Many theatre groups in the United States are nonprofit organisations, and their work is shaped by two groups of people: the staff who run daily operations and the board of directors who oversee the organisation's direction. This article explains the usual roles in a theatre nonprofit, how boards and staff work together and what good governance looks like in general terms. It does not describe any particular organisation's team, because this site does not publish staff or board lists.
Roles in a Theater Nonprofit
A small theatre nonprofit may have only a few paid people, with many tasks shared among volunteers. Larger organisations separate responsibilities into artistic leadership, production, education, administration, marketing and fundraising. Volunteers often handle ushering, front-of-house work, box office support and committee work. Whatever the size, the important point is that each responsibility has a clear owner.
What Does a Board of Directors Do?
A board of directors is a group of volunteers who hold the organisation accountable for its mission and finances. Typical duties include approving the annual budget, hiring and overseeing the chief executive or artistic director, reviewing financial statements and setting long-term goals. Board members are usually expected to attend meetings, read reports and act in the organisation's interest rather than their own.
Staff Positions in Theater Organizations
Staff positions depend on the organisation's size and programme. Common roles include an executive or managing director, an artistic director or producer, an education coordinator, a production manager, a box office or audience services lead and a development or grants officer. Staff members carry out the plans that the board approves and manage the day-to-day work of productions, classes and events.
How Boards and Staff Collaborate
The most effective boards and staff keep clear lines of responsibility. The board sets policy and checks results. Staff propose plans, manage operations and report regularly on progress. Regular meetings with written reports help both sides understand each other's concerns. When a disagreement arises, a respectful process, such as a committee review or a written proposal, usually works better than informal pressure.
Best Practices for Governance
Good governance practices are widely described in guides for nonprofit boards. They include a written conflict-of-interest policy, regular financial review, minutes of every meeting, a clear process for recruiting members and a schedule for reviewing the organisation's mission. Smaller theatres can adopt these practices in simple forms, such as a one-page policy and a short annual review.
Finding and Training Board Members
Boards often look for members with skills in finance, law, fundraising, education or community relations, and for people who care about the art form. New members benefit from an orientation that explains the mission, the budget and the expectations of the role. Some organisations also set term limits so that the board refreshes its membership over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between staff and board?
Staff run the organisation day to day and are usually paid. The board is a group of volunteers who oversee the organisation, set policy and hold the leadership accountable. The two roles should be distinct so that oversight and operations are checked by different people.
How are board members selected?
Selection rules are written in the organisation's bylaws. Typically, a nominating committee recommends candidates, and the existing board votes on new members. Many organisations look for a mix of skills and backgrounds rather than only donors or friends of the founders.
