McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission met Nov. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting of the Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order at 4:37 pm by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Stage Left Cafe. A roll call was taken.

I. Call to Order Those present were: Keith Johnson, Anthony Houston, Lynne Kreisman, Michael Levitan, John Puzzo, Paul Rausch, Roger Zawacki, Opera House Director Daniel Campbell, Holly Stika, Christina Fogal and Betsy Cosgray

Absent: Judith Svalander

II. Approval of Minutes

M. Levitan motioned to approve the minutes, J. Puzzo seconded. All ayes. The October 15, 2019 meeting minutes were approved.

III. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Committee Chair Reports

Small Potatoes November 22 and New Year’s Eve party, both $15 tickets, sold at the box office. B. Member Reports

1. Michael Levitan – Member at Large Show he was producing on the Opera House stage on January 11th has been postponed due to health-related issue. K. Johnson asked about the entertainment he has had at Winestock. M. Levitan stated so far they have been successful with comedy and music. 

2. Roger Zawacki – Theatre 121 Technical Week for A Christmas Carol, opening Friday, November 22. Sales are currently ok, but are expecting to pick up after opening night. Matilda auditions are December 2, 3 and 4, and will be cast for the March opening. The remaining shows have their production staff and are already at work. Play reading committee have met and the 20/21 season will be announced in March. 

3. Lynne Kreisman – Woodstock Fine Arts Association Miguel Cervantes Creative Living was November 7 to a sold out audience and received rave reviews. Robert Rodriguez comes on November 21 to talk about John Lennon and Paul McCarthy. 

4. John Puzzo – Friends of the Opera House Hosting a fundraiser for Lighting of the Square on November 29 ($50), Red White and Blues on December 28 ($25) and Annual Meeting in January. Members have donated over $4,000 this year. 

5. Paul Rausch – No Report

C. Managing Director Report

1. Daniel Campbell

a) Roof repair was completed. 

b) Bell tower repairs and slate should be done by November 25, when the scaffolding will come down. 

c) Christmas Tree Walk has over 30 full-size trees and 5 table-top trees. 

d) Sold out three almost four White Christmas sing-along events. Will have a backdrop for pictures, Hot Chocolate Bar and possible concessions.

e) Have booked seven bands for 2020 and planning for seven more.

2020 Advisory Meeting dates: Jan. 21, Feb. 18, Mar. 17, May 19, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17

Daniel then went over the requested list of goals for 2020 with the Advisory Commission.

D. Discussion of WOH Programming/Activities

a) J. Puzzo asked about complaints from the local theater about doing movies in the Park. D. Campbell explained how we try our best not to compete with other businesses in town, but it is the nature of entertainment.

IV. OLD BUSINESS

A. Annual Report – K. Johnson reminded the board that we began revamping the annual report last year. It was discussed and decided to create a report broken down by categories, with recommendations under each. The categories are Building, Administration, Programming, Community, Food and Beverage, and Stage Left Café. Members will send ideas to Betsy Cosgray before the January meeting so they can be collected and put together for discussion and decisions at the January meeting.

V. NEW BUSINESS

A. Auditorium Concession – D. Campbell explained a policy change with having food and beverage in the auditorium. In the past, the City was against permitting consumption in this historic space. After research and more conversation, D. Campbell believes the revenue stream is important to the bottom line, as well as hearing from patrons who would like the choice. Discussion ensued with D. Campbell stating the City would like the opinions of the residents companies. Each board member will go back to their groups to review their concerns. 

B. Meeting Dates – It was decided to have eight meetings, taking the summer months and December off. New dates are January 21, February 18, March 17, May 19, August 18, September 15, October 20 and November 17.

The next meeting: January 21, 2020 Motion to adjourn. J. Puzzo motioned and P. Rausch seconded. Meeting adjourned 5:42 pm

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/woodstock_opera_house_advisory_commission/meeting/27391/f_-_woodstock_opera_house_advisory_-_part_1_of_1_-_2019-11-19_minutes.pdf