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Coralville Arts Commission hears programming, fundraising and facility updates; approves agenda
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting, the Coralville Arts Commission received reports on City Circle and Young Footliters programming, learned the 'Shine a Light' campaign raised about $16,000 for lighting upgrades, and approved the meeting agenda before adjourning at 12:40 p.m.
The Coralville Arts Commission met at 12:02 p.m. Jan. 6 in the Coralville Public Library Board Room and approved the meeting agenda before hearing updates on local performing-arts programming and facility matters.
Evan Hilsabeck, committee member, reported for CCPA that the City Circle production 'White Christmas' was the second-best-selling City Circle show since the pandemic and that December had a large number of rental events. He said a proposed ductwork cleaning was canceled because the preventative contract would have cost $65,000 and staff judged that money would be better used “solving the issue.” He also reported the 'Shine a Light' fundraising campaign surpassed its goal, raising about $16,000 toward a new lighting board that he said should arrive in early spring. (The minutes list the campaign’s original goal as “12”; the transcript does not specify the unit for that figure.)
Amy Sundermann, committee member, reported for City Circle that the 'White Christmas' cast had a positive experience working with director Keegan. She said auditions for 'The Drowsy Chaperone' are set for Jan. 23–24 at Community of Christ Church with performances in May. Sundermann added City Circle will host a ticketed cabaret on Jan. 31 at Field Day Brewing in North Liberty, described in the minutes as a “friendraiser” with about 70 attendees per performance, and that the organization’s new board will meet next month. When commissioners asked whether the success of 'White Christmas' would change future programming, Marc Doobay, committee member, said, “Short answer — yes, two years out.”
Marc Doobay, committee member, gave the Young Footliters report: spring semester classes begin this week with 190 students enrolled; 'First Act' begins this week; the one-act 'Madhouse! A Madcap One Act' will perform free at the CCPA on Jan. 22–23; summer camps are posted and registration is live; a Young Footliters movie reunion and other events are planned; 'A Wrinkle in Time' is set for Feb. 6–8, directed by Matt Falduto; and auditions for 'Music Man JR.' are planned for April 8–10 at Community of Christ Church. Doobay noted enrollment draws from the broader region — about 70% — with roughly 25% of students from Coralville and some from Cedar Rapids and West Branch.
Under new business, Evan Hilsabeck noted that conversations are underway about forming a new Arts Alliance; the planning committee is being led by the Englert. During commission comments, Bob Goodfellow commended Sundermann and Doobay for strengthening their organizations’ boards and programming. Commissioners also inquired about the health of an individual named Wes; the minutes indicate he is recovering from back issues and missed a recent City Circle board meeting.
The commission adjourned at 12:40 p.m. on a motion by Amy Sundermann with a second from Carrie Houchins-Witt. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3.
