Mac Awards Winners
Special honorees included Penny Fuller and Tom Wopat, garnering awards for Lifetime Achievement – and a special Board of Directors Award to the family of the late Ruth Kurtzman, a longtime supporter of cabaret and MAC board member.
FEMALE VOCALIST:
Stacy Sullivan, “It's a Good Day – A Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee” at Iridium, Don't Tell Mama, the Metropolitan Room
MALE VOCALIST:
T. Oliver Reid, “Drop Me Off in Harlem,” at Feinstein's
MAJOR ARTIST:
Lennie Watts, “Bloody, Bloody Lennie Watts, at the Metropolitan Room, Duplex
NEW YORK DEBUT – FEMALE:
Alison Nusbaum, “Ladies! A Raucous Homage to Mel Brooks' Broads,” at Don't Tell Mama
NEW YORK DEBUT – MALE: Ben Rimalower, “Patti Issues,” at the Duplex
CELEBRITY ARTIST:
Marilyn Maye, “The Happiest Sound in Town,” at Feinstein's
MUSICAL COMEDY PERFORMER:
Adam Shapiro, “Guide to the Perfect Breakup; Adam Shapiro Twists the Classics,” at the Duplex; North Hill Auditorium (Needham, MA)
DUO/GROUP: Lorinda Lisitza & Ted Stafford, “The Ted & Lo Show,” at Metropolitan Room, Path Café, Don't Tell Mama
MAJOR DUO/GROUP:
Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano, “Three for the Road; I Hear Music: A Burton Lane Centennial Songbook; Summer in the City; The Night Has a Thousand Eyes; and others, at the Triad, Café Sabarsky, Kitano, 54 Below, Metropolitan Room
REVUE: “Tonight, New York City…The Rick Jensen Songbook,” Written, musical directed, and hosted by Rick Jensen, directed by Lina Koutrakos at the Metropolitan Room
SPECIAL PRODUCTION / VARIETY PRODUCTION/RECURRING SERIES:
NY Sheet Music Society Programs, produced and hosted by Linda Amiel Burns at the Local 802 Musicians Hall
OPEN MIC:
Salon, Founder/Artistic Director/Host: Mark Janas; Executive Producer: Tanya Moberly at Etcetera Etcetera
HOST – VARIETY SHOW/SERIES OR OPEN MIC:
Mark Janas, Salon at Etcetera Etcetera
BENEFIT SERIES:
Cabaret Cares, Produced by Joseph Macchia; to benefit Help Is On The Way Today at the Laurie Beechman
PIANO BAR/RESTAURANT SINGING ENTERTAINER:
Maria Gentile at the Duplex
PIANO BAR/RESTAURANT INSTRUMENTALIST:
Bill Zeffiro at La Mediterranée
MUSICAL DIRECTOR:
Barry Levitt, for Robert Cuccioli (Birdland), Charlotte Patton (Duplex), Lauren Robert (Iridium), Adam Shapiro (Duplex), Anthony Santelmo Jr. (Don't Tell Mama), Smile on My Face (Laurie Beechman, Etcetera Etcetera, Urban Stages), Tonya Pinkins (54 Below), Broadway Swings: Terese Genecco, Natalie Douglas, Scott Coulter (54 Below)
DIRECTOR:
(a tie) Eric Michael Gillett for Sheera Ben-David (Feinstein's), Showstoppers! benefit series (Laurie Beechman), Marieann Meringolo (Feinstein's), Raissa Katona Bennett (Feinstein's)
AND
Gretchen Reinhagen for Bob Diamond (Don't Tell Mama), Marcia Roney (Metropolitan Room, Don't Tell Mama), Donna Hayes (Laurie Beechman, Don't Tell Mama), Irenka Jakubiak (Don't Tell Mama)
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR:
Jean-Pierre Perreaux for Marilyn Maye, Amanda McBroom, Yvonne Constant, Annie Ross (Metropolitan Room)
SONG:
“It’s About Time,” Music and lyrics by Shelly Markham & Paul Rolnick
SPECIAL MUSICAL MATERIAL:
“My Kind Of Guy,” Music and lyrics by Bill Zeffiro
RECORDING (LaMott Friedman Award):
Stacy Sullivan, “It's a Good Day – A Tribute to Miss Peggy Lee”
SHOW OF THE YEAR:
Ann Hampton Callaway – The Streisand Songbook, Directed by Dan Foster at 54 Below, Boston Pops, Seneca Hotel (Niagara Falls)
MAC gets a shout out on the Today Show!
MAC and Lifetime Achievement Award winner David Friedman got a nice mention form Kathy Lee Gifford on the Today show. Check it out here!
Member Discounts
In order to receive the discount, you MUST present your valid MAC membership card and/or mention you are a MAC member when booking or ordering. Membership cards must be presented BEFORE the show.
CLUB DISCOUNTS
IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB, 1650 Broadway (at 51 Street) (212) 582-2121
$10 off any cover charge.
METROPOLITAN ROOM, 34 West 22 Street (212) 206-0442
$5 off any cover charge.
REHEARSAL STUDIOS
SHETLER STUDIOS
10% off any rehearsal space booking
353 STUDIOS, 353 West 48 Street
10% off any booking, 2 hours or more.
SINGERS FORUM, 49 West 24th Street, 4th Floor 212-366-0541
10% off any rehearsal space booking
RECORDING STUDIOS
MILLROSE MUSIC (###)
5% off any studio or recording booking.
MAC History
The Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) was founded in 1983, primarily as an organization for cabaret owners, managers, and booking agents to meet and exchange ideas. The organization started accepting performers in 1985.
MAC is currently a trade organization, designation 501(C)(6), with a dues-paying membership. It differs from an organization designated a 501(C)(3) in that contributions to MAC are not tax deductible. MAC membership has declined since 2003 when it peaked at around 1100.
MAC's first president was Erv Raible, at the time a joint owner of a now defunct New York City cabaret 88's. Past presidents include Jamie deRoy, Michael Estwanick, Barry Levitt, Judy Barnett, and Scott Barbarino. Its current president is Ricky Ritzel, appointed in Summer 2006.
The MAC advisory board presently includes Joan Rivers, Kaye Ballard, Phyllis Diller, Jerry Herman, Liza Minnelli, Rex Reed, Margaret Whiting, and Julie Wilson.
Since 1986, the MAC Awards have been presented by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs at an annual ceremony usually held in late spring. Originally, MAC Awards were simply given by the Board of Directors to whomever they felt had made a contribution to live entertainment, whether a business person, local performer, dedicated critic, or cabaret luminary. Currently the annual Awards Show shines the spotlight on up and coming, locally established, and nationally recognized cabaret, comedy, and jazz performers, as well as behind- the-scenes professionals. Awards are voted by the MAC membership. Honorees and performers at the awards over the years include Sylvia Syms, Liza Minnelli, Beatrice Arthur, Barry Manilow, Rosemary Clooney, Manhattan Transfer, Keely Smith, and Betty Buckley.
MISSION STATEMENT
Members of MAC include cabaret, comedy and jazz artists, directors, musical directors, technical directors, musicians, club owners, booking managers, composers, lyricists, journalists, publicists, artists’ managers, agents, and friends and supporters of live entertainment. The organization was created in 1983.
Mac is an incorporated 501c6 not-for-profit organization. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE BYLAWS
ADVOCACY
When appropriate, MAC advocates for the best interest of the entertainment industry by being involved with city and state hearings on matters affecting MAC members and clubs.
CONCIERGE PROGRAM
Hotel concierges are frequently asked by their guests to recommend night time entertainment. To increase the knowledge of the city’s cabarets and clubs, MAC invites members of the NY Association of Hotel Concierges to different MAC member clubs to hear a cross-section of singers, comedy performers, and musicians.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-2013
|
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-2013 Jim Speake - Secretary Kim Grogg Thomas Honeck Stearns Matthews T. Oliver Reid |
ADVISORY BOARD
CHAIRPERSON Roy Sander Alan Bomser Sherry Eaker Eric Michael Gillett Peter Haas Michael E. Kerker Peter Leavy Jan Wallman HONORARY BOARD
Barry LevittKaye Ballard Jerry Herman Liza Minnelli Rex Reed Joan Rivers Liz Smith Lily Tomlin Julie Wilson PRESIDENTS EMERITUS Judy Barnett Jamie deRoy |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-2013
LENNIE WATTS (President)has been an active member of the cabaret scene for over 20 years. He has achieved something unique in the annals of cabaret; he's managed to garner awards for performing, directing, producing AND booking. The last two decades have seen him through an incredible journey down the highways and byways of both theater and cabaret. He was the creative force behind Mama Rose, The Encore and The Metropolitan Room. New York Magazine named The Metropolitan Room “The best cabaret in New York”, while under his management. Lennie has earned kudos for both performing and directing. The Village Voice called him “A One Man Cabaret Army!!” He is a much sought after teacher and director, who’s work can be seen nearly any night of the week (sometimes in multiple clubs!) He has toured nationally and internationally, and recorded his debut CD “I Want…You Want…”in 2001.
JULIE MILLER (Vice President) has practiced law in NYC for many years. She is the associate producer of the original rock musical feature film CLEAR BLUE TUESDAY and also a producer of the indie sci-fi feature film FADE TO WHITE. She produced the musical THE LAST STARFIGHTER at Theater at St. Clements, as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Julie is on the Board of Directors of the acclaimed Prospect Theater Company in New York, and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Haym Salomon Division Of The Arts, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for the elderly and persons with disabilities through the development of innovative arts initiatives and theatrical productions. Julie is very grateful to be a part of the wonderfully supportive and talented community of cabaret, and honored to be a member of the MAC Board of Directors.
