Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: Board/staff problems!!

Message

   Please bear with me...this is long but advice is much needed!
the way our small theater company works is that we have a Board of Directors with 6 people on it, and a staff of about 10 people who just work on productions and are not associated in Board affairs or running the company...the problem here is that there are a few of us on the Board who are also on staff...for example, I am the executive director on the Board but also am employed as the director of shows...
we have/had a very "dramatic" board member who was also on staff as the house manager...he felt that during this current production that i am directing, I was making too many decisions on my own without board approval, such as purchasing music for the show, large props, etc...however, I feel that I am authorized to make those choices without approval from the board...to cut to the chase, he resigned a few days ago,  on very bad terms, and now is sharing a few choice words about me to our entire staff..telling them that I am corrupt and running our childrens theater out of evil and self gratification. Needless to say I am now thrilled he is no longer on the board, but now my stage manager, choreographer, and musical director are all joining in against me- based solely on his overreactions......what do I do?? I definitely do not want to make a bad name for myself within our theater community, but the accusations against me are purely out of emotions...do I go as far as seeking legal help to stop slander against our company?? What would be the best course of action? any ideas?

Author	Message
Andrea T Lead Joined: 4/24/04 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 39	Topic: Board/staff problems!! Posted: 6/27/05 at 3:09pm
	Please bear with me...this is long but advice is much needed! the way our small theater company works is that we have a Board of Directors with 6 people on it, and a staff of about 10 people who just work on productions and are not associated in Board affairs or running the company...the problem here is that there are a few of us on the Board who are also on staff...for example, I am the executive director on the Board but also am employed as the director of shows... we have/had a very "dramatic" board member who was also on staff as the house manager...he felt that during this current production that i am directing, I was making too many decisions on my own without board approval, such as purchasing music for the show, large props, etc...however, I feel that I am authorized to make those choices without approval from the board...to cut to the chase, he resigned a few days ago, on very bad terms, and now is sharing a few choice words about me to our entire staff..telling them that I am corrupt and running our childrens theater out of evil and self gratification. Needless to say I am now thrilled he is no longer on the board, but now my stage manager, choreographer, and musical director are all joining in against me- based solely on his overreactions......what do I do?? I definitely do not want to make a bad name for myself within our theater community, but the accusations against me are purely out of emotions...do I go as far as seeking legal help to stop slander against our company?? What would be the best course of action? any ideas?

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Shatcher Celebrity Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 251	Posted: 6/27/05 at 3:34pm
	I would talk to your staff about it. Just be honest about your side of the story without badmouthing the other guy. I've have found that theatre people tend to be a bit dramitic about even the small stuff. If your company has a set of guidlines for purchasing, and you have followed them then you have nothing to worry about. This little storm will pass and when the show comes off great you will be loved again and everyone will forget the bad stuff. Remember: Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things!! Good luck!
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Dustmac Lead Joined: 5/25/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 42	Posted: 7/02/05 at 9:26pm
	We have the same problems with our theater. The best advice I can give you is this. Have the director be able to appoint two council members to work "under" them. Basically at least one of them is required to be at one practice per week. They get to see how you are running it and can do errands, etc. of things you need. It will solve you a ton of problems.
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genesius Walk-On Joined: 2/21/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 7/16/05 at 4:55pm
	Do your productions have a producer? Seems to me that would be a good interface person between the director and the board for budget concerns. Let the set designer and the costumers and the technical people work with the producer. Let the director direct.
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th8rguykc Player Joined: 5/27/04 Online Status: Offline Posts: 28	Posted: 7/18/05 at 2:42pm
	Okay, my two cents (if it's even worth that) Definitely talk to the staff, have an open meeting and allow staff and board members to attend (I would INSIST that at least one other board member attend!) Lay everything on the table, but avoid emotions. If everything is above board then allow anyone who asks to see purchase records, requests for purchase, etc. Perhaps someone form your board should speak to the ex-member to prevent further bad-mouthing? The group I work with allows the director to make all purchasing decisions within his/her budget. (Rarely allowing overages.) They feel this prevents any undue influence on creative choices. If your board does not have specific rules for this- get that on the agenda for your next meeting!
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cpnc Walk-On Joined: 8/28/06 Location: Afghanistan Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Posted: 8/29/06 at 4:43pm
	Bottom line....you say you "feel" you are authorized by the Board for those activities. However it does NOT appear, from what you are saying that you BOARD agrees with you. OUr Board created a second nbank account and puts in the amount of money to produce the show, the producer oversees those costs to make sure the money is being spent on the right things, and if anything new is added The Board must be consulted if it is going to affect the total expenditure. A Director does not have Carte Blanc when a Board is involved. We had a situation like that once where a director thought they were not responsible to the Board and it created a most dastardly situation. What the Board decides is LAW.
	Be theater...........breathe theater.
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