How Unio Set the Stage for ATC's Technological Transformation

Client

Arizona Theatre Company (ATC) is a not-for-profit regional theatre, staging successful productions to over 130,000 patrons annually in Tucson and Tempe. In its 56-season history, ATC has produced a wide range of theatrical experiences, from mainstage shows, to community initiatives, to original works that have reached Broadway.

Background

Unio Digital has been instrumental in supporting ATC's technological needs since 2020, a partnership spearheaded by ATC's executive director Geri Wright, who had established a trusting relationship with Unio Digital in her previous roles.

The necessity of technology in ATC's operations became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift ATC was making to the cloud was accelerated to support communications and operations, both from their four working environments and work-from-home requirements.

Challenges

As a nonprofit theatre company, ATC has faced several unique challenges:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted their operations and revenue streams.
• ATC moved their entire theatre from Phoenix to Tempe, which required a full IT setup.
• Several of ATC's other buildings have required rewiring and other infrastructure installations.
• Due to the nature of theatre production, the ebb and flow of ATC's workforce has consistently raised complexities in the employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
• Budget constraints further complicated the need for up-to-date technology and on-site support.
• A changeover in Unio Digital's staff briefly complicated communications and understanding of ATC's operations and needs.

Solutions

Unio Digital addressed ATC's challenges through a series of hands-on strategic initiatives, taking into account their unique operational needs and budget constraints to deliver personalized solutions.

Streamlined Employee Onboarding/Offboarding System

• Developed an online form system to automate user account and password creation.
• Grouped employee departments and set up automated, role-based access permissions.
• Sends Unio Digital offboarding alerts, allowing them to schedule the removal of user accounts and access permissions.

Building Rewiring and Infrastructure Setup

• Managed onsite infrastructure setups and structured cabling at several of ATC's historic buildings, including a new box office in the Tempe Center for the Arts; the Temple of Music and Art in Tucson; and ATC's country club.
• Sourced and installed computers and hardware.
• Set up Internet connections, which included cabling installations.
• Installed wiring for a production facility.

Innovative Budget Solutions

• Facilitated a donation of hardware from another client who was downsizing.
• Investigated surplus equipment from local institutions, such as university auctions.
• Ongoing assessments of ATC's infrastructure to identify potential efficiencies, reduce maintenance costs, and avoid unnecessary expenditures.

Cloud Migration Management

• Accelerated ATC's shift to Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.
• Updated legacy technology and onsite storage.
• Training to familiarize ATC's staff with the new platforms.
• Moved ATC's PBX system to an integrated cloud phone.

Commitment to Partnership

• Initiated regular, structured meetings to ensure open lines of communication.
• Enhanced personal engagement by assigning a dedicated point-of-contact who was familiar with ATC's needs and history.
• Emphasized the importance of face-to-face interactions by making regular onsite visits to ATC's facilities.

Results

Through the solutions implemented by Unio Digital, ATC has realized significant improvements in its operational capabilities and technological infrastructure. The transition to streamlined employee onboarding and offboarding processes has markedly enhanced efficiency, reducing administrative overhead and aligning with their fluctuating nature.

The comprehensive infrastructure rewiring and IT setups have preserved the cultural integrity of ATC's production spaces, while transforming them into modern, technologically equipped facilities, further enabling steady operational efficiency without overextending financial resources.

Future

Looking ahead, both Unio Digital and ATC are committed to deepening their relationship through enhanced understanding and collaboration. Unio Digital's ongoing efforts to introduce automation and efficiency will continue to support ATC's mission, while accommodating budgetary considerations.

The focus remains on leveraging technology as a strategic asset that can drive innovation and growth in the theater's artistic and operational endeavors. Together, Unio Digital and Arizona Theatre Company exemplify how technology and creativity can intertwine to forge a resilient and adaptive partnership, poised to meet the future's demands.