HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes.WHLR.20250108.Regular1
Wheeler Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
January 15, 2025 | 3:00 p.m.
Attendance:
Advisory Board Members: Chip Fuller (Chair), Amy Mountjoy (Vice-Chair), Dr. Tom Kurt
(Secretary), Ziska Childs, Nina Gabianelli, Daniel Benavent (attended via Zoom), Richard
Stettner (attended via Zoom), and Kate Northfield Lanich.
Staff: Mike Harrington (Executive Director), Matt Thompson (Theater Technician), Alixandra
Feeley (Business Manager, attended via Zoom), Alex Glen (Front of House)
Absent:
Meeting Recorder: Tom Perkins
Call to Order & Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Chair Chip Fuller called the meeting to order. Chair Fuller moved to approve the December
11th meeting minutes; Dr. Tom Kurt motioned to approve and Amy Mountjoy seconded. The
motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Wheeler Updates, Mike Harrington
Executive Director Mike Harrington provided an update on the newly installed rigging
system, confirming the project was completed on time and under budget. He noted that the
production team successfully rehung and tested all lighting and equipment before any
performances. He also praised the front-of-house team for their improvements to the Bar
Lobby space.
Regarding ticket sales and programming, Mr. Harrington reported strong sales for
announced events and emphasized efforts to welcome the community back. These efforts
include eco-friendly mailings and enhanced marketing initiatives. Chair Fuller inquired about
any unexpected sales trends and the Wheeler Insider pricing for the Changemaker Series.
Mr. Harrington confirmed there were no negative surprises and highlighted outreach efforts
targeting Insiders and students. He also discussed physical advertising updates and
announced that the City of Aspen has approved the Wheeler's application for a marquee
sign installation. Mr. Harrington introduced a new seasonal programming focus for May
through August, including a local artist series in the Vault to complement main theater
productions. He commended the Wheeler’s collaboration with the Aspen Music Festival and
School (AMFS), particularly for summer programming.
Chair Fuller requested updates on finances and licensing agreements. Mr. Harrington and
Ms. Feeley provided an overview, including a spring supplemental budget request to City
Council to expand programming. The Board expressed conditional support for the request.
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Chair Fuller noted the mayor’s enthusiasm for Wheeler’s initiatives. The Board also
discussed budget projections, revenue growth, and grant opportunities for arts and
community nonprofits.
Mr. Harrington updated the Board on hiring efforts for an Audio Engineer and a Marketing
Coordinator, aiming to finalize the hires by the end of January. He also discussed the need
for additional Building Maintenance Technicians and how the new budget request would
support those positions.
Front of House Supervisor Alex Glen provided updates on safety training sessions with the
Aspen Police and Fire Departments. He outlined improvements to the formal safety
protocols for front-of-house staff and volunteers and plans to establish a regular schedule
for safety evaluations.
Board Discussion
The Board discussed increasing community engagement in City Council and Wheeler Board
meetings, particularly for potential Board applicants. Additional topics included the upcoming
Table Talk event in March and enhancing collaboration with other arts organizations in the
Roaring Fork Valley. Mr. Harrington suggested the Board may wish to host a town hall style
event to further these discussions with the public.
With no further business, Chair Fuller request a motion to adjourn the meeting, Dr. Tom Kurt
motioned and Nina Gabianelli seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting
concluded.
Future Meetings Schedule
January 8th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
January 15th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
February 12th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
March 12th, 2025 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm