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come organically through board engagement
and the excitement (and fear) generated
by considering big-picture steps toward
development, or through the recruitment of
additional board members with special expertise,
PARTNERING WITH HISTORIC THEATERS skills, or relationships within the community.
TO ADAPT FOR CHANGING TIMES Volunteers, in addition to board members,
might also supplement facilities, development,
As arts organizations face unprecedented accessibility, and other committees that might be
challenges due to the pandemic, DLR Group needed, either on a short- or long-term basis.
is applying our multi-disciplinary expertise to • Partnerships. Look outside your organization at
develop strategies to successfully reposition existing and potential partnerships that could help
theaters for the future. strengthen your case for a capital campaign or
be conduits for future funding. These strategic
Let’s take this opportunity to re-think, pivot, partnerships might include other arts organizations;
and adapt to become stronger, more flexible, local business leaders; or local, county, and state
and more sustainable than before. government representatives. Widen your circle as
much as possible.
We are here to help— • Opportunities. Opportunities also lie within the
no matter what the future holds. physical walls of each building. Understanding the
qualities and challenges of your building will help
answer questions about what works well and what
improvements might be needed. If you operate
a historic venue, you may be able to capitalize
on what the League of Historic American Theatres
calls the “historic theatre advantage.” There can
be great value in understanding and celebrating
the history of your building, the stories that
surround its long life, and the architecture of the
place. Historic theatres, once the living rooms of
small-town America, and newer theatres possess
the ability to captivate the public and transport
patrons outside of their normal daily routine, and
this should be part of your narrative whenever
possible.
Capitol Theatre; Flint, MI
Conduct a Market Analysis
Performing a market analysis to determine the profile,
operational aspects, and performance types offered
Capitol Theatre; Flint, MI by surrounding venues, concentration of population,
ticket sales, and other related factors that could
impact your operations is key to identifying how
your organization might reach patrons, and what
part of the market your building might serve best.
Arts consulting firms provide research, planning, and
management services that specifically deal with
theatres and the challenges they face. In order to
determine the magnitude of a potential project
to inform the business plan, a conceptual building
program and cost estimating process can be
Tampa Theatre; Tampa, FL included, either under the wing of the arts consultant
Tampa Theatre; Tampa, FL or directly with an architect. Cost estimates generated
ARCHITECTURE | ENGINEERING | THEATER DESIGN at this stage are generally broad-brush (based on
Acoustics | Audiovisual | Lighting | Market Analysis cost-per-square-foot estimates and/or allowances for
Needs Assessment | Business Planning | Fundraising Support systems and finishes), intended to provide an informed
idea about what your project might cost.
Connect with us | @DLRGroup | dlrgroup.com Small organizations with limited resources might find it
Paul Siemborski, AIA | 602.692.0444 | psiemborski@dlgroup.com challenging to undertake a full market and feasibility
PAGE 14 | INLEAGUE League of Historic American Theatres