JOHN KOPROWSKI (Treasurer) John received a BS in Accounting from St. Peter’s College and an MBA in Economics from NYU. After two years working with the CPA firm of Deloitte & Touche, he received his CPA license. Upon leaving public accounting, John worked for twelve years with the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation in Brooklyn as the VP for Accounting and Information Systems. Subsequently in 1982, he joined the Ford Foundation, first as Comptroller and later as Treasure and Director of Financial Services. In 1993 John left Ford to start a consulting firm, John J. Koprowski & Associates, working exclusively in the non-profit sector. The firm’s client list includes civil and human rights organizations, arts organizations, policy and advocacy groups, membership organizations and international capacity building groups. John was previously a board member of the New York Regional Association of Grantmakers. He also runs a part-time tax advisory and tax preparation service. As a member of the arts community, John has produced and performed four cabaret shows and has appeared at many clubs in the NYC area. As an actor, he belongs to the award winning Blue Coyote Theatre Company and has also appeared in and co-produced a number of shows with Without Papers Productions, a company that he co-founded. Recently, John was seen in several independent films, including The Third Testament, which has been presented at several festivals. John has been the Board Treasurer of the Singers Forum for over ten years and recently joined the board of the Astoria Performing Arts Center.
JIM SPEAKE (Secretary) Jim is a native of Alabama. Before moving to NY in 2000, he was President and founder of Speake Garden Furnishings in Atlanta, Ga. He was also VP of the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. In NY he has been in numerous off off Broadway productions and has worked as a performer in Cabarets in the city since 2005. For more information: ww.jimspeake.com
BOB DIAMOND was born in Great Falls, Montana. He moved to Seattle in his early teens where he started acting at The Bellevue Playbarn. He then attended the University of Washington, where he majored in Television Production. He spent two and a half years in the Army teaching Psychological Warfare to enlisted men at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After being discharged from the Army Bob moved to New York and started directing Television for WOR-TV. He directed THE JOE FRANKLIN SHOW for thirty-five years as well as many other shows and telethons.For sixteen years he was Director of Supernumeraries and Children for the Metropolitan Opera. He also acted on ALL MY CHILDREN and DAYS OF OUR LIVES. Theater performances have ranged from GOD to LADY BRACKNELL.
Bob did his first Cabaret show in the late 80’s at Danny’s Skylight Room with the late Dean X. Johnson as his musical director. His current show, THIS FUNNY WORLD, directed by Gretchen Rheinhagen and musical director David Jarvis, will make reprise in either January or February 2013. Bob is a member of AEA, SAG, AFTRA, DGA and MAC
KIM GROGG Kim Grogg is an actress, singer, director, choreographer and teacher. In the past several years, she has moved from the musical theatre world into the cabaret world. In 2010, Kim performed two original cabaret shows, "Dusty Springfield-Stay Awhile, I Only Want to Be With You" (Part of the award winning Under The Covers series) and "Feelin' Groovy-Peace, Love and the 60's". Kim has worked on over 100 theatre productions. Her theatre credits include: Gypsy, Hello Dolly, Pippin, Annie, The Music Man, Show Boat, Dames at Sea, Damn Yankees, Fiddler on the Roof, Big River, The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz, Nunsense and Menopause, the Musical. For ten years, Kim worked as the drama director for the Hewitt School, a private girl's school in Manhattan. Kim is also a print model. In magazines you can find her representing Alli, Heinz ketchup, Liberty Mutual life insurance, Meridia, Januvia, Raptiva and many other pharmaceuticals. Kim is a proud member of Actor’s Equity and is a dedicated MAC Board Member.
THOMAS HONECK Thomas earned a Theatre degree from The College at Brockport and has lived in NYC for over 22 years. He has performed at the Cleveland Play House and traveled around the country playing various roles with a tour of The Teenage Ninja Turtles. Thomas is currently the Booking Manager/Technical Director at the Duplex.STEARNS MATTHEWS Stearns Matthews is a two-time MAC Award Nominee for his solo cabaret shows, this will be...(2011, Best Male Vocalist) and I Was Here (2009, Best Male Debut). Stearns studied Music Theater at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey under the tutelage of Dr. Christopher Arneson and Nova Thomas. He has performed regionally in musicals with College Light Opera Company, Philadelphia Music Theatre Works, Women's Theatre Company, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. Favorite appearances include Albert Peterson in Bye, Bye, Birdie!, Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, and Man 1 in The World Goes 'Round. During his time at Westminster Choir College, Stearns also sang at such venues as Carnegie Hall, Riverside Church, NJPAC, and Spoleto Festival USA with the Westminster Symphonic Choir and the esteemed Westminster Choir, under the batons of Dr. Joseph Flummerfelt, Harry Bickett, David Robertson, and Dr. Joe Miller. He was a featured soloist with the Westminster Choir and Westminster Schola Cantorum. In addition to his MAC-nominated solo shows, Stearns has presented critically acclaimed duet performances with Jeremiah Downes (2008) and Megan Candio (2009). In the summer of 2008, he placed as first runner-up in the Metropolitan Room's first annual MetroStar Talent Challenge, despite being the youngest contestant to enter. In 2010, Stearns was one of twelve candidates selected to audition for the first annual Noel Coward Cabaret Competition, presented by the Mabel Mercer Foundation and also appeared in the Mabel Mercer Foundation's 21st Annual Cabaret Convention, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall. www.stearnsmatthews.com
