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Running Your Theater
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vickifrank
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bullet Posted: 3/02/09 at 9:02am
If you are on the board of a theatre and you promote the proformances of that same theatre that is considered being a good board member.
 
If you are on the board of a different theatre and use that only to promote your theatre performances that can be inappropriate.  But of course you can be on more than one board--as long as you don't divulge what you shouldn't and as long as you really serve each well.
 
If in doubt in this area, look to other non-profits.  Many have board members that serve several different charities.
 
Now consider a discussion that I just had with a customer who heads a local community theatre.  He and other theatres in the area developed a co-marketing venture where if you show a ticket stub from any of them, you can use that as a buy one get one free coupon for any of the community theatres.  Even the professional theatres bought into this co-marketing venture (although you can't get the pro tickets for a discount, you can show your pro ticket for a discount at the others).  This is smart for several reasons,1.) it encourages attendance with people that already decided that they like the show--in the case of a person who shows the ticket to bring a date back the second night. 2.) it brings people from related geography. 3.) it makes people feel they get a bargain without diluting the normal purchase price.  4.) it opens doors to promote in new places. 5.)it also can get contributors.  If you were on the board of other theatres and served legitimately in helping them, you could propose comarketing ventures--as long as it was in both theatre's interests.
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dramacorrect
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bullet Posted: 3/09/09 at 9:34pm
I think that maybe the best way to start is with programming, then branch out into owning your own equipment and building.  The programming is what is going to sustain the building and a theatre with its own building needs a good foundation and patron following (that's my opinion).
 
We got a buliding for our theatre about 20 years after we began our programming, and now we have a LOT more expenses than most theatres nearby.  Mostly because of our building.  Sound and lighting equipment, ac, heat, cleaning, salaries, sewer assessment, electric, plumbing, marketing.  The list goes on and on. 
 
I think just to become more stable, you should look at renting a space for a while.  Renovating is very expensive too.  Actually, we are getting a pit for the first time with our renovation--we've been doing several musicals a year without one for 50 years. 
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davidmoon
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bullet Posted: 4/02/09 at 2:18pm
You may even want to test the waters with a summer production in a park, civic hall or local church.  It'll be a way to see how things work, if there's a draw and recruit more folks to help with the business end - a dress rehearsal, for a long term strategy as you work through a business plan and cash flow projections.
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John Luzaich
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bullet Posted: 4/09/09 at 11:51am

I agree with David, I'd say look at a lease first for 3-5 years.  Once you're on your feet and have production budgets under control, then look to go out with a major fund raising campaign to renovate a space.  People are much more likely to contribute and join your effort when you have a strong proven track record.  People like to jump on the bandwagon of a winner!  Then, you can "sell" your value to your community.

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