CLINTON COUNTY SHOWCASE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES
July 10, 2006
The following were in attendance; Steve Klostermann, Pat Kreher, Betty Henze, Lori Wahl, Jenny Gillespie, Deb Stratmann, Mike Huelsmann, Dustin McSparin, Roger Rolves, and Rachel Luebbers.
The meeting was called to order by Steve Klostermann at 7:30 p.m.
Last months minutes were approved with a motion by Dustin McSparin and a second my Betty Henze.
Treasurer’s Report was given by Betty Henze includes the attached reports to these minutes and these additional bills: Insurance due 8/26/06 $1014.00; Hellige market $117.98 youth musical cast party food and 50/50 tickets; total extra bills in addition to attached bills $1131.98. Betty stated that she received our tax papers and she forwarded them to Fred Becker. He is once again taking care of them without any fee to us.
A donation of tickets was requested from the Kirchenfest committee in Highland. A motion was made by Mike Huelsmann and seconded by Rachel Luebbers to donate 2 tickets for each show starting from the September show through the end of the season, motion passed.
It was mentioned that more 50/50 tickets will need to be purchased, larger print if possible.
Steve mentioned that the last of the $200 grant money should be coming.
Production Report – Steve gave a wrap up final report on Guys & Dolls Jr. as the Producer of the show, as follows:
First, the money…Betty can give you the exact box office, concession, and 50/50 revenues. She can probably also give you a ballpark on the expenses. We did spend a little more than usual on set materials for the downstage thrust covering the pit, but this cast will be split among the three outdoor shows this year. All three directors found this addition beneficial for their staging. I am sure our youth musical turned a substantial profit for our organization. (Also noteworthy… We did not have a children’s admission price of $3.00 as in past years. All seats were $5.00)
Next, the crowds…By my count we had about 300 people in the audience Thur., 450 Fri, 310 Sat and just over 500 Sun. The youth shows always draw large crowds, and the weather was certainly on our side. Everyone I talked to said they enjoyed the show very much.
The show itself…Very enjoyable. Well-staged. The principle roles had some of the best YM voices I’ve heard in recent years. Although this was not a “chorus-centered” show, Leah found plenty of stage time for all participants, even adding a few short walk-ons and lines for some of the. One criticism pointed toward the script itself: of all the junior shows we’ve produced (School house Rock, Annie, Music Man, and G&D), this one seemed to be the most disjointed and chopped up, but this could be due to the fact that I’m more familiar with this show than the other three.
Parents…VERY HELPFUL with teardown. And of course, there were a few standouts that contributed greatly to the show’s success from day one: Greg Kuper, Carol Clasquin, Tim Moylan, Diane Connelly, and probably a few others whose names escape me. Leah and Nifer did have a few “Problem Parents” as in past years, and they seemed to think that a handful of the cast members were more disruptive and rude than in past years. But most very happy to be a part of the G&D enterprise.
The performers…95 of them. A good mid of “A performers (the kids who are serious about theater, and will probably stick with it), “B performers” (kids who are looking to have some fun this summer, may not be really serious about theater itself, but are still happy to be there) and “C performers” (troublemakers). There is much debate about how to give the “B” kids the opportunity/inspiration to become the “A” kids, and how to get the “C” kids to quit. The debate will continue…
Final thought…It was fun, glad it’s done, looking forward to next year.
Rachel then reported that Producers are set for all other 6 shows as far as she knows. She will keep on top of the Directors and Producers to ensure that proper reports are related back to the board of directors about each show.
The Play/Reading Script analysis committee is still in the works. It will eventually make looking at perusals easier in the future for directors.
Still looking at future Seminars and future presenters for those seminars, she will keep us updated
Scholarship time is at hand, forms have been handed out to eligible individuals and Steve has sent the letter to the Clinton County Rural Health Clinic for the Maxine Bruegge Memorial, and will send out the letters to the organizations for their donations.
The following dates have been set for meetings to work on the Patrons Choice Awards, the Directors Hand Book and to read and pick our Scholarship winners.
