Flatwater Shakespeare's Blog News

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Kudos to Richard Nielsen!



A recent issue of the Southeast Community College Alumni News offers a “Meet Our Faculty” feature on Flatwater Shakespeare mainstay Richard Nielsen. We are delighted that Dick is receiving some well-deserved recognition in his academic community for his artistic achievements and for his skill in integrating theatrical insights and techniques into effective teaching. Click on the picture or see page 8 of the complete issue: https://www.southeast.edu/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=22674

In the article, Dick mentions the plays that include his favorite roles. Here, we'd like to highlight some of those roles.

2004: Caliban in The Tempest. Vulnerable but still dangerous, Dick's amphibious monster (costume design by Jan Stauffer) could be charming and tender.

2007: The Fool in King Lear. Genuinely funny, as well as brutally honest and touchingly loyal to Lear and to Cordelia.

2009: The title role in Julius Caesar. Charismatic and remote; commanding but petulant.

2015: Polonius in Hamlet. Clinging to authority at court and in his own family – and someone who, we are reminded, once portrayed Julius Caesar on stage.

2016: Antonio in The Merchant of Venice (another title role). A rich, maddening mix of sincere self-sacrifice and smug self-righteousness.

Many thanks, Dick, for your dedicated, insightful, and vital work for FSC and SCC!




Tuesday, October 04, 2016

New Executive Director Search!

Flatwater Shakespeare Friends, 

As many of you know, Bob Hall, our founder, is retiring at the end of 2016. The Board of Directors is seeking an Executive Director for the organization.
The position is a 1/4 time position, with a flexible schedule. The amount of hours vary each week vary depending on production and administration needs. 

More information is included in the job posting that follows. 

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Search Committee at flatwatershakespearecompany@gmail.com by November 1.
Flatwater Shakespeare is small nonprofit theatre company in Lincoln, Nebraska that produces 2-3 productions a year, plus a youth production. For more information about Flatwater Shakespeare, visit www.flatwatershakespearecompany.org
Flatwater Shakespeare Company Job Description

Overview of Flatwater Shakespeare Company:
Flatwater Shakespeare Company is a private theatre company in Lincoln, NE that was formed in 2001 and incorporated in 2004. The focus is high quality productions of Shakespeare and other classical works. Flatwater duties are managed by a dedicated part time staff, an active board, and volunteers. Flatwater does not have a building/facility. The majority of productions have been held at The Swan Theatre at The Stables at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. Other productions have been produced at Haymarket Theatre, Lincoln Community Playhouse, and Johnny Carson Theatre/Lied Center. For the past eleven years, Flatwater has had a summer youth production. In 2011, we began Flatwater Free Shakespeare, a summer tour which takes Shakespeare to local parks and outdoor venues in Lincoln. These performances are supported through donations and small grants. In addition to the youth production and Flatwater Free Shakespeare, we produce either a spring or a fall show (and sometimes both).

Position Title: Executive Director
Reports to: Flatwater Board of Directors
Hours: Quarter-time position, Contract Labor
Supervises/coordinates with: Board Executive Team and other staff
Salary range: $6,000-$8,000 annually, depending on experience

General Summary: This position serves as the leader, the “face” of Flatwater.

Essential Job Functions:
1. Develop and implement a financial plan to ensure stability and growth of the organization
a. Secure corporate support for the summer tour
b. Provide support to the Operations Manager in the development of proposals
c. Coordinate the development of the budget for the fiscal year
2. Play a key role in short and long-term strategic planning with a focus on continuing the existing
high-quality productions
3. Manage and support operations staff
4. Work with staff and board on community outreach activities
5. Participate in public relations activities to provide a high level of visibility for Flatwater
6. Work with the board to identify the season
7. Hire and manage guest directors and key production staff, including budget oversight
8. Work with the Executive Committee as needed

Education and Experience:
Experience and involvement with Shakespearean productions
BA in a related field preferred
Ability to work with funders to gather financial support for the organization
Experience with a nonprofit organization
Understanding of nonprofit rules and regulations

Working Conditions:
This is a quarter time position, with flexible hours. Certain times of the year will be busier than others, depending on the production schedule and fundraising needs. Flatwater Shakespeare does not have a building; tasks will need to be done at one’s home or at designated venues. There will be required meetings, including with potential funders, board and committee meetings, and events. Current contract staff include: Operations Manager, Production Manager, PR/Events Coordinator, and Website Manager. Dr. Stephen Buhler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, coordinates Facebook and the blog (volunteer), and serves as Dramaturg. 

Sincerely,

Michelle Zinke
Chair, FSC Board of Directors