NPR's Morning Edition presented the Contemporary American Theater Festival earlier today. The festival is in it's 20th year and it's location in West Virginia often presenting new works that actually draw noteworthy actors as well as "crowds" make it particularly special.
The story caught my attention because at the center of the story was the Festival's founding director and producing director and executive director and, well, you get the picture. Anyway, I thought, well, here's one of those good stories (for moi) about how an organization will wrap everything it's doing around the founder (it has been 20 years). I'm thinking "there's likely not much of a succession or sustainability plan in place and where's this guy's board?"
But, just as these thoughts surface, there's actually mention of the Festival's board as well as the Festival's partner, Shepardstown University. I imagine for the University this is a great collaboration where it's facilities get some great non-academic year use and brings in a bit of money. Anyway, founding directors don't regularly mention their boards and their importance to the organization but Mr. Herendeen did as an "engaged" group. Kudos to Mr. Herendeen! This is at least a first ingredient to long term sustainability with or without Mr. Herendeen, maybe.
Of course, I don't know how really engaged the board is but who am I to doubt Mr. Herendeen. I would also note however that the CATF board has 30 people including Mr. Herendeen (a title I neglected to mention). So maybe not so perfect. Indeed, there are lot's of opinion about how big a board should be. For me, stage of development and how effectively the members are managed and utilized are two factors that help determine size. Thirty is a lot of people but this number could work -- maybe.
And then there's also the question of Mr. Herendeen serving as a board member. I suppose that could work but I do have image about how the other 29 members respond when the founder does not agree.
Anyway, kudos again to Mr. Herendeen for at least acknowledging his board as a key contributor to the Festival's success.