Theaters always lament the fact that their budgets don't cover the cost of tickets.  The sad truth is brought home to you every time they ask for money - usually in a phone call around dinner time, frequently made through a paid, third-party fundraiser.  Now I don't necessarily feel these requests are out of line (the method and means I do), but before I would consider giving a dime to these non-profit, tax-exempt organizations, I want to know - and you should too - where the money is going.  In short, the public is owed full disclosure of financial assets and liabilities - on line or in the mail - otherwise known as an annual report, before donating its scarce resources.  Is the arts venture legitimate or is it something else, ranging from an ill-advised business model to a Ponzi Scheme?

Recently, Goldstar's Newsletter Live 2.0 reported on the closing of the Pasadena Playhouse, citing mismanagement, poor programming, and lack of business sense, which was "a disgrace and a violation of the public trust."  Probably the financial situation California finds itself in now was a big contributing factor.  And probably more than a few high-powered, regular donors took a hit during the economic downturn.  But, no one can know for sure since there is no public information available. 

The same circumstances that conspired to bring down the venerable Pasadena Playhouse exist right here.  Government funding is drying up, donors are reallocating their portfolios, and the same parade of mismanagement abounds. Theater operations continue to squander their resources - chasing after prizes, mounting shows bound for The Great White Way, offering the same oddball programming (in the search of niche market and funding), and we are asked to accept it in the interest of the arts? Art does hold an important place in our lives, but perhaps not under the auspices of these custodians.  Hey Non-Profits: The next time you call or write for a donation, please include your annual report.  It's in all of our best interests.