SIDNEY MYER Cabaret Booking Manager: Don't Tell Mama: 171/2 years, Rose's Turn: 31/2 years, Panache 71/2 years. Performer: Cabaret, Off-Broadway, Stock, TV Commercials, Cable TV, Radio, Film www.donttellmamanyc.com
GRETCHEN REINHAGEN Gretchen Reinhagen is a multi-award winning artist, receiving the coveted triple crown of cabaret awards in 2010 - the Nightlife Award, Bistro Award and MAC Award - for her show "Special Kaye: A Tribute to the Incomparable Kaye Ballard". As both a singer and an actress, she's performed in a broad range of theaters and concert halls from the House of Blues in New Orleans to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh, Scotland. These days she prefers spending her time in cabaret rooms, and, a true gemini, can often be found singing Kaye Ballard's special material one night, and rocking out to a Janis Joplin tune the next. She also loves life on the "other side of the table" as both a director and a voice teacher. www.gretchenreinhagen.com
T. OLIVER REID The recipient of the 2012 MAC Award for Debut Artist-Male and the 2011 Julie Wilson Award from the Mabel Mercer Foundation, T. Oliver Reid has spent the last 18 months singing and records the songs of the American Songbook across the country. With Debuts in NYC and Los Angeles at The Metropolitan Room and The Gardenia Supper Club, respectively, T. Oliver has also performed at The Oak Room at the famed Algonquin Hotel, the Brownville Concert Series in Brownville, NE, The Dutch Treat Club, The Noël Coward Foundation's Cabaret Competition, 92nd Street "Y"s Lyrics & Lyricists series and at both the 21st and 22nd New York Cabaret Conventions at Lincoln Center's Rose Hall. Debuts at Feinstein's at Loews Regency in November 2012. His Broadway credits include "Sister Act- The Musical", “Chicago”, “Kiss Me Kate”, ‘Follies”, Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Never Gonna Dance”, “La Cage Aux Folles”, “The Wedding Singer”, “Damn Yankees” and “Mary Poppins”. TV includes “Sex & the City” and “Mercy”. Also "Cotton Club Parade" a joint venture between NY City Center and Jazz at Lincoln Center. Along with many cast recordings, T. Oliver's debut CD "Do I Love You" is available on iTunes and amazon.com
RICKY RITZEL (Archivist) has been a fixture on the nightclub and cabaret scene in NYC for over 20 years and has received most Cabaret awards including 12 Manhattan Association of Clubs Awards in 8 different catagories .He has performed all over the United States as well as London and Paris. An accomplished solo performer, Ricky has also accompanied such greats as Vivian Blaine, Ruth Warrick, Arthur Prysock, Varla Jean Merman, Julie Wilson, Lenora Nemetz and Miss Coco.With famed Chicago jazz vocalist Spider Saloff, Ricky created several award winning revues such as "1938", which was recorded on the Kopathetics label, "Porgy & Bess: a Cabaret Concert" and "Ira and Others".His performance as Jimmy Durante in "Schnozzola!" earned him critical raves and numerous awards. Ricky is half of the kooky "Lounge does Top 40" duo, THE LOUNGEOLEERS with 5 CD's on the Emenar label. As an actor his roles include Snug in ' A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, Third Priest in 'MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL', Dr. Rance in 'WHAT THE BUTLER SAW', Jonathan in 'OH DAD POOR DAD...' and various roles in 'HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FILM' He can also be seen as SCARY MAN who comes on to Christian Campbell in the film"TRICK". Ricky recently was seen in Las Vegas as Jimmy Durante in"Stop the Music!' at the Cashman Theatre with Sharon McNight as Sophie Tucker.
AMY WOLK Amy Wolk, a Chicago native, won the 2004 MAC Award for Best Female New York Debut for her show Different For Girls. She was also named one of the best in cabaret by ShowBusiness Weekly. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts/CAP21, Amy has appeared in shows at The Duplex, Don’t Tell Mama’s, The Metropolitan Room, and Town Hall, as well as at Davenport’s in Chicago. She has also appeared in many regional productions including Schoolhouse Rock Live (Dori), Into the Woods (Rapunzel), Evil Dead (Cheryl) and The Taffetas (Peggy). Her fifth solo show, Amy Wolk Sings Bette Midler’s Divine Madness was a hit in the Under the Covers series at Don’t Tell Mama, and received 4 stars in Next Magazine, and also won the MAC Award for Female Musical Comedy. A certified New York City school teacher, Amy has a Masters degree in Education from Fordham University. She works as a freelance teacher with On Location Education as an on set tutor on films and Broadway shows. This job has given her the opportunity to meet great people, teach amazing kids, and has allowed her to eat for free at opening night parties and from craft service tables. Amy has worked extensively on Broadway as an assistant merchandise manager for forty Broadway shows, including Annie Get Your Gun, Les Miserables, Gypsy, Equus, and most recently La Cage Aux Folles.
BY-LAWS
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE BYLAWS
Bylaws
of the
Manhattan Association of Cabarets, Inc.
Organized Pursuant to Section 402 of the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law
ARTICLE I
Members
Section 1. Membership Classifications & Qualifications
Membership in the Association shall be open to all persons actively engaged in the live entertainment industry as
cabaret and jazz performers, comedians, cabaret proprietors, booking agents, press agents, journalists, performers’
agents/personal managers, etc., as well as members of the general public who wish to support cabaret through
participation in MAC, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors or its designated Membership Committee
and the payment of dues as hereinafter set forth.
