The meeting was called to order by President Fred Hundhammer at 7:06 p.m. There were approximately 32 members in attendance.
Approval of the Agenda: approved without changes.
Approval of the Minutes: approved without changes.
The main order of business is the election for members of the Board. Fred declares that the ballot is closed and the votes are being counted.
Staff Reports
General Manager's Report
The 2007-2008 season overall was a huge success including Island Opera's final performance. Finance will supply the numbers. The response from the community was outstanding and very positive.
I wish to thank each and everyone who volunteered their time in any capacity to help make the season such a success. We could not do this without all the volunteers.
We have many projects to complete over the summer months. Paul will give you more details during the Building Committee report.
I have already secured six corporate sponsorships for the 2008-2009 season. They are Coral Marine Construction, EdwardJones, Kelly Electric, TIB Bank, EXIT Realty and First State Bank. Others are in the works. If you know of anyone who may be interested in becoming a corporate sponsor, please see me.
The art shows we have had that correspond with our productions were also very successful. They continue to sell art and to share 20% of the proceeds with us. Next year, the Bougainvillea House Gallery has decided not to participate as a gallery, but I have seven artists that are a part of BHG and the FKWS that are going to hang the show independently for the January production. Artists in Paradise will be hanging during the first show of the season and Marianne Motches will hang during the May show next year with a different display.
The cinema slide program continues to grow and be successful.
The Board has decided on a Board Retreat for the new board members on June 28 here at the theatre. It promises to be an interesting and hopefully productive day.
Tickets for Pampered Palms are available at the box office now and are required. They are $10 per person. I will need your T-shirt size as well. The PP is Saturday, June 14, at 7:00 p.m. We ask that you bring an appetizer or dessert. Please use our newly incorporated "Keep It Simple"theme regarding food. Finger foods, throw-away containers, nothing to be cooked or washed here at the theatre. Don't forget to take your dishes with you when you leave. Theme is Black Tie Keys Style. Call me with any questions. Sam the DJ will be playing from 9 to 11 so bring your dancing shoes!
I have a list of members' addresses and phone numbers and will be happy to email it to you at your request. If you do not want your name or email distributed, please let me know. This will help me avoid being directory assistance.
Please remember if you are here during the summer, or anytime, to make sure the A/C, lights, etc. are not left on unnecessarily. Our utilities are expensive! Pick up, clean up, lock up.
As of Monday, I have been the GM at MCT for three years! Thanks for the opportunity.
Happy Birthday to Kay March-Adorno!
Riet adds that the tables for Pampered Palms are going to have decorations, but she would really like to add flowers. If you have a garden with flowers in bloom, Riet would love to come over and pick some in your garden! She passed a list around for people to sign up.
Committee Reports
Nominating Committee:
The count continues…
Executive Committee:
Fred reported that there has been a meeting regarding board member attendance and the issue of lack of attendance. This issue was addressed via letters and those who were not complying with attendance requirements have resigned.
Finance:
Alicia reported that thanks to the successes of this year, especially MMG and a record attendance at the cinema last Sunday, MCT currently has about $83400 in cash. Additionally, the $20000 CD matures next week. The CD will be reinvested and allocated toward the upcoming sewer expense.
VP of Production:
Gail mentioned the upcoming summer reading and passed the report on to Rita. Rita reported that the summer reading, "Queen of Bingo", will be directed by the participants of this year's directors' class. Rita discussed the successes of previous directors' classes, which have turned out a number of reliable directors for MCT. The class begins on Monday, June 13th and auditions for "Queen" will be Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd. This will provide class participants with the experience of auditioning and casting. The hope is that class participants will then go on to become directors for MCT.
Gail listed next seasons' shows, directors and dates:
OWO Annual Fundraiser: Director Kathyrn Rummery. Friday Oct 17 and Sat Oct 19
The Amorous Ambassador: Director Jackie O'Neil. Nov 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 (Mat), Dec 4, 5, 6
Christmas Concert: Sun Dec 14
Steel Magnolias: Director Alicia Merel. Jan 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25 (Mat), 29, 30, 31
Company (Musical): Director Heidi Ferrell. Mar 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29 (Mat), Apr 2, 3, 4
Rumours: Director TBD. May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
Open Auditions this year will be Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th.
Playreading:
Arnie thanked Gail and the Directors for reporting about next seasons' plays and recommended that all read the plays and audition - Amorous Ambassador is really funny!
Stage and Sound:
Tom is all set to begin work on the booth and raise the ceiling, as well as placing additional lights. This will happen as soon as the budget approved for the fiscal year becomes available on July 1st.
