TETA Board of Directors
President / CEO
While traveling to judge a TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) one-act play competition last week, I went through one town that already had its Christmas wreaths proudly displayed on the lampposts around town. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” and that means that TheatreFest is just around the corner as well. I can’t tell you how excited I am about our special guests this year. I’ll let you read Gene Dickey’s article announcing them, but suffice it to say that we have some extra-special special guests this year. Remember that the early discount for registration ends December 1st, so you have a couple more weeks to get that paperwork in for the $125 early fee. It will not only save you money but also time in the registration line which is always a plus.
Beyond the special guests, there are a number of featured artists that you won’t want to miss. How exciting to have the chance to learn from so many incredible professionals in one short weekend! Stay tuned for more details about the amazing opportunities for all of us in late January/early February. We will all have a great time in Dallas at TheatreFest 2014.
Prior to TheatreFest, I would like to address and help everyone understand some concerns which continue about what is often referred to as the lack of transparency regarding TETA’s financials. TETA’s system of accounting has only improved since its founding, and we meet or exceed every 501.c.3 standard which is required. In the 1980’s, TETA’s accounting involved one page of numbers recapping the year; today, there is more disclosure than is required by either the IRS or state law.
As a non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers, TETA is not required to provide the same level of financial accounting as universities or school districts. Line-item budgets, for instance, are neither required nor consistent with an organization of our size. In fact, since TETA’s founding, budgets have been done in general categories which meet or exceed any governmental requirements. Every year at our annual business meeting a summary of the financials is presented to the members. Beginning this year, we will be breaking down the Convention category into sub-categories for more clarity and understanding.
As the President/CEO of TETA, I have reviewed hard copies of all bank statements for the months that I have been President as well as for the entire year preceding. I can tell you that our financial position is solid and everything meets or exceeds every government standard required of a 501.c.3 NPO. The 990 is complete and I have reviewed it as well; it has been sent to the IRS well in advance of our deadline. The 990 is a 12-page document in addition to three schedules which detail the finances of our corporation. Copies of our previous 990s are available through Guidestar online if you are interested. The bottom line is that TETA is very sound financially. Our ultimate goal in TETA is the best theatre education possible for all of our students and we are making every effort to ensure that eventuality.
I hope that you all have a happy holiday season and that you return to your educational pursuits in January refreshed and rejuvenated to change your students’ lives for the better. I look forward to seeing you in Dallas!
President / CEO
While traveling to judge a TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) one-act play competition last week, I went through one town that already had its Christmas wreaths proudly displayed on the lampposts around town. “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” and that means that TheatreFest is just around the corner as well. I can’t tell you how excited I am about our special guests this year. I’ll let you read Gene Dickey’s article announcing them, but suffice it to say that we have some extra-special special guests this year. Remember that the early discount for registration ends December 1st, so you have a couple more weeks to get that paperwork in for the $125 early fee. It will not only save you money but also time in the registration line which is always a plus.
Beyond the special guests, there are a number of featured artists that you won’t want to miss. How exciting to have the chance to learn from so many incredible professionals in one short weekend! Stay tuned for more details about the amazing opportunities for all of us in late January/early February. We will all have a great time in Dallas at TheatreFest 2014.
Prior to TheatreFest, I would like to address and help everyone understand some concerns which continue about what is often referred to as the lack of transparency regarding TETA’s financials. TETA’s system of accounting has only improved since its founding, and we meet or exceed every 501.c.3 standard which is required. In the 1980’s, TETA’s accounting involved one page of numbers recapping the year; today, there is more disclosure than is required by either the IRS or state law.
As a non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers, TETA is not required to provide the same level of financial accounting as universities or school districts. Line-item budgets, for instance, are neither required nor consistent with an organization of our size. In fact, since TETA’s founding, budgets have been done in general categories which meet or exceed any governmental requirements. Every year at our annual business meeting a summary of the financials is presented to the members. Beginning this year, we will be breaking down the Convention category into sub-categories for more clarity and understanding.
As the President/CEO of TETA, I have reviewed hard copies of all bank statements for the months that I have been President as well as for the entire year preceding. I can tell you that our financial position is solid and everything meets or exceeds every government standard required of a 501.c.3 NPO. The 990 is complete and I have reviewed it as well; it has been sent to the IRS well in advance of our deadline. The 990 is a 12-page document in addition to three schedules which detail the finances of our corporation. Copies of our previous 990s are available through Guidestar online if you are interested. The bottom line is that TETA is very sound financially. Our ultimate goal in TETA is the best theatre education possible for all of our students and we are making every effort to ensure that eventuality.
I hope that you all have a happy holiday season and that you return to your educational pursuits in January refreshed and rejuvenated to change your students’ lives for the better. I look forward to seeing you in Dallas!