Performing Arts Center Board

MINUTES OF VILLAGE OF SKOKfE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOARD Monday, September 12. 2022 7:00 P.M. A REGULAR MEETING OF the Performing Arts Center Board was held at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Hiinols, on Monday, September 12, 2022. CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Barry Layfer made the motion to approve the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Janis Fine. The Minutes were then approved by the Board. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Terrence Guoiee; Janis Fine; Barry Layfer; Barbara Reeder; Andrea Siegel; Ann Tennes (Village staff liaison) BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Kelch; Norm Rosen (ex-officio); Rene Roy OTHERS PRESENT: General Manager Michae! Pauken; Director of Marketing & Communications Joseph A!aimo; Manager of Concerts/Marketing Assistant Merriil Miller OPERATIONS REPORT: Pauken reported that staff spent much of the summer working on matters related to the management transition from PFM to VenuWorks. This officially took effect on July 1, but in practice has been a process that has played out over many weeks. VenuWorks handles accounting at the building level, so a new business manager has been hired. Her name is Steph Shryock and she begins on September 22. Former events manager Tiffany Tuck departed in June and has been replaced with Lyndee Hallahan, who started in August. Perhaps the biggest challenge of the summer was the transition of ticketing systems from Paciolan to Ticketmaster. This is an immensely complex endeavor with enormous amounts of data that must be migrated. The various demands and marketing needs of our Feature Series shows, resident companies and rental organizations all need to be met. The Center started selling tickets on the Ticketmaster platform on September 1. Pauken said the numerous reporting functions that they need are still a work in progress. tt took several weeks longer than expected, but VenuWorks of Skokie LLC obtained its liquor license at the end of July. Over the past couple of months, various VenuWorks corporate staff have visited the North Shore Center including an !.T. team, Regional Vice President John Siehi, Vice President of Human Resources Angela Bohlen, Vice President of Food and Beverage Russ Ferguson and Controller Mike Piehl. Pauken included with the board packet a copy of the business plan VenuWorks prepared for the Village as stipulated in the new management agreement. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS: On the capita! improvement front, Pauken reported that the replacement of the roofs of both theatres (funded by the Village of Skokie) has proceeded through the summer. The roof over the main hall Is complete. The roof of the North Theatre was scheduled to be done by August 26, but work continues. Pauken explained that with Northlight back in production, roof work has to stop at noon on most days. Pauken reported that an architect has been hired for the renovation of the entrance canopies. Pauken included some renderings of the proposed design with the board packet. It is hoped the project wii! go out for bid !ater this fall. Pauken said he will also be in communication with the Viilage to discuss plans for repairs to the upper portion of the front facade and the replacement of the fabric sails. The replacement of the HVAC system serving the backstage areas of the main theatre will move forward this fail as well. It was explained that Is the oldest of the Center's major units, has ceased operating properly, and the repair cost is too high to justify on such an old unit. The other major Village-funded project is the installation of a new back-up power generator to supply electricity to emergency lights and exit signs in the event of a power failure. The old battery system that was original to the building was deemed too old to repair. PROGRAMMING/MARKETING: The Center's Feature Series begins on September 23 with comedian JB Smoove. The oft-rescheduied (and sold-out) Steven Wright follows on October 6. The fall schedule also includes 50th anniversary performances by The Manhattan Transfer with the Diva Jazz Orchestra on October 15 and Canadian Brass on November 18 as wei! as Fleetwood Mask, a Tribute to Fleetwood Mac approved by Mick Fteetwood, on November 19. It was reported that NSCPA Foundation is holding its annual benefit in association with the Fleetwood Mask performance. Pauken added that as in years past the Center partners with outside promoters to bolster programming while reducing risk and will host biues artist Joanne Shaw Tayior on October 28 and the State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine performing Swan Lake on November 16. Miller and Alaimo discussed the 2022-23 Feature Series season and marketing plans for upcoming shows. In recent weeks the Center confirmed Feature Series performances of the Elvis Tribute Artists Spectacular (1/7; rental), BritBeat (2/18); Lewis Black (3/24 & 25) and Paula Poundstone (4/1). Miller said that several music acts for the spring are looking encouraging. New artists were reviewed for Board endorsement, including Tab Benoit, Vitamin String Quartet, Gipsy Kings. Macy Gray, The Waiters, The Psychedelic Furs, Gary Gulman, Dave Mason, Darlingside. Hot Tuna, Robert Glasper, A!y & AJ, and Dom Remons. Pauken said the Center is restarting the Youtheatre program this coming winter after a two-year pandemic- imposed hiatus. There are four shows scheduled at present, all returns of past favorites. NorthHght ended their 2021-22 season in mid-August with the charming Dear Jack, Dear Louise, Just as Music Theater Works opened Zorro the Musical in the main hafl. Northlight began their 2022-23 season on September 1 with The Garbologists. Music Theater Works opens Camelot in the North Theatre on October 20. FINANCIALS: Pauken included the financial statements for the month of July in the board packet. Due to the management transition and the temporary manner in which the financials are being prepared, it is not possible at this time to provide a budget comparison. OLD BUSINESS: The Board discussed the status resident companies with respect to ticket sales, lease terms, etc. NEW BUSINESS: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. after a motion by Barbara Reeder, a second by Barry Layfer, and a unanimous vote of all present. Respectfully submitted, Michael Pauken