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Business Plans

Too many organizations in this industry don't have Business Plans.  The problem comes later when we wish to increase our efforts or secure more funding, but don't have the tool to leverage that growth.  A Business Plan is the tool to help you to move your organization forward, to help make informed decisions, and to  communicate to others how you do what you do.

 

There is one thing we understand very well: no two Performing Arts Centers are the same.  It would be nice if we could apply a one-size-fits-all solution to every theater, but they differ in size, staff, purpose, mission, and not just the community they serve, but the position they hold within their community.

There are however, a wide variety of models that can help move your organization forward.  At Theater Support Services, we have experts with years of experience working within a wide variety of institutional models who can help you find and develop (or refine) the model that will work best for your situation.  Furthermore, we have developed all of the documentation you see to the left for other organizations to help them become more effective in what they do through sound business practices.

We adhere to the motto of the Bolz Center for Arts Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  "The Arts Must Thrive as a Business to Survive as an Art."    Nothing can survive in today's climate without implementing the best business practices.  Every decision you make must be an informed decision using the best research available.  We can no longer manage by using instinct or history.

Board Development

Where are you going and how are you going to get there?  Who is charting the course and what action is needed to move you in that direction?  The Board should be your greatest advocate and responsible for moving the organization forward.  They need to foster the "big picture" and motivating them to stay on task is a major priority.

 
Policies and Procedures

If you don't have a written set of policies, you may be leaving too much to chance.  These management guidelines serve to protect your organization, your board, staff, and volunteers.   Make sure yours are up-to-date and represent how you do business.

 

Board Member and Staff Job Descriptions.

If you don't have them, get them.  Let your current and potential Board members know what  is expected of them before they say "yes." Job Descriptions are for anyone within your organization - including volunteers.  How else can executive staff and the Board post, evaluate, and quantify performance expectations.