Wed. 7/19/06 7:30 pm at the theatre – Patron Choice Awards
Wed 7/26/06 7:30 pm at the theatre – Directors Hand Book
Mon 7/31/06 7:00 pm at the park – choose Scholarship winners
Please attend if you can with any and all ideas to help.
Production Support – Deb Stratmann stated that Sat the 15th we are tentatively scheduled to move into the new costume building. However, it is put on hold waiting for Greg Kuper to wire the power and we need to pick up the clothes racks in St. Louis. When these things are ready for us, we will work on getting this move completed!!
Upgrading electric box at park – Greg Kuper and Dale Detmer will work on this together when they both have time.
Ordering or replacing chairs for the park – still looking into all this. Some entirely broke and need to be fixed. Roger and Pat will look at those. Deb will call Dennis Litteken at Mater Dei and see what they want for the chairs we borrow every year. They may want to donate or get rid of for a fee and we may able to buy them and not have to return them this year?
Sam’s card - $35 cost for a business card (2) provides a tax exempt status for us. After much discussion, it was decided we don’t need one.
Speaker went bad during youth musical; we used one of Braden’s during the show to get through the show. Mike will get with Braden to see which one was bad and see about the repair.
The Clinton Co Fair Parade is Monday July 17, 2006. Deb is pulling a float for “Anything Goes” cast. Something to do with a boat. Will need $ for pizza and soda, Betty will provide.
Mike Huelsmann is doing the programs to assist Deb a little and lighten her work load. He will get with each director and take care of layout and proofing etc. It was decided to order 4500 inserts.
Deb is planning on Aug 2, 2006 at the park after 6:00 pm for chair set-up at the park for the next show. Need all the help we can get!!!!
Box Office/Newsletter – Jennifer Gillespie didn’t have much to report, but Betty said Jenny did a great job with her first show of tickets. Mentioned that there was some confusion on the order forms in regards to including the youth show or not for our patrons. NOTE FOR NEXT YEAR!!! We must clarify a little better that the youth show is not part of the regular season and therefore not part of the regular ticket, you must check yes or no.
Jenny reported that she has emailed the newsletter articles to the printer, and Steve and Jenny will coordinate between season tickets and mailing etc.
Publicity – Mike Huelsmann reported Ads were far less in numbers this year but actually more $, and we should make some $ on the ads. ANOTHER CLARIFICATION FOR NEXT YEAR!!! Ads are only Ads…No tickets or seats come with ads. They are separate from patrons or season tickets. Patrons receive 1 seat for every $50 for every show. Guardian Angels receive 2 seats for every show ( and only include youth if they say so!!)
And from Mike, please keep putting out our season flyers everywhere you can think of.
Membership – Dustin McSparin reported that is still working on a prorated season ticket plan. He is also still compiling the mailing list. Currently he has a database of 502 names. He hopes this list will help with committees, basic memberships, actor lists, etc. He is also still beating the bushes for new members. He encourages all board members to please become a showcase member, even if it is only a basic membership.
Dustin also handed over a check for $250. It is from his employer Wal-Mart for his volunteer hours here at Showcase. THESE FUNDS ARE EARMARKED FOR CHAIRS ONLY!!
Building – Roger Rolves reported that he is aware that he still owes showcase $500. He currently has some plywood to sell.
Neon’s – man came from Phillips sign co in Mt Vernon and we are awaiting a bid in regards to repair of the neon’s, renovation of the front sign.
Bldg Renovation – Roger would like to see us go forth and start the process. Get some plans drawn, get measurements taken by Mark Stratmann, get a survey, etc.
Interior/Exterior Lights – Rachel will contact Joe Cavatio to come out and give us some suggestions and recommendations on both our outdoor and indoor lighting needs. We will offer him tickets to an outdoor show so he can see what we require and tickets to the first indoor show to see those needs.
Assistant Exec Director – Pat Kreher – No report
Next meeting will be Aug 14, 2006 at 7:30 pm
Dustin McSparin moved to adjourn, with a 2nd from Deb Stratmann, motion carried, meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm
Respectively submitted,
Lori Wahl
Secretary