Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board: resident theatre company

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janetk
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Joined: 11/15/07
Location: United States
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Posts: 23

Topic: resident theatre company
Posted: 5/30/08 at 9:40am

Our community theatre company is in the process of looking to become the resident theatre company for our local Arts Council. At the same time they will be booking in other theatrical shows/concerts. We are currently in negotiations regarding the use of the space. We are also in negotiations regarding rent. If you are a resident theatre company and could give us any advice regarding your situation it would be GREATLY appreciated.

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sconjott
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Joined: 5/24/08
Location: United States
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Posts: 35

Posted: 5/30/08 at 11:38pm

Try your BEST to get some say in the hiring of the Arts Center Manager. We were suppossed to have approval rights over the next Arts Center Manager and got caught off guard by the hiring of someone who absolutely hates the theater. I get the impression she doesn't consider theater "art" and she does just about everything she can to give us a hard time. She's been a nightmarish thorn in our sides for the last 3 years, but once she was hired we could do nothing about it. She is the most deplorable person it has ever been my displeasure to deal with...

Oh! sorry, you asked for advice not a venting session. If it's possible, try and get SOME kind of say in the approval process for the Arts Center Manager in the contract. You may be VERY glad you did.

There are NO small roles, only small actors...

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JoeMc
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Joined: 3/13/06
Location: Australia
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Posts: 832

Posted: 5/31/08 at 4:41am

We have yet to take possession of our performing arts Centre, The Mayor has designated it as the new home of the Phoenix Theatre. However it is has also got an Art Gallery as part of the complex.

realising that when it is finally handed over by the the 'Achytech [a.k.a "Daffodil Man'] We will be modifying it as a usable venue again.

To that end we have got put into place, that we control the technical equipment. As an insurance against use & abuse from others hiring the venue, even for Art displays & set ups. I believe by the Theatre Group, offering to be the 'Duty Tech' for performances [Min 3 hour call @ a predetermined hourly rate] this affords us the necessary control of what transpires in the venue. I realise the venue bookings will be handled by a City Council employee, but at least we will have a finger on the pulse.

So much so we have managed to get a Duty tech fee in the hire charge. Which will be credited to our group & off set against future hire fees, we will occur. Also we gained a distinct hire fee advantageous, by getting the hire of the venue at a block weekly, rather than an hourly rate.

As the equipment has to be PAT tested regularly & possibly repaired, we will performing this task, as part of the deal. To the point, I hope, that we become eventually in sole control & mongering the venue.

So from that point of view, may I suggest, that your group control the technical & this can be the thin edge of the wedge.

[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

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janetk
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Joined: 11/15/07
Location: United States
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Posts: 23

Posted: 6/02/08 at 9:15am

Do you pay any type of rent? Is there a computer ticket program that you use? If so, how do you handle your sponsors and patrons?

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pdavis69
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Joined: 3/26/06
Location: United States
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Posts: 437

Posted: 6/02/08 at 9:53am

Beware, Beware!

I have seen this happen to a few of the theatre companies in our area. The theatre company is used by the bigger company to fundraise and advertise and then finds itself the redheaded step-child in the partnership. The company finds they can book Cosby in for one night and make more than a week run of community theatre and the community theatre gets bumped to the back burner with limited access to the stage and rehearsal space.

I hope this isn't the case for you.

Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse

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janetk
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Joined: 11/15/07
Location: United States
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Posted: 6/02/08 at 12:38pm

That's my fear. We have been around for 15 years with sold out audiences. If there is anyone in this situation, I could really use your advice.

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B-M-D
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Joined: 11/03/05
Location: United States
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Posts: 346

Posted: 6/02/08 at 6:37pm

I directed a show for a ct in exactly this situation. One of the most horrible experiences of my life. Rehearsals were limited to certain days of the week which was fine with me but we could also be bumped at a moments notice and have to scramble for rehearsal space in a cast member's basement. And that same cast member's basement when were were not able to rehearse in the space for some rehearsal weeks. And don't get me started about set construction and put in. I'm surprised they allowed their precious time for tech week. Never again with this ct for love or money.

But I digress. In any event look out for your own interests and get it in writing before going in on a venture like this. And as enticing as it may sound be prepared to walk away.

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."

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janetk
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Posted: 6/03/08 at 8:52am

What type of rent did this CT pay, if you know?

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B-M-D
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Joined: 11/03/05
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Posted: 6/03/08 at 9:54am

Don't know if they paid rent or not but I do know that they they shared in the ticket sales. Not sure what the percentage split was. I wasn't involved in the business end of things with this ct.

"Dying is easy, comedy is hard."

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janetk
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Joined: 11/15/07
Location: United States
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Posted: 6/03/08 at 9:59am

Thanks, we're looking at paying rent. We considered percentage of ticket sales but I think it is very important to keep the money seperate. We have had sold out audiences for the last two years.

