McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Opera House Advisory Commission met May 16.

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 4:33 pm by Keith Johnson on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. A roll call was taken. 

I. Call to Order Advisory Members: 

Present: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Roger Zawacki  

Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt, Sue Kazlusky, John Puzzo 

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

Public: Peggy Hart, Joe Pesz 

II. Approval of Minutes 

Judith Svalander motioned to approve the March 21, 2023 meeting minutes, Roger Zawacki seconded. Ayes: Keith Johnson, Judith Svalander, Roger Zawacki. Nays: none. Absent: Jeff Kleinschmidt, Sue Kazlusky, John Puzzo. Motion to approve the March 21, 2023 meeting minutes passed. 

III. COMMUNICATIONS 

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

Director Campbell shared with the advisory board that there were many successful programs in March and April, as well as some sold-out shows. D. Campbell noted there were 74 events  scheduled in June at the Opera House and Stage Left Café. Chairperson K. Johnson asked if we were back to 2019 numbers, which D. Campbell responded they are closer if not on par with  pre-COVID numbers. Director Campbell explained that the Opera House was under budget in FY22/23 and showed growth in other areas, especially our concessions area. He then went on to explain that $160,000 was added to the Operations budget for FY23/24 with income lines projections staying roughly the same due to anticipated closures for DCEO projects. Discussion  ensued regarding the budget process. K. Johnson stated he was appreciative that the Opera House staffing issues were addressed last budget year. J. Pesz suggested that when the grant construction begins, to market it so the public knows that the improvements are coming from grant money and not taxpayers’ pockets. 

b. Commission Chair: 

K. Johnson mentioned that they are seeing a higher attendance at Off Square events. 

c. Commission Member Comments: 

Roger Zawacki (Theatre 121): R. Zawacki shared that the production of Rent, opening in June, will be a tremendously well sung show. Due to the adult material in the production, they are working with marketing to get the message to the public. 

Peggy Hart (Friends of the Opera House): P. Hart stated that FOTOH is working with SOAR at DORR on a White Christmas experience for seniors at the Opera House. 

IV. OLD BUSINESS 

a. DLR Concept Review: Director Campbell shared that there is a delay with the final report, which was initially due in May, and it has been pushed to June. D. Campbell did share good  news from the state as the grant contract is ready to be signed. This means that projects can be  started that are not waiting on the DLR report. Answering a question from R. Zawacki, D. Campbell explained that it is the plan not to have the main stage and Stage Left Café down at the  same time. Discussion ensued regarding construction schedules. Chairperson Johnson suggested to have a special meeting once the final report is available. Director Campbell stated the report would be shared with the advisory board and a meeting set.

V. NEW BUSINESS 

a. New Production Manager: D. Campbell introduced Rodney Stickrod. R. Stickrod shared with the advisory board his past experiences as Production Manager, Props Master, Scenic Designer, Summer Theatre Camp technical director as well as his last 8 years as an electrician. Chairperson Johnson stated having skilled staff is important and asked if there would be more technical  support staff. Director Campbell shared the plan to bring on a Production Manager Assistant as well as other potential technical staff. 

b. Technical Production Needs/ Capabilities: Director Campbell shared that R. Stickrod will be continuing to assess our current technical build-out and look into ways to improve our capabilities. Responding to J. Pesz inquiry regarding future technology purchases, D. Campbell stated that user groups are always welcome to reach out to R. Stickrod to discuss needs and wishes for the future. R. Stickrod stated to think outside the realms of what we have been doing when designing a show. R. Zawacki stated putting minds together, anything is possible. 

c. New Advisory Board Members: D. Campbell noted new Advisory Board members on the City Council agenda that evening for approval. They are Peggy Hart, who will be replacing John  Puzzo as the Friends of the Opera House representative, and Cassandra Vohs Demann as a Member at Large.  

VI. ADJOURNMENT  

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

Meeting adjourned at 5:44 pm. 

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/woodstock_opera_house_advisory_commission/meeting/46464/f_-_opera_house_advisory_comm_minutes_5-16-23.pdf