Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission

MINUTES OF THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, August 22, 2023 The meeting of the Opera House Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order at the Opera House at 4:32 pm by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. A roll call was taken. I. Call to Order Advisory Members: Present: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Jeff Kleinschmidt, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart Absent: Roger Zawacki Staff: Opera House Director Daniel Campbell, Opera House Business Operations Manager Betsy Cosgray Public: Gay Mather II. Approval of Minutes Judith Svalander motioned to approve the Tuesday, May 16, 2023 meeting minutes, Cassandra Vohs Demann seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Jeff Kleinschmidt, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart. Nays: none. Absent: Roger Zawacki. Motion to approve the May 16, 2023 meeting minutes passed. III. COMMUNICATIONS Daniel introduced Gay Mather, who once appointed, will represent the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. The Board introduced themselves. a. Managing Director Report: D. Campbell provided a WOH update: Director Campbell shared with the advisory board that there were many successful programs during the summer months: Theatre 121’s Rent and Summer Workshop, Woodstock Children’s Summer Theatre’s The SpongeBob Musical, Jr. Edition, City Band, Judith Svalander’s Spring Dance and Summer Workshop, which exceeded past numbers. The Opera House produced The Great Dubois circus act as well as John Waite. The FY22/23 End of the Year report will be sent to Council in September. The Opera House staff is taking shape with promotions and new hires throughout the summer. Taylor Kouris was promoted to Business Operations Assistant in April as well as one other Front of House Attendant. Hospitality will be bringing on three new part-time Concession Workers in September. Jason Lovitt was hired and will start on September 5 as Production Assistant Manager under Rodney Stickrod. He will be joined by four LPT event staff workers in September as well. J. Svalander asked if the new staff would increase the labor cost for a production. Director Campbell explained that we staff for the production needs, so the labor should not increase unless the production needs increase. The Woodstock Opera House has acquired a LED wall with the assistance of FOTOH, WFAA and Theatre 121. The goal is to have it installed by October. Answering J. Svalander’s question, D. Campbell stated the wall would take up less than a foot of floor space. b. Commission Chair: K. Johnson stated that the Sunday on the Square concert attendance is lower than they would like, but the crowds are enthusiastic. c. Commission Member Comments: Peggy Hart (Friends of the Opera House): Friends were at Summer in the Park during June and gave away over 150 prizes and FOTOH t-shirts. They also sold Dairy Queen during the 2023 Advisory Meeting dates: Jan. 17, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, May 16, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Nov.14  July 5th City Band concert. This summer Friends donated $2,000 to Woodstock Children’s Summer Theatre and $1,500 to Theatre Workshop. They now have a dedicated member working on their social media. September 7, 2023 is Friends of the Opera House day at Read Between the Lynes. Friends will receive 15% of the profit. A Holiday Beer Tasting Event with limited tickets available is planned for December 1 with three breweries. Gay Mather (Woodstock Fine Arts Association): WFAA has a shortened series beginning on September 21 and continuing for the next three months. Their fundraiser, as part of Raise the Curtain Fundraising Week is on September 20. Cassandra Vohs Demann (Member at Large): Woodstock Community Choir begins for an early fall season on 8/22 with a concert on October 29 as well as participating in Lighting of the Square. Currently we are in rehearsal for Silver Screen Spectacular for September 16 and 17. IV. OLD BUSINESS a. Technical Production Needs/Capabilities – Director Campbell reminded advisory members to keep the lines of communication open to Rodney Stickrod, Production Manager with future technical needs. b. WHO Annual/Monthly Reports for City Council – Discussed during Director comments. V. NEW BUSINESS a. Review of DLR Report - Director Campbell shared with the Advisory Board DLR’s Visioning Report. Discussion ensued. D. Campbell explained a recommendation of renovation and updates will be sent to the City Council. If the Council approves the recommendations, the Grant Manager, for the State of Illinois, will need to give their approval of the changes to the original grant proposal before work can begin. A copy of the DLR report will be made available to the public when sent to the City Council. After the September 19th Council meeting, the Advisory board will be updated with the progress. b. DCEO Grant Projects – No further discussion took place, discussed during DLR Report agenda item discussion. VI. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn by Cassandra Vohs Demann, Judith Svalander seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Jeff Kleinschmidt, Cassandra Vohs Demann, and Peggy Hart. Nays: none. Absent: Roger Zawacki. Motion to adjourn passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:44 pm. The next meeting: September 19, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Cosgray 2023 Advisory Meeting dates: Jan. 17, Feb. 14, Mar. 14, May 16, Aug. 15, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Nov.14