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The Lobster Theater Project currently has eight members on our Board of Directors. In the spring of 2005 we will to add several new people. If you, or someone you know, are interested in joining our board please read this overview describing what it's all about and then write to our executive director: marc@killingmylobster.com
What You Should Know About The Lobster Theater Project Board
Who can serve on the Board?
Anyone. The current Board is comprised of members of the performance group and people who saw a show and wanted to get more involved. The backgrounds of board-members range from actors and musicians to people who work in accounting and advertising.
What are the responsibilities of Board Members?
Board Members are required to regular meetings four times a year one of which is a full day retreat. Board members must follow up on committee assignments consistenly and be available to members of the organization’s administrative staff for assistance by phone or email. Further, Board Members must attend Lobster Theater Project events and serve for a minimum 2 year term.
What is the culture of the Board like?
We are a hard-working, deeply dedicated group who welcome active discussion backed up by thorough follow-through. Being prepared for meetings and completing assignments is expected. We also value a very good sense of humor
What is our Committee Structure?
Beginning in the Spring of 2005 we will set up 5 main committees and board members are expected to serve on at at least two of them. These committees are:
1) Annual Short-Term Fundraising
a. Fundraising parties at board members homes
b. Opening Night parties in conjunction with Lobster events
c. Personal solicitation / annual fundraising letter appeal
2) Long Term Development
a. Establishing relationships foundations and corporate sponsors
b. Cultivating major donors for multi-year contributions
c. Launching the Lobster Theater Project Endowment Fund
3) Company Oversight
a. Managing E.D., G.M.. responding to company member needs
b. Developing and Reviewing Annual Business and Marketing plans
c. Supervising Membership and Legal Documents
4) Capital/Theater Development [see long term goals below]
a. undertaking feasibility study for opening a Lobter Theater in San Francisco
b. taking action pursuant to findings of feasibility study
5) Board Development
a. recruiting new board members on an ongoing basis
b. circulating information and conducting trainings to improve the quality of board service
What skills/characteristics are we looking for in a Board Member?
We are looking for new Board Members who bring with them a passion for the arts, a dedication to seeing bold, new work thrive in San Francisco and a commitment to helping an emerging organization grow into a successful institution. Specifically, we need board members who can help us with individual fundraising, corporate sponsorship and attracting major, operational grant support. Individuals with board experience, and experience with mid-to-large arts organizations are coveted as well.
How are board members expected to be involved in fundraising?
Fundraising and building up the financial health of the Lobster Theater Project are paramount responsibilities for our board. To that end Board members are expected to solicit donations for the organization from personal networks and may choose to host fundraising parties individually or together with other board members.
What financial contribution do we expect from our board members?
Board Members are asked to make a personally meaningful monetary contribution to the Lobster Theater Project at a level consistent with the top 3 charitable organizations to which board members donate annually. Collectively the board must raise at least 7% of the organization’s annual operating budget. What process is in place to introduce a potential board member to our organization.
We hope that those thinking about joining our board have seen a Lobster Theater Production, or at least spent some time looking at this website to get a good feel for what we do and who we are.
Following the submission of a cover letter and a c.v., prospective board members will meet with representatives of the existing board and the Executive Director. Once selected, new board members will be welcomed at an introductory meeting and presented with a board-book containing information about the organization’s programming and financial history. New board members will be introduced to members of the performance ensemble at annual company meetings and at social events in conjunction with performances.
What are our current and long-term major challenges?
Our main objective will be to secure a base of financial support in order to fund administrative and executive positions that allow us to sustain, and expand, the high-level of programming that our artists and audiences expect of us. We must translate our success on stage into organizational growth so that we can retain the talent and enthusiasm of the top-tier artists we work with while constantly bringing new people into the fold to develop new and exciting work.
Ultimately, we must find a physical home for our organization. Whether its creating a performance space from scratch, taking over an existing venue, or partnering with other members of the community, we must gear up for a capital campaign that assures the long-term future for the Lobster Theater Project and the creativity it fosters.
What else should a prospective board member know about our organization? The
Lobster has come a long way since our first performance in a tiny
office seat before 25 people. We have toured nationally, been
celebrated in the San Francisco Chronicle and featured on the cover of
the SF Weekly and in the course of 7 years worked with over 300 Bay
Area artists. We still have a long way to go. We take comedy seriously
and are looking for new board members who are excited about the work we
currently do, and excited about building up an organization capable of achieving the creative future we can imagine.
Oh, and hanging out with a comedy group can be a lot of fun.
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