QUESTION 1:

We are just beginning to plan for a return after a year-long pandemic. Should we move more quickly toward opening as soon as safely possible, even though some of our subscribers may still feel apprehensive about being in close quarters, or take it more slowly and open only when a majority of our subscribers feel it’s safe to return?

Steve Bermack

Steven Bermack

I strongly favor opening as soon as possible. However, before we consider our patrons, the safety of our cast and our crew are paramount. They have to feel comfortable, first and foremost. If we can’t staff the shows, there is no point in moving forward. We need to follow CDC and local guidelines in determining what is best. Once all of those stars align, we should open up to those who feel comfortable coming in, as soon as possible. I would also like to see an option where we live stream the show, if our licensing agreement allows for that.

Alison Costello

Alison Costello

I strongly favor opening as soon as possible. Over the past year, it has become even more evident, that theater is an integral part of our lives, our community and our well-being. People are longing to feel the connections that theatre offers and to be able to escape into another world that Netflix and Amazon, just can’t fulfill. We allow people the unique experience of live theatre and our patrons would be thrilled by the prospect of walking through the lobby doors once again. In addition, I have served on several reopening task forces for the South Orangetown School District this past year. I have learned how safety protocols can be put into place to ensure that individuals can re-enter schools at full capacity. I would be able to contribute what I have learned to help Elmwood safely reopen its doors to the public.

Hasan Gray

Hasan Gray

I strongly favor of opening as soon as possible. ASAP is subject to interpretation. I believe it’s possible to place people with proper spacing within the theater, create a controlled operation for disbursement of the audience during breaks, to extend concessions to the outside patio area and limit what doesn’t fit the plan. “Don’t be afraid to make cutbacks. They’re better than cutoffs.” Limiting the numbers of people in the theater is better than no people at all. Ideally, there will be plenty of people vaccinated by the time we are ready to open. Reserve a performance just for them. Show proof of the second shot and the Sorkin is open for gathering. Use the beautiful patio for safely expanding concessions and as an intermission gathering space, particularly for those not yet vaccinated.

Jimmy Lugo
(incumbent)

James Lugo

I somewhat favor opening only when most of our subscribers are ready. We might need to favor opening when subscribers feel safe. The health and welfare of our subscribers is the crux of what community theater should be about. While member’s needs to perform is part of the equation, those needs should never supersede what maintains the integrity and goals of our organization to entertain the public. Actually, this time of Covid provides us with an opportunity to think outside the box and find new ways to bring the arts to the community. Many theaters including ours have looked to streaming which allows safe viewing as well as opening up membership for welcoming talent outside our general area. We can look to what Broadway and other reputable theater associations are doing and what health officials recommend while keeping in mind our theater’s square footage and the proper safety procedures necessary to not endanger health/lives. As we can see, we are coming out of the worst of it; but, rely on Elmwood’s Board to balance all considerations before opening back up.

Carol Napier

carol-napier

I somewhat favor opening only when most of our subscribers are ready. More accurately, I would want to wait until Off- Off-Broadway houses (100 seats or less) have reopened in accordance with recommendations of the CDC. Our problem becomes how to plan for that date without assurance when it might come. The virus is a volatile, changing situation, which makes planning much more difficult.

Derek Tarson

derek-tarson

I somewhat favor opening only when most of our subscribers are ready. Although I generally favor a speedy recovery from COVID-19, I believe that it just makes financial sense to wait until our patrons feel comfortable before we reopen our main theatre. While we do have patrons that are not subscribers, I think it will be more difficult to gauge when non-subscribers will be ready to return to Elmwood and our subscription base is a good proxy. Elmwood would not be best served by rushing to produce a show and then have audiences of only 40-50 people per performance because people don’t feel safe. That said, I encourage Elmwood to continue producing outdoor theatre – such as “Porch Stories” – and Zoom theatre, such as the Cold Readings and Public Domain Players, to let our patrons know we’re still here and active, and hopefully to generate some income.

Rob Ward

Rob Ward

I strongly favor opening as soon as possible. While our subscriber base is a key component to our group, we should try to engage our theatres’ creatives as soon as the county deems it safe to do so. Guidelines have been established, and are regularly updated, on how to offer best practices moving forward to keep our patrons and volunteers safe. We can open our theatre up with “Born Yesterday” then reconnect with shows that can be done simply, with small casts and production teams.

QUESTION 2:

Since ticket prices cannot cover all our operating expenses, there has been a push in the last several years to increase our focus on fundraising as a way to cover costs and provide funds for needed repairs and capital improvements. To what extent are you in favor of continuing or expanding fundraising events (such as the Gala) to cover our financial needs?

Steve Bermack

Steven Bermack

I somewhat favor continuing or expanding fundraising activities. I am all in favor of fundraising. I think the Gala is great and should continue. However, rather than just focusing on fundraising, I would like to increase the focus on finding other revenue streams as a way to cover all of our operating expenses. I think we should charge an admission for Porch Stories, which has proven to be a hit. I proposed an American Idol-type singing competition to the Board that another Community Theater has done to great financial success. I would also like to see us explore reinstating our Children’s Theater. I would like us to start giving scholarships to local high school kids interested in theater studies. I understand the work involved with these initiatives, but with the right partners, these revenue streams will bring in new faces both in terms of our audience and our membership, (which will bring in even more revenue!)

