Circle Players, Inc.
General Information
Contact Information
Nonprofit
Circle Players, Inc.
Address
P.O. Box 22985
Nashville, TN 37202 2985
Phone
(615) 332-7529
Fax
615 366-3349
Web Site
Web Site
Facebook
Facebook
Email
[email protected]
At A Glance
Year of Incorporation
1953
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Mission & Impact
Statements
Mission
The Circle Players' mission is to promote public instruction, appreciation, and enjoyment of dramatic literature,
stagecraft, fine arts and the theatre through the production of plays, and by conducting other related activities.
Background
Circle Players is the oldest continuously-operating non-profit arts organization in Middle Tennessee. Circle was
founded in 1949, when an ambitious group of volunteer actors, directors, producers, designers, and stage
hands founded the company on a stock-ownership basis. The first few years of production were spent in various
locations in Nashville, among them the Hermitage Hotel, the downtown YMCA, and perhaps most interestingly,
in an old gambling den at Second and Broadway. The leadership decided Circle Players would best operate as
a state-charted 501(c)(3), non-profit arts organization in the mid-1950’s. This completely volunteer-staffed
organization, which includes Artist Members and the Board of Directors, operated for 26 years in the basement
of what is now the Blue Bird Café on Hillsboro Road. In 1980, Circle Players became the first resident company
in the brand new Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and presented productions in TPAC’s Johnson Theatre
through 2004. Circle Players now produces shows at the Larry Keeton Theatre on Donelson Pike. For over 60
years, the company has produced more than 380 musicals, comedies, mysteries, historical dramas and
classics, as well as cutting edge social dramas and recent Broadway hits. Circle volunteers (Artist Members)
have been, and continue to be, the backbone of the operation of the theatre. Volunteers give time and
resources to work onstage, backstage, as ushers and house managers, or as members of committees which
provide support in play selection, marketing, or fundraising. Among the more than 200 artist members are
professionals across many industries and profession. Well into its sixth decade of providing an artistic and
creative forum for all Nashvillians, Circle Players remains a true community-based success, focusing on arts
participation and arts access opportunities for all citizens of our community.
Impact
Circle has developed active partnerships with other Nashville area theatre groups and non-profits to promote
the value of community theatre and volunteerism in the Arts. Circle is actively expanding its marketing programs
to reach traditionally underserved audiences and to ensure participation in our shows by a broad range of
individuals. Circle boasts some of the most diverse volunteer and patron constituencies in Middle Tennessee.
Circle is a member of Tennesseans for the Arts and the American Association of Community Theatres.
Circle has developed innovative marketing strategies through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations,
such as Nashville Cares, Oasis Center, and the Tennessee Fair Housing Council, as well as collaborations with
local schools like Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, and Middle Tennessee State University.
In their 66th Season (2015/2016) Season they produced five Shows that included American Idiot, Of Mice and
Men, Sister Act, Children of Eden and Disney's The Little Mermaid. They also held their annual awards
ceremony at the W.O. Smith School of Music.
Needs
Circle Players is in search of a permanent home. Over its 66 year history, Circle has performed at many venues
in Middle Tennessee, but has not had a place to call its own. Circle is looking for an appropriate location to
purchase or for long-term lease.
Circle Players needs funding for operating, theatre rental, and script rights, as well as volunteer performers and
production support volunteers.
One of the largest single expenses in Circle's yearly budget is stipends for musicians who provide
accompaniment during musicals and for teaching artists for youth workshops. Every year, these costs run up to
$10,000. Circle needs donations and show sponsors to support these artist stipends.
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Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer
Supporters can visit Circle Players online any time to make a donation:
http://www.circleplayers.net/#!giving/c186e
Circle Players also welcomes donations of all sorts (costumes, lumber, paint, props) and volunteers for back
stage technical positions, marketing, ushering, and concessions.
Service Categories
Primary Organization Category
Arts,Culture & Humanities / Theater
Areas of Service
Areas Served
TN - Davidson
TN - Cheatham
TN - Dickson
TN - Rutherford
TN - Sumner
TN - Williamson
TN - Wilson
Board Chair Statement
I have been part of Circle Players, Inc since 2004 when I was introduced to the organization from a former
board member. I love this organization and this is my second time having the privledge to be President of the
Board. I have also directed several of Circle'e Productions and the talent that comes out for these shows is
amazing. We are an all volunteer organization and our volunteers put in so much time and effort. I would love
to see them all rewarded with a permanent home in the near future.
3
Programs
Programs
Season Productions
Description
Circle Players offers a minimum of five productions annually for
community enjoyment. Productions are chosen to be family-friendly and to
make multi-generational acting opportunities available. Tickets are
affordable (All tickets for Musicals are $20 and non-musicals $15, Children
under 3 are free and Group rates are available). Each production
generally draws an average audience of 1,000 with an annual attendance
of approximately 3,500. The 2016 - 2016 season includes the following
plays and musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar, Stuff Happens, The Wiz,
Clydborne Park and Saturday Night Fever
Budget
126,200
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theatrical Performances
Population Served
General/Unspecified, Families, Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Ticket Donation and Community Service
Description
Circle Players is generous with the community allowing those who could
not afford to attend an opportunity to enjoy live theater. For most
productions, Circle partners with other nonprofit organizations, inviting
them to attend dress rehearsals without charge and then donating a
portion of ticket sales. Our actors often volunteer at Metro Davidson
County public and private school events or other community settings upon
special request. Circle provides discounted tickets to seniors, students,
and groups.
Population Served
,,
Circle Workshops
Description
Circle Players offers theatre arts workshops to youth (aimed at middle
school aged students) and other aspiring artists at an affordable price.
The workshops are taught by highly trained and creative artist teachers,
and offer instruction on all aspects of theatre arts, including acting,
playwriting, setbuilding, and stage direction. Circle also offers
scholarships for these workshops.
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Children's Theater Programs
Population Served
Children and Youth (0 - 19 years), ,
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Collaborations with Local University Theatre Departments
Description
During the past five seasons, Circle has produced several productions in
collaboration with local universities, including Tennessee State University,
Lipscomb University, and Middle Tennessee State University. These
productions provide both constituencies with excellent educational
opportunities: Circle volunteers work with theatre professionals in modern
venues and university theatre students see how a community theatre
produces high quality shows with volunteers and a real-world budget.
Circle intends to continue these kinds of successful collaborations next
season. This season, Circle will partner with TSU to produce :Jesus
Christ Superstar" and "The Wiz" and will provide internships to TSU
students for academic credit.
Population Served
,,
CEO Comments
This season Circle, will produce five productions: 3 Large Scale Musicals and two Dramatic Play (two produced
in partnership with Tennessee State University). Circle will also bring theatrical entertainment to community
partners, provide affordable theatre workshops to youth, and collaborate with other organizations and nonprofits to enrich the cultural life of Middle Tennessee.
Circle is a volunteer community theatre, providing meaningful learning experiences and opportunities for semiprofessional and recreational artists of all ages and interests. Circle's shows are generally ensemble pieces,
involving large casts (up to 45 performers per production) of varied ages and backgrounds. Circle is committed
to musical productions, which provide valuable opportunities for singers, dancers, and musicians. Most of the
participants are volunteers, although Circle recognizes the value of local musicians, highly-skilled technicians,
and teaching artists by providing a modest stipend for some individuals in those roles.
Circle has three strategic goals for FY17. First, Circle will continue to nurture and grow its successful
relationship with Tennessee State University (begun in FY13. Circle has recently produced four large musical
productions with TSU – Color Purple, Dreamgirls, Ragtime, and Sister Act, the Musical -- all of which were
artistic and financial successes. These shows received critical acclaim and played to sold out audiences. Both
organizations have recognized the significant learning experience offered to TSU students through these
productions, and hope to formalize a program through which TSU students will receive internship credit for
participation in the musical planned for the coming season.
Second, Circle will continue to offer Workshops concentrated on youths. The workshop will be offered at Circle’s
rehearsal space and Circle will pay a stipend to workshop leaders.
Finally, Circle will make efforts to reach out to underserved communities that have not yet played a significant
role in Circle's volunteer or audience base. Circle has been very successful in reaching the Black community in
Middle Tennessee. That success is seen through diversity on Circle stages and in its audiences. Nonetheless,
Circle would like to see that diversity widen to include the many other ethnic and cultural communities
represented in Middle Tennessee.
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Governance
Board Chair
Board Chair
Mr Brian Jones
Company Affiliation
HCA
Term
Aug 2016 to June 2019
Email
[email protected]
Board Members
Name
Affiliation
Status
Mr. Leon Blandon
Mr Chuck Brown
Voting
Choral Director/Teacher
Voting
Mr. Brian Jones
Voting
Mrs. Ashley Morrison
Voting
Mr. Larry Rhodes
Retired School Teacher (MNPS)
Voting
Ms. Erin M. Richardson
Community Volunteer
Voting
Ms. LaTonya Turner
NonVoting
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black
2
Asian American/Pacific Islander
0
Caucasian
7
Hispanic/Latino
0
Native American/American Indian
0
Other
0
Board Demographics - Gender
Male
5
Female
4
Unspecified
0
Governance
Board Term Lengths
3
Board Term Limits
1
Board Meeting Attendance %
80%
Written Board Selection Criteria?
