MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE

Board of Directors

24 February 2004

The meeting was called to order in the gallery of the playhouse at 5:30 pm by the President, Marilyn Tempest.

Present: Marilyn Tempest, George Woodward, Claudia McEwen (late), Carolyn Black, Gail Burnett, Paul Buckley, Ruth Cadman, J.D. Cullen, Bert Estlow, Ron Ferguson, Heidi Ferrell, Ann Hart, Shannon Kraycs, Terry McBroom, Sandy Saylor, Paul Steinman, Suzanne Craig, GBM and Rita Irwin, past president.

Excused Absence: Jane Madden, Laura Hutt

Un-excused Absence: None

The Agenda and the minutes of the January meeting were approved prior to the arrival of the secretary per the president, and a discussion of the two scenarios began.

PLAY READING COMMITTEE: Ann presented two scenarios for the 04/05 season. After discussion of the two plans the following occurred:

a)         Ron moved and Heidi seconded that we accept Massage Therapy with Rita Irwin directing on the dates shown. Passed without opposition.

b)         Ron moved and Paul S. seconded that we accept The Cemetery Club (no director yet) as the second show of the season. Passed without opposition

c)         Kiss Me Kate with Heidi Ferrell directing has already been accepted by the board as the musical for the season.

d)         Lengthy discussion of Vagina Monologues. Rita explained the show and those of us who have seen it gave our impressions. Claudia moved and Paul S. seconded that Vagina Monologues be accepted as the summer reading 2005. More discussion as to whether it will be offensive; a women’s show - lose half our audience?; Marilyn suggested more people read it - apparently Ann is the only one on the committee who has read it; other suggestions for a summer reading. Vote to accept: Yea: 4; Nay: 9; abstention: 1; Ann stated that the Play Reading had done its job and it was now up to the board to read and pick the summer reading; J. D. disagreed - that it was the committees job to follow-up on the boards decision. Rita has a copy at home - will pass it around and vote again next meeting.

e)         Schedule: 1) Bert moved and Claudia seconded the musical be scheduled as the third show of the season opening February 24, 2005. Passed without opposition. 2) Bert moved and George seconded that the run of the second production, The Cemetery Club be shortened to three week-ends with an additional matinee on January 16^th, 2005 and close January 23, 2005. Passed without opposition. Discussion of the extra week available between show two and the musical. Heidi requested additional stage time for her production. 3) George moved and Ron seconded that the remaining dates be accepted as shown in the in the “First Choice” schedule. Passed without opposition. 4) Bert moved and J.D. seconded to go with the six performances of Proof (rather than the eight given as second option) Passed without opposition.

f)          George brought up problem of not enough directors: discussion

BUILDING COMMITTEE: Ron reported That Denny Curry was unable to get three bids for the sewer work and we have only 90 days to get the work done before fines start accumulating. Accepted $6600.00 bid from Synagro to bring the plant up to code We pay 1/3. Also there is a bad pump that needs replacing $1600.00 of which we pay 1/3. Work has already started.

FINANCE COMMITTEE: Financial statements passed out - no report - Gail left for rehearsal.

STAFF REPORTS:

(1)        TECH DIRECTOR: No Report.

(2)        GBM: Suzanne distributed a written report. The Island Opera show sold out both nights. Larry Benvenuti had a good audience for his Cuba documentary. The cinema slide ads are full and we have a waiting list. Suggestion for Comedy in the Gallery April 1 - 4. Discussed - no decision. The new computer has arrived. Lighting for Marrying Walt is very straight forward and a good show to learn the board. Ginger Michael has expressed an interest and JD will talk to her.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1)        WE are procuring a plaque for the gallery to acknowledge the donation of the hardware and lighting. It will hang permanently in the gallery.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1)        More discussion of the comedy proposal - no decision

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

(1)        Part of Ruth’s beginning class is performing at the Yacht Club

(1)        The next board meeting is Tuesday, March 30, 2004 at 6:00 pm at the playhouse

The meeting was adjourned at 6:52 pm.

Claudia McEwen, Sec.