Theatre Artists Studio Board

Previous Board Meeting Minutes Approved

President`s Report
Two actors were proposed for membership by multiple board members and approved:

Saha Woodlaw, who been working in theatre locally

Shannon Clark, who is currently starring in Love & Money

Landlord (Jason Bowles from Whitestone REIT) sent a counter offer in response to The Studio’s last proposal. It offers an extension (instead of new lease) with most of what was asked in The Studio’s proposal: rent: $8,587 per month with 3% increase in subsequent years for two years. Common area remain at $3,000 fee. As an extension in keeps the terms of the original lease (from 13 years ago) that includes no penalty for The Studio (or its Board) should it not remain till the end of the two years.

Landlord is replacing the two broken ACs and will be asked to replace the fluorescent lighting which does not currently work, rendering much of the rehearsal space unusable, and increase the size of The Studio’s monument sign on the perimeter of the shopping center.

All agreed that the lease offer should be accepted, with the above noted stipulations (lights and signage).

Members brought up the need to have the phone available at the box office on show days so that people who may be having difficulty finding The Studio will be able to talk to someone to make their way.

Members discussed the need to increase efforts to secure space-sharing revenue opportunities. There is a lot of time, throughout the year when The Studio does not use its space, and some of the time it currently uses, for rehearsals, etc., can be shuffled around to accommodate other possible users.

Carol detailed that there will be a Quilting group’s workshop (lecture) at The Studio this summer.

Marney provided details on two possible rentals in the next year:

Shawna Bussard would like to use The Studio for a fundraising event performances on Sat, Aug 3 (two weeks before The Studio’s first performance of next season). They are willing to pay the full-day charge $650 and the $125 clean up charge (total $775).

They would like to know, as soon as possible, how the stage will be arranged and colored. They also asked about getting the piano tuned (not clear if they want to use the grand or the upright piano. They also might want access to the lighting controls, which they understand will need to be operated by a Studio member or someone approved by The Studio. Their insurance situation will need to be investigated, prior to approval. Mary agreed to review the contract for the Board and report to us later.

Kids in The Corner (KITC) would like to use The Studio space in conjunction with a fundraising event for The Studio. Debra Gettleman Rich will perform a one-woman show called Every Brilliant Thing. They will need the space Dec 27, 2019 for technical/rehearsal. They plan to have two shows on Saturday, Dec 28 and one show Sun, Dec 29. The Studio would acquire the rights to Every Brilliant Thing and KITC pay the royalties. Maureen volunteered that Greasepaint will acquire and pay for the royalties to support KITC. KITC will perform 2 shows on Sat, Dec 28; a matinee and an evening show with a reception for each. KITC will take care of all their marketing, ticketing, food, etc. KITC will keep all profits made from their performances. The Studio will provide the building, tech and tech person. KITC would like to have 100 seats available for the performances. The Studio will then present one show on Sunday, De 29 as a fundraiser for The Studio. The Studio will determine a ticket price and keep all proceeds from ticket sales collected. This represents a good association between KITC, The Studio and Greasepaint. The Studio’s only cost is for having the building open (and tech).

The Board approved this partnership and will rearrange rehearsal times that might be displaced by the KITC programs.

Mary discussed a possible opera project on a weekend next spring with Kathleen Burger. It had been planned a couple of years ago but was cancelled at the last minute when the lead singer was in a car accident. They would like it to be a joint venture (no rent) with The Studio splitting the ticket sales with the presenters. Mary will follow up with more details when they are available.

Financial Committee Report
With Amy absent, Carol reported that The Studio has $3,000+ in the bank, and she will be depositing $1,000 on May 8 (it includes a $500 donation from the estate of Bill Strauss, who had been a long time supporter/donor)

Member Committee Report

Business Committee Report
Clark presented a fundraising flyer that was developed by the Marketing/Business Committee in the weeks since the last board meeting. Several members brought up issues they saw with it and some changes to its content and design were suggested. (It was revised and reposted the following day on Clark’s Google drive for further review.)

Maureen volunteered to print out some of them for use at the last six shows of Love & Money and Clark will get a larger supply of them printed on heavier stock once it has been approved by the Business Committee. One addition to it should be an insert with next season’s productions.

Maureen suggested that we should make it possible to make regular monthly donations in lieu of larger annual ones. The Business Committee is reviewing a possible CRM solution to use on the website that may make that, and the entire donation process much easier. The Business Committee is meeting next week to follow up with that discussion after participating in an online demonstration of it Tuesday afternoon.

Carol is identifying high potential donors from her lists of past donors. She also announced that she has already received commitments for donations of $1,000 - $2,500 and a $20,000 donation from her family.

It was decided that the fundraising campaign should be kicked off with a reception before the opening night performance of Summer Shorts. Next years season will be announced and Maureen will create a poster for each show which will invite attendees to sponsor/produce. It worked very effectively at a recent Greasepaint fundraising event. During the following day, via email Marney volunteered to lead the reception planning with the help of Maureen, Patti and Steve who will be providing the food and wine.

Marketing Committee Report

Other Business

July 7, 2020
June 20, 2020
June 2, 2020
May 5, 2020
February 4, 2020
January 6, 2020
December 3, 2019
November 1, 2019
October 1, 2019
September 3, 2019
July 2, 2019
June 4, 2019
May 7, 2019
April 2, 2019
March 5, 2019
February 5, 2019
Januaray 8, 2019
December 4, 2018
November 6, 2018