Happy New Year! This is the fifth edition of the Johnsonese Brokerage Performing Arts Insurance Newsletter. The goal of our quarterly newsletter is to provide useful information about insurance to theatres, musicians and other performing arts groups .
|
|
New Logo, New Website |
 With the assistance of Beall Creative we released a new logo and launched a new website at the end of 2010. The concept of the logo is to reflect our goal of always seeking better insurance solutions for out clients; and of growing with our clients as they move to ever larger projects. The new website allows us to provide information of interest to our target markets. Please visit www.johnsonese.com and send us your comments.
|
|
Spider-Man Plagued by Accidents on Broadway | |
"Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark" has delayed its opening for the fifth time, with a new opening night of March 15, the musical's lead producers announced this month. Perhaps the number of accidents on set has something to do with these on-going delays.
A lead actress in the Broadway musical suffered a concussion at the first preview performance in December when, standing offstage, she was struck in the head by a rope holding a piece of equipment. She is the third actor to be hurt working on the production; during rehearsals this fall, one dancer broke his wrists after landing incorrectly during a flying stunt, while another actor injured his feet doing the same stunt.
These accidents occurred on a $65 million production featuring some of the most daring acrobatics ever attempted on stage. But the issue may be more widespread.
Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration show a rise in on-the-job injuries to "performance artists" in recent years. In 2008, there were 4,100 workplace injuries to performers nationwide, resulting in 1,600 performers being forced to miss work or having restrictions put on what work they could do. In 2009, the total jumped to 5,800 injuries; 2,000 performers missed work or had restrictions placed on them.
- Backstage, November 17, 2010
- New York Times, December 3, 2010
- New York Times, January 14, 2010
|
|
Illinois Theatre Starts Reconstruction after 2010 Tornado | |
Reconstruction has begun to restore the 100-year-old Palace Theater in Elmwood, Illinois. The ceiling, roof, and trusses
are being replaced six months after a tornado severely damaged the theater and much of downtown Elmwood. Exterior brick work is also required as weather permits.
The cost of repairs is estimated to be $470,000. The theatre's director estimates that even with his insurance settlement, some private fund-raising and a grant, he's $150,000 short.
The director's stated goal is to reopen before the one-year anniversary of the tornado on June 5th, but given the funding shortfall this may not be possible.
- Peoria Journal Star, December 17, 2010
Does your theatre have adequate insurance to recover from a similar disaester? |
|
Roof Collapse Keeps Philly Area Theatre Dark for Months |
Six months ago a roof collapse destroyed much of the 86-year-old Grand Theater in Williamstown, New Jersey near Philadelphia. The back roof over the stage caved in, a result of last winter's heavy snowfalls.
Similar to the Palace Theater in Illinois, estimates are that the cost of repairs will exceed insurance coverage by $250,000.
In an amazing show of support, five area theater groups participated in a musical variety show to benefit the Grand Theater. All proceeds from a weekend of performances benefited the "Make It Grand Again" fund, created by the owner of the building, to reconstruct its theater home.
Philadelphia Inquirer, December 6, 2010
Many performing arts companies operate in older buildings. It can be very easy to underestimate insurance needs for these structures. For example, rebuilding estimates should include costs to bring the building up to current codes in the event of major reconstruction. Other cost considerations might include historically appropriate building materials and green technologies.
|
|
Winter Driving Tips from The Hartford | |
For those of us living in the Great White North, it doesn't hurt to refresh our winter driving skills. Follow the link to a video with some safe driving tips from the Hartford, one of our insurance partners:
Hartford Driving Tips |
The Johnsonese Brokerage can assist you with most of your art insurance needs. To get started immediately call 773.857.0242 or Email info@johnsonese.com. Happy New Year! Christopher Johnson |
|
About the Johnsonese Brokerage |
The Johnsonese Brokerage LLC is a licensed and bonded independent insurance agency focused on insuring independent creative businesses.
Who we insure:
- Production Companies
- Theatres
- Theatre Companies
- Dance Companies
- Acting Schools
- Concerts
- Musicians
- Light & Sound Companies
- Costume & Props Companies
Upcoming Events: Creative Chicago Expo 2011, March 12, 2011, Chicago Cultural Center
We are licensed in the states of California (license #0G69323), Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.
How are we doing? Your feedback is always welcome!
|
|
|
|
Common Insurance Terms
1. Business Income Interruption
Insurance that pays for loss of earnings when operations are curtailed due to loss of business property
2. Errors & Omissions
Insurance that pays for losses due to professional errors and oversights (also called Professional Liability)
3. EDP Coverage
Insurance for Electronic Data Processing equipment (more commonly called computer equipment) and related storage devices and software |
Our Business Partners
-
AmWins -
AXA -
Chubb -
CNA -
Hartford -
Insurance Noodle -
Markel -
Philadelphia -
Risk Placement Services
|
|
|
