Here's a great new blog that I'm following:

christophervandijk.blogspot.com

Keep up the good work Christopher!

The Big "F" words!

Before I get into using the "F" words, I would like to update you on the incredible success we had with our staged reading of Fault Lines.  We had about 60 people show on a rainy, holiday, Monday night. I've gotten amazing feedback from all who attended. The actors were all on fire!  They seemed to be having the greatest time.  


One actor who won me over is, Christopher T. VanDijk http://exitstage-left.blogspot.com, a well rounded actor/writer/director, whose work I hadn't known before meeting him. I first met Chris when he came to our audition. There was something about him that felt so right from the moment he gave us a big hello. I'm so glad I listened to my instincts. 


When I was watching him during rehearsals, he was coming up with all these amazing ideas and would fulfill each of them with so much color. He was always open to new suggestions and what our director David Deblinger would give him. This is the kind of actor I think every producer, director, and fellow actors love to work with. The whole cast worked beautifully off of each other. Which made for an exciting night. Thank you again everyone.


Now let's talk dirty. 


The big "F" words that I think we all know, however, we don't like to hear are:  Fiscal Sponsorship, Financial Planning, Forming a Network, and Faith.


Pretty filthy, right? LOL, I hate using such obscene language. But if I'm going to be honest and fulfill my goals, sometimes I might have to get down and dirty.


If you're not sure what a Fiscal Sponsorship is, don't fret I will try and help you understand. For those of you with A.D.D. have a great daydream and check back later.


Fiscal Sponsorship: Often refers to the practice of certain non-profit organizations (Sponsor) offering certain benefits of their legal and tax-exempt status to groups engaged in activities related to the organization's missions. It typically involves a fee-based contractual arrangement between the Sponsor organization and a new artistic company/project. This is a good thing. I've been working with Fractured Atlas, www.fracturedatlas.org 

Basic Characteristics: The Sponsor obtains federal group tax exemption, allowing 501(c)(3) status for subordinate projects/companies that the Sponsor approves. Project/company gets 501(c)(3) benefits without separate application to IRS; must be subject to general supervision or control of Sponsor. This thus allows donors to give tax deductible donations through the Sponsor for the project/company. This is especially useful when a new company is waiting for its own IRS tax-exempt approval.


Financial Planning: Without a plan, your company won't stand! OK that's a little lame, just wanted to see if you're still with me.  But there is some truth in it.  Every successful company has a budget, and if you don't, your company will fail. Planning and organization are key here. Budgeting is an important part of management and the most basic. There are different types of budgets and I'm finding out fast that the best thing to do is, write them all out.  


Forming a Network: I am not talking about a network of an audience, although that is part of it. I'm talking about forming a group of people who you will be working with, your team or core members. This is something that should be honestly thought about. Sure friends are great to be with, however this is a business and needs to be treated as such. Things change when there's grunt work to be done. Also, egos can be hurt and miscommunications can really sour a once great relationship. A friend of mine once said, "I don't work with people who I won't invite over for dinner". Make sure you're all on the same page with your company's goals. Are they, or I for that matter, willing to take a backseat when necessary for the company's success? Do they have the same belief in your company's mission statement? How involved do they want to be? It helps if all members of the company are in agreement on these basic points.


Faith: I read that "Faith without works is dead". Now I'm not going to get into religious principles and that sort of stuff. The kind of faith that I'm talking about is an inner knowledge that you're doing all you can to build the best possible production with an understanding that it's all out of your hands in the end. I can't control if an audience comes to the show, I can't control that every fire track in NYC will start blaring their sirens during the show. The only thing that is in my control is choosing to turn it all over to a power greater than myself. I can control the type of materials that speak to our audience, I can insure the best actors are cast for the job, and I can find a theater space not on a busy street. If I just give up my will to the outcomes, I find things have a way of working out just right. Also, I'm stressed a lot less!


Lesson number Four: The F's matter, it's best to always be clear. You'll save a lot of friends, financial resources, and have the faith that it will all workout.