MINUTES
OF THE MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATER
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS – October 17, 2006
Meeting
was called to order by President Fred Hundhammer at 6:00pm. Present were VP Claudia McEwen, Treasurer
Gail Burnett, Rita Irwin, Ginger Michael, Arnie Steinmetz, Christine Leird,
Paul Buckley, C. J. Geotis, Natalia Gimer, Sylvia Rickett and GM Loretta
Geotis. Absent were Terry McBroom, Tom
O’Neil, Dona Beckman.
Approval
of the Agenda: Approved
without changes. Update will be given for roof and cinema AC.
Minutes: Motion to approve, seconded and passed.
Staff
Reports:
General
Manager:
a)
We have sold approximately 45 - 3-show packages and
106 - 4-show packages. Updated to 52 - 3 show and 125 - 4 show packages.
b)
A total of 417 people used the theatre during the
month of September, 2006.
2
CINEMA
a)
A new air-conditioner will be purchased for the
cinema. Fred/Paul can give details in
Building Committee report.
)
3
Other stuff
a)
The yard sale was very successful
bringing in a total of $801.88. There
were very few large items or items priced at more than $25-$30. This is an indicator of how much “stuff” we
sold. Thanks to everyone who donated
items and who helped with the set-up, clean-up, pricing and sales. A special thanks to Jackie for providing the
live music to our “live music / air-conditioned / free coffee” yard sale. Left
over items went to Salvation Army.
b)
I received an offer from Cay Clubs to
work with us on food for our fundraiser.
Details to come. Discussed below.
c)
Roof is still being handled. Discussed
below.
d)
Help is needed to solicit a few more
advertisers for the playbill. I have
lists of two or three for each of you.
However, if anyone knows anyone personally with a business they would
like to contact, please let me know so I can make sure we’re not
duplicating. Drop dead cut-off date is
Tuesday, October 24 end of day. Total to
date is approximately 60 advertisers totaling $7100. Contact
cards were passed out. We only have about 60 advertisements and 80 are more
usual. Additional soliciting is much needed.
e)
I will be holding the
f)
The Marathon Rotary Club came in like the
“white tornado” and did a wonderful job of painting the exterior, interior, and
cleaning and planting the back loading dock area. Pete Chapman purchased the plants and planted
them and cleaned out the brush and he also personally paid for the extra
dumpster for that weekend. Thanks, Pete.
Appreciation from all.
g)
Approximately 3800 season brochures have
been mailed. Another seven thousand have
been given to Marine Bank and will be in their October statements, business and
residential. Loretta will also take smaller packages to take to hotels and
restaurants.
h)
A PSA has been sent to the radio stations
regarding the second auditions for Gigi. Also a press
release has been sent to the newspapers regarding the auditions and volunteer
school scheduled for Nov. 4.
i)
Island Opera is scheduled to perform here
on Friday evening, November 10.
j)
Membership for the 2006-2007 season is at 102 as of 10/12/06. At one time, we discussed preparing a roster
or a booklet for our members. I would like to do that and also think of some
additional benefits for members. We have some members that haven’t been
members before, and are trying to brain storm more ideas to bring new people
in.
I
am getting a price list together for shirts with our logo. I will try to present that by the next
meeting. I will look into different
types of shirts etc. for men and women.
Additionally,
Loretta reported that:
Cheryl
made the suggestion that maybe we should we put expiration dates on cinema
passes. All agreed that they be valid for one year.
Riet
suggested reinstating the opening night party. They were discontinued due to
extra work (difficult to find people to volunteer) and the higher prices of
tickets, as well as occasional complaints from actors who didn’t want to have
to go to the party. While we would all like the idea, there were quite a few
difficulties (cost coverage, separating party people from regular theatre
goers). Alternative idea might be to keep the concession open after show (cash
bar -cast will pay too.) with small snacks to celebrate the opening and meet
the cast. It was decided to attempt it for the first show and see how it goes.
Notice will be put in the program.
New
advertiser Adelle (Hair Studio 53) has offered 50%
off on the week of show for hairstyles and will volunteer to do hair for
musical. She is anxious for involvement and her husband is professional singer!
Committte Reports:
Finance:
Treasurer Burnett reported that for the month of September 06, cinema
was down from last year 118,and playhouse up 117
(garage sale). YTD cinema down 941 and playhouse up 110.
Loss for September was $17,272, Loss Fiscal YTD is $26,747. Our Cash balance as of Oct 13th
$99,427 plus a $20,000
CD. Our Optional payment of $500 additional
principal on our mortgage was not approved for this month.
VP
Production: Rita reported that we will need to
solicit artists for the 1st and 4th show. If anyone knows artists who might be
interested in displaying and selling their art, they need to obtain the Theater’s
approval from Loretta. . If any art is sold, MCT gets 20% of the sale
price.
A 2nd audition of Gigi
has been scheduled for Nov 4th
to cast the second male lead who
dropped out. There is also a need for additional chorus people. The rehearsals begin during the 1st
week in December and
performances are in March, 2007. We all are encouraged to support this
important event
OWO: The show has been postponed
because not enough seats were sold.
(49). Signs for OWO should be taken down immediately. Numerous reasons were discussed as to the
lack of ticket sales: $75.00 ticket price may have been too high in a bad year,
Many of our supporters are not yet back in Keys, (Hurricane Wilma was during October last
year), People did not think the KCB location was
exciting, Others did not
understand concept, Some worried about having to “participate”. The
prom concept would not work in the theatre room since more space is needed for
a successful improvisation part. There was discussion about whether to attempt
a talent show (traditional) or to do the improvisation show (with a talent
component) during
February, 2007, when we have three weeks of no performances. Since we do not have a traditional talent
show OWO director at this time., it was decided to re-attempt the
improvisation and talent show in
February (Gail will look into possible dates at KCB). In addition we will try to limit the number of drink vouchers with the tickets,
and additional drinks may then be purchased if desired. CJ volunteered to run
this modified version of our concession stand.
The Cay Clubs have offered to provide
finger food either before or after the event. While some concern about close
involvement with the Cay Clubs arose, after some discussion it was agreed that
they would need to follow the same sponsor rules as everyone else. The Cay
Clubs have expressed that their interest is to sponsor smaller community
events.
Building: Paul reported that the emergency
lighting system has been tested and is working well.
Fred reported that the 28 year old AC
over the cinema is not reliable and needs to be replaced. 3 bids were taken for similar equipment.
CJ reported the current status of roof
saga: the workers should be there Thursday morning (19th).
Denny approached us about resurfacing
the parking lot. He wants to put it off till Nov/Dec (when there is less frequent
rain) since 24 hours are necessary for drying. We do not yet have any idea of
cost.
.
Old
Business: None
New
Business: Natalia is to discuss High School Drama Club
with Rita. Thedir
recommendation will be considered at a later meeting.
CJ mentioned that at least one person who
auditioned for Gigi never received a call back. MCT Policy is that all who audition should be
called whether they have been cast for a show or not. Fred will take up
the matter with Jorg.
Good
of the Order: Good
Luck to the cast and director of You Can’t Take It With
You.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:02 pm.
Submitted by Sylvia Rickett,
Secretary