{"id":1800,"date":"2026-04-23T08:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T08:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/?p=1800"},"modified":"2026-03-03T03:22:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T03:22:52","slug":"in-honour-of-shakespeares-birthday-a-six-minute-five-act-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2026\/04\/23\/in-honour-of-shakespeares-birthday-a-six-minute-five-act-play\/","title":{"rendered":"In Honour of Shakespeare\u2019s Birthday, A Six-Minute, Five-Act Play"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>\u201cWhat You Will Is What You Get,\u201d in iambic pentameter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22Alan+Harrison%22%2C+%22Scene+Change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shakespeares-birthday.jpg?resize=1000%2C563&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1801\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shakespeares-birthday.jpg?w=1000&amp;ssl=1 1000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shakespeares-birthday.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shakespeares-birthday.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cIs not the truth the truth?\u201d Falstaff, <em><strong>The First Part of King Henry the Fourth<\/strong><\/em>, 2.4.238-239<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Act 1. A board room at a prestigious company. Several board members are present before the meeting begins.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>BANKER<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; I hear we learn the season\u2019s plays anon,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>LAWYER<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Yet this year\u2019s offerings did us but flop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Behooves us great to change the path we take<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Else we go belly up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>WEALTHY SCION<\/em><\/strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh, shut your trap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The art we see is perfect just as is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>BANKER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>But hark, the gavel of the chair it pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The Chair pounds a gavel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CHAIR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>A quorum now, we start the meeting hence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What items have we yet to vote upon?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>VICE CHAIR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>There is but one, the budget for the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22Alan+Harrison%22%2C+%22Scene+Change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"345\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image.jpeg?resize=614%2C345&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1802\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image.jpeg?w=614&amp;ssl=1 614w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Excuse my interruption, but alas,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Financially, we are in Satan\u2019s grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We owe so much we cannot pay it back,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And yet this year, we\u2019ve two long plays to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re out of cash, as I\u2019ve been warning you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The first three plays drew quarter houses full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems to me it\u2019s premature to vote<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On next year\u2019s docket when we have no dough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve asked since starting here five years ago,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll ask again whence money new will come?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>WEALTHY SCION&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Hear, hear, and all my friends would echo me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The wealthiest among us do engage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Elite, intelligent, and White as snow,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To them this is epitome of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But when we choose to tell the stories of those<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Complaining \u2018bout their lot as Black as soot,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those are the plays my friends they do eschew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Experiences that reflect them not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>THE ONE BLACK BOARD MEMBER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>And yet, is this the future for this place?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We only do what wealthy WASPs would want?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is selling tickets really at the core<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of proving worth to our community?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CHAIR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Now simmer down, there is no need to fight,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When all we seem to need is currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now who amongst you hasn\u2019t made a gift?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line is that we\u2019re almost broke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>WEALTHY SCION&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Oh, pish, I\u2019ll write a check. I always do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s fifty thousand more, we can move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>That\u2019s good, we\u2019ll only need a hundred more<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To finish off this season in the black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>THE ONE BLACK BOARD MEMBER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>But what about next season and the next?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How can we prove our worth when every year<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We find ourselves in hock up to our ears<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And only serve our friends, or worse, ourselves?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are we a charity or not at all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How do we measure our activities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By revenues against expenses? What?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is money earned or raised the only thing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We cannot simply put on plays and stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s vulgar money-grubbing at its worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We must deserve, <em>deserve<\/em> our precious gifts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By gauging what our impact is outside<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These fancy walls and plush theater seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We cannot do whate\u2019er we want to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh, art is not a product, it\u2019s a tool<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make our region quantifi\u2019bly better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as the only Black face here, I ask<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Am I just here as token to your needs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CHAIR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>No, no, we need you here to show we care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The One Black Board Member exits, pursued by a Bear.