Fuse Theatre is a company dedicated to changing the typical hierarchical structures often found in theater and in nonprofits and advancing race equity in all aspects of our organization. 

The Board supports the work of Fuse Theatre and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. In addition to having Co-Artistic Directors, Fuse has an artist collective called the Sparks. The Sparks are an artistic team made up of approximately 8 members who make collective decisions about the artistic direction of the company including budgetary items and performance planning.

While the Board is focused on overall health and direction of the company including operational budgetary items, the day-to-day operations are led by the Co-Artistic Directors and the Sparks Team.  The relationship between the Board, Artistic Directors, and Sparks is a collaborative partnership. The appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.

Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Leadership, governance and oversight

• Serving as a trusted advisor to the Artistic Directors and Sparks Members as they develop and implement Fuse Theatre’s strategic plan

• Providing guidance to ensure that projects/activities support the mission of Fuse Theatre 

• Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by Fuse Theatre for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics

• Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings 

• Approving Fuse Theatre’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities 

• Providing development feedback to the Artistic Director[s] and Operations Team

• Assisting the Artistic Directors and Sparks Members in identifying and recruiting other Board Members 

• Serving on committees and taking on special assignments as needed

• Attending fundraising events, meet and greets, and performances as available.

• Representing Fuse Theatre to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization 

• Ensuring Fuse Theatre’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities served ensuring race equity.

Fundraising

Fuse Theatre Board Members will consider Fuse a philanthropic priority. We recognize that Board Members may not be in a position to personally donate large sums to the organization. However, a key part of board service is bringing in funds to the organization. 

In light of these realities, we ask each board member to bring in a minimum of $300 to the organization each board year. For most Board Members, this fundraising is a mix of personal contributions, employer matches, in-kind donations, and fundraising from individuals and/or organizations. 

Board terms and participation

Fuse Theatre’s Board Members serve a three-year term, eligible for re-appointment for up to three additional years. Board meetings are held monthly and committee meetings are held as agreed by the committee members. Currently, board meetings are held virtually but may be in-person or hybrid as determined by the board. In addition, Fuse Theatre aspires to have an annual full-day retreat/strategic planning meeting. 

Time commitment will vary month-to-month and depending on specific roles and responsibilities.  In addition to attending monthly & annual board meetings, board members should expect to invest 5-10 hours per month in support of Fuse Theatre activities.

Service on Fuse Theatre’s Board of Directors is without remuneration.

Preferred qualifications for ideal candidates: 

• A passion for theatre, equity, and/or social justice

• Professional experience in business, theatre, government, law, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector 

• A natural affinity for cultivating relationships among diverse individuals 

• Personal qualities of integrity and credibility

• San Francisco Bay Area, California Central Valley (Lodi/Stockton) or New York City resident candidates only