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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.06.09 WAB MinutesWheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | June 9th, 2021- 3PM Submitted by Maddy Overton In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House Board Members: Chip Fuller, Chairperson Christine Benedetti, Vice Chair Amy Mountjoy, Secretary (via WebEx) Nina Gabianelli Ziska Childs Richard Stettner (via WebEx) Dr. Tom Kurt Lauren Forman (alternate) In Attendance: Wheeler Opera House / COA Staff: Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Wheeler Executive Director City Council Liaison Mayor Torre Ward Hauenstein (alternate) Meeting Recorder: Maddy Overton Absent: Jennifer White (ex-officio, MAA) DISCUSSION ACTIONS/RESPONSES o Meeting called to order at 3:04 p.m. o Approval of May 12, 2021 meeting minutes Approved Wheeler RETT Council Presentation Update Wheeler Executive Director Lisa Rigsby Peterson shared that City Council has been hearing presentations from City staff about potential RETT options. Dr. Kurt commented that he believed that the Isis Theatre, a City of Aspen arts facility, needed to be considered for inclusion in Wheeler RETT income, as well as Wheeler administrative support. Chairperson Chip Fuller remarked that Council is collecting information regarding several needs in the community, and the Board will be asked to discuss this topic formally by the Council. Executive Director Remarks – Lisa Rigsby Peterson, Executive Director Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that the Wheeler open to the public this weekend with two performances of the Aspen Fringe Festival, and ticket sales are strong. After the Fringe, there will be one week off and then Jazz Aspen Snowmass will be in the theatre for three nights before the Music Festival moves in for the summer. Aspen Historical Society tours will begin on July 7th. Dr. Kurt remarked that the Pitkin County Board of Health would meet the following day. He expected new PHOs (Public Health Orders) Wheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | June 9th, 2021- 3PM Submitted by Maddy Overton regarding face mask wearing and double vaccinated persons. ` Programming Update Plans for Wheeler Presents opening are being made for early Fall, and staff has begun looking at what our programming will look like for the rest of the year. It’s likely that we will take a season package approach, encouraging patrons to buy tickets to multiple shows at once. Chair Fuller reiterated previous discussions that the first event for the presented season should be a locals- centered celebration. Staffing Update Filling our open positions will be the next priority for the next few weeks. It is likely that we will change the senior operations director position to a business manager position. We are currently hiring a front of house representative and have hired a sound engineer, returning employee Michael Baca. Invitation to View Theatre Windows If any board member would like to see the uncovered window option in the theatre, please simply drop by the Wheeler at your convenience. Board discussion Capital Projects Update Ms. Rigsby Peterson gave a quick update about the masonry project. The largest challenge we are experiencing is the availability of the stone. We are very mindful of the impact of the construction on the businesses in the building. Ms. Rigsby Peterson let the Board know that the staff is creating a consolidated capital needs list to better prioritize upcoming needs and projects. There is already consensus about several projects, including the rigging system replacement. Vision Discussion - Board Input Ms. Rigsby Peterson shared that she is beginning to organize her thoughts about what a vision statement for the Wheeler would look like. It would be grounded in the mission statement but should be more succinct and specific about what the Wheeler and its operations “look like” rather than what the purpose is. She invited initial input from the board, acknowledging that it is going to be a multistep process. Chair Fuller then asked the board members for their feedback. Mayor Torre stated that he thought balance Wheeler Board Meeting Board Meeting Minutes | June 9th, 2021- 3PM Submitted by Maddy Overton – community events versus big name acts, with educational aspects of each – was very important. The need for the Wheeler to be a community hub as well as a world-renowned show house was stresses. Ms. Gabianelli said that one of the thoughts that immediately sprang to mind was tradition – honoring the artists and events that have happened at the Wheeler over the years and through generations. Ms. Benedetti shared that memory making at the Wheeler has been an important aspect of the work here. Ms. Childs encouraged staff to think about Broadway touring shows and theatre. Mr. Stettner acknowledged the multiple ideas and suggested that a professional facilitator might help in the visioning process. He also suggested reviewing show history to see what has resonated most with audiences. Mayor Pro Tem Hauenstein suggested that we ask the community to share their best memory or anecdote from the Wheeler to get even more input. Ms. Rigsby Peterson thanked the board for their helpful input in beginning the conversation. The board then adjourned for a tour of the building led by masonry project lead Mike Schultheis of Summit Sealants and Wheeler Building Manager Pete Hajdu. Adjourn 4:06 pm Future Meeting Schedule Wednesday, July 14, 3pm Wednesday, August 11, 3pm Wednesday, September 8, 3pm