possibilities

[Andrew Farrier]

Hello company members,

This is Andrew, writing from New Orleans where I have just had my
second day of class. I'm facing a possibility which I'd like to run by
you. I'm taking a class called Introduction to Producing. Usually
James' job, yes, but I thought I should familiarize myself with the
broader spectrum. (He's taking Directing, so it balances out.) The
teacher is coming from a background very similar to our own-- starting
from scratch and figuring things out by trial and error. In the class,
we will be going through the al the steps of creating a not-for-profit
organization. Incorporating is an idea James and I have discussed a
few times in the past, but we have not yet had the time to approach it.
But now my teacher has told me that if I prefer to go through the
paperwork and apply it to a real theatre company rather than an
imaginary one, that would be perfectly acceptable.

In short, I will be doing this work one way or another. Should I do it
for us?

This webpage has a decent simple explanation of what it means to be a
nonprofit: http://www.not-for-profit.org/page2.htm

It does not mean we wouldn't be allowed to make money; the main things
that separate a nonprofit from a for-profit business are its tax-exempt
status, its ability to take grants and tax-deductible donations, its
lack of shareholders, and its goals as stated in a mission statement.
If you care to see our current mission statement, it is prominently
featured on our website, www.sftheatre.net. The idea is that
eventually the theatre would be able to pay its members, though it
might be a long time before that would be possible. In the short term,
we would be more qualified to receive grants and donations. We would
also need to obtain a board of directors, who would have control over
the business direction of the company. Any thoughts about possible
board members are welcome, since we will be contacting potential
members soon. They cannot be company members or immediate relatives of
company members, but they should be people interested in the company
and its development.

If you care to reply, please post here so this can be an open
discussion and we can all hear each other's thoughts. If you'd rather
your response be private, feel free to reply to the email I sent out.
And sooner is better, as I have to make this decision within a few
days.

We're looking at possibilities for the summer right now; thoughts on
that are also welcome. If you have a script or an author you
particularly like or you think of a new job you'd like to try out (feel
free to be creative; it doesn't have to be a job we've assigned to
anyone in the past), let us know. More on that later.

If we decide to go ahead with the incorporation, I'll send out periodic
emails regarding other decisions that stand to be made. Everyone is
free to respond or not respond to these as they please.

I hope you're all having an excellent time-- it's gotten cold rather
suddenly down here, but things are moving at a boiling pace. Hope to
hear from you.

--Andrew

[Eddie Lanius]

Hello to all of you
Interestingly, coincident with Andrew's studies, a group here in SF is
forming an arts council, St. Francisville for the Arts(SFARTS?) I have been
asked to serve on the board, one of the requirements for tax exempt status,
and to represent the theatre community. The first order of business is to
acquire tax exempt status by appling for a 501(c)(3) exemption.
This new entity will represent and promote all of the arts. The group is
fortunate to have in its numbers, a lawyer willing to do the legal work
without charge.
Of course,a SFTTH could exist under the umbrella of this organization.
However, I know that those of you taking courses in establishing a
non-profit theatre will probably want to become tax exempt on your own.
There are advantages and disadvantages, freedom, the most important plus and
funds and grants garnered by SFARTS a possible minus. We may be able to use
what funds they offer
regardless. Also, establishing tax exempt status independently would show a
committment to continue to exist by SFTTH.
Also being discussed is securing a facility to house, produce, teach,
promote and the arts, with the first project being to create an 'Art Bus'.
Basically, a mobile facility, to reach people who otherwise may not be
exposed to art.
This group, led by Lynn Wood, is serious, and I know this entity will be
born soon. I believe the members of SFTTH should support this effort in
every way possible.
--Stay warm
--Eddie

[Eddie Lanius]

Hello to all of you
Interestingly, coincident with Andrew's studies, a group here in SF is
forming an arts council, St. Francisville for the Arts(SFARTS?) I have been

asked to serve on the board, and to represent the theatre community. The
first order of business is to acquire tax exempt status by applying for a
501(c)(3). This process is already under way, as one of our members is a
lawyer donating her time.

This new entity will represent and promote all of the arts.

Of course, a SFTTH could exist under the umbrella of this organization.
However, I know that some of you will probably want to become tax exempt on

your own. There are advantages and disadvantages, freedom, the most

important plus; and funds and grants garnered by SFARTS for us a possible

minus. We may be able to use what funds they offer regardless.

Also, establishing tax exempt status independently, would show a commitment
to continue to exist as SFTTH.
Also being discussed is securing a facility to house, produce, teach, and
promote the arts, with the first project being to create an 'Art Bus'.

Basically, a mobile facility, to reach people who otherwise may not be
exposed to art.

This group, led by Lynn Wood, is serious, and I know this new entity will
thrive. I believe the members of SFTTH should support this effort in every
way possible.
A tentative date of April 28 has been set for 'Art Walk', where local
businesses would allow an artist(s) to set up in front or inside to show
and/or demonstrate their art. Some shops can simply feature artists they
already support, such as Harrington Gallery or Miller on Main. We certainly
should participate by producing a short show that could be performed several
times throughout the afternoon. Perhaps one of us could write something. It
is important we do something to support an arts council in our community and
particpate in this event.
I've said before I would support SFTTH any way I can. I believe this arts
council greatly enhances the future of theatre in SF. I would like to
include all of you on any email or contact list SFARTS produce, so let me if
you don't want to be included.
So, who wants to do a show for April 28?
--Stay warm
--Eddie