record to the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee.

Action: Click here to view the Alliance's testimony to the House Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee.

Sources: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, October 4, 2007; LA Times, October 1, 2007; New York Times, September 6, 2007

Four New Economic Impact Reports

The arts and other creative industries generate more than $2.4 billion in economic activity in northwest Ohio, according to a new economic study conducted by the Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University. The study also asserts that creative industries support 33,426 jobs, which is slightly more than 3 percent of total employment in the 27-county region it covered.

An economic impact study of the not-for-profit performing arts on the city of Omaha has been released. This study was commissioned by the Holland Foundation and the Peter Kiewit Foundation in January 2007.

The Houston Endowment, the Houston Arts Alliance and the Greater Houston Partnership have released a study, The Business of the Arts: A Look into the Economic Impact of the Arts on the Houston Region, which found that the economic impact of the symphonies, art museums, ballet and opera is nearly 2 1/2 times the economic impact of the convention industry in 2005. More than twice the number of people attended exhibitions and cultural events in 2004 than attended Astros, Rockets or Texans games the following year, according to the report.

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance reports that arts and cultural organizations in southeastern Pennsylvania generate about $1.3 billion in annual expenditures. About 40,000 jobs in Philadelphia and its four suburban Pennsylvania counties are tied to that spending, which also yields about $158.5 million in state and local taxes. These findings are documented in a new report titled Arts, Culture and Economic Prosperity in Greater Philadelphia, which is a follow-up to the previously released Portfolio.

Action: Use the links below to learn more about each of these new reports:

ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

Call for Submissions: Scripts About Science and Technology

The Professional Artists Lab and the California NanoSystems Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara continue their collaboration with the third Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration (STAGE) International Script Competition, open to plays about science and technology.

The author of the winning script will receive $10,000 along with opportunities for developing and promoting the winning script. Submitted plays must explore scientific and/or technological stories, themes, issues or events. Multi-media pieces, non-traditional plays and new forms are encouraged, but science fiction is not eligible.

Action: All entries must be postmarked by December 31. The winning play will be announced in July, 2008. Visit the STAGE website for more information and submission guidelines.

Applications Available for Puffin Foundation Artist Grants

The Puffin Foundation makes grants to emerging artists in the fields of art, music, theatre, dance, photography and literature whose works, due to their genre and/or social philosophy, might have difficulty being aired. Average grant awards are $1,000–$2,500 each.

Grants can only be awarded to permanent residents and citizens of the United States. U.S. citizens whose projects encompass work in other countries are still eligible to apply. The foundation does not have the means to fund large film/documentary proposals, grants for travel, continuing education or the writing or publishing of books.

Action: The grant application deadline is December 30. Visit the Puffin Foundation website for more information or to request an application packet.

Midtown International Theatre Festival

The Midtown International Theatre Festival (MITF), located in New York City, is currently accepting submissions for the 2008 Festival. The MITF is the brainchild of John Chatterton, publisher and editor of the Off-Off-Broadway Review. Mr. Chatterton started the festival as a way to present the finest Off-Off-Broadway talent in convenience, comfort and safety. The festival's philosophy is based on a paradoxical combination of selectivity and diversity. Organizers welcome any kind of stage play, musical or otherwise, new or classic, mainstream or specifically focused on an ethnic or cultural niche.

Action: Applications must be postmarked by February 20, 2008. Visit the Midtown International Theatre Festival website for more information or to download application materials.

ARTS EDUCATION

Arts Education Working Group Announces Legislative Recommendations for No Child Left Behind

The Arts Education Partnership recently released the publication, Arts Integration Frameworks, Research and Practice: A Literature Review by Gail Burnaford, Ph.D with Sally Brown, James Doherty and H. James McLaughlin. It covers what has been written in the field between 1995 and 2007 in the U.S. and abroad and includes an historical overview, definitions and theoretical frameworks for arts integration, research and evaluation studies as well as methods and practices for each of the art forms. It is a valuable resource to anyone involved in the research, theories, or methods and practices of arts integration as it covers the most relevant work in the field to date.

Action:Use the links below to view the following documents:

Arts Education Partnership Releases New Publication

The Arts Education Partnership recently released the publication, Arts Integration Frameworks, Research and Practice: A Literature Review by Gail Burnaford, Ph.D with Sally Brown, James Doherty and H. James McLaughlin. It covers what has been written in the field between 1995 and 2007 in the U.S. and abroad and includes an historical overview, definitions and theoretical frameworks for arts integration, research and evaluation studies as well as methods and practices for each of the art forms. It is a valuable resource to anyone involved in the research, theories, or methods and practices of arts integration as it covers the most relevant work in the field to date.

Action: Visit the Arts Education Partnership website for more information.

Surdna Arts Teachers Fellowship Program: Upcoming Live Chats

The Surdna Arts Teachers Fellowship Program supports the artistic revitalization of outstanding arts teachers in specialized, public arts high schools. Surdna will host several online chats, mediated by Program Director, Kimberly Bartosik, to answer any questions regarding the Surdna Arts Teachers Fellowship. A maximum of 60 people may join each chat. The remaining dates are:

Action: On the dates & times specified above, log onto http://surdnafellowship.campfirenow.com/b08b5 to participate in the online chats. Questions regarding the chat should be directed to Kimberly at artsfellowship@surdna.org. If you have questions about logging on, please call Jonathan Goldberg at 212-557-0010 x237.

CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

Strategic Marketing Seminar: January 18–19 in NYC

National Arts Strategies' Strategic Marketing is a two-day seminar in which you explore systematic approaches for understanding customers, planning marketing strategies and creating value for your community. Whether you present programs directly to the public or work with partners such as schools and social service organizations, Strategic Marketing will give you new tools to:

The seminar will take place from January 18–19, 2008, in New York City. Registration fees are $225–$350 per person (based on your team size) and travel support is available.

Action: Visit the National Arts Strategies website for more information or to register online.

DEVELOPMENT

Philadelphia Theatre Company Receives $3 Million from City

Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street recently awarded $68 million in grants to 24 arts and culture organizations across Philadelphia as part of a strategic administration initiative to support arts and culture and improve the city's economy. Philadelphia Theatre Company received a $3 million grant as part of the initiative.

Action: None

Source: Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance Arts and Culture Advocate, Fall 2007 issue

Round House Theatre Received Large Challenge Grant

Round House Theatre (Bethesda, MD) recently received a $1.15 million challenge grant from Carolyn and Jeffrey Leonard, who also issued identical grants to 3 other Washington-area not-for-profits to further develop their programs serving low income and diverse communities. The Round House grant will specifically support the theatre's programs for low-income and youth populations.

Action: None

Source: PNNOnline, October 2, 2007

Recent Grants to Cleveland-based TCG Member Theatres

The George Gund Foundation Recently awarded a $750,000 grant over five years to the Great Lakes Theater Festival (for planning projects) and $125,000 in general operating support to the Cleveland Play House.

Action: None

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, September 6, 2007

TheatreWorks Receives $300,000

TheatreWorks (Palo Alto, CA) recently received $300,000 in general operating support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

Action: None

Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy, September 20, 2007

INTERNATIONAL NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

Performing Arts Training Conference in Slovenia, April 2008

The International University "Global Theatre Experience" will be hosting an international conference titled Performing Arts Training Today from April 14–17, 2008, in Bovec, Slovenia. The conference is open to performers, performing arts educators and teachers from all over the world interested in the research of topical questions and processes in contemporary performing arts education and training. Spaces are available for both presenters and participants/observers.

Action: Register by November 20 to receive a discount on your registration fee. Visit the International University "Global Theatre Experience" website for more details and complete registration instructions.

MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH

New Report: Arts Funding Snapshot 2005: Vital Signs

Grantmakers in the Arts, in partnership with the Foundation Center, has provided an annual snapshot of foundation arts funding since 2001. To draw a more complete picture, this year's report also includes trend information about government arts funding. Key findings of the report are based on grants of $10,000 or more reported to the Foundation Center by 1,154 of the largest U.S. foundations.

Action: Visit the Grantmakers in the Arts website to view the report as a PDF.

Google Processing Not-For-Profit Donations For Free Through 2009

Google recently announced that organizations who utilize the Google Checkout for Non-Profits system for online donations will receive 100 percent of donated funds, as Google has committed to processing all donations for free through at least the end of 2008, and users pay no monthly, setup or gateway fees. This could amount to measurable savings on credit card processing fees for companies who rely on online donations. Google provides tools for easily adding a Google Checkout button to organizations' websites.

Action: Visit the Google Checkout website for more information.

RESOURCES

Brave New Workshop Theatre

2605 Hennepin Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55408
tel (612) 377-8445
fax (612) 377-2581
info@bravenewworkshop.com
www.bravenewworkshop.org
Julia Schmidt, Founder & President
Caleb McEwen, Artistic Director
Erin Farmer, Marketing Director

Lexington Children's Theatre

418 W Short St
Lexington, KY 40507-1206
tel (859) 254-4546
fax (859) 254-9512
boxoffice@lctonstage.org
www.lctonstage.org
Larry Snipes, Producing Director
Vivian Snipes, Associate Artistic Director
Jim Richardson, Board President

Plan-B Theatre Company

@ The Rose Wagner
138 W 300 S.
Salt Lake City, UT 84101
tel (801) 297-4200
fax (801) 466-3840
jerry@planbtheatre.org
www.planbtheatre.org
Jerry Rapier, Artistic Director
Cheryl Ann Cluff, Managing Director
Mike Thompson, Board President

Shakespeare Festival of St Louis

462 N Taylor Ave, Suite 202
St Louis, MO 63108-1831
tel (314) 531-9800
fax (314) 531-9805
info@sfstl.com
www.sfstl.com
Dawn McAndrews, Artistic Director
Marilyn Spirt, Managing Director
Terry Schnuck, Board Chair

Summer Play Festival/The Living Room for Artists

PO Box 778
New York, NY 10108
tel (212) 279-4040
fax (212) 279-4041
info@spfnyc.com
www.spfnyc.org
Arielle Tepper Madover, Founder & President
Thom Clay, Managing Director

Theatre Rhinoceros **Former member, recently rejoined**

2926 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94103
tel (415) 552-4100
fax (415) 558-9044
thebooks@therhino.org
www.therhino.org
John Fisher, Executive Director
Catherine Brannigan, Board President

TCG DEADLINES

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