McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission met March 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting of the Opera House Advisory Commission of the City of Woodstock was called to order at the Opera House at 4:30 pm by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. A roll call was taken.

I. Call to Order Advisory Members:

Present: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Sue Kazlusky, John Puzzo, Roger Zawacki.

Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt.

Staff: Opera House Director Daniel Campbell, Opera House Business Operations Manager Betsy Cosgray.

Public: Cassandra Vohs Demann.

II. Approval of Minutes

John Puzzo motioned to approve the January 17, 2023 meeting minutes, Sue Kazlusky seconded.

Ayes: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Sue Kazlusky, John Puzzo, Roger Zawacki. Nays: none.

Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt. 

Motion to approve the January 17, 2023 meeting minutes passed.

III. COMMUNICATIONS

a. Managing Director Report: D. Campbell provided a WOH update:

The Opera House lent support for Groundhog Day and had a successful weekend of events along with the Community Choir concert the weekend prior. February consisted of Friday or Saturday night concerts with Two Divas and a Piano - sold out and Red Corvette - a Prince tribute band.

Joe Diamond’s show was also a near sell-out in which he has booked another show later in 2023.

Along with Creative Living, the run of Seussical and the Comedy Zone events, the auditorium and concessions has been busy since January. The FY23/24 budget has been submitted and is being finalized for approval from the City Council in April.

b. Commission Chair: Chairperson K. Johnson commented that he was glad the City Council met the commitment of new management staff this year. He also stated that he appreciated being a part of the DLR conversation regarding the renovations. K. Johnson mentioned that they are seeing a larger attendance at OffSquare events and hoping they see a continued recession in the COVID-19 numbers.

c. Commission Member Comments:

Sue Kaslusky (Woodstock Fine Arts Association): S. Kaslusky shared information regarding the upcoming WFAA Talent Showcase for the students receiving scholarships from WFAA.

She also asked if there is a schedule for the renovations yet, which Director Campbell stated it was still unknown.

John Puzzo (Friends of the Opera House): J. Puzzo shared with the Board that FOTOH is working for a more professional organization with the implementation of their website, finalization of their working budget and business plan, as well as instituting an endowment program.

IV. OLD BUSINESS

a. Commission’s Annual Report – Chairperson Johnson stated he sent in the report and has not received any comments from the Mayor or the City. He suggested the commission put this year’s report on the September agenda in order to have it submitted before the City’s annual budget process begins.

b. Building Engineering Study – This study was done in the fall with the only concern, structurally, being the integrity of the east side exterior fire escape.

c. Vacant Commission Seat -Terms – J. Puzzo and J. Svalander are up for reappointment this year. J. Svalander would like reappointment as J. Puzzo will be stepping down. Mayor, with  commissions recommendations, will appoint and reappoint in May 2023. Cassandra Vohs Demann was introduced as a possible candidate for appointment. She spoke on her interest in sitting on the commission.

V. NEW BUSINESS

a. DLR Concept and Design Update: D. Campbell shared the City has hired DLR Group to create a Concept and Design Study and through February and March met with staff, resident companies and user groups to better understand how the building is currently being used and where it could improve. A first draft conceptual design plan is scheduled to be ready in April with the final plans to be completed by the end of May 2023. Discussion ensued regarding different areas of the project.

b. Staffing: Director Campbell updated the commission on the changes in staffing in the Production/Technical area. The Technical Manager and Production Manager positions will be combined and a Production Assistant position will be added. The Production Manager position is out for hire currently with the Assistant role to be added at a later date. Responding to K.

Johnson’s question, D. Campbell stated the pay has been raised to meet the standards and skills.

Discussion ensued regarding a question by J. Svalander on lighting design.

c. Programming Updates: D. Campbell stated that we are offering some new programming options like puppy and animal shows as well as comedy and concerts. He continued by saying ticket sales are rising and feels the Marketing Department is to credit. K. Johnson asked about Stage Left Café’s closure during the renovations. D. Campbell said that is still on hold, but the goal is to either have the Community Room or Stage Left Café available for use, and they don’t want to shut them both down at the same time.

VI. ADJOURNMENT

Motion to adjourn by John Puzzo, Roger Zawacki seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Sue Kazlusky, John Puzzo, Roger Zawacki. Nays: none. Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt. Motion to adjourn passed.

Meeting adjourned at 5:25 pm.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/woodstock_opera_house_advisory_commission/meeting/46463/f_-_opera_house_advisory_comm_minutes_3-21-23.pdf