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Council approves Bye Bye Birdie agreement; staff says amphitheater productions must cover costs
Summary
The council approved a city agreement for an upcoming production of Bye Bye Birdie at the North Ogden amphitheater. Staff described the ticketing and revenue plan and said the city is not committing tax dollars; groups retain first claim for initial donations only if gross receipts permit reimbursement.
City staff presented and the council approved an agreement that governs upcoming theatrical productions at the North Ogden amphitheater, including Bye Bye Birdie and the recently staged Newsies production.
John Call told the council a community group requested an arrangement similar to the Newsies production, with the city handling ticket sales and reimbursing an original private contribution if proceeds permit. Call said the sponsoring group had raised about $12,000 of an estimated $20,000 needed to stage Bye Bye Birdie; the agreement would allow the city to process ticket sales, reimburse the initial $5,000 donation first if funds are sufficient, then retain excess proceeds for future arts activity. "At this point in time, there is no commitment from the city to put any money into it," Call said.
Council members expressed support for using the amphitheater and for preserving any event overages for future shows, while emphasizing the city should not be exposed to deficit risk. The mayor and council noted Newsies had sold roughly 400 tickets so far and encouraged community members to support local productions.
The council voted to approve the Bye Bye Birdie agreement. Call confirmed the city will not reimburse the initial private contribution unless gross receipts cover that reimbursement amount and other expenses first.
Ending: Staff will process ticket sales under the approved agreement and, if proceeds exceed costs, hold excess funds for future amphitheater arts programming per council discussion.
