MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATRE

Board of Directors

25 May 2004

The meeting was called to order in the gallery of the playhouse at 6:00 pm by the President, Marilyn Tempest.

Present: Marilyn Tempest, George Woodward, Claudia McEwen, Gail Burnett, Paul Buckley, J.D. Cullen, Bert Estlow, Ron Ferguson, Heidi Ferrell, Ann Hart, Laura Hutt, Shannon Kraycs, Terry McBroom, Paul Steinman, and Rita Irwin, past president.

Excused Absence: Jane Madden, Ruth Cadman, Sandy Saylor, GBM Suzanne Craig

Un-excused Absence: None

The agenda was approved as presented. The minutes were corrected to show the next meeting date as 5/25/04 and approved as corrected.

STAFF REPORTS:

(1)        TECH DIRECTOR: No Report.

(2)        GBM: Suzanne’s written report was distributed. Highlights reported by Ann Hart:

             a)         755 recorded attendance for Marrying Walt. New record for six performance show. Congrats to everyone

             b)         Volunteer of the Year nomination: Renee Svendson

             c)         Box office will be closed until med July and then open two weeks before A Night at the Theater.

             d)         Ballet Workshop - Devin was the only audition and he did receive his scholarship. Discussed “tip: scholarship money. George W. moved, multiple seconds that $700.00 of the tip scholarship money be used as an MCT award to Devin to cover other expenses for the dance workshop (room & board and plane ticket) and that any deficiency in this amount be made up from the Drama Club monies. Passed without opposition. Discussed Katie Robert’s scholarship award of $300.00.

FINANCE: Reprise of Projects completed - Rita reported:

(1) Projects proposed:

             (1)        New phone system being researched

             (2)        New floor in rehearsal room: The floor might fall in (Ron & Rita). Tap floor downstairs would improve venue scheduling (Ann). Other discussion. Ron moved and Ann seconded that we get cost on replacing the floor in the Producer’s Room appropriate for dance. Discussion of options. Passed unopposed. Ron will bring the options to the board.

             (3)        The various front of house projects are “huge” and need a breakdown

             (4)        Scene storage above the cinema was never priced out due to building moratorium.

             (5)        File space above the stairs: George moved and Laura seconded to move ahead. Passes unopposed.

             (6)        Ceiling tiles for rehearsal room. Just the cost of the tiles - we can put them up. Ron will work on it.

             (7)        Got $800.00 from the TDC as part of the cost of a new Keyboard and sound system. We really need a new keyboard. Move forward with new pricing. Our information is old.

             (8)        Remodeling of cinema balcony - two plans, seating and storage. Seating not practical due to stairs. To building committee for plan. Paul S. suggested reviewing filing/retention time etc.

(2)        Recommended Projects:

             a)         New carper for upstairs office and hall. Will get prices

             b)         New computer for finance - old one could be used in rehearsal room for music files.

             c)         New ticket software: Suzanne is researching and will speak to it.

             d)         New state monitors. Harold has priced them. Laura moved and Ron seconded that they be put in the budget for the 04/05 season. Passed unopposed.

             e)         CD player for orchestra loft. Carolyn has been working with MIDI files - has already bought what is need. We can purchase it for $150.00. George moved, multiple seconds that we purchase it. Passed unopposed,

             f)          Lighting issues in auditorium: Need five more instruments to complete back row at about $140 per. Discussed history of lighting and purchases - electrical requirements. Laura moved, Bert seconded that we approve the purchase of the five additional lighting instruments. Passed unopposed. Rita & Paul B. will also check on UPS and servicing of light board..

(3)        The new budget was presented and Rita reviewed highlights. Ann moved and Laura seconded that the 04/05 budget be approved. Passed without opposition

VP PRODUCTION: Ann reported

(1)        Round of applause for Marilyn and crew for success of Marrying Walt.

(2)        Director for Vagina Monologues. Cindy Ecklund - Ann has reviewed her resume which includes acting and directing, she wants to do it, she has joined MCT and has auditioned. Lengthy Discussion of process of becoming MCT director - Marilyn said she would produce the show for her. Ann moved and Laura seconded Cindy Ecklund be approved as director for Vagina Monologues. Passed with two opposing (Bert & George)

(3)        Dramatists wants royalties a year ahead of time. Ann moved and Laura seconded to prepay the royalties of $240.00. Passed unopposed.

(4)        Auditions for summer reading had poor showing however the show is cast and in rehearsal

(5)        New donation of costumes - brand new Suzie Wong outfits.

(6)        Follies: Attendance averaged 127 per night. P&L shows net income of $21,471 without the expected TDC reimbursement which will be coming.

ONE WEEKEND ONLY: Laura reported:

(1)        Theme: Country Nights - Broadway Lights: song list available

(2)        Auditions: 7/20/04 at 7 pm at the playhouse; last call audition: 8/10/04 at 7 pm at the playhouse; rehearsals str the next week

(3)        Christine Leird is event coordinator; Bruce Angelito (sp) sound; Paul B. & Rite - lights; Dick Foley - accompanyist; Eric Fish - drums; hope to get guitar.

(4)        Show dates 10/8 and 10/9/2004

BUILDING: 

(1)        Paul has completed the monthly check of emergency lighting and exit signs.

(2)        All the sewer work is done.

(3)        Cinema payroll: Bert moved and Claudia seconded that the recommended raises for two cinema employees: $0.50/hr for Jeff Dionne and $1.00 per hour for Angel Weiss. Passed unopposed. Gail will let Cheryl know.

(4)        Committee needs to make recommendation for Bobby’s annual raise due in July.

(5)        Suggestion to review cinema times and see if there is a better schedule. Discuss with Bobby.

NOMINATING: Absentee ballots are available for those unable to make the June 2 general meeting.

PAMPERED PALM: Scheduled for June 5^th - 7pm - Christine Leird chairing. Terry McBroom says RSVP to your invitation ASAP. Luau theme. Reviewed eligibility of nominees for Pampered Palm Award.

OLD BUSINESS:

(1)        Riet will no longer head up the program ad solicitation. Rumor has it Leigh Sanchez will take over. Riet, Leigh and Suzanne will have a meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

(1)        Laura moved and Gail seconded that Renee Svendson receive the Volunteer of the year award. Passed unopposed.

GOOD OF THE ORDER:

(1)        The next board meeting is Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at 6:00 pm at the playhouse. It will be a joint meeting with retiring and new board members

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm.

Claudia McEwen, Sec.