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>BEAR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Grrr-rowl! There goes our board diversity!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our numbers will look horrible on grants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll have to make things up to get support!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Bear exits.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CHAIR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Methinks I need a drink. Be back in ten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Act II. An area beneath an overpass. A social worker is carefully addressing unseen people through blue tents.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>SOCIAL WORKER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Poor naked wretches, wheresoe\u2019er you are,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That bide the pelting of this pitiless storm,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How shall your houseless heads and unfed sides,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your loop\u2019d and window\u2019d raggedness, defend you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From seasons such as these?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CONDUCTOR&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>      Excuse me, friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve brought a brass ensemble here to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those people in the tents are human beings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Who simply have no other place to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re neither smart nor stupid, merely poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re just like us; except they have no home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve brought some chairs, some water, and a shell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In front of which we\u2019ll play to soothe their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019d like to help, so can we work with you<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help these folks find services they need?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22Alan+Harrison%22%2C+%22Scene+Change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"551\" height=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-4.jpeg?resize=551%2C310&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1806\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-4.jpeg?w=551&amp;ssl=1 551w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-4.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 551px) 100vw, 551px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>SOCIAL WORKER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>I weep with happiness at your request<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But wait, whilst you set up, I\u2019ll make some calls;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My colleagues that can offer help will join.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How long to build that shell of which you speak?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And set your microphones to be distinct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That traffic\u2019s boom will not drown out your band?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CONDUCTOR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>We\u2019ll only need some twenty minutes hence,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And then we\u2019ll play for forty minutes more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With breaks so that your friends can fill the needs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of all the people here. [yells] Let\u2019s set it up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Act III. Forty minutes later. The ensemble has played beautifully. There is a brief interval, during which social workers from several different agencies talk to the unhoused citizenry attending. The One Black Board Member is on site and sits in on this conversation.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>UNHOUSED MAN&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>You ask me what I need right now, today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To tell the truth, my smell is harsh to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019d love a shower, yes, a shave as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And maybe better clothes to brave the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>SOCIAL WORKER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>A shower? Yes! Just stay with me, good sir<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And after concert finishes, we\u2019ll walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8216;Tis only but a block or two away,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where showers are aplenty just for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A barber comes each Wednesday afternoon,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He\u2019ll cut your hair and shave your face to boot!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While he does that, I\u2019ll find you better clothes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And see how we can get you subsidies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For food, for housing, and a lease on life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22alan+harrison%22+%22scene+change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"562\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.jpeg?resize=562%2C316&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1803\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.jpeg?w=562&amp;ssl=1 562w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-1.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 562px) 100vw, 562px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>UNHOUSED MAN <\/em><\/strong>If true, I really am appreciative,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For life has not been kind to me thus far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not dead, and yet I am invisible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If not for music now, I\u2019d lose my mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What price must I pay you for doing this,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This kindness that restores my dignity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>SOCIAL WORKER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>For twenty minutes, listen to the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And I\u2019ll be here; no, I won\u2019t leave your side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll sit, we\u2019ll smile, we\u2019ll clap, and then we\u2019ll go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This music is a blessing for us all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>They happily listen to the band play.