How to Assemble a Board of Directors for a Theater Company

The Board of Directors plays a vital role in the operation and management of a theater company. Both nonprofit and for-profit theaters must ensure that they select the right candidates to serve on their Board of Directors. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Incorporated or Nonprofit Theater Company
• Mission Statement
• Portfolio of Previous Work
• Long-term plan for Company

1. Carefully review the Mission Statement of your theater company. Hold a meeting with the other company members to clarify any questions you may have regarding this mission statement. It is important that company members all agree on the general mission of the theater company.
2. Assess the size, reputation, and profit status of your theater company. Large LORT theaters often need to assemble multiple Boards to oversee various aspects of theatrical management. Smaller theaters often thrive with one close-knit, loyal Board.
3. Construct a comprehensive plan detailing the financial and artistic goals of the company.
4. Evaluate your connections. Ask your fellow company members to refer possible Board Members. Think long and hard about your business and personal acquaintances and determine if any of them are right to serve on the Board.
5. Make a list of candidates who have achieved success in the business world. It is crucial to assemble a few business minded folk for your Board, because financially sustaining a theater is an extremely difficult venture.
6. Obtain the contact information of the candidates who appear on your list.
7. Rank the candidates on your list.
8. Make initial contact with the members of the list and inform them that you would like to speak with them about serving on your Board of Directors.
9. Set up meetings with willing candidates. Present your plan to them and answer any and all questions they may have.
10. Once you have assembled the right number of people for your Board, plan your inaugural meeting. Now you’ve got a Board of Directors!

Tips & Warnings

• Diversify the members of your board. Make sure they represent different sectors of society.
• Ensure that the Board of Directors will work in harmony. Avoid tempestuous relationships, and maintain a relaxed and professional attitude.

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