Tuesday evening, July 26th, 7:30pm
Protect Yourself:
The Ins and Outs of Insurance
for Producers and Theater Owners

Left to right: John Chatterton, theater owner; Catherine Russell, producer/theater owner; Bob Ost; Elda Luisi, account executive Ventura Insurance; J. Stephen Sheppard, entertainment attorney; Christine Sadofsky, president Ventura Insurance. [Photo by Ben Strothmann.]

It may be something you don't want to think about, but you can't afford to ignore it! Do you need insurance when you produce a reading? A showcase? A benefit? What are your legal responsibilities as a producer? When does a theater space's insurance cover you, and what doesn't it cover? Are there inexpensive alternatives that can still protect you?

New Perspectives Theatre, 750 Eighth Avenue (46/47), 6th floor

Tuesday evening, May 24th, 6:30pm (note early start time)
Looking Up:
Producing Opportunities in The Bronx.
Produced in association with The Bronx Council on the Arts and Desi-Moreno-Penson. Panelists: Donna Bellone, Artistic Director, Center Stage Community Playhouse; Ed Friedman, Deputy Director, Bronx Council on the Arts; Jorge B. Merced, Associate Artistic Director, Pregones Theater; Pepper, Founder/Artistic Director, Contemporary Ballet Theatre; Lyn Pyle, Mass Transit Theatre and Video; Charles Rice-Gonzalez, producing artistic director, BAAD (Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance); Michael Wiggins, Founder/Artistic Director, MudBone @the Point, CDC.

Bronx theatre professionals who produce primarily in the Bronx will talk about why they produce there, what some of their producing experiences have been like (both good and bad), what the pros and cons are in terms of producing work outside of Manhattan, what they see for the future, and what opportunities are there for those coming in that are interested in producing theatre in the Bronx community.

Hostos Community College
450 Grand Concourse at 149th Street, Bronx
(4, 5, or 2 train to 149th Street and Grand Concourse)

Wednesday evening, 5/18, 7:30pm
Producing for Theater 101:
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Contracts
(But Were Afraid to Ask).
Produced in association with The Field.

Panelists, left to right: Bob Ost of TRU; Barbara Wolkoff, NY Theatre Contract representative SSDC (Society of Stage Directors & Choreographers); Ralph Sevush, associate director The Dramatists Guild; Ed Prostak, Actors Equity; co-moderator Sherry Eaker, editor-in-chief Back Stage. [Photo by Ben Strothmann.]

(location is on EAST 42nd, near Third Avenue)

Now that you've gotten your personal taxes out of the way, turn your attention to the company you keep. This may or may not be timely for your own filing, but we'll also be offering year-round bookkeeping tips, legal requirements, payroll and other money matters for all you 501(c)3 organizations. And those who are thinking about becoming one. (This could help you decide!)

Tuesday evening, April 19th
Keeping the Records Straight:
Tax and Accounting Issues
for Not-for-Profit Companies.

Theater Row Studio Theater,
410 W. 42nd Street (between 9th & Dyer), 4th floor

Tuesday evening, 3/22, 7:30pm
Do You Really Want to Form a Not-for-Profit Producing Company?

Left to right: Michael Barrow, attorney with Blau & Barrow; Riley Jones-Cohen, executive director The WorkShop Theater; Anne Dunning, principal associate ARTS Action Research; Steve Gross, executive director The Field; Bob Ost.
Photo by Ben Strothmann. Donuts by Duane Reade.

Produced in partnership with The Field. You know you want to produce, but you're not sure whether to create a not-for-profit or a commercial producing venture? Come find out what's involved in setting up a 501(c)3: applying for status, putting together a Board of Directors, the daunting legalities, plus some effective management models. Sure, non-profit opens you up for certain types of funding, but can you handle the accompanying responsibilities?

The WorkShop Theater, 312 W. 36th Street, 4th floor

Thursday evening 2/24, 7:30pm
Producing for Theater 101:
Friendly Advice for First-time Producers (and Others)

Left to right: Maitely Weismann, executive producer of StageRight Productions; Rich Orloff, relatively artistic director The Foolish Theater Co.; Linda Nelson, producing director and Patricia Klausner, managing director of Shotgun Productions; Sherry Eaker, editor-in chief Back Stage. In back of them, Bob Ost.

Above, left to right: Bob Ost, Maitely Weismann, Rich Orloff, Linda Nelson, Patricia Klausner and Sherry Eaker. All photos by Ben Strothmann.

Wednesday evening, 1/26, 7:30pm
Taking It on the Road:

A Quick Tour
of the Touring Circuit.
Left to right: TRU VP Cheryl Davis; Jodi Kaplan, booking agent; Rachael Elliott, musician; Quinn Lemley, cabaret artist/producer; co-moderator Sherry Eaker, editor-in-chief Back Stage; Pele Bauch of The Field; Karen Eterovich, producer/actress (Aphra Behn: Love Arm'd).
All photos by Ben Strothmann.