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Act IV. A cramped office in a rundown building. It is the office of the orchestra that played under the overpass.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CONDUCTOR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>I\u2019m glad you\u2019ve come; our brass ensemble played<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quite beautifully, but that was not the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our goal is not just music at its best<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But lifting people out of homelessness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our subsidy from arts foundations comes,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But also do we gain support from those<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whose missions are to make a better world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our funding is diverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE ONE BLACK BOARD MEMBER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong>I noticed this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh how this orchestra commands the day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By playing so these people can progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I love the arts, but love this even more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22Alan+Harrison%22+%22scene+change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"425\" height=\"239\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-2.jpeg?resize=425%2C239&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1804\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-2.jpeg?w=425&amp;ssl=1 425w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-2.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 425px) 100vw, 425px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To think that music hath the charms to heal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This arts nonprofit surely needs support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To them I shall work hardest for the cause,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cause is at the heart of charity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>CONDUCTOR&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Then may we count on you and your support?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>THE ONE BLACK BOARD MEMBER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/em><\/strong>Indeed! And all my friends will join as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Act V. The boardroom from Act I. One month later.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THE ONE BLACK BOARD MEMBER&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/strong>Does art alone beget one\u2019s self-respect?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is that enough, or is there more to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This theater with which I was involved<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Could never have imagined such a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let self-indulgence be removed from art,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At least nonprofit corporations\u2019 goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The play is not the thing, instead it\u2019s this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community has needs above a show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shame of it is that you have a chance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To change your ways and measure impact thus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But will you? No, my guess is that you\u2019ll just<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remain on course for self-destructive end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And as for me, I found the best there is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A charity that cares about effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I found an orchestra that plays with zest,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whose music is unmatched in flair and style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But excellence is not enough for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They play to lift the homeless out of pain<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And help them to regain their sense of self.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Elitists don\u2019t deserve a nickel\u2019s aid,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8216;Tis you fits that description to a T.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no \u201cart for art\u2019s sake!\u201d That applies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To artists, not to toxic donor cliques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alas, adieu to you, pretentious snobs<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whose art does naught but build <em>your<\/em> self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And Bear, to you, I offer token gift,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From token me, please pass this on to all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>She puts on boxing glove, punches the bear in the nose, and exits, unpursued.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22Alan+Harrison%22+%22scene+change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"559\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-3.jpeg?resize=559%2C314&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1805\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-3.jpeg?w=559&amp;ssl=1 559w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-3.jpeg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>End of play.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-larger-font-size wp-elements-85fb180a603722533092b766af63bc31\" style=\"color:#5301fa;background-color:#f8f501\"><strong>WATCH THIS SPACE FOR A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ON MAY 14<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bookshop.org\/beta-search?keywords=%22Alan+Harrison%22%2C+%22Scene+Change%22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"269\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10.jpeg?resize=533%2C269&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1779\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10.jpeg?w=533&amp;ssl=1 533w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/image-10.jpeg?resize=300%2C151&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 533px) 100vw, 533px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you enjoyed that and want to help your nonprofit arts organization get the most out of its potential, just click on the books and pick up this inexpensive trilogy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/alanharrison\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"544\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/buy-me-a-coffee-for-bottom-of-ArtsJournal-articles.jpg?resize=1024%2C544&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1723\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/buy-me-a-coffee-for-bottom-of-ArtsJournal-articles.jpg?resize=1024%2C544&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/buy-me-a-coffee-for-bottom-of-ArtsJournal-articles.jpg?resize=300%2C159&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/buy-me-a-coffee-for-bottom-of-ArtsJournal-articles.jpg?resize=768%2C408&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/buy-me-a-coffee-for-bottom-of-ArtsJournal-articles.