Section 2. Annual Dues
The dues for members of the Association shall be as set by the Board of Directors. At its sole discretion, the Board
may, from time to time, increase, decrease, or otherwise adjust the dues, and may offer various dues options.
No member shall be entitled to vote on any matter that comes before the membership unless his or her annual dues
have been paid. Dues shall be payable upon application for membership in the Association and annually thereafter.
The term of membership is twelve months, within which term a member may vote at all meetings of the membership
of the Association. The Board may, at its discretion, waive dues for honorary members, members of the Advisory
Board of Directors, members of the press or others it deems appropriate.
ARTICLE II
Association Management
Section 1. Officers and Directors
A. Officers
The Officers of the Association shall be a President, one or two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, and a
Treasurer. At the Board’s discretion, the President and Secretary positions can be filled by two people
sharing the responsibilities of the office.
Officers shall perform the duties prescribed by these Bylaws and by the parliamentary authority adopted by
the Association.
The President shall preside at all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors, or shall designate
another member of the Board to preside on his or her behalf. The President shall be responsible for general
supervision of the affairs of the Association and shall keep the Board of Directors fully informed and shall
freely consult with them and with other relevant members of the Association or cabaret community,
concerning the activities of the Association. The President shall have the power to appoint such committees
and committee chairpersons as may be required to conduct the business of the Association as outlined in
Article V herein.
The President shall have the power to sign in the name of the Association all contracts authorized with the
approval of two other Directors, at least one of whom must be an Officer. The President shall perform such
other duties as shall from time to time be assigned him by the Board of Directors. No one may serve as
President for four consecutive one-year terms.
Either of the Vice-Presidents, in the absence of the President, shall in general perform the duties of the
President and such duties as shall from time to time be assigned them by the Board of Directors.
The Secretary will act as Secretary of all meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors, and shall
keep the minutes of all such meetings. In addition, the Secretary shall perform all the duties customarily
incident to the office of the Secretary, including correspondence, subject to the control of the Board of
Directors, and shall attend to the giving and serving of all notices of the Association and such other duties
as shall from time to time be assigned by the Board. The Secretary shall also be responsible for maintaining
the records of the Association with respect to rules, regulations and amendments to these Bylaws, and shall
keep an up-to-date list of such matters separate from the minutes of the meetings in which such rules,
regulations or amendments were adopted. Individual duties of the Secretary may be delegated to another
person with the consent of the Board.
The Treasurer shall have the custody of all funds and securities of the Association which may come into his
or her hands. The Treasurer shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate accounts and shall, in
conjunction with the Membership Committee, maintain an accurate membership roll for the purposes of
voting and payment of dues. He or she shall deposit all monies and other valuable effects of the Association
in the name and to the credit of the Association in such banks or depositories as authorized by the Board of
Directors. Whenever required by the Board of Directors, the Treasurer shall at all reasonable times exhibit
the books and accounts to any officer or director of the Association. He or she shall perform all duties
incident to the position of Treasurer subject to the control of the Board of Directors, and shall, when
required, give such security for the faithful performance of his or her duties as the Board of Directors may
determine.
The Board of Directors may from time to time designate honorary officers, such as an officer Emeritus,
who shall not be members of the Board of Directors unless the Board in its sole discretion deems otherwise.
B. Directors
The Board of Directors of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets, Inc. shall consist of a minimum of ten
(10) persons. The terms “Director,” “Board member,” “member of the Board,” may be used
interchangeably throughout these Bylaws and the powers and duties enumerated in Article IV Section 2
shall apply to all Directors.
Section 2. Nominations
Any member may be a nominee for Board membership upon submission in writing to the Board, on or before the
deadline set by the Board, of the following:
- an expression of the desire to run for Board membership;
- such material as the Board may specify, such as biographical information and a statement of what
the member can offer by serving on the Board.
Section 3. Election
A. Directors
Except as provided in II.3.B, below, or as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Directors of the
Association shall be elected by the general membership. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein,
elections shall occur no earlier than sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting of the membership. Any
member in good standing at the time of election shall be eligible for election to the Board of Directors.
The vote by the general membership to elect Directors shall be a secret ballot conducted by mail. The
Secretary shall prepare or cause to be prepared a numbered list of persons entitled to vote, certified as
corrected to the date as of which the ballots are issued. Ballot materials shall be prepared and a procedure
for secret ballot by mail shall be observed. An independent agent shall be contracted for the purpose of
receiving and tallying ballots.
Each voting member shall be entitled to one vote for each vacant board seat. A candidate must receive
votes totaling at least 5% of the number of members in order to be elected. The candidates receiving the
highest number of votes up to the number of Directors to be elected shall be elected to serve on the Board,
provided that the votes cast total at least 25% of the number of members. If the number of votes cast total
less than 25% of the number of members , the Board shall elect Directors to fill the vacant seats. If any
candidate receiving the highest number of votes up to the number of directors to be elected shall not have
received votes totaling 5% of the number of members, the Board shall elect a Director to fill that seat.
The Board may employ such additional or alternative procedure for balloting as it may from time to time
determine.
B. Additional Directors
Additional Directors may be elected from among the membership or the public-at-large by majority vote of
the entire Board of Directors at any time.