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Topic: resident theatre company( Topic Closed)
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Author	Message
janetk Player Joined: 11/15/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Topic: resident theatre company Posted: 5/30/08 at 9:40am
	Our community theatre company is in the process of looking to become the resident theatre company for our local Arts Council. At the same time they will be booking in other theatrical shows/concerts. We are currently in negotiations regarding the use of the space. We are also in negotiations regarding rent. If you are a resident theatre company and could give us any advice regarding your situation it would be GREATLY appreciated.

	IP Logged

sconjott Lead Joined: 5/24/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 35	Posted: 5/30/08 at 11:38pm
	Try your BEST to get some say in the hiring of the Arts Center Manager. We were suppossed to have approval rights over the next Arts Center Manager and got caught off guard by the hiring of someone who absolutely hates the theater. I get the impression she doesn't consider theater "art" and she does just about everything she can to give us a hard time. She's been a nightmarish thorn in our sides for the last 3 years, but once she was hired we could do nothing about it. She is the most deplorable person it has ever been my displeasure to deal with... Oh! sorry, you asked for advice not a venting session. If it's possible, try and get SOME kind of say in the approval process for the Arts Center Manager in the contract. You may be VERY glad you did.
	There are NO small roles, only small actors...
	IP Logged

JoeMc Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832	Posted: 5/31/08 at 4:41am
	We have yet to take possession of our performing arts Centre, The Mayor has designated it as the new home of the Phoenix Theatre. However it is has also got an Art Gallery as part of the complex. realising that when it is finally handed over by the the 'Achytech [a.k.a "Daffodil Man'] We will be modifying it as a usable venue again. To that end we have got put into place, that we control the technical equipment. As an insurance against use & abuse from others hiring the venue, even for Art displays & set ups. I believe by the Theatre Group, offering to be the 'Duty Tech' for performances [Min 3 hour call @ a predetermined hourly rate] this affords us the necessary control of what transpires in the venue. I realise the venue bookings will be handled by a City Council employee, but at least we will have a finger on the pulse. So much so we have managed to get a Duty tech fee in the hire charge. Which will be credited to our group & off set against future hire fees, we will occur. Also we gained a distinct hire fee advantageous, by getting the hire of the venue at a block weekly, rather than an hourly rate. As the equipment has to be PAT tested regularly & possibly repaired, we will performing this task, as part of the deal. To the point, I hope, that we become eventually in sole control & mongering the venue. So from that point of view, may I suggest, that your group control the technical & this can be the thin edge of the wedge.
	[western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!}
	IP Logged

janetk Player Joined: 11/15/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Posted: 6/02/08 at 9:15am
	Do you pay any type of rent? Is there a computer ticket program that you use? If so, how do you handle your sponsors and patrons?
	IP Logged

pdavis69 Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437	Posted: 6/02/08 at 9:53am
	Beware, Beware! I have seen this happen to a few of the theatre companies in our area. The theatre company is used by the bigger company to fundraise and advertise and then finds itself the redheaded step-child in the partnership. The company finds they can book Cosby in for one night and make more than a week run of community theatre and the community theatre gets bumped to the back burner with limited access to the stage and rehearsal space. I hope this isn't the case for you.
	Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse
	IP Logged

janetk Player Joined: 11/15/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Posted: 6/02/08 at 12:38pm
	That's my fear. We have been around for 15 years with sold out audiences. If there is anyone in this situation, I could really use your advice.
	IP Logged

B-M-D Celebrity Joined: 11/03/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 346	Posted: 6/02/08 at 6:37pm
	I directed a show for a ct in exactly this situation. One of the most horrible experiences of my life. Rehearsals were limited to certain days of the week which was fine with me but we could also be bumped at a moments notice and have to scramble for rehearsal space in a cast member's basement. And that same cast member's basement when were were not able to rehearse in the space for some rehearsal weeks. And don't get me started about set construction and put in. I'm surprised they allowed their precious time for tech week. Never again with this ct for love or money. But I digress. In any event look out for your own interests and get it in writing before going in on a venture like this. And as enticing as it may sound be prepared to walk away.
	BD "Dying is easy, comedy is hard."
	IP Logged

janetk Player Joined: 11/15/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Posted: 6/03/08 at 8:52am
	What type of rent did this CT pay, if you know?
	IP Logged

B-M-D Celebrity Joined: 11/03/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 346	Posted: 6/03/08 at 9:54am
	Don't know if they paid rent or not but I do know that they they shared in the ticket sales. Not sure what the percentage split was. I wasn't involved in the business end of things with this ct.
	BD "Dying is easy, comedy is hard."
	IP Logged

janetk Player Joined: 11/15/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 23	Posted: 6/03/08 at 9:59am
	Thanks, we're looking at paying rent. We considered percentage of ticket sales but I think it is very important to keep the money seperate. We have had sold out audiences for the last two years.
	IP Logged