www.jubileetheatre.org
I am Janaé Willis-Beard, the proud Managing Director of Jubilee Theatre With a heart full of excitement and anticipation, I extend this invitation to you to consider joining our esteemed Board of Directors As we embark on an ambitious journey with our nEXt 42 initiative, we seek visionary individuals who share our commitment to solidifying Jubilee Theatre’s position as a cornerstone in the arts and cultural landscape in North Texas and across the United States
Jubilee Theatre has always been more than a theatre; it's a community, a place of innovation, and a beacon of cultural enrichment Our mission to present works that reflect the African-American experience and celebrate the joys and complexities of life resonates more today than ever. With the nEXt 42 initiative, we are poised to expand our impact, enhancing our programming, outreach, and educational efforts. This is a momentous time in our history, and we are on the cusp of redefining what a community theatre can be.
We are searching for passionate, innovative, and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors As a member of our board, you will play a crucial role in shaping our strategy, guiding our growth, and ensuring the sustainability of our beloved institution. We believe that diverse perspectives and expert insights will drive Jubilee Theatre to new heights, impacting the cultural tapestry of our community and beyond.
Your expertise and passion for the arts can help us achieve our ambitious goals Whether your background is in the arts, business, education, or any other field, your contribution will be invaluable. We are looking for board members who are eager to roll up their sleeves, engage with our community, and be part of a transformative era for Jubilee Theatre.
Joining the Board of Directors at Jubilee Theatre offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant arts organization with a rich history and a bright future. It is a chance to be part of a team passionate about making a difference in the arts and the lives of countless individuals who engage with our work
I am thrilled at the prospect of working alongside a new group of dynamic leaders and hope you will consider this invitation to be part of our journey. Together, we can ensure that Jubilee Theatre continues to thrive and inspire for generations to come
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a significant contribution to the arts and culture I look forward to welcoming you to our board and to the Jubilee Theatre family.
Warmest regards,
**The History of Jubilee Theatre: A Legacy of Cultural Excellence and Innovation**
Founded by Rudy and Marian Eastman on June 19, 1981, in Fort Worth, Texas, Jubilee Theatre emerged as the pioneering force for African-American theater in North Texas. The Eastmans' vision came to life when Jubilee Theatre was officially incorporated in 1982, securing its 501(c)(3) status by May 1983, setting the stage for a journey that would significantly impact the region's cultural landscape.
Initially located at 1801 East Vickery, the theatre soon embraced a nomadic existence under the leadership of Darwin and Muriel Mendoza, earning the affectionate title of a " gypsy theatre." This phase saw Jubilee's performances grace various venues, from lobbies and saloons to esteemed stages like the Caravan of Dreams and Stage West, showcasing its versatility and resilience
A breakthrough came in November 1986 with the original musical, "Negroes in Space," which, alongside an Amon G. Carter Foundation Challenge Grant, funded a permanent home at 3114 East Rosedale in 1987 This move marked Jubilee's first dedicated space, fostering growth and innovation
The drive for expansion continued, culminating in a successful capital campaign in 1993 that relocated Jubilee Theatre to the heart of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square at 506 Main Street This move, supported by a broad coalition of over 300 individuals and organizations, underscored the community's commitment to Jubilee’s mission
Professionalism in the arts took a leap forward in 1995 when Jubilee joined the Actors Equity Association, further elevated by generous support from arts patrons Hardy and Betty Sanders This period was characterized by remarkable productions and the enhancement of Jubilee's artistic repertoire, cementing its reputation for original musical works.
The dawn of the 21st century heralded unprecedented growth for Jubilee, highlighted by artistic accolades, a significant audience expansion, and impactful educational outreach programs. A notable renovation in 2005 expanded the theatre’s capacity and facilities, thanks to unwavering community support
www.jubileetheatre.org
However, the passing of co-founder Rudy Eastman in 2005 posed a profound challenge. Yet, the strength of community ties and the dedication to Rudy's vision allowed Jubilee to continue thriving, achieving record attendance and financial support
Under the leadership of successive artistic directors, including Tre Garrett and William Earl Ray, Jubilee Theatre embraced innovation while honoring its roots. Benard Cummings’ interim tenure saw continued success, with standout productions drawing record audiences
In 2018, D Wambui Richardson was appointed as Artistic Director, bringing over 20 years of experience and a fresh vision to Jubilee. Richardson's leadership heralds a new era, promising to uphold Jubilee's legacy while fostering growth and inclusivity
Jubilee Theatre stands today as a beacon of African-American cultural expression and artistic excellence in Fort Worth and beyond With a proud history and a promising future, Jubilee invites all to partake in its ongoing celebration of storytelling, heritage, and community engagement
Jubilee Theatre's mission is to create and present theatrical works that celebrate the African-American experience, enriching the cultural landscape and inspiring diverse communities through the power of storytelling.