Building:
Paul asks all to please sign up for the Work Parties on the large board beside the door. These are the summer projects scheduled for two weekends this summer. If you forgot to do so at the meeting, please talk to Paul for scheduling or if you have any questions.
Entertainment:
Pampered Palms is coming up fast on June 14th! Please come! All members and significant others of members are welcome. Volunteers for cleaning up will be needed!
Historical/Library:
Paul reminded all that if you have MCT memorabilia that you don't want to keep, please bring it to the theater!
One Weekend Only:
Kathryn reported that the theme for OWO is "The Best Little Hillbillies in the Keys" - a Rock and Roll and Hillbilly musical. Looking for one-liners - if you have one, please email to Kathryn or Mike. Kathryn has master copies of all music, and there are copies in the producer's room that can be checked out. Please make sure you sign if you take a certain piece. If you would like to suggest music, please contact Kathryn. Group numbers welcome - the group is responsible for putting the number together and practicing in readiness for auditions. The stage will provide a fun set up for fast entrances and exits - it will be a fun show. Auditions for OWO will be the weekend of August 16th and 17th. Pre-auditions can be arranged. Fred reminds everyone that OWO is our big fundraiser and urges participation by all, especially Board members. New people are encouraged, especially for one liners and jokes - no long scripts to memorize!
Individual Directors/Producers for 2008-2009
Jackie - Amorous Ambassador - This is a fun and active, “door slammer” with lots of entrances and exits. The cast is of varied ages - it will be a lot of fun!
Alicia - Steel Magnolias - This is a slice in the life of some women in a small town sharing their challenges and successes in life. It takes place in a beauty parlor and over a period of time, so if you have any wigs let Alicia know, for the ladies will have different hairstyles. The cast consists of 6 women in their 60's through 30's, so there is room for all…
Heidi - Company - The cast calls 14 people, plus another 3-5 as additional chorus people. From the musical point of view, it will be one of the most challenging musicals attempted at MCT. The storyline revolves around 5 couples and a single guy. The couples try to get the guy hooked up. While he wants "no strings" he enjoys “company” - but he does eventually realize how it is important to share things in life. Heidi is excited about her great production team. Jackie will be doing dance choreography, Rita will do choreography for solos, Ann Hart (!!) will be coming to do some tweaking for Jazz movements, and Mike will be the musical director. Heidi will be happy to get a CD to you if you would like one, and there will be the possibility for changing key - think of this as a great help for auditions!
Fred - Rumors - Another door slammer, a farce with a lot of movement. Cast is 4 women and 4 men. While it will be in the (slow) May timeframe, the author, Neil Simon, tends to bring audiences in. Fred encourages anyone else qualified to step in and direct the show, especially those in the director's class. (Hint, hint!)
Membership:
In the continued struggle to get members to pay their dues on time, Lauren reviewed the by-laws and recommends that once results for the elections are available; Board Members should comply with the by-laws with respect to membership at MCT: join or renew before August 1st. Loretta says we have close to 100 members. The Quarterly General Membership meeting dates for the remainder of this year are September 3rd and December 3rd
The meeting was interrupted for final counting of votes and a decision from the Executive Committee. There was a four-way tie for the three one-year terms up for election. The Executive Committee decided to increase the number of board members from 18 to 19 in order to ensure fairness toward the four-way tie candidates. The two-year term candidates that were elected are: Paul Buckley, C.J. Geotis, Rita Irwin, Claudia McEwen, Tom O'Neil, Sylvia Rickett, Arnie Steinmetz, Suzanne Terpos and Marianne Benvenuti. The one-year term candidates were: Mike Edwards, Kay March-Adorno, Paula Pettorini and Kathryn Rummery. Board meetings occur the third Tuesday of each month at 6pm sharp! Additionally all Board Members should attend the Board Retreat on June 28th - there will be a lot of interesting discussions and information. Keep in mind that we need active board members and hope that we have elected people who will show up! Fred says “Congratulations!!!” to all.
Old Business:
New Business:
Loretta made copies of the most recent By-Laws and Policies and Procedures Manual all board members. There is one section missing, soon to be completed.
CJ thanked the Nomination Committee members for all their help! He also thanked Bob Rowand and Charlotte Quinn for counting the votes.
Paul: Please don't walk right past the sign up board for the summer projects!
Early auditions are welcome - please contact show directors!
Good of Order: Fred said "Thanks!" to all directors, producers and production staff for all of last years' shows!!
