June 17, 2009
The organizational restructuring announced yesterday by Skylight Opera Theatre is in direct response to the current national economic downturn and a projected deficit of $200,000 in the 2009-2010 season. Five positions were eliminated at the Skylight to bring organizational expenditures in line with anticipated earned and contributed revenue. The positions of artistic director, company manager, box office manager, assistant box office manager and custodian were eliminated, reflecting cuts across departments and seniority levels. Having struggled with an operating deficit last season and having already cut $400,000 from the 2009-2010 budget, the only option remaining was to eliminate staff positions and impose a furlough.This was a very difficult decision, which was not made in haste or without recognition of the history many of these staff members have with the Skylight. This is an emotional time for everyone. We understand that there are some very strong feelings and comments that have been expressed about the restructuring. While we cannot address each and every comment, we appreciate those who have provided support and constructive criticism.
When Managing Director Eric Dillner joined the Skylight last year, he inherited a series of serious financial challenges. His goal continues to be to maintain the Skylight’s artistic excellence, but to do so in a financially responsible manner. The restructuring decisions were made by the Executive Committee of the Board, not by any one individual. The personal threats that have been made against Eric are inappropriate.
We want to express our sincere appreciation for Bill Theisen’s work as artistic director. Bill is a brilliant stage director and discussions are underway to contract him as a stage director in the 2009-2010 season.
The Skylight’s mission remains to deliver world-class music theatre productions to the Milwaukee community. The Board is confident that Eric and the staff are well qualified to meet these challenges and carry the Skylight’s organizational and artistic vision forward.
Suzanne Hefty
President
Skylight Opera Theatre Board of Directors
tuesday is a joke / played on those not quite prepared / the same game again
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
hefty speaks up
posted on the skylight theater's website, suzanne hefty, president of the company's board of directors, responds to the controversy surrounding the recent firings.
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"When Managing Director Eric Dillner joined the Skylight last year, he inherited a series of serious financial challenges. His goal continues to be to maintain the Skylight’s artistic excellence, but to do so in a financially responsible manner. "
ReplyDeleteWhat feels wrong or insincere about the above statement?
Perhaps it's the implication that Mr. Dillner, as managing director, is solely responsible for the ARTISTIC excellence. At any theatre I've worked at, the managing director has NEVER been in charge of anything but the FINANCIAL health of the theatre, usually in tandem with the ARTISTIC Director. A truly innovative Managing Director would work with the Artistic Director and even the rest of the staff to find a creative and VIABLE solution to any difficult financial predicament they're in.
Cutting such a critical role in the name of "bring[ing] organizational expenditures in line with anticipated earned and contributed revenue" demonstrates a lack of innovation and foresight on the MD's part. And a board that feels that this decision is the only action to take is equally, if not more, to blame. Clearly, the action could not have been taken without their consent. And a board that sees throwing their leader overboard as the ONLY way to maintain fiscal responsibility needs to take a serious look at itself.
One can only wonder what kind of programming will be brought to the Skylight by a MD and a board who thinks this is the true solution to the problem. If a team makes decisions like this behind closed doors and provides no clear vision plan to take it's place, then I fear for the quality of the work, of the ART in the seasons to come.
Some questions to ask. Why did Eric keep a part time assistant to answer his e-mails and phone? Why was a 10% or something across the board paycut not propused? Wht was a show not drop, one that maybe does not draw as well? Why is the staff that is left a "yes sir staff" Will they push for the best taht is possible? Or only say yes to whatever Eric suggest? If they would have suggested something different they will not now because they lkow what will be in store for them if they do. With Bill and Diana gone (funny the two with some of the longest time and most experience) everything will be Eric's way with no suggestions and alternatives or other ideals. Some of the senior staffhave already taken on too much from past positions that were not filled or cut. To think they can take on more is foolish. Things will be left by the wayside and done poorly. I believe there is more to the story.
ReplyDeleteAnoymous
This is sound desicion making? Cut down the size of the season or cut down the size of the shows. Simplify. Don't eliminate key positions in leadership which will create havoc in the creative process. I, myself, have worked for an artistic company that instituted a paycut across the boards in order to survive and thrive.....and it did. The Board's ability for creative problem solving is shameful. There certainly is something rotten in Denmark. My prayers go out to all those hardworking artisans at the Skylihgt.
ReplyDeleteAnd why is it that I'm reminded of that commercial of yore (albeit with different punctuation):
ReplyDelete"Hefty, Hefty, Hefty: Wimpy, wimpy, wimpy"