Issue No. 2 | June 2016
Here you’ll find all of the information included in our most recent newsletter.
Letter from the Executive Director
Dear TPS Members,
In April, we had the opportunity to host the Association of Performing Arts Service Organizations for the first time in 12 years. I love the opportunity to showcase our city and theatre community, and this year I had the pleasure of doing so alongside the dedicated staff at TPS. Attendees are arts administrators from more than 25 arts service organizations from all over the U.S. and Canada.
For three days we participated in workshops, discussion groups, and short talks led by expert facilitators and attendees themselves. These were focused on a variety of topics ranging from modern technology to diversity and equity in administration and audiences.
Blessed with gorgeous weather, we were able to take them to 12th Ave Arts, Bainbridge Performing Arts, our facilities here at the Seattle Center, tour downtown historic theatres, and 10 degrees – an arts residency space in Capitol Hill.
At APASO, the staff and I were invigorated by the drive and dedication of various sister arts organizations while being reminded of our unique place as your hub for information and artistic support in the Puget Sound region. However, the greatest reward of participating in the annual conference is the chance to hear from my colleagues how they are dealing with similar challenges and progressions in their local artistic communities. It’s a great reminder that we are not alone.
We started off the conference with a keynote speech by Todd London, Executive Director of the UW School of Drama. The transcript of the full speech is available on HowlRound. The speech was powerful and moved everyone in the room in ways that affected them throughout the entire conference. I look forward to continuing to let our connections to other service organizations infuse the work we do in the community for you.
Karen Lane
Leadership for Social Change
Many people have the urge to improve equity and inclusivity in their organizations. To support the many efforts already underway in our community, TPS is launching a 12-month intensive learning group — with curriculum devised by nationally renowned consultant Carmen Morgan.
If you or members of your organization are interested in learning how to implement Leadership for Social Change, we still have a few spots left for June 9 or June 10. Find out more on Facebook Event page.
Workshops for You!
Health Insurance may seem like a tedious topic, but if you’re operating a small organization, you may be confronted every year with a wide and confusing array of choices. We want to help! Cindy Hagen of Hagen Insurance Partners is offering her services FOR FREE as a health insurance expert who can answer your burning questions and talk you through all the steps. Email Catherine to register for the workshop on June 13 or June 14.
And stay tuned for more info about our Personal Budgeting Practical Workshop happening on July 10.
Satellite Space Opportunity
Currently, we’re negotiating a 10-year lease for asatellite site in the Ballard/Fremont area that will have a focus on dedicated rehearsal and office space for artistic groups. The space is currently quite raw and we are designing the space based upon community feedback. As of now, we have reached out individually to groups. Now we would like to invite any interested group to attend a gathering to review options and learn more about this amazing opportunity.
This ~7500 square foot space would not operate on an hourly basis but by long-term lease for either dedicated rehearsal and/or dedicated/shared office space. We also have opportunity to create a cooperative scene shop (models of operation still under review.) We anticipate the square foot cost to be quite reasonable for many groups. The location is highly visible and easily accessible by bus lines, and would provide a consistent and dedicated location for Seattle artists to conduct business and actively create community.
Our timeline for receiving input and interest to drive our design and function decisions is compressed; our first Permit Review meeting is scheduled for July 11. To be included in an a discussion about long-term feasibility of this space in our community, please contact Rob.
Diversity Highlight
We recently interviewed Ana Maria Campoy, Tina Polzin, and Matt Sherrill, the artists behind 1-Off Productions. This summer, they are producing Lorca’s Blood Wedding/Bodas de Sangre in a bilingual version with live music and dance in underserved Seattle parks. Read the article here.
Save the Date: BREWS & BITES
TPS is hosting a summer fundraiser on Friday August 26 at Rooftop Brewing Company, where we’ll be gathering to drink and eat local and handcrafted beer and food! You bring your shorts and we’ll provide the pint glasses. Stay tuned for more info!
From the Desk of…Shane Regan!
As the 2015-2016 Gregory Awards Nomination Season winds to a close, we have the final new play stats to share with you. This season, nominators had the pleasure of seeing 33 new plays, and of those, 27 written by local playwrights. Interested in being a nominator for the 2016-2017 season? Applications will be available next week.
Intiman’s Wedding Band receives social grant
Intiman Theatre Festival, along with Seattle Children’s Theatre and Theatre Battery were some of this year’s recipients for The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation Social Theatre Impact Grant.
More Renovations!
Curious about the plan for completion of the Center Theatre renovations? In about three weeks, we will be replacing the lobby carpet designed by Rex Carleton (Tech Director) decades ago. See photos of the auditorium seat replacement here.
TPSOnline Quick Links
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- See the latest audition postings
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