Performing Arts Center Board

MINUTES OF VILLAGE OF SKOKIE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOARD Monday, March 14, 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, March 14, 2022. CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:01 p.m. Barry Layfer made the motion to approve the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Andrea Siegel. The Minutes were then approved by the Board. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Terrence Guolee; Barry Layfer; Barbara Reeder; Rene Roy; Andrea Siegel; Ann Tennes (Village staff liaison) BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Janis Fine; 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 Northlight’s 2022-23 season have begun. The first transition between Northlight and Music Theater Works productions in the North Theatre happened at the end of February. For the most part it went well. The installation of the new sound system for the space that was funded by the Rice Foundation proved most valuable. Related to MTW’s use of the North Theatre was the removal of the Northlight Theatre sign and the formal renaming of the space to “North Theatre” with a new sign. Revisiting all signage in the building remains a goal for the future as funds become available. Rental inquiries for future months and into next season are coming in at a brisk pace beginning with dance recitals in May. Pauken explained that all inquiries are more time consuming than in the past due to COVID questions, changes in performance schedules, etc. As is always the case, multiple parties want the same dates while other dates go asking. Determining the highest and best use of calendar time is a bit of a mating dance. COVID-19 UPDATE: With the lifting of government mandates, Pauken said the Center is no longer requiring proof of vaccination for event entry though some resident and rental organizations are. Face masks are required to be worn in the theatre through April 10 for all Feature Series shows, but private rentals are allowed to make their own decisions. PROGRAMMING/MARKETING: The COVID Omicron variant led to more cancellations and postponements of shows this winter. Comedian Kevin Nealon (January 9) was cancelled and DC’s Reflecting Fools, the Capitol Steps replacement show, was postponed to April 8-10. Pauken said they also lost Keb’ Mo’ (March 11) who cancelled his whole winter tour. Comedian Steven Wright (March 31) postponed his sold-out show again, this time to October 6 approximately 2.5 years after the originally scheduled date. The Center’s presentation of singer-songwriter Patty Griffin (January 21) went on as scheduled but to only half a house. This would have been a sellout in normal times. Pauken said that the always stellar Giordano Dance Chicago performed February 5 to an enthusiastic audience though smaller than in 2020. In a co-presentation with Music of the Baroque, the Center hosted a theatrical concert entitled The Chevalier, about the first major black composer of classical music, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges and his friendships with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Marie Antoinette. This program sold well and garnered nice media coverage for the Center. Aside from the aforementioned Reflecting Fools, upcoming shows include Storm Large on March 18, two sold-out performances of Dog Man The Musical on March 19, guitarist Jesse Cook on April 1, Classical Kids Live’s theatrical concert, Mozart’s Magnificent Journey, featuring the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra on April 3 and the just announced Lindsey Buckingham on April 21 and Ryan Hamilton on May 13. Rentals have started coming back to the calendar, though Omicron forced the cancellation of some of them. Pauken said they also lost a valuable Ukrainian show due to the outbreak of war in that country. Music Theater Works launched its 2022 season with La Cage Aux Folles on March 9. New artists were reviewed for Board endorsement, including Darcie Lynn Farmer, Fortune Feimster, John Splithoff, Larkin Poe and Tom Papa. Previously endorsed artists included Lily Tomlin, Lyle Lovett & John Hiatt, The Manhattan Transfer, Postmodern Jukebox, The Rocket Man Show and Watkins Family Hour. Director of Marketing David Vish reported on ticket sales and marketing plans for upcoming Feature Series presentations. FINANCIALS: Financial statements through January 31, 2022 reflect a net loss from operations of $59,208, which is $24,643 better than budget. On the programming side the net loss is $5,810, which is $7,188 worse than budget. OLD BUSINESS: Tennes updated the board on the venue management search. Discussions with VenuWorks are ongoing. The Village Committee and Guolee are reviewing their proposal and negotiating. The goal is to reach an agreement by May. Updates were also provided on the SVOG grant and MTW’s presentation to the Fine Arts Commission. NEW BUSINESS: ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. after a motion by Barbara Reeder, a second by Barry Layfer, and a unanimous vote of all present. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________ Michael Pauken