Sadly, few people know “Profiles in Courage.”  Ask around.

Among performing arts charities, some leaders shrewdly keep their positions because they fear appearing impolitic. They seek sustainability for themselves first, and then, secondarily, their organizations.

To them I implore:

• Pay performers wages, on the books, legal standard or better, for every hour they spend:  rehearsals, performances, fittings, etc.
• If your charity isn’t making a substantial difference, merge or close. If it is, share your secrets.
• It’s about social progress, not black ink. Both are preferable, but you’ve failed if your best work is 30 years of balanced budgets.
• Take a stand. Don’t buy trouble, of course, but don’t become invisible to save your own skin.
• Theatres:  plays aren’t written, they’re wrought.  It’s about the production and the viewpoint, not the script and sets.
• Do something.  Don’t be something.