In a previous article, I wrote in this space about the life cycle of our productions. There have been numerous articles here introducing members of the theater company and the board of directors. However, many may wonder who are the people that shepherd the Off Broadway Players and what they do.
Theatre incorporates elements from all forms of art: visual, musical, dance, and text – all of which are live and happening in the moment. The board members are responsible for ensuring that everything it takes to support the artistic side of the theatre – the production of the performances that you see on our stage, with its above-mentioned aspects – is available to the people who are producing and performing the shows.
This includes fundraising, financial planning, brand-building, policy-making, publicity, decision-making that ensures the long-term success of the theater, etc. So, exactly who are these, currently 12, wildly committed individuals, and what do they do? They are all volunteers who assist the theatre in a myriad of ways.
The leadership core consists of the president, the president-elect, and the immediate past president, each serving a two-year term. These folks, then, have committed to six years of service. These three jobs are designed so the president-elect learns from the president who both have the benefit of the experiences of the past president. Such a structure ensures a continuity of leadership that allows for a synergy that the constant rotation of members in and out of jobs and on and off of boards cannot.
The president is responsible for overseeing the board and guaranteeing that all duties are done and none are overlooked because everyone is busy doing “their thing.” The president is also responsible for overseeing the artistic and technical directors who actually make the shows happen. More about them in a moment. The president-elect assists the president and acts in their stead when necessary. Also, the president-elect coordinates the business side of the theater. The past president assists where needed and serves as a resource based on their past experience.
The artistic director is responsible for planning the season with the assistance of the show directors, procuring the rights to perform the show, and collaborating with the technical director to ensure that the production teams have everything they need to stage the performances that you see. The technical director is responsible for all of the lights, sound equipment, sound effects, special effects, many props, and stage pieces. Both have a group that plans, manage, and executes these elements.
The secretary handles correspondence for the theater and records minutes at board meetings. The treasurer manages the funds of the theater and handles our corporate and non-profit status. Also on the OPB board is an attorney who advises us on legal matters and vets all contracts and agreements. Additionally, there is a marketing and publicity director who engages with the media, oversees all publications, both digital and printed, and oversees the website. A house manager makes sure that the ushers are trained to serve you best and schedules them for the shows. Our box office manager oversees all ticketing sales and delivery.
Finally, there is a person who helps ensure that we have a distinct brand image and will spearhead a capital campaign when the time comes to develop our new home. On that topic, there is a board member who is the liaison with the town concerning that future home.
Believe it or not, this is not a complete list of tasks and responsibilities. There are many other items that are too numerous to mention. As you can see, the OBP board of directors is a busy group of people. All of their efforts are aimed at making sure we stage the best performances possible, that your experience is the best that it can be, and that the OBP will be able to do it for many years to come. So, as you look at your playbill this season, take a moment to note their names, and seek them out to offer them your gratitude.