Create and present works that reflect the African-American experience.
Promote and present new works, with a focus on both musicals and plays
Find and present the universal message in each of the works to attract and involve a diverse and multicultural audience.
Enhancing the appreciation and understanding of African-American arts and culture in diverse audiences through captivating theatrical productions, ensuring they resonate with contemporary social narratives and contribute to a richer cultural dialogue
Fostering a nurturing environment for artists and creatives from underrepresented communities, providing mentorship and support that empowers them to navigate challenges unique to their backgrounds, thereby ensuring their artistic growth and success
Offering unparalleled, immersive experiences in African-American theater to audiences in our region and beyond, sparking increased interest in the arts as a medium for education, reflection, and change, leading to greater engagement and patronage
Expanding the reach and impact of African-American theater through innovative, scalable programs and partnerships, creating a global community of advocates and supporters dedicated to uplifting and sustaining the genre for future generations
This represents a unique opportunity to nurture the growth and impact of a premier African-American theatre company with Jubilee Theatre, especially as it supports the arts within diverse communities and promotes cultural understanding and inclusivity through the performing arts.
The Board of Directors (Board) is the driving force propelling Jubilee Theatre towards realizing its potential for artistic service and fulfilling its commitments to the wider community, with a focus on showcasing the African-American experience
Endorses Jubilee Theatre's mission and vision, overseeing the organization’s management and financial health.
Conducts annual reviews of the evolving landscape of the arts sector, approving strategic plans and actionable tactics for the organization's growth, including fundraising initiatives
Collaborates with the Artistic Director to define strategic direction and establish both short-term and long-term objectives for Jubilee Theatre's development.
Sanctions policies regarding staff compensation and benefits, ensuring they are fair and competitive.
Evaluates and approves nominations for officers and directors, as proposed by Board Leadership (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)
Engages actively in Board meetings and committee tasks, contributing to meaningful discussions and decision-making.
Engages actively in Board meetings and committee tasks, contributing to meaningful discussions and decision-making. Supports the theatre financially, participating in the annual board individual giving campaign and identifying potential funding sources such as grants, corporate sponsorships, etc., advocating for Jubilee Theatre to secure necessary funds.
Oversees the annual evaluation of the Managing and Artistic Director’s performance and compensation, endorsing salaries and benefits for staff.
Reviews the Board’s effectiveness annually, recommending strategies for enhancing its composition, structure, and responsibilities to elevate overall performance
Assess management's performance in achieving Jubilee Theatre's mission and objectives, benchmarking against similar cultural organizations to ensure competitive and effective operations
Verify that Jubilee Theatre's financial structure is robust enough to support both present and future artistic endeavors by sanctioning the annual budget.
Offer timely, constructive feedback to the Board President, fellow Board members, and the Managing Director to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Authorize significant undertakings by Jubilee Theatre, including capital expenditures that exceed preset thresholds and significant investments in new productions, programs, and services.
To ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility, examine monthly and annual financial outcomes, including conducting an annual audit following recognized accounting standards and IRS requirements.
www.jubileetheatre.org
Confirm that the bylaws are current and incorporate any amendments ratified during Board meetings, maintaining the governance documents' relevance and accuracy.
Ensure that published reports accurately represent Jubilee Theatre's operational results and financial status, fostering stakeholder trust and clarity.
Ascertain that management has instituted and is actively enforcing policies to identify and manage conflicts of interest within the organization, safeguarding Jubilee Theatre's integrity.
Select independent auditors to review the theatre's financial statements, ensuring an unbiased and thorough examination of its fiscal practices
Prioritize and uphold policies regarding employment, volunteering, and participation in theatre activities, including compliance with background check requirements for volunteers and staff as mandated by federal and state laws.
Oversee compliance with laws and regulations applicable to taxexempt organizations, ensuring Jubilee Theatre's operations remain within legal and ethical bounds. www.jubileetheatre.org
Attending all Board meetings with the readiness to contribute to Jubilee Theatre's continued success and to champion the organization's mission and objectives.
Overseeing assigned standing committees by offering advice, motivation, and representation of the committee's interests and efforts to the Board.
Engaging in Jubilee Theatre's fundraising initiatives, leveraging personal and professional networks to support the theatre's financial goals.