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thank you so much for reading all the way to the bottom. That takes a lot of patience. If you like what you read, would you please consider contributing to the coffee fund by clicking on the cup above these words? Or better, if you&#8217;re in Seattle, let&#8217;s have a cup together. My treat.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To think that music hath the charms to heal!<br \/>\nThis arts nonprofit surely needs support.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,20,22,100,40,32,29,25,28,19,18,17,99],"tags":[85,10,183],"class_list":{"0":"post-1800","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-culture","8":"category-board-of-directors","9":"category-board-of-trustees","10":"category-book-recommendation","11":"category-change","12":"category-charity","13":"category-dei","14":"category-development-and-fundraising","15":"category-diversity-equity-inclusion","16":"category-leadership","17":"category-nonprofit","18":"category-nonprofit-arts-organizations","19":"category-scene-change","20":"tag-community","21":"tag-impact","22":"tag-shakespeare","23":"entry"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shakespeares-birthday.jpg?fit=1000%2C563&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1517,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2025\/10\/07\/a-punchy-outspoken-argument-for-how-nonprofit-arts-organizations-should-be-run\/","url_meta":{"origin":1800,"position":0},"title":"&#8220;A PUNCHY, OUTSPOKEN ARGUMENT FOR HOW NONPROFIT ARTS ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD BE RUN.&#8221;","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"October 7, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"\"An example-driven new map to success in the realm of nonprofit theater.\" \u2014 Kirkus Reviews.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Arts and Culture&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Scene Change, Scene Change 2, and Scene Change 3 - 3 books to improve your arts organization","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/3-book-titles.jpg?fit=1200%2C606&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1683,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2025\/12\/30\/scene-change-3-just-named-to-kirkus-reviews-25-best-indies-of-2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":1800,"position":1},"title":"&#8220;SCENE CHANGE 3&#8221; Just Named to Kirkus Reviews&#8217; &#8220;25 Best Indies of 2025!&#8221;","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"December 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"If you're serious about succeeding as a nonprofit arts organization, you're going to want to pick up the trilogy at your favorite bookstore.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Arts and Culture&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Scene-change-3-with-sky.jpg?fit=1200%2C640&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":291,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2023\/03\/28\/nonprofit-arts-organization-boards-an-epilogue\/","url_meta":{"origin":1800,"position":2},"title":"Nonprofit Arts Organization Boards: An Epilogue","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"March 28, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"If you are a nonprofit arts board member, you have a chance to build something great. And no, the best way is not to copy your fellow arts organizations.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Arts and Culture&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Build-a-Board-Workshop.jpg?fit=1200%2C643&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Build-a-Board-Workshop.jpg?fit=1200%2C643&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Build-a-Board-Workshop.jpg?fit=1200%2C643&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Build-a-Board-Workshop.jpg?fit=1200%2C643&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Build-a-Board-Workshop.jpg?fit=1200%2C643&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":221,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2023\/01\/31\/nonprofit-arts-board-members-oughta-just-wont-cut-it\/","url_meta":{"origin":1800,"position":3},"title":"Nonprofit Arts Board Members: \u201cOughta\u201d Just Won\u2019t Cut It","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"January 31, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"You know what you really oughta do? Stop telling other people what they oughta do.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Arts and Culture&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Beware-the-board-member-kibbitzer.jpg?fit=1108%2C598&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Beware-the-board-member-kibbitzer.jpg?fit=1108%2C598&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Beware-the-board-member-kibbitzer.jpg?fit=1108%2C598&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Beware-the-board-member-kibbitzer.jpg?fit=1108%2C598&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Beware-the-board-member-kibbitzer.jpg?fit=1108%2C598&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1640,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2026\/01\/06\/its-2026-oy-is-the-nonprofit-arts-sector-in-america-any-healthier\/","url_meta":{"origin":1800,"position":4},"title":"It\u2019s 2026. Oy. Is the Nonprofit Arts Sector in America Any Healthier?","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"January 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Now that it\u2019s 2026, the public expects its charities to be charitable \u2014 including your theater, opera, ballet, museum, and symphony.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Arts and Culture&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-10.jpeg?fit=612%2C377&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-10.jpeg?fit=612%2C377&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-10.jpeg?fit=612%2C377&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":240,"url":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/2023\/02\/14\/what-are-your-nonprofit-art-board-members-real-responsibilities\/","url_meta":{"origin":1800,"position":5},"title":"What Are Your Nonprofit Art Board Members\u2019 Real Responsibilities?","author":"Alan Harrison","date":"February 14, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Responsibility #1: Determine why the company needs to exist.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Arts and Culture&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Arts and Culture","link":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/category\/arts-and-culture\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Diva-board-for-ArtsJournal.jpg?fit=1100%2C711&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Diva-board-for-ArtsJournal.jpg?fit=1100%2C711&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Diva-board-for-ArtsJournal.jpg?fit=1100%2C711&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Diva-board-for-ArtsJournal.jpg?fit=1100%2C711&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Diva-board-for-ArtsJournal.jpg?fit=1100%2C711&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1800"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1800\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1817,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1800\/revisions\/1817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.artsjournal.com\/scenechange\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}