Math for Arts Administrators Part IV: A Parallel Universe to Part III My recent article about the implications of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle's application on revenue management was decidedly tactical. This next part in the "Math for Arts Administrators" series explores a more strategic question: How can we explain contradictory opinions and decisions in our arts organizations? As mentioned in my previous post, Los Angeles is home to two plays referencing awesome ide

Math for Arts Administrators Part III: Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and Why Boards and Staff Operate in Different but Parallel Universes Two new plays referencing famous principles in physics are on stage simultaneously in Los Angeles. What can arts administrators learn from them? Beyond reportedly excellent performances, design, and direction in CTG's Heisenberg and Geffen Playhouse's Constellations, I am nerding out; both plays brings physics to a broader audience. The

Math for Arts Administrators Part II: The Pareto Principle (AKA 80/20 Rule) Let's be sure to include economist Vilfredo Pareto to a long list of Italians contributing to the field of theater. While less broadly relevant than the work Dario Fo or as foundational as commedia, Pareto's famous "80/20 rule" provides extraordinary insight--and a bit of common-sense advise--to today's arts administrator. Pareto's principle argues there is an unequal relationship between inputs and o

Part I: Knowing all the costs of a particular choice will help make you make your next smart decision While arts administrators have little use for algebraic or trigonometric functions, there are other more strategic uses of mathematical and economic principles that can guide future decisions. This first installment of the series examines opportunity cost. Opportunity Cost: "The loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen." As a more concrete