Pitfalls?
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Printed Date: 9/16/24 at 2:52pm
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Topic: Pitfalls?
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Pitfalls?
Date Posted: 9/13/03 at 9:25am
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I've been asked to help a decades old community group move into a new home with a growing local community center. This art for rent agreement seems great for us and a great way to promote their center. However, new pitfalls arise everyday. Example: do they (Center) want say over our play selection? What if we can't meet our agreement to provide theatre classes to their patrons, etc. As most of my experience in theatre management is in a summer stock situation I am still learning community theatre management, so I would love to hear from everyone on things to watch out for in getting a new space, starting a partnership with other non-profits, etc. etc. Thanks-
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Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 9/16/03 at 12:43am
My experience has been that you are going to run into several problems.
First and foremost will be content. Certain language may have to be omitted, which thus interferes with ideals about changing the meaning of the show, or the writer's vision. This will be necessary because tax dollars are funding the center, and someone in the community will be offended, and thus potentially cost you your new home. So in that respect, you may want to acquire a civic leader to sit on your reperatoryt committee.
Second will be the ever present utility issues. Your actors will either freeze or fry if the heat/air situation isn't resolved.
Third, if the center has multiple rooms, be prepared for the ever present interuptions during rehearsal of individuals who do not wish to use another door to get to the room they need.
Other than that, there will always be something new, but just be prepared for the complaints of people who insist that their tax dollars are being wasted on your "artsy crap" or whatever demeaning comment that will come your way.
Good luck.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 9/17/03 at 11:46am
5 years ago out "decades old" theater group agreed to join forces with a loose group of artists and fine crafts people.We are -as we have been since our incorporation- a not for profit group. We constantly apply for and recieve grant monies. We do not have to worry about loosing "tax money" if we offend anyone but as we are in a small community we do tone down some shows. It may behoove you to try to get one of more "theater" people on the board of directors of your landlords. As a tenent in a community center this seems reasonable. Our group has had it's share of differences of opinion (design of space, polices,use of resources ) but all in all we manage well. Good luck.
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 9/27/03 at 2:37am
Howdy.
Just a couple of pieces of advice. First, get things in writing but TALK about it first. Make sure you really believe THEY believe what they're signing. Sometimes there is a big negotation and everyone comprimises and then 6 months later when the curtain is swinging open - a mind changes.
The other piece is just a tool. Online ticket sales - it saves people, time, effort, and removes a layer of risk from the equation. Nobody can steal, lose, or otherwise goof anything up except the ticketing company and that's all they do, so at least it isn't from inexperience. I'm sure there are others, but www.BrownPaperTickets.com has been awesome. They are free to use and they charge the audience the smallest service fees.
One more piece of advice: HAVE A BLAST!
Steve
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