Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission

MINUTES OF THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE ADVISORY COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday, September 24, 2024 The meeting of the Opera House Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order at the Opera House at 4:30 p.m. by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. A roll call was taken. I. CALL TO ORDER Present: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, Mary Ellen Prindiville, Jeff Kleinschmidt (arrived at 4:33 p.m.), and Jordan Rakittke. Absent: None. Staff: Daniel Campbell (Opera House Director), Betsy Cosgray (Opera House Business Operations Manager (arrived at 4:44 p.m.), Tiara Thayer (Commission Clerk). II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES P. Hart motioned to accept the August 20, 2024 meeting minutes as presented, and C. Vohs Demann seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, Mary Ellen Prindiville, Jeff Kleinschmidt, and Jordan Rakittke. Nays: none. Absent: none. Motion to accept the August 20, 2024 meeting minutes passed. III. COMMUNICATIONS a. Opera House Director Report: Daniel Campbell reported that the building construction is behind schedule, largely due to supply delays, and has impacted programming at the Opera House. ParaCon was cancelled due to the construction delays and the producer’s health issues, but will hopefully return next year, and the Yakov Smirnoff show has been rescheduled for November 1st. The auditorium is scheduled to be 90% completed by the end of next week, October 5th, and the contractors confirmed that the Creative Living Series should be able to keep its schedule. Director Campbell is working on contingency plans for the third-story dressing rooms in case they are not completed by November. Director Campbell shared that he attended a booking conference last week and met with various artists. The October through May season is going out, with the City’s Marketing Department working on promoting the season and mailing brochures. Director Campbell highlighted that the purpose of releasing the show schedule in this manner is to increase ticket sales. The summer season schedule deadline is March 1, 2024 1  with the goal of marketing the season in early April. Discussion ensued concerning marketing priorities and budgeting. Lastly, Director Campbell shared that the City Council viewed the Opera House’s Annual Report at their last meeting. b. Commission Chair Comments: Keith Johnson commended the technical staff at Stage Left Café for installing new tech equipment and for being generally excellent to work with. Chairperson Johnson also relayed that the Open Mic Nights continue to be a fun program that showcases new and diverse talent. c. Commission Member Comments: Cassandra Vohs Demann (Member at Large) stated that the Kishwaukee Brewing Company will be hosting a Bingo Fundraiser to support the Woodstock Community Choir on Sunday September 29th. The choir is preparing for the Lighting of the Square event, and planning has started for the Choir’s 10 Year Anniversary Gala scheduled for Fall 2025. Peggy Hart (Friends of the Opera House) shared that the Friends were present at the Family Fun Day event in August, where they were able to promote their group. The Friends organized a “Hoppy” Hour fundraiser event on September 14th. P. Hart and B. Cosgray attended a showcase targeted towards children and found some potential vendors to invite to the Witches and Wizards of Woodstock event. Jordan Rakittke (Theatre 121) reported that Theatre 121 is preparing for their November show, A Christmas Story. Judith Svalander (Judith Svalander Ballet Theatre) stated that the studio is getting ready for their performance at Harper College on September 28th. Mary Ellen Prindiville (Woodstock Fine Arts Association) shared that Thursday, October 17th is the Creative Living Series featuring travel writer Thomas Swick. Jeff Kleinschmidt shared that the festival season has been very busy and apologized for missing meetings. Chairperson Johnson offered his appreciation for J. Kleinschmidt’s perspective and contributions to this commission. IV. OLD BUSINESS a. Opera House Program Schedule Daniel reiterated that the Opera House is moving to a seasonal schedule that will run from October through May and June through September. Brochures for the season are set to be distributed soon. b. DCEO Updates and Project Communications This section was reported and discussed during the Director’s Report. c. Re-Opening Gala The date of the Re-Opening Gala has been moved from November 2nd to November 9th. The Opera House has secured Henry Winkler as the guest 2  speaker, and tickets will go on sale next Tuesday as part of the season launch. There will be a limited amount of VIP meet-and-greet tickets available to purchase. V. NEW BUSINESS a. Fundraising – Keith Johnson Director Campbell reported that the City has hired a new Development Manager to work with all departments on their fundraising efforts. Director Campbell noted that fundraising has declined on a national level since the onset of COVID. b. Annual Report – Keith Johnson Chairperson Johnson facilitated a discussion concerning ideas and suggestions to include in the next Annual Report to the City. Chairperson Johnson voiced interest in requesting additional funds for the Opera House’s publicity and marketing needs. Director Campbell noted that he is advocating to the City for an Opera House specific marketing position. The following Commissioners volunteered to bring ideas on their respective topics to the October meeting. J. Kleinschmidt volunteered to focus on the need for an Opera House specific marketing person. C. Vohs Demann volunteered to focus on ways to consolidate an identity for Stage Left Café. J. Rakittke volunteered to focus on educational and family-oriented outreach. Director Campbell agreed to compile some ways the resident companies can organize and implement more of their own programs. B. Cosgray voiced her concern over the condition of the Opera House’s fire escape. VI. ADJOURNMENT C. Vohs Demann motioned to adjourn the meeting, and J. Kleinschmidt seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, Mary Ellen Prindiville, Jeff Kleinschmidt, and Jordan Rakittke. Nays: none. Absent: none. Motion to adjourn passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m. 2024 Advisory Meetings: Jan. 16, Feb. 20, Mar. 19, May 21, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19. The next meeting: October 15, 2024 Respectfully Submitted, Tiara Thayer Commission Clerk 3