Theatre Consulting Network
The Theatre Consulting Network draws on the resources of a national network of experienced theatre specialists and practitioners to advise companies and organizations on a comprehensive range of issues including:
- New and Renovated Theatres
- Organizational Structure
- Production
- Marketing and Development
- Institutional Analysis
- Business Plans
- Feasibility Studies
SETC’s consulting services can benefit all types of theatres and their particular business and/or artistic challenges. Assistance provided by the Theatre Consulting Network can range from free phone or email advice on basic issues to more comprehensive projects involving a diverse team of experts for several months of engagement.
Starting a new theatre is a complex series of tasks involving critical legal, logistical, artistic and managerial decisions. Likewise, building a new physical theatre requires expert advice on architecture, acoustics, customer services and backstage design. Our teams of professional consultants have worked with scores of communities to prepare detailed and comprehensive feasibility studies in each of these areas:
- Strategic Planning
- Identifying and Developing Appropriate Storylines
- Building Community Support
- Fundraising and Marketing Plans
- Attendance Projections
- Preparation of Capital and Operating Budgets
- Personnel Searches for Playwrights, Composers, Managers and Directors
- Theatre Site Selection and Design
SETC offers professional consulting and advisory services for theatres, government agencies, groups and individuals to assist in every phase of planning and producing theatre. It frequently provides both on-the-spot and long-term assistance on a wide variety of subjects. In addition, experienced professionals from across the country, including playwrights, architects, managers, directors and designers work with SETC to assist with such areas as:
- Short- and Long-Term Strategic Planning
- Script Evaluations
- Board Retreats
- Fundraising
- Marketing/Promotion
- Production and Management Reviews
- Facility Design and Renovations
Want to know more? Please contact:
Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc.
5710 W. Gate City Boulevard
Suite K, Box # 186
Greensboro, NC 27407
Phone 336-265-6148
Email Us: info@setc.org
You may also be interested in:
Outdoor Theatre Facilities
From the initial concept to opening night, this book covers all aspects of planning, equipping, designing and constructing outdoor performance facilities.
Buy the 2nd edition PDF | Buy the 3rd edition paperback
Consultants
Michael Hardy
SETC Principal Consultant
Betsey Horth
SETC Executive Director Emeritus
Clay Thornton
SETC Marketing Manager
Amanda Nelson
Consulting Team Member
Daniel Gordon
Consulting Team Member
Larry Gustke
Consulting Team Member
John Russell
Consulting Team Member
David Wohl
Consulting Team Member
Featured Project
Steeples Project | Johnstown, PA
The most recent consulting venture that SETC has completed kicked off in the spring of 2017 with a fascinating project in Johnstown, PA. The non-profit group 1901 Church, Inc. there wanted to create a new theatre within the former St. Columba Catholic Church. A consulting team consisting of Michael Hardy, Betsey Horth (SETC’s Executive Director) and Larry Gustke developed the feasibility study with plans for marketing, tourism, programming and operations. That project has been completed successfully and 1901 Church, Inc. has whole heartedly embraced the feasibility study and its findings culminating in their ability to utilize the study to help them apply for three grants.
“I want to thank this team again. I’ve been getting nothing but good reviews from everyone here in Johnstown who had contact with you folks. You’ve done your jobs well and given me the tools to get this job done. Clearly, I’ve a lot of work to do, but I’m ready to get started.”
Dave Hurst; Johnstown, PA (Dec. 30, 2017)
Featured Project
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District | New Philadelphia, OH
Development Options for the MWCD Amphitheater. (2018 study)
A well-designed and preserved 1,680 seat amphitheater owned by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District had been unused for a number of years after its initial production closed. SETC was retained to evaluate potential future uses of the property and explore possible operators for it. The team of consultants conducted numerous interviews and regional tourism research, while casting a wide net for potential operators in the region and nationally. Three options for the owner’s consideration were documented and detailed, and these are now being evaluated by the client.
Recent and Current Projects:
- Caesar’s Ford, Xenia OH (in progress)
- Randolph College: Academic Assessment
- The Steeples Project, Johnstown PA: Feasibility Study, Business Plan
- Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia SC: Business Plan, Architect Selection
- Wilson Center, Wilmington NC: Business and staffing plan
- In the Valley Where They Danced, Helen GA: Site Evaluation
- Holly Development Corporation, Mt. Holly NC: Feasibility Study
- American Shakespeare Center, Staunton VA: Business Plan and Pro Forma