Performing Arts Center Board

MINUTES OF VILLAGE OF SKOKIE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOARD Monday, November 8, 7:00 P.M. A REGULAR MEETING OF the Performing Arts Center Board was held at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Illinois, on Monday, November 8, 2021. CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. Janis Fine made the motion to approve the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Barbara Reeder. The Minutes were then approved by the Board. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Terrence Guolee; Janis Fine; Barry Layfer; Barbara Reeder; Andrea Siegel; Ann Tennes (Village staff liaison) BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Kelch; Norm Rosen (ex-officio); Rene Roy OTHERS PRESENT: General Manager Michael Pauken; Director of Marketing David Vish OPERATIONS REPORT: Pauken reported that subscription renewals for Music Theater Works’ 2022 season have begun. He said they now have Northlight’s 2022-23 season schedule and box office will begin preparing their subscription renewals, which are expected to launch in January. Planning continues for the NSCPA Foundation benefit in association with the Rocket Man Show on November 13. Pauken said it looks to be a successful event with more than 90 guests and a robust silent auction. Pauken said that the operations department continues to deal with a myriad of maintenance issues including roof leaks in both theatres and malfunctioning emergency lighting. Proper replacement of the latter will cost close to $100,000 so until that level of funding can be secured, PFM has purchased and installed 20 individual battery powered emergency lights in key areas around the building. A sewer line breach along the north side of the building has been repaired by the Village. COVID-19 UPDATE: Proof of vaccination or a negative test plus face masks continue to be required for people 12 years of age and older attending events at the North Shore Center through at least December 31. At this time children under 12 need only wear a face mask. Pauken said compliance continues to be generally smooth. PROGRAMMING/MARKETING: The Taj Mahal performance on October 14 was cancelled due to artist injury. Comedian Charlie Berens sold more than 800 tickets on October 16. Music of the Baroque held a concert on October 17. Music Theater Works’ production of Ragtime was then loaded in, and Pauken said it turned out to be very good with exceptional performances. Looking ahead, the Center has a busy November. Feature Series presentations are The Rocket Man Show and Foundation benefit (11/13) and Leo Kottke (11/18). Rentals include comedian MODI (11/8), State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s Cinderella (11/12), Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre filming a WTTW special (11/14-16), Elgin Symphony Orchestra performing a John Williams program (11/19), Chicago Philharmonic (11/21), and Music of the Baroque (11/28). Northlight, which closed an acclaimed production of Songs for Nobodies on October 31 is now in rehearsal for their next play, Mr. Dickens’ Hat, which begins performances on November 26. Director of Marketing David Vish reported on ticket sales and marketing plans for upcoming Feature Series presentations. The Board supported PFM submitting an offer to the previously endorsed Preservation Hall Jazz Band. FINANCIALS: Financial Statements through September 30, 2021 reflect net income from operations of $25,692, which is $295,468 better than budget. $155,000 of this amount is the Payroll Protection Plan loan obtained by PFM, which was forgiven and made a grant in May. Pauken explained that without this amount, the Center is still $140,468 better than budget through September 30 as a result of stronger than expected event revenue and tight cost controls. OLD BUSINESS: NEW BUSINESS: ADJOURNMENT: Pauken and Vish left the meeting, and the Board discussed contractual matters involving the Center. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 p.m. after a motion by Janis Fine, a second by Barbara Reeder, and a unanimous vote of all present. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 13, at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________ Michael Pauken