The Governance and Challenges of Community Theaters

Community theaters are vibrant spaces for artistic expression, but they also face unique governance and management challenges. Understanding the structure and operations of these theaters is essential for both volunteers and professionals involved in the theatrical world. This article delves into the governance structures, roles of the board of directors, and the challenges faced by community theaters, particularly regarding the management of staffing and equity issues.

The Structure of Community Theaters

Community theaters are primarily run by volunteers and funded through donations, grants, and ticket sales. Unlike professional theaters, the staffing and management of these venues are often more flexible and rely heavily on volunteers. Payments to directors, music directors, and other key roles are typically minimal and are made on a case-by-case basis, with financial management often handled by a volunteer.

Directed plays in community theaters are generally paid, but the extent of payment varies. In musicals, payments are usually made to the director and the music director, with no additional staff paid. For non-musicals, often no individuals in specific departments are paid. Instead, the payment might be made to a rental agency, and managed onsite by a volunteer. This volunteers-run approach is the crux of what makes community theaters unique—the spirit of collaboration and volunteerism.

Board of Directors and Governance

Maintaining the integrity and efficiency of a community theater often hinges on the board of directors. These individuals are responsible for several crucial tasks, including managing the theater space, selecting plays for the upcoming season, and hiring or selecting directors. The role of the board of directors is fundamental, but it can also be a breeding ground for potential misuse of power.

Several examples illustrate the potential for abuse. In Southboro, Massachusetts, the current President of the community theater’s board used her position to ensure that her husband received the leading role in every play during her tenure. This significant preference for a family member raises questions about the governance and ethics within the board.

Another instance involved a theater that exclusively selected plays with all-female casts for an entire season. Every board member was cast in every play, which led to speculation that this was not a mere coincidence. Such actions can be seen as a lack of transparency and a deviation from the established goals of the theater, which should be open to a diverse range of drama and artistic expression.

The Absence of an Equity Union

Community theaters lack an equivalent of the Actors Equity Union (AEA), which is the professional union for actors in the theater industry. This absence can lead to disparities in the treatment and compensation of actors within community theaters. Some actors might receive more prominent roles due to personal connections or board influence, while others might not receive adequate recognition or compensation.

The lack of a governing body similar to AEA means that community theaters must rely on internal policies and ethical standards. While most theaters have established boards and selection committees, the absence of a formal union can sometimes lead to imbalances in the distribution of roles and responsibilities.

Challenges and Solutions

Community theaters face a range of challenges, from managing financial resources to ensuring fair and diverse representation of roles. To address these challenges, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and procedures for play selection, director selection, and financial management.

One solution could be the creation of an informal organization or a temporary advisory board within community theaters. This group could provide additional oversight and help ensure that decisions are made transparently and impartially. Additionally, incorporating regular feedback mechanisms from actors and volunteers can help identify and rectify any imbalances in the theater's operations.

Conclusion

The governance and management of community theaters require a delicate balance between volunteerism and professionalism. While the volunteer spirit is the backbone of these theaters, it is essential to maintain transparency, fairness, and ethical standards. By addressing the challenges and implementing effective policies, community theaters can continue to thrive and provide a vital platform for artistic expression.

Keywords: community theaters, governance, board of directors, volunteer management, equity union