Not-for-profit Boards

Dr. Joan Lancourt reflects on collaborating with Boston-based theatre board chairs to discuss eye-opening ideas and shared frustrations.

One board chair commented, “We cast the board like you cast a play: diversity of skills, people who get the mission, people who have a relationship with the theater.”

There is a growing recognition that the more board members are engaged and exposed to the artistic life of the theater, the more effective they are as board members, and the more able they are to participate in strategic and generative conversations.

In this essay, Joan Lancourt offers a thorough analysis of not-for-profit boards and how they can enhance their productivity.