McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission met Jan. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting of the Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order via a Zoom meeting at 4:35 pm by Keith Johnson. A roll call was taken.

I. Call to Order Advisory Members:

Present: Keith Johnson, Roger Zawacki, John Puzzo, Sue Kazlusky

Absent: Paul Rausch, Anthony Houston, Judith Svalander

Staff in Attendance: Opera House Director Daniel Campbell and Office Assistant Betsy Cosgray

II. Approval of Minutes

a. R. Zawacki motioned to approve the October 19, 2021 meeting minutes, J. Puzzo seconded. Ayes: K. Johnson, R. Zawacki, J. Puzzo, S. Kazlusky. Nays: none. Motion to approve the Tuesday, October 19, 2021 meeting minutes passed.

III. COMMUNICATIONS

a. Chairman’s Report – Keith Johnson: Anthony Houston notified K. Johnson that he has a new job opportunity and will need to resign from the Commission. Off Square Music had their New Year’s Eve Party moved to virtual as well as the first Open Mic night on Wednesday, January 12. They are currently planning on their Original Open Mic Night to be in person on January 26.

b. Member Reports:

Roger Zawacki – Theatre 121: Elf had a tremendous run, not record breaking but close. Sold $81,000 in tickets. Feb 26th Noises Off opens to live audiences. The board met to review if they should postpone or cancel, and they want to continue with the live performances on the scheduled dates. Sound of Music is hosting auditions January 23 – January 26 with a performance opening on April 8th. Theatre 121 received several unsolicited donations during the run of ELF that totaled $800. The board has decided to forgo the 50/50 raffles during the intermission and move to an electronic QR code for donations and/or adding a request inserted in their programs. They are also bringing back the Opening Receptions for Noises Off.

Sue Kazlusky – WFAA: They will host their Creative Living Series on Thursday, January 20th with Liesel Olsen. Their ticket sales are at 240, which they are happy with considering the season and COVID-19 numbers. The board has also decided to forgo the Spring Luncheon fundraiser and look for different fundraising avenues. The Talent Showcase in April is still planned and they hope to return to hosting their children’s programming in October. Answering K. Johnson’s question regarding virtual streaming, S. Kazlusky stated they utilize the technology and the patron can either watch the program live or stream it live. The Creative Living ticket is good for either.

John Puzzo – Friends of the Opera House (FOTOH): Postponed Treasure Island due to the rising COVID-19 numbers. Their FOTOH meeting for January will be Tuesday, January 25 via Zoom. They will be voting on purchases for the Opera House including but not limited to: replacement of the traveler on the cyclorama curtain, and purchase of a still-photography camera and six new headsets.

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

• 2021 Holiday Season was successful amid the rising COVID-19 numbers.

• Many Event rentals were cancelled in January along with the FOTOH Treasure Island program.

2022 Advisory Meeting dates: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 15, May 17, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov.15

• The February calendar is set, with expectations they will all be live performances.

• Working on the Department’s Budget for FY22/23.

• City continues to work with the Opera House in pursuing grants for project funding.

• Danielle Gulli started on December 31, 2021 as Executive Director of Business Development, which will oversee the operations of the Opera House, Recreation Department and Economic Development. Through the meetings already had with D. Gulli, D. Campbell is optimistic about the future support for the Opera House.

IV. OLD BUSINESS

a. Opera House Fee Structure – D. Campbell reviewed the fee structure that was discussed at the October 2021 meeting and implemented beginning January, 2022. The rental fee and labor fee changes will have the biggest impact. Instead of a rental price and a 10% fee, there will be a rental fee or 10%, whichever is larger. There is also a cap on the 10% fee depending on the type of rental. Another change is that the labor fee is a flat fee instead of billed by the hour. Stage Left Cafe was changed to having an initial four-hour rental block instead of renting by the hour. Discussion ensued.

b. American Rescue Plan Funding Projects – D. Campbell shared that a Public Hearing was being held tonight at the City Council meeting and continuing discussions will be happening before a decision will be made by Council on how the money is spent. B. Cosgray shared a portion of the chart in the Council Packet that discussed how the money would be spent on Arts & Culture.

c. Capital Improvement Projects – D. Campbell shared some of the CIP projects being requested for in the FY22/23 – FY31/32 CIP Program.

V. NEW BUSINESS

a. Opera House Staffing – D. Campbell spoke on the status of the staffing at the Opera House with the loss in the past three years of Building Maintenance (now covered by Dan Puzzo and Public Works Department), Production Assistant (not replaced) and Marketing Assistant (currently open). He explained that the City is working to create a citywide Marketing Department and we would work with them for Opera House marketing and social media. K. Johnson asked who, at the Opera House, would share that information with the Marketing Department. D. Campbell stated the functions of how it will all work are still being decided and is being voted on by the City Council tonight, but in the meantime, we are getting assistance from Real Woodstock on some of our marketing. J. Puzzo asked if the technical position would be compensated in a way that is competitive with other like positions, which D. Campbell replied that was their intention. D. Campbell also shared discussions to split the Front of House manager into two positions to allow for one position to focus on hospitality, while merging Box Office Manager and Office Manager into one position to handle business operations. He stated they are also looking into bringing in a Development Manager to work with the community and corporate outreach as well as volunteerism at the Opera House.

b. Annual Report – K. Johnson requested the annual report reflect the need for adequate personnel. D. Campbell suggested the commission look back on the agendas from 2021 and see if there are any subjects that still need attention. D. Campbell stated it is part of the ordinance that an annual report be submitted and to use the report to inform the Council on what the commission feels is important in regards to the Opera House. It was decided that K. Johnson would create a draft off

2022 Advisory Meeting dates: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, Mar. 15, May 17, Aug. 16, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov.15 of past discussions and share that with the commission prior to the Meeting on February 15, 2022 at 4:30 pm.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

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

Meeting adjourned at 5:52 pm.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/woodstock_opera_house_advisory_commission/meeting/45628/8._f_-_opera_house_advisory_comm_1-18-22_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf