Performing Arts Center Board — Skokie, IL
Date: 2021-12-13

AGENDA
 VILLAGE OF SKOKIE
 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOARD


DECEMBER 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE
Main Lobby


1. CALL TO ORDER


2. [1] APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
 A. Board Meeting November 8, 2021


3. [2} FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 A. October 31, 2021


4. [3] OPERATIONS REPORT / PFM
 A. PFM Manager’s Report
 B. Marketing Report
 C. Calendar of Upcoming Events


5. OLD BUSINESS


6. NEW BUSINESS


7. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES OF
 VILLAGE OF SKOKIE
 PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BOARD
 Monday, December 13, 7:00 P.M.


A REGULAR MEETING OF the Performing Arts Center Board was held at the North Shore Center for the
Performing Arts in Skokie, Illinois, on Monday, December 13, 2021.

CALL TO ORDER: The Regular Meeting was called to order at approximately 7:01 p.m. Barbara Reeder
made the motion to approve the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Janis Fine. The Minutes were then
approved by the Board.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Terrence Guolee; Janis Fine; Barry Layfer; Barbara Reeder; Rene Roy;
Andrea Siegel; Ann Tennes (Village staff liaison)

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Dan Kelch; Norm Rosen (ex-officio)

OTHERS PRESENT: General Manager Michael Pauken; Director of Marketing David Vish


OPERATIONS REPORT:

Pauken reported that subscription renewals for Music Theater Works’ 2022 season continue. Box office is
currently preparing their single ticket onsale for January. Box Office is also building Northlight’s 2022-23
season in the ticketing system in advance of their subscription renewal launch planned for later this winter.

The first transition between Northlight and Music Theater Works productions in the North Theatre happens
at the end of February and planning meetings between the technical/production people with the two
resident companies and the Center’s technical director have already begun. A key piece of this is the
installation of the new sound system for the space that was funded by the Rice Foundation. Pauken said
that most of the equipment has been on site for over a year, but the sound mixing console the Center
ordered in 2020 has not yet been delivered due to supply chain issues and they are now going to explore
purchasing a different model.

Also related to MTW’s use of the North Theatre is the removal of the Northlight Theatre sign and the formal
renaming of the space to “North Theatre.” This must happen by the end of February to meet the Center’s
contractual obligations with MTW. The current lack of funds for this project necessitates the new sign will
be smaller and not illuminated. Revisiting all signage in the building remains a goal for the future as funds
become available.

COVID-19 UPDATE:

Pauken said they have extended their requirement of proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for
event entry through February 6 and will revisit a further extension in the coming weeks. The process has
gone very smoothly. At this time, children under 12 need only wear a mask to attend shows, with a few
exceptions dictated by artists. PFM has also instituted a requirement that all staff get the COVID vaccine
booster by January 4 unless they are not yet date eligible.

PROGRAMMING/MARKETING:

Center presentations of The Rocket Man Show and guitarist Leo Kottke were both successful. The
Center’s presentation of The Nutcracker (three performances) is on pace to be the most successful ever.
Northlight’s holiday offering, Mr. Dickens’ Hat, began performances on November 26 and continues
through January 2. Their next play is Fireflies, which runs from January 20 through February 20. Music
Theater Works’ production of Billy Elliot, which runs from December 23 through January 2, concludes their
first season at the North Shore Center. Their next season begins with La Cage aux Folles in the North
Theatre space in March.

Recent rentals included comedian MODI (11/9), State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine’s Cinderella (11/12),
Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre filming a WTTW special (11/14-16), Elgin Symphony Orchestra performing
a John Williams program (11/19), Chicago Philharmonic (11/21), Music of the Baroque (11/28), and the
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (12/4).

Comedian Kevin Nealon, who was scheduled for January 16 (after several postponements), has been
cancelled. Other January presentations include singer-songwriter Patty Griffin on January 21 and DC’s
Reflecting Fools (a.k.a. the former Capitol Steps) January 28-30.

Director of Marketing David Vish reported on ticket sales and marketing plans for upcoming Feature Series
presentations.

FINANCIALS:
Statements through October 31, 2021 reflect net income from operations of $43,376, which is $206,975
better than budget. $155,000 of this amount is the Payroll Protection Plan loan obtained by PFM, which
was forgiven and made a grant in May. Without this amount, the Center is still $51,975 better than budget
through October 31 as a result of stronger than expected event revenue and tight cost controls. On the
programming side the net loss is $40,415, which is $14,135 worse than budget. Pauken said they had
some challenging shows in October, but the negative variance should reverse with the successes of The
Rocket Man Show and Leo Kottke in November and The Nutcracker in December.

OLD BUSINESS:

Tennes reported on the Foundation Benefit success – best ever results.


NEW BUSINESS:

ADJOURNMENT:

Vish was excused from the meeting shortly before 8 p.m., after which Tennes and Pauken updated the
board members about the status of the transition process for the upcoming Center management and
programming agreements. With the PFM deal ending, an RFQ is set to go out very soon, followed by an
RFP. The preference is one company for management and programming. A new operator is to be
selected by May.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. after a motion by Barbara Reeder, a second by Rene Roy, and a
unanimous vote of all present.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 14, at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________
Michael Pauken