McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission met March 16

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

I. Call to Order (present remotely on Zoom call): Keith Johnson, John Puzzo, Judith Svalander, Roger Zawacki, Sue Kazlusky, Paul Rausch, Opera House Managing Director Daniel Campbell, Office Assistant Betsy Cosgray were present remotely. J. Svalander joined at 4:36 PM and Paul Rausch joined at 4:42 PM.

II. Absent: Anthony Houston.

III. Approval of Minutes

J. Puzzo motioned to approve the February 16, 2021 meeting minutes, R. Zawacki seconded. Ayes: K. Johnson, J. Puzzo, R. Zawacki, S. Kazlusky. Nays: none. Motion to approve the February 16, 2021 meeting minutes passed.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS

A. Committee Chair – Keith Johnson

Off Square Music continues to host live streaming events. They have two more coming up in April and May. They are also doing about a dozen outdoor concerts through the summer on Sunday evenings. Online Open Mic has been successful with over 50 people participating at their last event.

Member Reports

1. Roger Zawacki – Theatre 121 will host a play in May and June filmed on the stage in the Opera House. Answering K. Johnson’s question, R. Zawacki stated the production will be achieved. Theatre 121 will also host the Children’s Summer Musical Theater workshop at the end of July with a shorter day and limited enrollment of 40. The final performance will be filmed instead of in person. They will be applying for a grant from The Friends of the Opera House to help fund the workshop.

2. Sue Kazlusky – WFAA is continuing the online Creative Living Series in March and April, but the numbers are lower than they had hoped. They are planning for in person events in the 2021-22 season. Opera House will assist in videotaping the student’s performances and produce a video to present virtually on the WFAA and WOH websites.

3. Judith Svalander – JSDT is working on their June performance, one of the earliest ballets with other neo-classical pieces. A summer workshop will be in the studio with a performance in August. All production aspects still need to be decided.

4. John Puzzo – Friends of the Opera House (FOTOH) They are also working to recruit members for both membership and to sit on the Board. Looking to find ways to bring people to the Opera House in several ways: blood drive, scavenger hunt, grants. They have also offered assistance to other groups.

5. Paul Rausch – (Member at Large) P. Rausch shared ideas of incorporating high school performing groups in Stage Left Café and the Auditorium: High School Music Series, Best McHenry County Musician Contest, Past Student Masterclass, and School/Church Choir Festival.

B. Managing Director Report – Daniel Campbell provided a WOH update:

• Vaccination event with IDPH and IL Migrant Council on March 13, 2021.

• Live Stream events continuing throughout April and May, Cassandra Vohs Demann will add some as well. Continuing to add events at WOH throughout summer and fall. 

• Stage Left Café had first event and finished remodeling.

• Art Exhibit with operating hours of Mon-Fri 10-4 and Sat 10-2.

• Living History Project moving along with videos and interviews starting in April. 

• Invited Juanita Vega to join us at the May meeting.

V. OLD BUSINESS

A. Final Report – Discussion ensued regarding the final report. Items discussed: diversity inclusion and collaborative events with WOH user groups. It was decided that changes discussed would be incorporated, shared with the Commissioners and forwarded to the City Council for the April 4, 2021 meeting.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. None

The next meeting: May 18, 2021

Motion to adjourn by J. Puzzo and seconded by J. Svalander. Ayes: K. Johnson, J. Puzzo, R. Zawacki, S. Kazlusky, P. Rausch and J. Svalander. Nays: none. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 5:39 pm

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/woodstock_opera_house_advisory_commission/meeting/43281/f_-_opera_house_advisory_comm_3-16-21_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf