How to Run a Theater: A Witty, Practical and Fun Guide to Arts Management

by Jim Volz

"If other theaters across America had the opportunity to work with Jim Volz, there would be a flowering of American theater unparalleled in our history."

- Rosary H. O'Neill, Artistic Director, Louisiana's Southern Rep




"All of us in the arts field are hungry to improve our skills in life and
arts management. The grim tenor of the times makes this witty and fun
guide even more valuable to us all. A joy, not a chore, to read!"

-Ben Cameron, Executive Director, Theatre Communications Group




The definitive arts management guide, this book is written with tremendous insight and humor and packed with dozens of lists, such as "22 Wonderful Ways to Improve Your Life in the Theater" and "20 Distractions that Erode Productivity." It provides information on improving an organization by building audiences, bolstering fundraising, and tightening finances. Also covered are tips for solidifying relationships with boards, volunteers, communities, and colleagues. It's all here, from managing one's own life, working with a board of trustees, and managing a team to negotiating, fundraising, marketing, and financial management. This resource will appeal to all those who work in arts management-from novices to veteran middle managers and executive directors.



Here are the Lists Included in this Wonderful Book

• 10 Timely Tips for Savvy Arts Administrators

• 20 Distractions that Erode Productivity

• 30 Ways to Seize Control of Your Life

• 12 Ways to Endear Your Theater to Your Community

• 15 Ways to Infuriate Your Community

• 22 Ways to Improve Your Life in the Theater

• 18 Notes Actors Would Give to Artistic Directors

• 5 Tips for Starting a New Job

• 14 Survival Skills for Theater Professionals Young and Old






• An ideal source for anyone aspiring to work behind the scenes in the arts

• Full of breakout boxes, quotes, and helpful lists

• Useful for music groups, art house movie theaters, and all arts management venues

• Available in both paperback and hardcover



Click here to view the hardcover edition of this book

Genres: Theatre

208 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Bethany Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the writing style- felt less academic

[Erinina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Run a Theater by Dr. Jim Voltz

This book was the most complete and informative book on the subject that I have read thus far. It is definitely targeted at an income range that my starting out theater has not yet reached, however, as I intend this to go big, I don’t mind that so much. I did however mind, Dr. Voltz’ condescending and manipulative descriptions of management techniques. Oddly enough, he seems to be a genuine enough guy, but a few of the practices that he suggests make him lose credibility in my mind. I’ve successfully run million dollar per month grossing for profit companies with more respect for my employees than he suggests you give some of these brilliant artists working for less than nothing in a non profit field. It’s strange. Yet, at the same time he is a huge advocate for the artist. I wish I could say it were something lost in translation.

[Amy Christine Lesher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book when I was starting my non-profit. I'd read many books on development and several on customer service and management. After reading this book I have several topics that I feel I need to read more of for a career in the arts. It was well written, although I did feel that the topics of self - care were repeated a couple of times. And as someone who knows this, and doesn't necessarily follow it, the self care could have been replaced by more information on marketing and accounting information (since those are areas I feel like I need to know more about). Even if you're not wanting to start a theater, but you're thinking of being in the performing arts I recommend this book.

[Jordan Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely informative, though at times drier than you’d hope, and the frequent usage of bullet points can make the information feel a little disjointed. Still would heartily recommend to anyone with an interest in even tangentially related fields.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

The basics of how to run a theater with a few interesting nuances thrown in to make it interesting. this book is a must for anyone who volunteers for either professional or community theaters.

[Savanna Harvey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some practical charts and lists, but mostly common sense and vast, sweeping generalisations.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative for my writing research, but not what I would normally pick