ACTIVITY OBJECTIVES/GOALS:
- generate a mission statement from the interpretation of a business entity’s vision and core values
- list the administrative structures and managerial positions of a non-profit arts organization, charting how artists, administrators, and board members relate to one another to accomplish various organizational and artistic goals
- develop a series of financial strategies, including research of revenue-generating opportunities for performing and visual arts organizations
- define and assess the management decisions necessary for an organization’s ongoing financial and artistic health
- create, debate and appraise marketing and public relations efforts as they relate to arts organizations, events and/or productions
- utilize and transfer learned management skills to work at a theatre or arts institution
- present a viable management theory through the creation of an arts organization, from mission statement to production or opening event
DESCRIPTION:
The purpose of this course presentation is to present a viable management theory through the creation of a theatre company, from mission statement to production. Emphasis will be placed on the company’s mission, organizational structure, budget, fundraising and/or development efforts, and marketing.
Students will be organized into teams for the purpose of this presentation. As part of this project, each team will be expected to create a fictitious theatre company, which will serve as the basis for the various elements.
Areas that should be covered include (but are not limited by): Mission Statement, Organizational Structure/Management, Initial Budget (Revenue and Expenses), Planned Fundraising/Development, Marketing Campaign.
Additional factors to consider for this presentation include: general description of the theatre (i.e. touring house, period pieces), architecture, theater construction or environment, staging and production conventions, plays and/or other playwright specific productions produced, expected audience responses to or involvement in theatre.
This presentation is not a normal written essay. Think originality and creativity…that is, slide shows, graphics, charts, Powerpoint/Prezi programs, audio or visual presentations, etc. are all accepted and encouraged. Your presentation is due during this course’s scheduled final exam period, with each team presenting their “theatre plan” in class. Each presentation will be followed by a discussion and Q&A by fellow students. This presentation will be graded according to the Course Presentation Rubric.
TIME REQUIRED: Full Semester (each element of project is covered within each course unit)
REQUIRED MATERIALS: Materials distributed in class, within each unit
ADAPTATION: Applicable for those pursuing arts management/theatre management positions, small business developers, and/or entrepreneurs
EVALUATION: Each section of the project is graded separately (similar to those assignments given throughout the term). Each section is graded then averaged together to reach a final grade. Evaluation also considers presentation, creativity, MLA formatting, etc. Rubric is broken down by points, with the final project grade a total point value converted to a letter grade. Submitted by: Christopher M. Montpetit
