I am the president of a failing theater group in a small town in Arizona.
The group has been around for 23 years. Many of the original
members do not like to change. The group has been going downhill. We
have tried to revitalize it this year, but without success mostly due
to infighting and lack of interest. We have an incompetent executive
director who does not help matters. Should we just fold and start
over as something else or should we continue to struggle? The group
does not have a reputation of putting on "quality" shows (think cheap sets, etc) and plays to
our "snowbird" audience. We do 3 dinner shows per year. I do not plan
to continue to participate in the group because it is very stressful
without the usual rewards you get from theater involvement. I'd appreciate
any words of wisdom!

I agree with Nick H. Life is too short.

BUT, there may be a reason to try to save the existing group but you did not mention it. Is there something? A wonderful facility that you could not replace? A healthy bank account?

It is hard to start over. I know. It takes a long time to gain a lot of things that you may not even consider - public awareness of your new group, audiences, set pieces, props, volunteers, an ongoing business (likely with 501(c)(3) status), a building (with all of the necessary theater stuff like lights, sound, rigging, curtains) and so on.

As you make a decision to leave (which I think you have already made) consider what the alternatives are and how you would actually start a new group. Make a realistic business plan. Where will your start-up money come from? How long will it take to make a theater out of an empty space? How many volunteers can you count on to make it all happen? How will you pay bills until your first play comes in?

Consider a palace coup. Find out how many others feel as you do. Are there enough to vote in your own slate of candidates at the next election or two? Can you make a recall election work?

Having started an alternative theater, I can assure you that it is a lot of work. It has taken us three years to get to where we are today - known for quality productions, a permanent home (last six months only) and large audiences. When we started we had single digit and low double digit audiences. Now we get 50 to 70 and standing room audiences.

Be realistic about the good things you will be walking away from and how you will replace them.

Good luck. I know how hard the decision is.

Doug

Yes, this is a difficult situation. I have been involved in something similar for 2 years. Very disheartening. We've had a number of resignations and 2 other theatre groups open in town as a result of it. Both failed. I don't know what to do either. If I ever start a nonprofit from scratch, it will include a provision for term limits -- 2 terms of three years -- followed by a 2 year hiatus before serving again. Best wishes.