Performing Arts Center Board

MINUTES OF VILLAGE OF SKOKIE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOARD Monday, December 13, 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, December 13, 2021. CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:01 p.m. Barbara Reeder made the motion to approve the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Janis Fine. The Minutes were then approved by the Board. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Terrence Guolee; Janis Fine; Barry Layfer; Barbara Reeder; Rene Roy; Andrea Siegel; Ann Tennes (Village staff liaison) BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Kelch; Norm Rosen (ex-officio) OTHERS PRESENT: General Manager Michael Pauken; Director of Marketing David Vish OPERATIONS REPORT: Pauken reported that subscription renewals for Music Theater Works’ 2022 season continue. Box office is currently preparing their single ticket onsale for January. Box Office is also building Northlight’s 2022-23 season in the ticketing system in advance of their subscription renewal launch planned for later this winter. The first transition between Northlight and Music Theater Works productions in the North Theatre happens at the end of February and planning meetings between the technical/production people with the two resident companies and the Center’s technical director have already begun. A key piece of this is the installation of the new sound system for the space that was funded by the Rice Foundation. Pauken said that most of the equipment has been on site for over a year, but the sound mixing console the Center ordered in 2020 has not yet been delivered due to supply chain issues and they are now going to explore purchasing a different model. Also related to MTW’s use of the North Theatre is the removal of the Northlight Theatre sign and the formal renaming of the space to “North Theatre.” This must happen by the end of February to meet the Center’s contractual obligations with MTW. The current lack of funds for this project necessitates the new sign will be smaller and not illuminated. Revisiting all signage in the building remains a goal for the future as funds become available. COVID-19 UPDATE: Pauken said they have extended their requirement of proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for event entry through February 6 and will revisit a further extension in the coming weeks. The process has gone very smoothly. At this time, children under 12 need only wear a mask to attend shows, with a few exceptions dictated by artists. PFM has also instituted a requirement that all staff get the COVID vaccine booster by January 4 unless they are not yet date eligible. PROGRAMMING/MARKETING: Center presentations of The Rocket Man Show and guitarist Leo Kottke were both successful. The Center’s presentation of The Nutcracker (three performances) is on pace to be the most successful ever. Northlight’s holiday offering, Mr. Dickens’ Hat, began performances on November 26 and continues through January 2. Their next play is Fireflies, which runs from January 20 through February 20. Music Theater Works’ production of Billy Elliot, which runs from December 23 through January 2, concludes their first season at the North Shore Center. Their next season begins with La Cage aux Folles in the North Theatre space in March. Recent rentals included comedian MODI (11/9), 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), Music of the Baroque (11/28), and the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (12/4). Comedian Kevin Nealon, who was scheduled for January 16 (after several postponements), has been cancelled. Other January presentations include singer-songwriter Patty Griffin on January 21 and DC’s Reflecting Fools (a.k.a. the former Capitol Steps) January 28-30. Director of Marketing David Vish reported on ticket sales and marketing plans for upcoming Feature Series presentations. FINANCIALS: Statements through October 31, 2021 reflect net income from operations of $43,376, which is $206,975 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. Without this amount, the Center is still $51,975 better than budget through October 31 as a result of stronger than expected event revenue and tight cost controls. On the programming side the net loss is $40,415, which is $14,135 worse than budget. Pauken said they had some challenging shows in October, but the negative variance should reverse with the successes of The Rocket Man Show and Leo Kottke in November and The Nutcracker in December. OLD BUSINESS: Tennes reported on the Foundation Benefit success – best ever results. NEW BUSINESS: ADJOURNMENT: Vish was excused from the meeting shortly before 8 p.m., after which Tennes and Pauken updated the board members about the status of the transition process for the upcoming Center management and programming agreements. With the PFM deal ending, an RFQ is set to go out very soon, followed by an RFP. The preference is one company for management and programming. A new operator is to be selected by May. The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. after a motion by Barbara Reeder, a second by Rene Roy, and a unanimous vote of all present. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________ Michael Pauken