C. Officers
The Officers of the Association shall be elected by the Board of Directors as soon as possible following the
annual election of Directors.
Section 4. Terms
Each Director elected prior to 2010 shall hold office for a period of two years and until his or her successor is
elected. Each Director elected in 2010 or later shall hold office for a period of three years and until his or her
successor is elected. Each year, approximately one-third of the authorized number of Directors shall be elected to
serve on the Board of Directors.
Each year one half of the authorized number of Directors shall be elected to serve on the Board of Directors.
Section 5. Exclusions, Removals and Vacancies
A. Exclusions
No person may hold more than one Office or Board seat at the same time.
B. Removals
Any Director may be removed for cause by a majority vote of all Directors then in office at a regular Board
meeting or a special meeting of the Board of Directors called for that purpose. The Director being
challenged shall not be permitted to vote on such action. Any Director so removed shall also be removed
from any office and/or committee on which he or she may serve.
Any Director or Officer may be removed, with or without cause, at the annual meeting or at a special
meeting of the members called for that purpose, by a vote of the majority of all members present and
voting, in person or by proxy, provided that a quorum exists.
C. Vacancies
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, in the case of any vacancy on the Board of Directors, a
successor to fill the unexpired portion of the term may be elected by a majority of the remaining Directors
then in office.
ARTICLE III
Meetings
Section 1. Meetings of the Board of Directors
A. Place of meeting
The Board of Directors may hold their meetings at such place or places within or without the State of New
York as the Board may from time to time determine. Meetings may be held by telephone conference,
provided all Directors have been given notice and a quorum is present in person or by proxy. The Board
may vote via electronic mail in the event that between regular meetings action on a matter is desired.
B. Regular meetings
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as may be determined by
the Board and no written notice of such regular meeting need be given provided that such meeting time and
place are decided upon and announced at a prior meeting. To retain a seat on the Board, a Director may not
miss two regular meetings in a calendar quarter, unless extraordinary circumstances prevent his or her
attendance.
C. Special meetings
Special meetings of the Board may be held at any time and place upon call of the President or any two
Directors. Notice of the time, place and purpose of every special meeting shall be given to each Director at
least two days before the meeting by electronic mail, surface mail or telephone call. The Secretary of the
Association shall have the responsibility of notifying Directors and Officers of special meetings, unless
such responsibility is delegated to another Board member or assumed by the President in specific instances.
D. Quorum
A majority of the Directors in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. If at any
meeting of the Board there shall be less than a quorum present in person or by proxy, the Directors may
adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum is present, and at such adjourned meeting any
business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally called.
Section 2. General Membership Meetings.
A. Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the members of the Association shall be held during the fall of each year
commencing in 1985 at such date, time and place as the Board of Directors shall designate.
B. Notice of Annual Meeting
Notice of the time, date and place of the annual meeting shall be given to every member by surface mail or
electronic mail, and posting on the organization’s web site, or other means deemed appropriate by the
Board of Directors, not fewer than ten (10) nor more than fifty (50) days before such meeting.
C. Special Meeting
In addition to the annual meeting, special meetings of the members of the Association may be held upon
call of the Board of Directors. Directors also will call a special meeting if requested to do so by a petition
of 25% of the current membership.
D. Notice of Special Meeting
Notice of the time, date and place of the special meeting shall be given to every member by surface mail or
electronic mail, and posting on the Association’s web site, or other means deemed appropriate by the Board
of Directors, not fewer than ten (10) nor more than forty (40) days before such meeting.
E. Organization
The President of the Association, or any member of the Board of Directors designated by the President or
Board to do so, shall preside at all meetings of the members. In the absence of the President or his designee,
one of the Vice-Presidents shall preside. In the absence of the Secretary, the presiding officer may appoint
any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
F. General Membership Voting
At any meeting of the members, each individual member or club or cabaret in good standing in person or
by proxy shall be entitled to one vote. With the exception of voting to remove an Officer or Board member
or amend these Bylaws as specified herein, all votes by the membership on any issue brought before them
by the Board or brought up during a scheduled meeting shall be advisory and not binding upon the Board of
Directors or the Association.
At the time that notice of any general, annual or special meeting of the membership is given, or such other
time as the Board at its discretion may from time to time determine, proxy forms shall be mailed to the
membership. The Secretary shall prepare or cause to be prepared a numbered list of persons entitled to
vote, certified as corrected to the date as of which the proxy forms are issued. Each proxy form shall carry
identifying information, such as a member number, corresponding to the list of voters. The Membership
Committee or other persons as designated by the President of the Board shall validate any proxy forms
presented at a membership meeting, and shall maintain a record of members present in person, to ensure
integrity of the voting process.
The Board may employ such additional or alternative procedure for handling proxies as it may from time to
time determine, provided that such procedure ensures the integrity of the voting process.
G. Order of Business
At all meetings of the members, the following order of business shall be observed so far as
consistent with the purposes of the meeting:
1. Reading of the Minutes of the Last Meeting;
2. Report of the Treasurer;
3. Report of the President;
4. Committee Reports, if any;
5. Old Business;
6. Transaction of such other new business as may properly come before the meeting.
H. Quorum, Adjournment of Meetings
At all general membership meetings and special meetings, 25% of the members, present in person or by
valid proxy, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the absence of the quorum, the
presiding officer may adjourn the meeting for the purpose of securing the quorum. At any adjourned
meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at
the meeting as originally called.
