Start: 3:08pm
End: 4:53pm
Present (via zoom): Ann Lucena, Andy Switky, Tipu Purkayastha, Michael Hirsch, Ray Smith, Doug Hughes, Walter Mayes, Dan Singletary, Steve Sammonds, Dick Robbins, Lashonda Eagels, Marcy Bates
- Minutes from our previous meeting are approved. After a short discussion we decided to continue publishing the board meeting minutes.
- Key changes to board composition: Braden and Nicole are retiring from the Board, Michael is retiring as Chair, and we have three new board members: Doug Hughes, Dick Robbins, and Steve Sammonds.
- ED update (Michael)
- Building a two-year plan centered around concrete steps to stabilize the organization.
- Three big initiatives came from the retreat: Volunteer Program Expansion, “Show in a Box”, and “Premium Packages for Patrons.” Michael will be sending out emails to get these initiatives staffed and kicked off.
- Michael is investigating a switch to our ticketing software to overcome limitations on a variety of features we’d like, e.g., better analytics and donor tracking.
- Fundraising – we’re ahead of the game (but way too early to claim victory!): 16% of target at 5% of the year.
- Michael is building a predictive model that can help us track where we are in sales. This can help us react to sales numbers ahead of opening or during a run.
- Operations – Facilities. We may need short-term committees to tackle some of our facilities issues. Not a huge priority right now, but Michael will bring this back when the time is right.
- Hiring: we’re looking for a master carpenter / tech director.
- Michael has created new theater and studio rental term sheets. First time renters get a deal on their first year’s rent – $25 instead of $50.
- Michael has created a calendar of blog articles and is trying to spread them out. Ann suggested pushing stories out to other news organizations.
Walter’s Report
- First rehearsal for Sound of Music is tonight (7/20) and all of the pieces are in place.
- Auditions for Little Women set and will open to the public August 1st.
- Has started working on the Let It Show xmas show.
- September 15th we’ll be able to announce our third show.
- Blog post coming out about putting together next season’s roster of shows.
Fundraising and Development (Ann)
- We’ve submitted a number of grant applications, particularly for “tech” – light/sound booth and stage manager headsets, and laptop upgrades in the box office.
- PAEFP grant is still uncertain, and we should not assume we will receive any funding at this point.
- Potential donor recognition event in September – talking about our next season, getting to know Michael, etc.
- Doug worked with the team to create a flyer for legacy giving to align with our Show In a Box.
Voting for Board Positions:
- Chair (or co-chair) – Tipu has been elected.
- Vice Chair – Ann has been elected (Ray coming in second)
- Secretary – Andy has been elected
- Chief Financial Officer – Ray has been elected
- Chief Technical Officer – Dan has been elected
- Dan will set up “groups” for each of the committees.
Steve has completed the Brigadoon survey.
Committees
- Chair: Ann Development & Fundraising
- Chair: Steve Finance & Budgeting
- Chair: Lashonda Organizational Development & Human Resources
- Chair: Marcy and Doug Community & Outreach
- Chair: Andy Vision & Strategy
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