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Holiday Arts Council proposes moving community musical to Gazebo Theatre with seed funding request
Summary
Holiday Arts Council reported a pilot 'Newsies' production drew about 3,300 attendees and proposed producing 'Fiddler' at an outdoor Gazebo Theatre in June, projecting $51,000 in expenses, citing seed funds and potential sponsorships to offset costs.
HOLIDAY — The Holiday Arts Council reported back to the city council on Jan. 22 about a summer community-theater pilot and proposed shifting future productions to an outdoor Gazebo Theatre with staff support and partnering technical assistance.
An Arts Council presenter described last August’s pilot production (a community staging of Newsies) as a community-building success: "3,300 people attended the show over the five days," the presenter said, and reported approximately $33,510 in ticket sales and $45,500 in donations — while noting some of those donations were one-time or not guaranteed year-to-year.
The presenter listed three categories of challenges from the pilot: venue limitations at Olympus High School (HVAC and rehearsal scheduling problems), sound-system complaints (about 60% of patrons raised concerns), and artistic-team process issues including adherence to financial procedures and rehearsal approach. To address those issues, the Arts Council proposed:
- Moving performances to the Gazebo Theatre and shifting the annual show from late August to June to avoid school conflicts and rehearsal timing issues; - Hiring a part-time temporary city producer to coordinate rehearsals and city processes; and - Partnering with Umbrella Theater Company (a nonprofit) to provide technical support and mentorship, including AV and lighting equipment and training.
Budget and funding: the presenter projected roughly $51,000 in expenses for the proposed production, including royalties (about $8,000) and other production costs. The Arts Council said it expects some combination of ticket revenue, a $4,000 conditional donation from Umbrella Theater Company, roughly $3,000 in corporate sponsorships for concessions, a hopeful $9,000 in individual donations, and existing seed funding of about $25,000 to cover the cost if necessary.
Council members expressed support and asked for a budget amendment if council direction is given: Gina (staff) said the council would need a budget amendment to move an August event to June this fiscal year. "Even some indication tonight of directing us would be really appreciated," the presenter said.
What’s next: the Arts Council will seek council direction and, if supported, return with a formal budget amendment request and staffing/contract language for hiring a temporary producer.
