So, what’s the right question? “See what the company looks like with a $6 million budget.” “Okay, but you know the income will take a beating, too.” “See what the company looks like with a $6 million budget.” These were some of the final words spoken to me by a board member at the then-$12 million Alabama Shakespeare Festival. After a whole bunch of years of … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Orgs: If Your Only Answer Is ‘Cut,’ You’re Asking the Wrong Question
Nonprofit
Nonprofit Arts Leaders and Funders: What’s It Gonna Be? People or Buildings?
With the industry in a nationwide, existential crisis, leaders may have to choose one or the other. If so, the choice is easy. It’s 2025 and the nonprofit arts world is crumbling around us. In Seattle, ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) and Seattle Shakespeare are now part of the same company, a company that celebrates the 461-year-old Englishman performing the most … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Leaders and Funders: What’s It Gonna Be? People or Buildings?
Born in the DSA*: Remove the Social Security Cap
Did you make more than $176,100 this year? Did you tell your staff that you’re paying a lower Social Security tax than they are? I remember the moment clearly. In Alabama, I found myself in a quandary on a particular payday in late November. All of a sudden, I was receiving a higher take-home salary, even though I had not received a pay bump. I went to our finance office, … [Read more...] about Born in the DSA*: Remove the Social Security Cap
Nonprofit Arts Companies: Beware the Allure of the Headhunter
It’s expensive, lazy, and a process rife with community red flags. But at least there are no money-back guarantees. Let me start by saying that I was headhunted several times for jobs and thought it was a dandy idea. I was egotistical, dumb, and thought that nonprofit arts jobs — even leadership positions — had a shelf life of about three years. I was also experienced, … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Arts Companies: Beware the Allure of the Headhunter
Have People and Write Stuff Down
The arts might be great for inspiration, but Sartre had it wrong. Over the last 12 months two of my partner’s brothers died. One in September 2024, the other in August 2025 (as in, last month). In both cases, my partner was in charge of the administration of their estates. These were her two favorite siblings, flawed in their own ways like any human, but ultimately good, … [Read more...] about Have People and Write Stuff Down