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