ARTICLE IV
Board of Directors
Section 1. Composition
The Board of Directors shall be constituted per II.1.B above.
Section 2. Powers and Duties
A. General
The Board of Directors shall have general power to manage and control the affairs and property of the
Association, and shall have full power, by majority vote, provided a quorum is present at any given
meeting, to adopt rules and regulations governing the actions of the Board and the Association and shall
have full and complete authority with respect to the distribution and payment of the monies received by the
Association from time to time; except that the fundamental and basic purposes of the Association, as
expressed in the Certificate of Incorporation, shall not thereby be amended or changed, and except further
that the Board of Directors shall not permit any part of the net earnings or capital to inure to the benefit of
any member or other private individual.
B. Finances
1. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year is September 1 to August 31. The fiscal year of the Association may be changed at
any time by the Board of Directors.
2. Contracts, Checks, Bank Accounts and Investment
The Board of Directors is authorized to select such depositories as it shall deem proper for the
funds of the Corporation and shall determine who shall be authorized in the Corporation’s behalf
to sign bills, checks, notes, receipts, acceptances, endorsements, releases, contracts and
documents. Anything in these Bylaws to the contrary notwithstanding, expenditures exceeding
$500, or commitments for such expenditures, shall require the approval of three Directors, at least
two of whom must be Officers.
The funds of this Association may be retained in whole or in part in cash or be invested and
reinvested from time to time in such property, real, personal or otherwise, or stocks, bonds or
other securities, as the Board of Directors in its discretion may deem desirable, subject to the
applicable guidelines and requirements of the Internal Revenue Service governing a tax-exempt,
not-for-profit Association.
C. Offices and Books
1. Office
The office of the Association shall be located at such place as the Board of Directors may from
time to time determine.
2. Books
There shall be kept at the office of the Association, or other locations(s) as determined by the
Board of Directors, correct books of account of the activities and transactions of the Association
including a minute book, which shall contain a copy of the Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of
these Bylaws, and all minutes of meetings of the members and of the Board of Directors.
3. Corporate Seal
The seal of the Association shall be circular in form and shall bear the name of the Association
and words and figures showing that it was incorporated in the State of New York and the year of
its incorporation.
D. Indemnification and Insurance
The Association may, to the fullest extent now or hereafter permitted by law, indemnify any person made,
or threatened to be made, a party to any action or proceeding by reason of the fact that he, his testator or
intestate was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Association, against judgments, fines, amounts
paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees.
MAC Bylaws as of 11/16/2011
Page 5 of 7
Section 4. Executive Committee
The Officers of the Association shall constitute the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may act on
behalf of the Board between meetings. The Executive Committee may not modify any action of the Board.
Section 5. Advisory and Honorary Board
A. Advisory Board
The Board of Directors of the Association may appoint from time to time such persons as it deems
appropriate to serve as advisory members of the Board of Directors. The Advisory Board shall consist of
persons whose skills or backgrounds make their membership on the Advisory Board beneficial to the
organization and/or the cabaret community. Such persons as may be appointed and accept appointment,
however, shall not be granted full membership or voting privileges on the Board of Directors, and may not
be counted towards a quorum at any meeting, nor be required to attend or participate in any Association
activity.
B. Honorary Board
The Board of Directors of the Association may appoint from time to time such persons as it deems
appropriate to serve as honorary members of the Board of Directors. The Honorary Board shall consist of
persons whose stature within the cabaret and entertainment community is recognized by the general public,
making their membership on the Honorary Board beneficial to the organization and/or the cabaret
community through the use of their name and counsel. Such persons as may be appointed and accept
appointment, however, shall not be granted full membership or voting privileges on the Board of Directors,
and may not be counted towards a quorum at any meeting, nor be required to attend or participate in any
Association activity.
Section 6. Other Agents, etc.
The Board of Directors may appoint from time to time such agents as it shall deem necessary, each of whom shall
hold office at the Board’s discretion, and shall have such authority and perform such duties and shall receive such
reasonable compensation as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE V
Committees
Section 1. Types of Committees
The President and the Board of Directors of the Association shall create, appoint and supervise such committees as
they may deem necessary to the proper execution of the business and purposes of the Association. The roster of
committees might include the following:
A. Membership Committee
The Membership Committee shall consist at all times of a Membership Director, appointed by the Board,
and such additional members as the Membership Director may determine. The Membership Director shall
act as Membership Committee Chairperson and shall be empowered to accept payment for dues and
membership applications. The Committee, with the guidance of the Chairperson, shall be charged with
responsibility for actively recruiting new members and retaining existing members of the Association, and
such other duties as prescribed by these Bylaws. Any member of the Association may serve on the
Membership Committee.
B. Communications Committee
The Communications Committee shall be responsible for materials representing the organization in all
media, including but not limited to newsletters, bulletins, Internet communications and press releases.
C. Special Events Committee
The Special Events Committee shall be responsible for organizing such special events, seminars or
programs as may be authorized by the Board of Directors and shall have such powers and duties as may be
assigned by the Board of Directors.
