November 19, 2008

TCG Bulletin

September 2008, Volume 31, Issue 9

Also online this month:


FIELD LETTER

In the September Field Letter, Teresa introduces new TCG staff members, previews her upcoming American Theatre column “How Theatre Saved America Part 2” and reports on a recent meeting with Julius Novick, author of the 1968 book Beyond Broadway: the Quest for Permanent Theatres. She also reports on a busy month of traveling to Charleston, SC, for TCG’s Expanding the Theatre Manager’s Repertoire, to New Orleans for the Network of Ensemble Theatres Conference and to Massachusetts for a visit with Double Edge Theatre Productions. She also draws readers’ attention to an article on the ongoing “White Spaces” issue in this month’s TCG Bulletin. Teresa emphasizes, “People often glaze over when we talk about white spaces, because the issue is so technical. But the outcome of the debate really can affect your theatre and cost you money, possibly requiring you to convert your wireless microphones and other equipment to fit with new regulations. We are working hard to keep that from happening, but it is important for you to be informed.”

CENTERPIECE: Focus on Education
A Dialogue Among Friends: Education Survey 2007

This Centerpiece includes an article steeped in the witty sarcasm and candid wisdom of Andrea Allen from Seattle Repertory Theatre, promoting the importance of dialogue between, and the technique of borrowing from, fellow education directors. The publication not only includes tabulations from the 2007 Education Survey exhibiting current trends in theatre education, but also encourages everyone to explore the data on their own through utilizing the customized reporting and search tools available through our website.

TCG NEWS

Registration Open for Leadership Teleconference: Theatre Facts 2007: Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask

Whether you are a long-time Fiscal Survey participant, an avid Theatre Facts reader or someone new to the survey and report, it is likely that you have questions about the wealth of information presented. To that end, TCG is thrilled to announce our next Leadership Teleconference: Theatre Facts 2007: Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask, A Presentation by Zannie Giraud Voss. Zannie, the Fiscal Survey data analyzer and co-author of Theatre Facts, will lead participants through a presentation of highlights from Theatre Facts 2007 and will explain the findings in an easy to understand format. A panel of theatre leaders will join Zannie to give some context to the findings and discuss the fiscal realities facing theatres today. There will also be an opportunity for participants to ask questions of the presenters. Registration for the first phone line is free of charge. (Feel free to use a speaker phone so others can listen with you). Each additional phone line is $35.

Action: The registration deadline is September 12. Visit the Teleconferences section of the website for more information and registration materials.

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Registration Open for Radical Shifts: Governing Ahead of the Curve, TCG's Annual Fall Forum, November 7-9 in New York

Held annually, TCG Fall Forums are designed to enhance board effectiveness and performance. This year we plan to focus on radical shifts. How will changes in politics, the economy, the environment and other sectors impact theatre? How can arts organizations be prepared to operate in a constantly changing environment?

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. Fall 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. Attendance is open to staff and trustees of TCG member theatres only.

Action: The registration deadline is October 1. Visit the Events section of the website for more information and registration materials.

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TCG Now Accepting Proposals for 2010 TCG National Conference Location

If you live in the central United States, then TCG’s 20th National Conference is coming your way! In June, 2010, over 800 theatre professionals from across the country will convene to discuss vital issues for not-for-profit theatre and the future of theatre in the U.S. Proposals will be carefully considered by the TCG board and the ultimate destination of American theatre leaders will be determined by the end of January, 2009. Please note that we are only accepting proposals from the following states: IL, IN, IO, KS, MI, MO, NE, ND, OH, OK, SD and TX.

Action: The proposal deadline is September 29. Visit the Events section of the website to download a proposal form.

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Snapshot Survey: Taking Your Fiscal Pulse

While many of you have conveyed your appreciation of TCG’s annual Fiscal Survey and its unparalleled in-depth look at the fiscal health of our field, you have also expressed a wish for an up-to-the-minute sense of how everyone is doing. To that end, we are conducting a very short fiscal survey—not a comprehensive annual exam, but just a check of your vital signs. This survey will not require you to crunch any numbers and should only take 5–10 minutes!

Action: The survey was emailed to managing leaders of TCG member theatres the first week of September. The survey deadline is September 17.

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Salary Survey to Be Launched in September

It's almost time for the annual TCG Salary Survey! The survey, which is administered online, will be launched in September. Once launched, an email with a link to the survey will be sent to managing leaders.

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 will be sent to managing leaders at TCG member theatres later this month with a link to the survey, or check the Tools & Research section of the website for a link to the online survey when it launches. You will need your username and password to access the survey.

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Next Section: Recurring TCG News

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