Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission

MINUTES OF THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday November 19, 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 pm by Keith Johnson on Tuesday November 19, 2024. A roll call was taken. I. CALL TO ORDER Present: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, Nan Cibula-Jenkins. Absent: Mary Ellen Prindiville (resigned), Jeff Kleinschmidt, Jordan Rakittke. Staff: Daniel Campbell (Opera House Director), Betsy Cosgray (Opera House Business Operations Manager), Laura Cullotta (Business Development Manager at the City of Woodstock) and Tiara Thayer (Commission Clerk). II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES J. Svalander requested that the minutes refer to her company as Judith Svalander Dance Theatre instead of Ballet Theatre. C. Vohs Demann motioned to accept the October 15, 2024 meeting minutes as corrected, and J. Svalander seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, and Nan Cibula-Jenkins. Nays: none. Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt, and Jordan Rakittke. Motion to accept the October 15, 2024 meeting minutes passed. III. COMMUNICATIONS a. Opera House Director Report: Daniel Campbell reported that the construction is steadily moving forward, with the crew focusing on completing the front lobby in time for the winter holiday tree display. The steel needed for the south annex is anticipated to arrive in the second week of December, but it is likely that the south annex will not be completed until March 2025. The Henry Winkler event was quite successful, despite not breaking even; 377 tickets were sold for the event, and the Opera House demonstrated their ability to host an event that features a higher caliber celebrity. Multiple shows have performed on the new stage, however the return of audience members is moving slowly. Director Campbell is optimistic that the holiday show sales will be an improvement. The fiscal year is halfway through and the Opera House is on track with their budget, although revenue has been down largely due to the construction closures. J. Svalander suggested the use of a banner to inform the public that the Opera House is open and tickets are on sale. Director Campbell stated he will discuss the suggestion with the City’s marketing team. 1  b. Commission Chair Comments: Keith Johnson reported that he is looking at ways to increase the popularity of the Open Mic Nights. c. Commission Member Comments: Cassandra Vohs Demann (Member at Large) shared that the Choir sold 286 tickets to their concert. However, donations were down, which C. Vohs Demann surmises may have been due to the increased ticket costs. Rehearsals for the Lighting of the Square are starting tonight. Peggy Hart (Friends of the Opera House) reported that the Friends have sold about 100 poinsettia plants for their fundraiser, including eight plants that were ordered by the Squire on the Square. The Treasure Island program will return in January 2025; there will be four productions of this interactive play. On January 30, the Friends will host their 3rd Cocktails with Willie fundraiser event. The Friends are starting an endowment fund in 2025 to organize funds that will forever remain dedicated to the Opera House and performing arts. Discussion ensued concerning fundraising and Opera House donations. Jordan Rakittke (Theatre 121) Absent. Judith Svalander (Judith Svalander Dance Theatre) remarked that her dancers had a great time dancing with a 62-piece orchestra at Harper college. J. Svalander presented a $2,000 donation check from the Dance Theatre to Director Campbell for the Opera House. Director Campbell thanked J. Svalander for her generosity and continued support. Nan Cibula-Jenkins (Woodstock Fine Arts Association) reported that the next Creative Living session is this Thursday. Director Campbell informed N. Cibula- Jenkins that the space where Creative Living is being held will have some areas roped off for construction, but the full space should be available by December’s session. The 2025 Talent Showcase is scheduled for April 10th, and a production of Stinky Cheese Man is scheduled for May 9th. B. Cosgray noted that she is working to provide tickets to low-income families to attend the Stinky Cheese Man program. Jeff Kleinschmidt Absent. Laura Cullotta introduced herself as the new Business Development Manager for the City. L. Cullotta explained that her role is to work with the various city departments to make connections and help raise funds in whatever areas are falling short. J. Svalander asked if funds will be safeguarded for their respective departments, and L. Cullotta confirmed that part of her role will be to help secure and allocate funds appropriately within respective departments. Discussion ensued concerning fundraising and collaborations across the resident companies. IV. OLD BUSINESS a. DCEO Updates and Project Communications This topic was covered during the Director’s Report. 2  b. Annual Report Director Campbell requested that the commissioners forward any notes or ideas they have for the Annual Report so he can begin drafting the official document. J. Svalander proposed a children’s dance along with the Nutcracker Program, by partnering with the Woodstock Fine Arts Association. Director Campbell suggested that Judith, Nan, and he discuss this program idea outside of the meeting. Chairperson Johnson reminded the commission of the four main areas of focus for the Annual Report: - Hire a dedicated Opera House publicist; - Improve educational children’s and family programming; - Strengthen collaborations among the resident companies and community; and - Strengthen Stage Left Café’s identity. Chairperson Johnson and Director Campbell agreed to start drafting the Annual Report outline and official document. c. CIP Project List Chairperson Johnson noted that the he would like to see the south annex build out receive priority and be completed as soon as possible. This was the general consensus of the rest of the commission. Director Campbell clarified that the DCEO south annex items will be completed in 2025, with the exception of the garage area, which may or may not be included as a future CIP project. d. 2025 Meeting Schedule The commission agreed to continue meeting on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. The commission will meet every month except April, June, July, and December. The 2025 Meeting Schedule is as follows: January 21, February 18, March 18, May 20, August 19, September 16, October 21, and November 18. Director Campbell reminded the commission that they can change the meeting schedule by voting, if needed. V. NEW BUSINESS a. ASL Interpreters and ADA Discussion Director Campbell informed the commission that, per Illinois State Law, if a patron requests ASL interpretation for a show then the Opera House is obligated to make every attempt to secure the service. The Opera House received such a request for the Yakov show, and have subsequently been working on compiling a list of certified ASL interpreters to have on hand for future requests. Director Campbell noted that he would like to see the Opera House improve its accessibility and provide a more inclusive experience and environment for the community. The commission agreed that improving ADA accessibility should be included in the annual report, and receive funding and priority. b. Programming Outreach and Community Feedback Director Campbell shared that the programming team that was established this past summer needs input and feedback from the Woodstock community. Director 3  Campbell spoke with Danielle Gulli (Executive Director of Business Development for the City of Woodstock) about creating a regular feedback forum for the public. The public feedback would help inform what shows the Opera House provides. Director Campbell requested that the commissioners work with their companies’ teams to begin canvassing for feedback on what people want to see and which demographics are being missed. Discussion ensued concerning how ticket costs may be prohibitive for families and low-income individuals. c. B. Cosgray shared the upcoming stage floor fundraising plan which would allow patrons to purchase a piece of the original Opera House stage floor for $50. B. Cosgray also asked the commissioners for help securing volunteers to usher at the Nutcracker show. VI. ADJOURNMENT N. Cibula-Jenkins motioned to adjourn the meeting, and P. Hart seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, and Nan Cibula- Jenkins. Nays: none. Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt, and Jordan Rakittke. Motion to adjourn passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:51 p.m. 2025 Advisory Meetings: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 18, May 20, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18. The next meeting: January 21, 2025. Respectfully Submitted, Tiara Thayer Commission Clerk 4