No
Written Conflict of Interest Policy?
No
Percentage Making Monetary Contributions
100%
6
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions
100%
Constituency Includes Client Representation
Yes
Number of Full Board Meetings Annually
11
Board CoChair
Board CoChair
Erin Richardson
Term
June 2010 to June 2017
Email
[email protected]
Standing Committees
Building
Executive
Finance
Nominating
Program
Marketing
Development / Fund Development / Fund Raising / Grant Writing / Major Gifts
Additional Board Members
Name
Affiliation
Ms. Melody Fowler-Green
Attorney, Grant Coordinator
7
Management
Staff
Full Time Staff
0
Part Time Staff
0
Volunteers
190
Contractors
15
Retention Rate
0%
Plans & Policies
Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan?
Under Development
Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan?
Under Development
Number of years Strategic Plan Considers
3
In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place?
No
Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan?
No
Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy?
Yes
Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy?
No
Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy?
No
Affiliations
Affiliation
Year
Tennesseans for the Arts
2014
CEO Comments
Circle Players is a volunteer-managed organization. Keeping operating costs down and volunteer participation
up, allows this company to actively serve the community. For instance, we rehearse in a warehouse where we
also store sets and costumes.
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Financials
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start
July 01 2016
Fiscal Year End
June 30 2017
Projected Revenue
$140,526.00
Projected Expenses
$123,103.00
Endowment Value
$11,397.00
Endowment Spending Policy
Income Only
Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected)
0%
Detailed Financials
Revenue and Expenses
Fiscal Year
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
Revenue Sources
Fiscal Year
Foundation and Corporation
Contributions
Government Contributions
Federal
State
Local
Unspecified
Individual Contributions
Indirect Public Support
Earned Revenue
Investment Income, Net of Losses
Membership Dues
Special Events
Revenue In-Kind
Other
2016
$125,500
$119,305
2015
$81,051
$76,795
2014
$80,484
$76,772
2016
$0
2015
$0
2014
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$43,553
$0
$81,946
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$32,150
$0
$48,301
$600
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$26,358
$0
$53,830
$660
$0
$0
$0
$0
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Expense Allocation
Fiscal Year
Program Expense
Administration Expense
Fundraising Expense
Payments to Affiliates
Total Revenue/Total Expenses
Program Expense/Total Expenses
Fundraising Expense/Contributed
Revenue
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year
Total Assets
Current Assets
Long-Term Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Total Net Assets
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current
Liabilities
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets
2016
$119,305
$0
$0
$0
1.05
100%
0%
2015
$81,051
$0
$0
$0
1.06
106%
0%
2014
$38,877
$37,895
$0
$0
1.05
51%
0%
2016
$12,909
$12,909
$0
$0
$12,909
2015
$6,714
$5,114
$0
$0
$6,714
2014
$11,125
$11,125
$0
$0
$11,125
2016
--
2015
--
2014
--
2016
0%
2015
0%
2014
0%
2015
Program Services
$48,301
Contributions, Gifts &
Grants $32,150
Investment Income
$600
2014
Program Service
Revenue $53,830
Contributions, Gifts &
Grants $26,358
Investment Income
$660
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year
Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount
2016
Program Revenue
$81,946
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Contributions, Gifts
Amount
and Grants $43,553
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar
-Amount
Capital Campaign
Is the organization currently conducting a Capital
Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a
major asset?
No
Capital Campaign Goal
$0.00
Capital Campaign Raised-to-Date Amount
$0.00 as of 0
Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years?
No
State Charitable Solicitations Permit
TN Charitable Solicitations Registration
Yes - Expires Dec 2017
Registration
No 0
Organization Comments
Support the Tradition: Since 1949, Circle Players has been serving the Nashville community by staging quality
shows and providing those interested in the various aspects of theatre with a supportive learning environment. It
is only through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and city, state, and federal grants that we can make
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this possible. Any tax deductible donation, no matter the amount, will help the tradition continue
GivingMatters.com Financial Comments
Financials taken from the 990EZ. 990EZ prepared internally by nonprofit. Foundation or corporate grants may
be included in Individual Contributions sum, as figures are not separated in document.
Program expenses exceed total expenses and no Schedule O was provided.
Comment provided by Kathryn Bennett 3/8/17.
Created 07.31.2017.
Copyright © 2017 The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
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