The Board: The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat

Abstract

The Board. These are the words artistic directors and general managers hear repeated most often during the time they are employed at a theatre. The words have many connotations. In my experience, and for most people involved in the operation of a theatre, the board is a relatively anonymous group of people who wield power and influence and with whom the administrative personnel must deal on a regular basis to receive official sanction for their actions. The board may also be perceived as a group of well-meaning individuals from the community who contribute to the organization in a practical and philosophical manner. And in rare instances, the board can be viewed as indispensable to the maintenance and operation of the theatre. Unfortunately, the majority of the time, the board is viewed by many staff members as a necessary obstacle to be overcome and, at times, as a hindrance to the operation as a whole.