Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission

MINUTES OF THE WOODSTOCK OPERA HOUSE ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, January 21, 2025 The meeting of the Opera House Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order at Stage Left Cafe at 4:30 p.m. by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. A roll call was taken. I. CALL TO ORDER Present: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, Nan Cibula-Jenkins, Justin Charles (Theatre 121), and Roger Zawacki (Theatre 121). Absent: Jordan Rakittke, and Jeff Kleinschmidt. Staff: Daniel Campbell (Opera House Director), and Tiara Thayer (Commission Clerk). II. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES N. Cibula-Jenkins motioned to accept the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes as corrected, and C. Vohs Demann seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, and Nan Cibula-Jenkins. Nays: none. Absent: Jordan Rakittke and Jeff Kleinschmidt. Motion to accept the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes passed. III. COMMUNICATIONS a. Opera House Director Report: Daniel Campbell reported that the delays on the steel have continued, but it should finally arrive later this week (weather permitting). After the Nutcracker performance, it was discovered that the stage floor was beginning to sag. There are temporary posts in place to prevent further sagging until after the Groundhog Day the Musical performance, then the stage floor will be properly addressed. There was good attendance for the Lighting of the Square, Theatre 121’s Holiday Show, and the Nutcracker performance. Additionally, the attendance for guitar night surpassed last year’s attendance. The Opera House hosted its first annual New Year’s Eve event, which received very positive feedback. The Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Second Hand News, and the Spheres Bubble Show were both sold out events. The annual Treasure Island program was very well attended, though slightly down from last year’s numbers. The Opera House is looking to hire additional technical and concession staff, which will bring the Opera House to sufficient staffing levels. b. Commission Chair Comments: Keith Johnson shared that the contracts for 2025 have been signed, and the annual New Year’s Eve fundraiser for Off Square Music nearly met its fundraising goal. 1  c. Commission Member Comments: Cassandra Vohs Demann (Member at Large) stated that choir practice starts later tonight, and there is nothing else to report at this time. Peggy Hart (Friends of the Opera House) reported that the Friends are funding various requests from the resident companies, including: pointe shoes for the Judith Svalander Dance Theatre, interpreter services for deaf attendants for an undetermined number of Theatre 121 performances, and sponsorship for the Fine Arts Association’s coffee social. The Friends sold 121 plants in their Fall Poinsettia Sale, raising $1,000 in profit. Additionally, the Friends were able to work with National Honor Society students from Woodstock High School who needed community service hours. The third annual Cocktails with Willie fundraiser event will be held on January 31st. Justin Charles and Roger Zawacki (Theatre 121) shared that the tech rehearsals for Groundhog Day the Musical moved into the Opera House yesterday. R. Zawacki shared that he is slightly alarmed by ticket sales; the first weekend sold well but the second two weekends are not selling well. Director Campbell stated that he has noticed ticket sales are happening closer to the actual show days as opposed to being purchased ahead of time. Director Campbell and P. Hart offered to assist with promoting the show. Judith Svalander (Judith Svalander Dance Theatre) shared that the ballet performers appreciated the new stage floor and reported that it was more comfortable and quieter for them to dance on. Director Campbell thanked J. Svalander for her most recent donation to the Opera House. Nan Cibula-Jenkins (Woodstock Fine Arts Association) stated that the Creative Living Series will resume in February and the Talent Showcase will be held on April 10th. The Fine Arts Association will also be co-producing the Stinky Cheese Man show on May 9th with the Opera House. Jeff Kleinschmidt absent. IV. OLD BUSINESS a. DCEO Updates and Project Communications Covered in director’s report. b. ASL Interpreter and ADA Discussion The Opera House has compiled a list of ASL interpreters in the area to streamline interpreter requests the Opera House received from patrons. The Opera House is also looking at adding an automatic door opener to the entrance of Stage Left Café. Since the estimated cost of altering the SLC door is $7,700, fundraising options are being explored. The Opera House has recently received requests for: large print programs, audio headsets for the visually impaired, and bariatric seating options. Director Campbell noted he would like to see continued improvements to the facility’s accessible seating, and shared a story of an audience member at another theater who became emotional as they explained how 2  inclusive seating options allowed them to view their child’s stage performance for the first time. c. Programming Outreach and Community Feedback Monday, February 10th, there will be an open public forum to solicit feedback from the community, especially from individuals who may not have previously had the opportunity to share their thoughts or suggestions. V. NEW BUSINESS a. Annual Report Document No additional input has been received. Chairperson Johnson will work on drafting the official document to present at the next meeting. b. Business Plan Director Campbell shared with the Commission that he is in the process of completing a business plan for the Opera House, noting that multiple drafts have been reworked due to the fast pace and ever-changing nature of this industry. While the formal document is not yet completed, the budget was submitted to the City last Friday and there are multiple components of the business plan that are already in use in guiding the Opera House. Director Campbell stated that he should have a finalized document for the Commission to view in the near future. N. Cibula-Jenkins asked how the business plan differs from the strategic plan. Director Campbell clarified that the strategic plan functions to set long-term goals and objectives especially in relation to the facility’s mission and values, while the business plan functions to outline the more short-term goals and provide more specific plans for managing and allocating funds and operations. VI. ADJOURNMENT P. Hart motioned to adjourn the meeting, and N. Cibula-Jenkins seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Cassandra Vohs Demann, Peggy Hart, Judith Svalander, and Nan Cibula- Jenkins. Nays: none. Absent: Jordan Rakittke and Jeff Kleinschmidt. Motion to adjourn passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:21 p.m. 2025 Advisory Meetings: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 18, May 20, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18. The next meeting: February 18, 2025. Respectfully Submitted, Tiara Thayer Commission Clerk 3