Centerpieces and Special Reports
Directed to theatre staff and board members, this section offers in-depth analyses, case studies, and resource tools on specific management issues, as well as reports on research conducted by TCG's Research, Policy & Collective Action department. Topics include governance, marketing, development, education, and general management issues and are curated by specialists in each area. Select from the topics below to see all Centerpieces or Special Reports in that category. Please contact Ilana B. Rose, associate director of research & collective action, at irose@tcg.org with any questions.
Research
This two-part Centerpiece introduces the impetus for TCG's new education project and highlights the results of the 2005 Education Survey. Robert A. Southworth, Jr., leader of TCG's Theatre Education Assessment Models (TEAM) Working Group, reviews the latest arts education research and demonstrates that many of the studies identify a need for assessment models, which the TEAM Working Group will endeavor to develop over the next two years.
This report summarizes and analyzes the results of an online survey conducted in June 2005, in which 106 TCG member theatres answered questions about international issues and how they are emerging in the theatres' future plans.
The Employee Benefits Survey polls member theatres on topics related to their employee benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid leave and more. This report reflects the data from 140 theatres that participated in the 2005 Employee Benefits Survey.
The education survey Centerpiece and a searchable database of results were created in an effort to maximize existing field knowledge. Just as education teleconferences and convenings have helped many of you find colleagues dealing with similar issues, dilemmas and needs, this survey becomes an ever more valuable and important document as more and more of you participate.
The most current and comprehensive data on the state of not-for-profit theatre governing boards.
Results and analysis of the TCG 2004 Governing Boards Survey. Reports from these surveys reveal the vital contributions that board members make to our organizations and the areas where additional work is most needed.
Features the results from the 102 theatres that participated in the annual Education Survey. In addition to the survey results, a cross-disciplinary response to the 2003 Crossing Paths conference demonstrates that regardless of discipline, arts educators wrestle with the same assessment and professional development issues.
This Centerpiece features a report based on the results from TCG's Snapshot Survey on Software in which 101 member theatres rated the latest software available for ticketing, accounting and fundraising. The report contains an extensive list of resources for software discounts and additional information.
Survey results from the first five Performing Arts Research Coalition (PARC) pilot communities in Cincinnati, Denver, Pittsburgh, Seattle and the state of Alaska were published earlier this year and measured not only attendance, but also the value placed on the performing arts by both arts attendees and non-attendees. In this Centerpiece, education directors from the five communities weigh in on the results and address the disconnect between high audience value for arts education and the reality of low funding and attendance.
Theatre Facts 2002 offers TCG's annual update on the field's attendance, performance and fiscal health based on the information provided in the annual Fiscal Survey. Theatre Facts 2002 contains information on the fiscal year completed any time between September 1, 2001, and August 31, 2002—charting the impact of 9/11 and the economic recession.
The results of the fourth annual education survey, with 107 participating theatres, gives an overview of education programming, budget information and audience demographics. In addition, five theatres share their perspectives on how profound changes in the country's economic and sociopolitical climate have affected their education programming.
Theatre Facts 2001 offers TCG's annual update on the field's attendance, performance and fiscal health based on the information provided in the annual fiscal survey. Many more theatres completed the full survey this year, providing a stronger foundation for the representation of finances and activity. Theatre Facts 2001 contains information on the fiscal year completed any time between September 1, 2000 and August 31, 2001—pre 9/11. Even before 9/11, the economy was in recession and theatres' bottom lines reflect the downturn.
The results of the third annual education survey, with 103 participating theatres, gives an overview of education and outreach programming, budget information and audience demographics. Three education directors participate in an informal discussion of the survey results and the pressing issues facing theatre educators today.
The results of TCG's second governing boards survey profiles theatre boards by age, gender, ethnicity and structure, defines board activities and reflects board priorities. The report provides trustees and managing directors with a thorough cross-section of useful benchmarks.
Theatre Facts 2000 offers TCG's annual update on the field's attendance, performance and fiscal health based on the information provided by theatres in the annual fiscal survey. Four additional theatres completed the full survey this year, providing a stronger foundation for the representation of finances and activity.