Lerner board waives rent for county-sponsored free movie series and authorizes staff to sign event contracts

The Lerner Theatre governing board on a unanimous voice vote approved waiving rent and technical crew charges for a six-film “Love the Lerner” free movie series presented in partnership with the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Board members said the program strengthens community access and leverages the county as a presenting sponsor.

Board members then adopted a resolution empowering the Lerner general manager and the director of events to execute event contracts on the board’s behalf for 2026. Proponents said the authority would allow staff to secure bookings and sign contracts when waiting for the next monthly meeting could mean losing event dates.

Carl Thompson, general manager (reporting for Craig Gibson), said the power to sign contracts “would be a benefit” to the theatre’s programming efforts and that staff would continue to confer with the governing board before finalizing major decisions. The board emphasized that the authorization applies to 2026 bookings and that routine consultation with board members and the city’s finance staff will continue.

The motions were moved, seconded and approved without recorded opposition. The board also ratified a memorandum of understanding adding artist Matt Jordan to a Friends of the Lerner event and confirmed that payment for that engagement will be handled through city funding as described in the MOU.