Identifying and recommending potential candidates to Board Leadership for consideration in filling vacant board positions.
Staying informed about Jubilee Theatre's activities by following its publications across various platforms, including electronic, print, and social media
Keeping abreast of trends and issues within the nonprofit, arts, and cultural sectors, especially those impacting African-American theater and the wider community Jubilee Theatre serves.
Exemplifying the values of leadership, innovation, and professional excellence both within the Board and in the broader community, acting as a steward of Jubilee Theatre's legacy and a catalyst for its future growth. www.jubileetheatre.org
Leadersbecomegreat notbecauseoftheir powerbutbecauseof theirabilitytoempower others.
John Maxwell
Two-year term (up to two consecutive terms)
Annual Board of Directors Meeting (4-6 hours, virtual and in-person)
Monthly Board of Director Meetings (1.5 hours, virtual and in-person)
Monthly Committee Meetings (1 hour, virtual or in-person)
Time commitments may vary depending on the time of year
Below are estimated time commitments based on Board positions, including officers:
Board President (~8 hours/month)
Board Vice President (~6 hours/month)
Board Secretary (~8 hours/month)
Board Treasurer (~7 hours/month)
Board Member (~5 hours/month)
A personal yearly donation of $2000
Annual give or get of $4200 Methods and timing of giving are flexible (monthly, annually, etc.) We recommend maximizing the MightyCause Fundraising Page by creating an individual fan fundraising page
Jubilee Theatre seeks a multifaceted group of dedicated professionals to enrich our Board of Directors. Each member is anticipated to leverage their unique access and influence to bolster the theatre's growth and outreach
- **Engagement and Network Expansion:** Each member is encouraged to share connections and introduce potential collaborators or supporters who could forge beneficial relationships with Jubilee Theatre, enhancing our mission and expanding our community impact
- **Commitment to Diverse Cultural Representation:** Candidates must possess a deep commitment to promoting the arts, with a particular emphasis on narratives that reflect the African-American experience. They should be passionate about using the arts to positively influence individuals and communities, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures
- **Inclusivity and Diversity:** It is essential for candidates to support Jubilee Theatre's mission in making its Board of Directors reflective of the diverse community we serve. This includes welcoming individuals of different ethnicities, genders, religions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and physical abilities, ensuring a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences
- **Leadership Qualities and Collaboration:** Ideal candidates will exhibit strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, combined with patience and a sense of humor Working effectively in a team and contributing to collaborative efforts is crucial
Jubilee Theatre invites candidates who are eager to contribute their expertise and energy towards advancing the theatre's mission, enhancing its role as a cultural beacon, and ensuring its continued success and resonance within the community.
Jubilee Theatre is committed to a comprehensive and transparent selection process for its Board of Directors. Applicants are required to successfully navigate through a structured three-round interview process designed to ensure alignment with our mission and values
1. Leadership Meeting: The second stage involves a meeting with the Board President and Vice President. This step focuses on evaluating the candidate's leadership potential, governance philosophy, and their ability to work collaboratively with existing leadership
3
Initial Meeting: Candidates will first meet with the Artistic & Managing Director of Jubilee Theatre This round is aimed at understanding the candidate's passion for the arts and their vision for contributing to the theatre's future
2. Advising Committee Review: Finally, candidates must gain approval from the advising committee This committee assesses the candidate's fit with the board's current needs and strategic goals.
Following these rounds, nominations for board positions will be made by the Board's leadership team Where feasible, nominees will also be interviewed by other Board Members and/or the Executive Director to ensure a broad-based endorsement.
Candidates will be informed of the selection outcome immediately after the process concludes Those selected will commence their board terms in January 2024. An orientation for new board members will be held in early January, followed by a full board strategy meeting, the date of which will be announced in due course
Seeking Additional Directors: We are particularly interested in candidates with human resource, fundraising, and consultancy expertise to fill two additional director positions These roles are critical in strengthening our board's capabilities in key operational areas Jubilee Theatre looks forward to welcoming new members to our Board of Directors who are enthusiastic about advancing our mission and contributing to our status as a cultural pillar in the community.
As an essential component of Jubilee Theatre's Board of Directors, the Fund Development Committee is instrumental in ensuring the organization's financial health through active philanthropy and fund development efforts This committee is committed to fostering a culture of giving within the Board and ensuring that Jubilee Theatre operates as a donor-centered organization. The committee meets monthly for one hour to strategize and implement fundraising initiatives
The committee provides regular fundraising updates to the Board of Directors, aligning its activities with the theatre's strategic plan It includes members from both the Board and the Advisory Council, working closely with designated staff to facilitate its initiatives. The committee operates under the Board's authority, focusing on collaboration rather than direct staff management
The committee convenes as needed, typically around six times a year, to review progress and plan future activities.
