Bylaws

Getting Organized

Bylaws: Structure & Samples

bylaws image After stating the goals and objectives of your organization in your mission statement the constitution and bylaws of a community theatre should spell out carefully-determined specifics. While basic operating rules and organizational structure should be defined, enough flexibility should be provided to accommodate changes and future developments.

It is possible to conduct an organization without any official constitution or bylaws. However, if you wish to qualify as a charitable, educational and/or nonprofit entity, you will need bylaws.

We have provided sample bylaws in several different styles, depending on the size of the company, and how detailed you feel your bylaws should be. You may also find it useful to blend components from more than one set into your own.

Bylaws for a typical community theatre often include the following:

1. General

Name and location
Preamble
Legal counsel
Bookkeeping and audit procedures
Corporate status
Amendment and repeal procedures
Rules of procedure

2. Officers and Board of Directors

Election procedures
Terms of office
Powers
Duties
Replacement during absences and vacancies
Indemnification

3. Members

Definitions of
Types of
Dues
Obligations
Powers
Privileges

4. Meetings

Annual membership meetings
Special membership meetings
Board Meetings
Purposes of
Quorum requirements
Advance notice for
Order of business
Time and place requirements, if any

5. Committees

Standing committees
Types and purposes of
Membership of
Quorum requirements
Chairmanship of
Membership change in committees
Appointment or election to
Powers of
Duties of

6. Amendments

Sample Bylaws

The link below takes you to a page with 8 sample bylaws to download, read, edit, and use as you want. Note that different styles and wording may be needed in different states. If you plan to incorporate as a nonprofit/charitable entity, it's wise to consult your state attorney general's office, or whichever state department has oversight over nonprofit organizations, in order to determine what specific elements must be included in your bylaws.

>> Click here to view samples

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Bylaws for a typical community theatre often include the following:

Sample Bylaws