PEOPLE WHO NEED PEOPLE: THE HR FUNCTION AT NONPROFIT REGIONAL THEATRES

This capstone studies nonprofit regional theatres and their human resources (HR) departments, or people functions. Nonprofits traditionally have not mirrored for-profit enterprises when it comes to organizational structure and people management. This study explores the challenges theatres encounter and nuances that exist as a nonprofit organization. The research also analyzes the contribution of the HR leader and/or department to the success of the entire organization. Up until now, no study has been uncovered regarding how the HR function is structured in regional nonprofit theatres. Research on human resources in arts organizations is often overlooked or nonexistent. Since the literature was not specific enough to show how HR departments are structured in nonprofit theatres, interviews were conducted with Directors of HR and theatre leaders, and with outside experts in the field. Sixteen interviews were conducted, which included staff and leadership from nine regional theatres in the Washington, DC area. Suggestions are made surrounding what theatres can do if they do not have a dedicated HR staff person. Armed with research from this project, theatre leadership will have the tools to make decisions regarding staffing at their theatres.