The Partnership Committee supports Jubilee Theatre's Board of Directors by forging strong, strategic relationships with other arts organizations, businesses, and community stakeholders. This group meets monthly for one hour to develop and execute a comprehensive community relations plan
Key responsibilities include promoting Jubilee Theatre's productions and educational programs within the community, recruiting volunteers from the arts and cultural sectors, establishing at least one corporate partnership annually, creating criteria for selecting collaborative partners, and evaluating the quality of stakeholder relationships
Like the Fund Development Committee, members include Board and Advisory Council representatives, with all efforts facilitated by specific staff members This committee ensures its activities harmonize with the Board's directives and Jubilee Theatre's overarching goals
The Human Capital & Culture Committee is a pivotal arm of Jubilee Theatre's Board of Directors, focused on nurturing the organization's workforce and fostering an inclusive, empowering culture Meeting monthly for an hour, this committee dedicates itself to the recruitment, development, and retention of top talent, while also ensuring that Jubilee Theatre remains a vibrant, diverse place to work and create.
This committee is tasked with overseeing policies and practices related to employee and volunteer experiences, including recruitment strategies, professional development, performance management, and diversity and inclusion initiatives It works to ensure that Jubilee Theatre not only attracts but retains a skilled and diverse team committed to the theatre's mission.
Membership includes a mix of Board and Advisory Council members, collaborating closely with Jubilee Theatre's Managing Director and other leadership staff to implement effective human resource and cultural policies The committee's work is aligned with organizational goals, driven by the principle that a supportive and dynamic work environment is key to the theatre's success
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
The President of the Board of Directors at Jubilee Theatre holds a paramount leadership position, steering the organization toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical governance and financial management policies, as well as making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission Serving as a primary liaison between the Board and the Artistic & Managing Directors, the President ensures that board decisions are carried out and that the organization's goals and policies are in alignment with its mission. This role requires a deep commitment to Jubilee Theatre's vision, exceptional leadership qualities, and the ability to foster a positive, collaborative environment
The Vice President of the Board of Directors at Jubilee Theatre is a key figure in the leadership team, providing critical support and acting as a surrogate to the Board President as needed. This role involves a blend of strategic foresight, operational insight, and a commitment to fostering the theatre's mission. The Vice President works closely with the Board President, other board members, and the Artistic & Managing Director to ensure that the organization's strategic goals are pursued with vigor and integrity.
TREASURER
SECRETARY
The Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Jubilee Theatre plays a crucial role in financial stewardship, ensuring the organization's fiscal health and integrity. This position demands a strong background in finance or accounting, combined with a profound commitment to Jubilee Theatre's mission The Treasurer works closely with the Board President, Vice President, and other board members, providing oversight of the theatre's budget, financial planning, and reporting processes.
Key Response
The Secretary of the Board of Directors at Jubilee Theatre holds a key administrative position that ensures the board's actions are documented and organized This role is pivotal in maintaining the board's legal integrity and operational efficiency. The Secretary works closely with the Board President, Vice President, Treasurer, and other board members, facilitating communication and ensuring that the board's decisions and activities are accurately recorded and archived
ALL INTEREST FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED BY FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2024 (11:59 PM CST) ALL INTERESTED PARTIES WILL BE NOTIFIED BY AUGUST 2, 2024
SUBMIT THE BOARD INTEREST FORM BELOW.
We are delighted you are considering joining the Jubilee Theatre Board of Directors. If you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide you with all the support you need to understand your potential role and impact as a board member
General Inquiries:
For general questions about board responsibilities, the application process, or other inquiries:
- Email: JohnRubalcaba@jubileetheatre.org
- Phone: (682) 900-9017
Direct Contact:
If you would like to speak directly to someone about the Board of Directors:
- Janaé Willis-Beard, Managing Director
-Email: JanaeBeard@jubileetheatre.org
- Phone: (682) 900-9014
Mailing Address:
You can also reach us by mail at: Jubilee Theatre
506 Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76102
Visit Us:
Feel free to visit our offices during business hours. We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure that someone is available to meet with you:
-
**Office Hours:** Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
We look forward to hearing from you and exploring the possibility of your valuable participation on our Board of Directors.
www.jubileetheatre.org