D. Eligibility Committee
The Eligibility Committee shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of
Directors annually prior to the balloting for the annual Awards presented on behalf of the Manhattan
Association of Cabarets, Inc. This committee shall recommend lists of performers, directors, songwriters,
etc., eligible to compete in accordance with such rules and within such Awards categories as may be
recommended by the committee.
No Board member, officer, or any other person who serves on this committee may vote or otherwise
influence its decisions in areas in which he or she has a direct interest as a performer, director, partner,
spouse, club owner, booking manager or personal manager.
Recommendations of the Eligibility Committee are advisory and subject to the approval of the Board of
Directors before being submitted to the membership for the purpose of soliciting applications for the vote
to determine nominees for MAC Awards.
E. Awards Committee
The Awards Committee, with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, shall be responsible for
scheduling, locating a venue, program preparation, advertising sales, and other preparation for and
presentation of the MAC Awards program.
Section 2. Committee Membership
Membership on any committee of the Association shall be open to all members upon appointment by the President
of the Association or the Board of Directors. In addition, the Board or President may appoint to such committees any
non-member whose expertise or experience may assist the fulfillment of the committee’s function.
Section 3. Committee Chairpersons
For each committee appointed by the President or the Board of Directors, a Committee Chairperson shall be
designated. It shall be the responsibility of the Chairperson to call such meetings as may be necessary to carry out
the committee’s work, to prepare and submit the results of such work, to represent the results before the Board and
to advise the President and the Board of the progress of his or her committee’s activities.
ARTICLE VI
Parliamentary Authority
At all meetings of the membership and of the Board of Directors, parliamentary procedure shall be observed as
outlined in Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The Board of Directors shall designate a member of the
Association to act as parliamentarian at any and all meetings of the Board and membership. Rules may be suspended
by a majority vote of those present at a meeting, providing that a quorum is present.
ARTICLE VII
Amendments
These Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors in office at any meeting of the
Board of Directors, or by a majority of the members of the Association present at the annual meeting or at a special
meeting duly called for the purpose of amending these Bylaws, providing notice of such purpose of amendment has
been included in the notice for such special meeting.
BOD Minutes
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Meeting Minutes
HOW CAN I CONTACT MAC FOR FURTHER INFO?
If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Phone: 212-465-2662
General Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tech/Web Support Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
WHAT ARE THE MAC AWARDS AND WHY?
WHEN AND HOW MAY I USE THE MAC LOGO?
• You may use the logo to indicate you or someone in your show is a MAC member, e.g., John Doe* and Betty Smith* appearing in “Ballads By Moonlight”…
* [MAC logo] member
• You may use the logo to indicate you are either a MAC Award nominee or Award winner, e.g., [MAC logo] Award nominee John Doe or [MAC logo] Award winner Betty Smith
• You may use the logo when offering a cover discount to your show to MAC members, e.g., $15 cover / $10 cover for [MAC logo] members
• Please contact MAC with any further questions about the logo so we may address them before you print a flyer or create an ad, to make sure the logo usage is completely understood.
CAN I GET HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH MAC?
WHY SHOULD MY CLUB JOIN MAC?
• MAC member clubs also receive the MAC Mailing List, in a choice of three formats, for use in their promotional campaigns, event calendar mailings, etc.
• The MAC Night Out program gives MAC clubs the opportunity to host one of these networking events, which will bring attention to the club and introduce its space to MAC members, many of whom are performers who might be interested in booking the club. It’s a win-win event for MAC members and MAC clubs.
• MAC provides a decal that a club may display to identify itself as a MAC member club, announcing that it is a valued, participating member of MAC and the entertainment community.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A MAC MEMBERSHIP?
• Almost all members discount cover charges for their shows to MAC members, making seeing each other’s work more affordable.
• MAC Seminars are offered over the course of a year, covering a broad range of both art and business related topics of interest. Seminars are free to MAC members.
• The MAC/ASCAP Songwriters Showcases take place several times a year. Member composers and lyricists enjoy an opportunity to share their work at these immensely popular evenings. Members pay discounted admissions charges.
• MAC Night Out events are held at various member clubs throughout the year. These serve as both networking opportunities for the membership and chances for members to familiarize themselves with the diverse roster of MAC Member Clubs.
• MAC serves as an advocate for its membership. At various times over its history, MAC has been an active participant in dialogues designed to change or overturn legislation adversely affecting our community of performers and clubs.
• Additionally, MAC members are offered a discounted, first crack at tickets for the MAC Awards, before they go on sale to the public.
HOW DOES MAC WORK?
HOW DID MAC EVOLVE INTO THE ORGANIZATION IT IS TODAY?
HOW DID MAC START?
*(Taken from MAC's original Statement of Purpose).
WHAT EXACTLY IS MAC?
Advancing the art and business of live entertainment
Why Should I Join MAC?
- Free admission to informative and entertaining seminars, classes and showcases
- Discounts on countless shows
- Discounts at local businesses and resources
- Get your own personal web space to post show information, music and video
- Exclusive access to member mailing lists
- The opportunity to vote in the annual MAC Awards
Online registration will be available soon.
Until then,
download the membership form
here
(PDF File)


