Laconia Putnam Fund

Laconia Putnam Fund Board of Trustees Meeting October 1, 2021 This meeting was called to order on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 9:30 am held at 45 Beacon Street East, Laconia City Hall, Laconia, NH with the following in attendance: Jim Rogato, Rich Landry, Betty Ballantyne, and Charles Bradley (phone). MINUTES: Jim made a motion to accept September’s minutes, Rich seconded with all in favor. RACK PACK UPDATE: Per Jacob Crumb, Colonial Theater Manager reported 557 tickets scanned for the show. In knowing of the 750 available seats only 557 attended. Therefore, we further discussed educating the public of the assorted options in securing the tickets along with the process of the Standby Line. Charles opposes that the City and Colonial make it mandatory to secure tickets for the Putnam Performances. COLONIAL THEATER: Jacob Crumb did reach out to Jim to further discuss the protocols necessary to coordinate shows at the Colonial Theater. (See Attached) Our next show Hart Keene, we have asked Jacob to oversee the volunteers to usher and scan tickets which allows for better coverage and for the Board to mingle with the public and to assist where needed. It had been estimated the expense to do so would range from $150 to $200 for this performance. Charles made a motion and Rich seconded it with all in favor to assign and hire Jacob to oversee the coverage for this performance. HART KEENE: In preparation for his show, they only ask we provide, coffee, tea, and water. We will also provide complimentary fresh fruit. Rich has the residual water from the prior show; therefore, we have the water and just need bring it to the Theater. Betty will manage the coffee, fruit, and secure the water from Rich. We may enter the Theater at 2:00 pm at the side door. We my use the front door at the Theater and enter at 5:45 pm. RONNIE EARL & THE BROADCASTERS: Our Agent Julie approached us regarding adding a second performer for the Blues Show held on Friday, November 27th, Jon Butcher for an additional fee. In knowing we have committed and advertised to one performer along with having Jon four years ago, we did not see them together as a good fit therefore we voted to not commit to Jon Butcher. BOOKING PROTOCOL AT THE COLONIAL THEATER: two gigs in 18 months, six gigs in 6 months and seven gigs in 13 weeks. This is inclusive to all potential needs from the city, schools, and Putnam Fund. Powerhouse Theater Company currently has the following dates committed and secured at the Colonial Theater for 2022: February 7-13, May 1-8, August 7-14, October 9-16, and December 11-18. POTENTIAL PROGRAMS: A recommendation by Jim was to reach out to Spectacle to piggyback onto their programs they had contracted from out of state theaters. Jim noted that the theater in Lexington, MA had their postcard listing all the programs displayed at the Colonial Theater. He chose two whom may be of interest for a show. “Christmas in Vienna Boys Choir” and “Russian Ballet of Sleeping Beauty.” Others to consider Tom Rush & Jesse Colin Young NH Artists. Jim will reach out to Jacob to discuss contacts to initiate this possibility. Linda Eder – Broadway Star. Charles had contacted her after seeing her perform at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro. Her fee is $22,000 to $28,000 not inclusive of other anticipated costs regarding the performance and her entire entourage. She will We anticipate countering $15,000. We have date possibilities from her being an option of Friday or a Saturday night show on April 8 or 9, September 16 or 17th or September 30th or October 1st. We discussed dates being more available on weekdays at the Colonial and helps in contracting with Ms. Eder. She also does offer Masterclasses which could be of great interest. We currently do not have a fee for her Masterclass offering. FATHER ADRIENNE: Charles made a motion to approve his proclamation to submit to the City Council, Rich seconded it and all in favor. PROGRAMS: David S Brody is November 5, 2021, and Alex Kershaw November 29, 2021, both are authors, and each program will be held at the Belknap Mill on the 3rd Floor. We soon will have a signed contract with the Mill. It is in the works. With no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:49 am. Respectfully submitted, Betty Ballantyne