“Caretaker” Board Mid-term Update
Nov 4, 2022
Hello Langham Members,
At the SGM of Sept 28th, 2022, we noted that we considered our Board to be a “Caretaker” Board with the following primary duties and responsibilities:
- Returning the theatre to operating status.
- Conducting a thorough assessment of the current state of the Society – including finances, operations, committees, etc.
As we are now at the mid-point of our 2-month term, we would like to provide you with an assessment and update regarding our progress thus far:
Upon assuming responsibility for the business of the Society, we discovered that areas of the theatre operation were not up to operational standards. This included double booking of rooms in regard to rental contracts, expiry of the liquor license, unanswered correspondence, and some outstanding invoices. We have worked hard to restore operations as quickly as possible, however, this work continues. In addition, it has taken us some time to gain access to bank accounts, and the analysis of the Society’s finances has been time-consuming and difficult. Members will be presented with an assessment of the financial position at the upcoming AGM, however at this time, we can state that the financial position of the Society has declined significantly since the AGM in Nov. 2021 and we are expecting a deficit for the fiscal year. Please Note: Further finance-related information is contained in posted Board Meeting Minutes.
Some of our actions to date:
- We have worked with former Box Office Manager, Dick Newson, to re-establish the box office operation (ticketing, updating membership lists, computer systems, etc.). His generous offer to work as a volunteer administrator has made the reopening of the theatre possible.
- We have worked to establish a more community-based relationship with VADArts (Victoria Academy of Dramatic Arts) who are renting the facility weekdays for the 8-month term of their classes. We invited them to consider themselves as an integral part of the Langham community and to participate in Langham events/activities. VADArts faculty and students have embraced this opportunity, which has resulted in VADArts students auditioning for our upcoming play, Almost, Maine, and a number of them being cast.
- After review of the Costume Loft operation, we have added an additional day of operation (Wednesdays, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM). We want to recognize the exceptional work done by Costume Loft Manager, Deanna Milligan and her dedicated volunteers, Wendy Henderson, Misty Buxton, Daphne Massey, and Aya Behr. They took on many extra responsibilities during the extended theatre closure, including running the props department, accepting memberships, liaising with film crews, and more. For this we are very grateful.
- We receive ongoing updates from Jason King (Technical Director) and Chris Clarke (Facilities Manager) who worked diligently to support and maintain the theatre during the extended closure. For their continued excellent work and dedication, we thank them on behalf of all the membership.
- We are working to create a fundraising event to support Ukrainian newcomers relocating to Victoria due to the continuing war in Ukraine. This event is scheduled for February 17th, 2023 and will feature local arts/community groups. If you would like to offer your assistance, please email us at GM@langhamtheatre.ca
- We have worked with Central Middle School to provide rehearsal and performance space for their grade 8 drama productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet, scheduled for Feb. 2023.
- We have worked with LOST (Lawyers on Stage) to support ticketing and other operations in regard to their fundraising production of Dracula, opening on December 15th, 2022.
- We have responded to multiple inquiries (current and backlogged) including those concerning possible use/rental of the Langham facility.
- We have approved the production of a Reader’s Theatre play to be directed by Wendy Merk, and to be performed on Dec 6, 2022. If you would like to participate, please email us at GM@langhamtheatre.ca
- We have reinstated the liquor license.
- We are working to re-establish and update the online booking calendar to better facilitate room use.
- We have initiated the re-establishment of the bar operation (bartenders, etc.) under the direction of Toshik Bukowiecki. If you are interested in volunteering as a bartender, please email us at GM@langhamtheatre.ca. In addition, we want to thank Toshik and his team for their extensive work in cleaning the kitchen, bar and lounge areas.
- We have initiated the re-establishment of the front-of-house operation (ushers, etc.) under the direction of Marilyn Kuss. If you are interested in volunteering as an usher, please email us at GM@langhamtheatre.ca
- We have initiated the re-establishment of the set construction area under the direction of head scenic carpenter, Mike Kuss.
- Working with the last member-elected Productions Chairs (Alan Penty, Jon Scheer and Sylvia Hosie), we explored various options for the first play of our season. After considering a number of factors including auditions, rehearsal time, set design, etc., the play Almost, Maine, was chosen by Production Chair, Alan Penty. This was followed by an open call for a creative team, along with open and inclusive auditions. The first rehearsal was held only 2 ½ weeks after the start of this process. To put this production together in such a limited time was an incredible achievement and we are extremely grateful to all the exceptionally talented and dedicated volunteers who made this possible. Please support these volunteers and attend this delightful production.
- Working with Production Chair, Alan Penty, we approved the production of our second play of the season, Silent Sky. This play had been cancelled twice previously. We believe that the cast, crew and production team who dedicated so much time, energy and talent to this production deserve the opportunity to take the stage. It will open on January 25th, 2023, with the original director, producer, and cast – with the exception of one cast member who is unavailable. This role will be re-cast in an open audition on November 12th (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM). If interested in auditioning, please check the audition notice on the website.
- We are in the process of planning the AGM, which will be officially announced soon. It will be held at the Roxy Theatre so that we can ensure that there is room for everyone to attend. The date of the meeting is Monday, December 5, 2022. We now have approx. 375 members. Please make every effort to attend. More details to follow.
- We have posted the SGM Minutes and Board Meeting Minutes from Oct 2, 2022 and Oct 16, 2022.
- We are hosting a Welcome Back Open House tomorrow, Saturday, November 5th. Details are on the website. Thank you to the organizers, Alice Bacon and Marilyn Kuss, and all the volunteers who are making this event possible. A special thank-you to Alice Bacon and John Carswell (of Brentwood Bay Village Empourium) who are very generously providing the catered refreshments.
In addition to the above, we are dealing with daily challenges and developments, as we work to return Langham to full operating capacity. We thank all those volunteers who have contributed their time, energy, dedication and talent to assist us in this work.
Sincerely,
“Caretaker” Board of Directors
Langham Court Theatre Society
