Playhouse

I just got a call from my dad pointing me to this article, detailing news that a beautiful old theater in my hometown is closing its doors. I wasn't closely involved with the Playhouse (I was, for a short time, an usher), but it makes me sad to think of it not existing.

It looks like they're pausing to re-assess rather than just giving up the ghost entirely, and I hope that's true. It really is a phenomenal old space and, playing optimistic, this may give them the opportunity they need to think about how they can build a more sustainable model, and better serve and represent their community. If they want a mustachioed young director with ties to the community to come help out, I will say this: I'm cold. Pasadena? 67 degrees. Wind: Calm.

Arts-business heartbreak quote:

Eich said the playhouse had pinned its hopes on finding a donor who would give $5 million to have the 684-seat main stage named in his or her honor, but that never materialized.

Emphasis mine. (Hat Tip: LRN)

Getting Hit, Cont'd

New Leaf looks to a renaissance financial and creative model. So why does it feel like a revolution?

Fantastic.

Non-profit Accounting...Fun (Updated)

(updated: I changed the earlier title of this post in an effort to reduce the hilarious amount of profoundly disappointed web-surfers. - bn)

Feast.

(Hat Tip: The Wizard)

Note that The New Leaf, producers of one of my favorite shows of the season, has the smallest operating budget by a rather significant margin (WNEP comes in second).

It's how you use it.

Your Fundraising is Irritating

This report might hurt, but it'll hurt good.

(Hat Tip: Thomas Cott)

Art For Profit?

This is an interesting article from the great site Chicago Artists' Resource.  It's about dance, specifically, but I think it's applicable rather more broadly.  We've inherited the idea of non-profit arts organizations and rarely question it, but like all things I think it's worth examination.  The stark difference between "commercial" art and "Art" art (forgodssake) is not new, I admit, but it is a bit oppressive.  The indie rock world, at its worst, is so engulfed by this kind of bifurcated thinking that commercial success is actually equivalent to aesthetic irrelevance.  I wonder then if non-profit is as much a kind of badge as it is a business model, and if that's true, if it is a badge worth wearing.  Examination may prove that it is, but I think it might be refreshing to find out the hard way.