To aid its efforts, the Conservancy is utilizing professional architectural, legal, brokerage, theater management and fundraising consultants.
Legal, architectural and engineering assistance have been generously provided from five well-known Washington firms:
- Attorney Philip Ward is working on acquisition issues courtesy of the law firm Williams & Connolly
- Forrester Construction is assisting the Board refine the options and costs of renovation and development
- Optira Inc. has provided digitally accurate views and models of the theatre through 3D laser imaging technology
- Brokerage services are being provided by Ed Demers and Jon Wilson, Demers Real Estate Inc.
- Tom Johnson, Martinez & Johnson, assisted the Board study the options and costs of renovation and development
Utilizing grant funds from the DC government, the Conservancy also has been supported by nationally known professional consultants in theater management, fundraising planning, education & arts integration, and website development:
- Westlake, Reed, Leskosky architects are assisting the Board define specific renovation and addition alternatives to maximize performance flexibility and theatre sustainability
- Webb Management Services, a NY-based consulting firm, completed a market needs assessment
- Halsey and Alice North, the North Group Inc, nationally known theater fundraising consultants are assisting the Conservancy with major fundraising studies
- Nan McConnell, of The McConnell Consulting Group, who assisted with development of the Sitar Center in DC, has provided fund raising consultation
- Stephen Smith, Takoma DC resident directs in-school programs, and website design and development
Board Advisors
The Conservancy Board of Directors has also been graciously assisted by many local community and arts-related experts
- Beth Allaben, Board Member, CREATE Arts Center & Former President, Shepherd Park Citizens Association
- Peggy Bulger, Director, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
- Randy Cohen, Vice President, Americans for the Arts
- David Eisner, Founder, Institute for Musical Traditions
- Derek Harps, Vice President, M&T Bank
- Maija Hay, Founder, Takoma Arts
- Richard Henrich, Artistic Director, Spooky Action Theatre
- Lillian Kronstadt, Retired Foundation Director
- Bruce Levin, Board Member, Old Takoma Business Association and real estate executive
- William Lightfoot, Attorney and Former DC Councilmember
- Jerome S. Paige, Economist and Former Chairman, DC Humanities Council
- Deborah Royster, Counsel, Pepco and Member, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
- Daniel R. Smith, President, Takoma Enterprises
- Rikki Hunt Taylor, Principal, Takoma Educational Center
- Judith Terra, Member, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
- Faith Wheeler, Commissioner, ANC 4B02
- Septime Webre, Artistic Director, The Washington Ballet