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Coralville Arts Commission hears CCPA update, City Circle plans and Young Footliters enrollment
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Coralville Arts Commission received reports on CCPA activity and finances, City Circle programming and Young Footliters enrollment. Members approved the meeting agenda and adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
The Coralville Arts Commission convened at the Coralville Public Library board room on Jan. 6, 2026, and reviewed program and operations reports from local arts organizations before adjourning at 12:40 p.m.
Commission member Evan Hilsabeck reported on behalf of the CCPA that the seasonal production 'White Christmas' was the second best-selling City Circle show since the pandemic and that the venue saw an unusually high number of rental events in December. Hilsabeck said staff canceled a planned ductwork cleaning because the cost—about $65,000—was judged less valuable than directing funds toward resolving the underlying issue. He also said the 'Shine a Light' fundraising campaign raised about $16,000; the minutes record the original goal as '12' (transcript text), which is likely intended as $12,000. Hilsabeck said the commission expects to receive a new lighting board in early spring.
Commission member Amy Sundermann gave a City Circle update, saying the cast and crew of 'White Christmas' enjoyed working with director Keegan. Sundermann announced auditions for 'The Drowsy Chaperone' will be held Jan. 23–24 at Community of Christ Church with performances scheduled in May, and that City Circle will host a ticketed cabaret Jan. 31 at Field Day Brewing in North Liberty described as a "friendraiser" rather than a major fundraiser. She said the organization's new board will meet at the next commission meeting.
Marc Doobay, reporting for Young Footliters, said spring-semester classes begin this week with 190 students enrolled. Doobay noted the First Act program begins this week, that 'Madhouse! A Madcap One Act' will perform Jan. 22–23 at the CCPA, and that a Young Footliters movie reunion and a production of 'A Wrinkle in Time' (Feb. 6–8) directed by Matt Falduto are upcoming. He also announced auditions for 'Music Man, JR.' on April 8–10 at Community of Christ Church and said summer camps are posted and open for registration.
Under new business, Hilsabeck said conversations continue about forming a new Arts Alliance; the planning committee is being led by the Englert, according to the minutes. Commissioners offered praise for local organizations: Bob Goodfellow commended Sundermann and Doobay on strengthening their boards, membership and programming. The agenda was approved (mover: Bob Goodfellow; seconder: Ann Burton) and the meeting was adjourned by motion of Amy Sundermann, seconded by Carrie Houchins-Witt, at 12:40 p.m.
The commission noted that December minutes will be reviewed at the February meeting; no citizen comments or formal votes beyond the agenda approval and adjournment were recorded.
