Project Description
Austin, Texas, 1998
The Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts (John Eberson, 1915) is a 1,284-seat theatre that had been operating successfully as a presentation and rental house. When Janis Barlow and Rebecca Cann were hired by the company, the theatre had recently eliminated a significant deficit incurred in the economic slump of the 1980’s when the company had been producing.
Since the goal of overcoming their deficit was no longer, and the market of Austin was changing, the leadership of the organization felt the time was right for strategic planning. Ms. Barlow and Ms. Cann undertook a strategic planning process with the company and a management review of current operations. An important paradigm shift took place in the process, from an organizational focus on preserving the building (often referred to as “the jewel of Austin”) to the development and expansion of the programs and audience members inside the building.
Since the completion of the Strategic Plan, the Paramount Theatre changed its name to the Paramount Theatre for the Performing Arts, has expanded its co-production efforts with local companies, and has produced in other venues in Austin.
