Welcome to Spring! This is the sixth 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 .
Both the weather and the economy are finally showing signs of improvement. Crain's Chicago Business had a recent article stating that if your if your revenue is rebounding, so are your risks. It may be time for an insurance review.
For example, if you've added new board members or executive officers you may need to consider Directors & Officers insurance. This coverage helps protect these individuals from lawsuits relating to their roles in the organization.
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More Non-Profits Renting Out Their 'Unusal' Spaces |
Non-profits are always looking for new ways to make money, and more are turning to renting out their unusual spaces for private events. Both the Joffrey Ballet and the Lyric Opera of Chicago rent their facilities. Rentals contribute about $200,000 a year to the ballet's $14-million annual budget, according to the company's executive director.
-Crain's Chicago Business, March 21, 2011
But rentals are not without risk. For example, a West Virginia art gallery claims it got trashed while hosting an Ohio University sorority event. Damage reportedly totaled $44,000. The gallery says there were food fights, drinks were dumped out on floors, and a sink was pulled from a wall during the sorority's winter formal.
-Claims Journal, June 1, 2010
If you are considering renting out your space, make certain that your insurance in fact includes coverage for private events. And consider asking for references or doing a quick background check of potential clients. A Google search might have revealed that the sorority in question had recently been suspended by Miami University of Ohio for one year because of damage and misconduct during an event at a lodge. And your renters should also be required to carry their own insurance for the event.
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Injured Audience Members Sue Broadway Musical for $4 Million | |
Two Kansas City natives recently suffered serious facial injuries during a performance of the Broadway show "Billy Elliott: The Musical." As a result of the accident, the injured parties filed a personal injury lawsuit.
 According to the injury lawsuit, which seeks $4 million in damages, the women were hit in the face by a plastic crate that was accidentally flung off stage. Each woman is seeking $2 million for their respective injuries.
The two unlucky women were sitting in the front row of New York's Imperial Theater when the accident occurred. One woman alleges that she was left with a permanent scar, while the other claims to have suffered a concussion.
-Total Injury Blog, March 1, 2011
The lesson is of course that if an accident like this can occur on a long-running, major Broadway production, it can happen anywhere.
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Renovation Leads to Collapse of Historic Theatre | |
A major renovation project was underway at a historic theatre near Atlantic City. The building partially collapsed as construction workers were setting footers. The collapse critically damaged the adjacent building to the north and forced the evacuation of apartments and businesses to the south. A public street had to be temporarily closed and a subsequent investigation led to the condemnation of another historic building near the theatre.
The theatre's insurance company has notified them that their $7.2 million Builder's Risk policy, which generally covers problems during construction, would pay for the damages.
-Press of Atlantic City, January 24, 2011
Before beginning a major renovation or construction project, talk with your insurance agent. Make certain that you have adequate Builder's Risk coverage.
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Bret Michaels is Suing CBS and the Tony Awards for Head Injury |
The lead vocalist of Poison has filed a lawsuit against CBS and the Tony Awards for a head injury he sustained during a Tonys performance in June 2009.
 The reality TV star and singer says in the suit that he was never instructed there would be moving set pieces. After singing "Nothing But a Good Time," he was hit in the head by a piece of the stage and hospitalized for a broken nose and cut lip.
The suit, which is seeking unspecified damages, links the Tonys injury with Michaels' much-publicized subarachnoid hemorrhage, which occurred less than two weeks after he underwent an emergency appendectomy in April 2010.
-Detroit Free Press, March 28, 2011
This incident is a reminder that accidents happen even on high-budget, professional productions.
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Safe Grilling Tips for Spring/Summer | |
Every year, hundreds of fires are started by grills causing injuries and burns, some fatal. Most of these are the result of unsafe grilling practices. If you like to grill, it doesn't hurt to review these safety tips:
1. Only grill outdoors and away from the house and other  structures.
2. Never store a grill indoors; don't attempt to move it until it has completely cooled.
3. Never leave the grill unattended, once lit; keep a fire extinguisher close by.
4. Keep the lid open when lighting the grill.
5. Keep your grill clean to avoid grease fires.
6. Keep children and pets a safe distance away from grills.
7. Regularly check the grill for cracks and leaks. Do not light a match to check for leaks.
8. For charcoal grills, use starter fluid sparingly, and never add it to an open flame.
9. For propane grills, make sure the spark igniter is consistently generating a spark to create a flame and burn the propane gas. If the flame is not visible, gas may be escaping and could cause an explosion.
10. Always store propane tanks outdoors, in an upright position.
In the event of a fire, close the grill cover if using a charcoal grill. For propane grills, turn off the burners. Also shut off the take valve, if possible. Never try to extinguish a grease fire with water; it will cause the flames to flare up. Only use an approved fire extinguisher. If personal safety or property is at risk, call 9-1-1 immediately.
-The Injury Board Blog Network, August 02, 2010
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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. Thanks for reading our newsletter, Christopher Johnson |
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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
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! |
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Common Insurance Terms
1. Loss Payee
The party to whom insurance proceeds are to be paid in the event of a loss, such as a rental house.
2. Third Party Property Damage
Provides legal liability coverage for damage or destruction of property belonging to others while the property is in the care, custody or control of the insured. This coverage is often requested by venues.
3. Waiver of Subrogation
The insurer relinquishes the right to collect damages from another party paid on behalf of the insured. This waiver is sometimes required by landlords.
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We Appreciate Referrals!
As a service business, referrals are our biggest source of new clients.
If you know of any other business needing insurance, please let us know. We promise to give them the same personal and professional service that you've come to expect from the Johnsonese Brokerage.
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Our Business Partners
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AmWins -
AXA -
Chubb -
CNA -
Hartford -
Insurance Noodle -
Markel -
Philadelphia -
Risk Placement Services
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