MINUTES OF THE MARATHON COMMUNITY THEATER
General Membership Meeting - September 3, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Claudia McEwen at 7:02 p.m. There were approximately 37 members in attendance.
Approval of the Agenda: approved without changes.
Approval of the Minutes: approved without changes.
President’s Report: Working on some fill-in productions.
Staff Reports
General Manager’s Report
Committee Reports
Nominating Committee:
C.J. reported about the election and introduced the Board Members. Re-elected or previous board members: Claudia McEwen (President), Gail Burnett (Vice President), Alicia Merel (VP of Production), Sylvia Rickett (Secretary) Lauren Spinelli (Treasurer), Paul Buckley, Rita Irwin, Tom O'Neil, Nancee Rainaud, Pat Robenolt, Arnie Steinmetz, Suzanne Terpos, Fred Hundhammer, C.J. Geotis. Newly elected first term members: Marianne Benvenuti, Mike Edwards, Kay March-Adorno, Paula Pettorini, Kathryn Rummery. If anyone is interested in serving or if you know someone whom you think might serve well, keep this in mind for election time next year.
Executive Committee:
Claudia reported that the executive committee is following up on ongoing subjects.
Finance:
Lauren reported that membership increased by about 20% over the previous year. The Cinema’s numbers are down, down but still making a profit. Our mortgage is being paid, plus an additional $500 principal per month. Total bank accounts are $105866. We will be amortizing the cost of the sewer over a 20-year mortgage with no pre-payment fine.
VP of Production:
Alicia reported the upcoming Comedy Workshop by Mr. Parker (author of Amorous Ambassador). They will be coming here on Sept 20th, and the workshop will cost $7 nominal fee for members. This is to offset the cost of petrol and food. Lodging has been taken care of by Arnie and Riet, who will put them up in their downstairs apartment.
Alicia also reported that OWO is cast. This seasons’ productions are geared up and ready for auditions on Sept 13th and 14th. Alicia passed the word over to the directors for an update.
Jackie - Amorous Ambassador - Cast of 4 men and 4 women of various ages. It is a farce, very funny, many one-liners, and a "door-slammer" involving everyone trying to have an affair thinking the house is empty. For auditions - you don’t need to seem to be funny, the comedy is in the situations the characters find themselves in. (She outlined the production crew, and thanked everyone for their help). Rehearsals begin soon after auditions, and will be on stage with props and furniture. Auditions will include reading and a game, and will be in the afternoon, starting at 1pm.
Alicia - Steel Magnolias - January - 6 women - slice of life from Southern Louisiana, taking place in the beauty shop. Good opportunity to sow your acting skills! Various ages in the play, so your age will work! There will be a read through in October, begin rehearsals on Nov 1. It is a heartwarming, funny show. (For all shows: singing, dancing and moving are done in the morning and the script reading takes place in the afternoon).
Heidi - Company - Please pick up a package or get it off the web - you will have all the basic info. There is one main role, all the others are supporting. The end of this particular musical is very uplifting. (She outlined the production crew, and thanked everyone for their help). Rehearsals begin at the end November due to the challenging music. Really looking for vocalists. Jackie has been conducting movement class, but audition dances will be taught. Dance begins Dec 1st. You can get CDs from Heidi or Mike to prepare for auditions. There is one additional dance called Tick-Tock, for which girls may be asked to audition at the end, potentially as a non-cast role.
Fred - Rumors - May 7 to 23. Rehearsals begin March 3rd. Farce - 4 men and 4 women attending a birthday party. Birthday boy shoots himself in the ear, and they all tell each other lies and cover up stories. It is a Neil Simon script, funny words; we will stay true to them. Part of the character will be how they are dressed, which Fred plans to be rather outrageous. For scheduling, you can be in any show expect the musical.
Kathryn - OWO - The crew is all getting very excited about the show. There is a live band on stage, which will provide additional fun. Sign up sheet so the band can get the key right.
Playreading:
PC has started reading plays and ideas are coming in. Please see Alicia or Jackie if you think of a good play you would like to see done.
Stage and Sound:
Tom reported cost effective "green" lights have been installed and improvements to the booth have been made. Always looking for people who are interested in learning how to operate the sound and light booth.
Building:
Paul reported that various projects have been done; there is hot water in the green room; and roof has been repaired.
Entertainment:
Pat reported that planning for the OWO reception is underway. We need help with food set up, cleanup, decoration making and room set up. Sheets were passed around for sign up. The theme "rockabilly" lends itself to picnic style food - fried chicken strips, corn dogs, cold-slaw etc. Loretta will be sending information out to the membership. Pat passed around a donation jar for those who will not be able to make their own food donations - by the end of the meeting there was a budget for the event!!
Historical/Library:
Any old programs and posters that you don't want to keep can be brought to Paul, who is currently reorganizing MCT's collection.
Cinema Committee:
Alicia reported that the assisted hearing devices have been ordered, once they arrive they will be set up, the staff trained in their use and we’ll be set. This will put us in compliance with the ADA.
Human Resources:
CJ reported that they have not yet met.
Props & Costumes:
Riet reported that the upstairs rehearsal and storage area is more organized. Now that there is a committee, people in charge of costumes for different productions will have a contact person on the committee – for example to avoid purchasing things we already have. The contact person also will be aware of correct locations and hanging areas. At the end of productions they will meet to determine what needs to be cleaned and what doesn’t. There is also a costume sign out book. Riet also wants to get the rehearsal room cleaned up before auditions – this was accomplished Sat, Sept 6th.
Membership:
Suzanne reported that she was thrilled to see so many people at out General Meeting! It is time to renew memberships for another year or sign up if you are new to MCT. The membership year is August 1st to July 31st.
1. Quarterly General Membership meeting dates
December 3, 2008
By-Laws:
The committee has not met.
Other:
Rita mentioned the directors' class, which ran over the summer and has one last workshop to complete. Dan has spent the last few weeks resurfacing the flats with a lot of help from others. Lauren mentioned the choir has met twice. Kathryn mentioned that the choir is an especially hard and time-consuming event (Holiday Program) to organize, so please support it by participating!
Old Business:
None.
New Business:
None.
Good of Order:
Happy Birthday Trish!
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:00p.m.
Submitted Sylvia Rickett
