CriticalDance Forum

Oregon Ballet Theatre volunteer Linda Besant has written a letter to the OBT Executive Committee expressing concern about the management of Executive Director Jon Ulsh. The letter, dated September 10, 2009, includes the signatures of a considerable number of dancers as well as artistic and administrative staff. Here is a copy of the letter:

Linda Besant letter

Here is a link to the Willamette Week article by Kelly Clarke:

Willamette Week

Also, a link to Barry Johnson's blog in The Oregonian:

Barry Johnson blog

Wow.

I hope the Board takes this letter seriously. The executive director is just as important as the artisitic director and needs to be just as talented. I have worked under good and bad EDs and it makes a HUGE difference. I wish everyone luck during this upheaval. It will not be comfortable. I also hope there is no retaliation against those who signed.


I am amused at how many signatures I recognize.

The OBT Board sends an Open Letter to the Public in response:

Open Letter to the Public

Willamette Week follows up with an editorial by Nigel Jaquiss:

Willamette Week

Barry Johnson continues the discussion on his blog in The Oregonian:

Barry Johnson blog

OREGON BALLET THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AS IT ENTERS ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

Today, Oregon Ballet Theatre's Board of Directors announced the creation of a new organizational structure for the company as it enters its 20th-anniversary season. Changes include a reconfigured management team that will be led by Artistic Director Christopher Stowell. Current Executive Director Jon Ulsh, who successfully guided the company for the past three and a half years, is stepping down but will remain available to OBT to help assure a smooth transition. The company's Chief Operating Officer, Doug Wells, will oversee administrative functions and manage OBT's budget. Wells will report to both Stowell and the Board's Executive Committee. The Board of Trustees will take a more direct role in the company's fundraising efforts, with Director of Marketing Erik Jones managing day-to-day development department operations, reporting to Christopher Stowell.

"The Board of Trustees wants to thank Jon Ulsh for his tremendous contribution and dedication to OBT over the last three years," said Chair Kathleen Curtis Cosgrove. "We are very appreciative of his role in institutionalizing some of the best management practices we will continue to rely on going forward."

In June, when Oregon Ballet Theatre announced that a negative cash flow threatened to put the company out of business, Portlanders along with the larger North American dance community rallied to save the organization. This overwhelming show of support confirmed the need to finish the internal evaluation and restructuring of OBT's business operations. Since that time, the trustees, management, staff and artists of the company have worked together to implement a 28% reduction to OBT's budget and have put in place conservative financial forecasting models that will guide future planning. Oregon Ballet Theatre is committed to delivering innovative and exciting new programming within realistic financial parameters.

Christopher Stowell, speaking of his expanded responsibilities within the company said, "I'm looking forward to this new role and will work diligently to further the artistic vision of Oregon Ballet Theatre while implementing the financial controls that will assure the viability of OBT for generations to come."

Barry Johnson continues the discussion of management changes at OBT in his blog in The Oregonian:

Barry Johnson blog

Oregon Ballet Theatre has now hired a new Executive Director: Diane Syrcle, Executive Director of the Portland Youth Philharmonic. The Portland Business Journal summarizes the press release from OBT.

Portland Business Journal

Seems like a good choice. Can anyone from the area comment?

Marty Hughly expands the discussion in The Oregonian.

The Oregonian

In the Oregonian, Marty Hughley reports that OBT Executive Director Diane Syrcle will depart her position at the end of June 2012 in order to take a new position as Executive Vice President for Development of the Oregon Symphony.

Oregonian

My goodness, she wasn't there long. Looks like she's going back to the orchestra scene.

Following the departure of executive director Diane Syrcle, OBT is reorganizing the business side of the operation and has hired Joanne Van Ness Menashe as Vice President for Marketing and Development (a new position). Marty Hughley reports for the Oregonian.

Oregonian

Terrible news: Christopher Stowell is resigning effective December 31, 2012.

OBT Press Release

The Oregonian's "breaking news" story.

Oregonian

Bob Hicks for Oregon Arts Watch on Christopher Stowell's resignation.

Oregon Arts Watch

More from Marty Hughley in the Oregonian.

Oregonian

Aaron Scott interviews Christopher Stowell for Portland Monthly Magazine.

Portland Monthly