Alison Costello

Alison Costello

I strongly favor continuing or expanding our fundraising activities. Through various events, grants, and other fundraising efforts, we have proven that our fundraising efforts work. We have smart, savvy and talented volunteers who work tirelessly to come up with new ways to raise money for Elmwood. I would look forward to exploring more avenues for fundraising. It is an area I am very interested in pursuing for Elmwood. We can also capitalize on Elmwood membership who are or have been professional fundraisers. With a re-opening on the horizon, I believe that our patrons will be excited to help Elmwood get back to what we do best, put on high-quality productions and will help us financially to do so.

Hasan Gray

Hasan Gray

I strongly favor continuing or expanding our fundraising activities. It is the theater’s life blood, until other streams of revenue can be explored and implemented such as public and private grants, partnerships and legacy giving.

Jimmy Lugo
(incumbent)

James Lugo

I strongly favor continuing or expanding our fundraising activities. As we need to change up how we present the arts to the public, I think we need to ponder how best to supplement finances. Remaining stuck to what was done in the past limits us. We need to creatively brainstorm what makes sense especially when ramifications of Covid have had significant negative financial consequences to most. Galas also by nature only allow for top salary makers attend. We can still look to garnering donations from this group, but perhaps large gatherings that limit the attendees is not appropriate in our new normal. We can look to find ways to garner donations in a new and more favorable ways. A committee can be formed to focus on this separate from the Board which can allow new minds and energy to be part of our solutions.

Carol Napier

carol-napier

I strongly favor continuing or expanding our fundraising activities. The galas have been wonderful events that increased our sense of community, allowed talented members to offer their gifts to us in a beautiful setting, and inspired giving. I know there have been other very interesting ideas from members, and I believe my ideas (see “Platform,” below) will lend themselves to ideas as well.

Derek Tarson

derek-tarson

I strongly favor continuing or expanding fundraising activities. I think this is a no-brainer. We should, of course, continue and expand our fundraising activities in order to ensure the financial health of the theatre. It would only be too much if it appeared that our fundraising activities overshadowed our artistic activities, but we’re nowhere near that now, and I hope we never will be.

Rob Ward

Rob Ward

I strongly favor continuing or expanding fundraising activities. We need to explore smaller, concentrated fundraising in addition to our Gala. It is not just our day-to-day expenses we need to look after; even with the recent renovations our buildings and systems continue to need repair. We should also look to modify our production expenses to get them more in-line with our ticket revenue.

QUESTION 3:

Understanding that we always strive to maintain a balance in our show selections, would you prefer that future seasons lean more toward the comfortable and familiar productions or should we move toward productions that address more challenging themes, diverse voices, and/or current social issues?

Steve Bermack

Steven Bermack

I somewhat favor more diverse and challenging shows. We’ve always done a great job of having a nice mix of both familiar shows and diverse and challenging shows and we should continue this tradition. People want variety. They want to see us do shows that they’ve seen before (can they pull it off??), plus they want to expand their horizons. Not everybody is going to like everything that we do. That’s ok! We need to continue to push the envelope, while also bringing in old favorites. I don’t see this as a conflict. I see this as who we are.

Alison Costello

Alison Costello

I somewhat favor more diverse and challenging shows. One of the many things Elmwood had done very well over the past few years is creating a beautiful balance of crowd pleasers and shows that push the boundaries. I think we need to be mindful of our long standing patrons, our demographic, membership, etc, while simultaneously continuing to explore more difficult content that challenges our audiences to think in a broader way, see different perspectives and be exposed to new works.

Hasan Gray

Hasan Gray

I am strongly in favor of more diverse and challenging shows. I imagine we are a theater looking to make a change and the fact that it’s a question suggests it’s time, be it small or drastic. Honoring and valuing the subscriber base is important and I suggest a diverse focus group be included as we explore expanding our reach. There’s a balance. It’s not one way or the other. There is no right or wrong, just an opportunity for ideas.

Jimmy Lugo
(incumbent)

James Lugo

I strongly favor more familiar shows. Is the question perhaps too limited? Is the answer simply “yes old stuff” or “yes all new stuff”? Perhaps the answer is a careful blend of old and new. Especially with the addition of streaming and other post Covid realities, i.e., Zoom, we can offer what’s best for our community. Elmwood has a policy of creating a group for Play Selection. Always refreshed with new blood… open to new and loyal volunteers. The Board will continue to monitor this group but with the knowledge of all we have learned over this tough and stressful year. Let’s bring Elmwood back with the same standards of excellence but even better.

Carol Napier

carol-napier

I somewhat favor more diverse and challenging shows. I think a balance of diverse/challenging shows and those that might have more immediate familiarity (which could also include interesting and current themes) is important to consider. I think that many of our subscribers enjoy seeing shows that are well known as well as being exposed to new experiences. And how our directors choose to cast within even the “old chestnuts” can offer new perspectives.

Derek Tarson

derek-tarson

I somewhat favor more diverse and challenging shows. This answer is the closest answer to my position, but I actually have a great deal of trouble with one of the assumptions in this question. The question asks if we should “move toward” challenging themes and diverse voices, but I feel that Elmwood’s always been on the leading edge of doing so – and has been since I first became associated with the theatre in 1980. Elmwood is the theatre that has produced “The Curse of the Starving Class,” “Fences”, “The Goat or Who Is Sylvia”, “Next to Normal” and many, many other shows that are not standard community theatre fare. We should keep doing what we’re doing – with an eye towards even more diversity and current social issues (but we shouldn’t limit our selection of challenging shows to only those two categories). While it’s true that, in very recent years, there’s been a slight pull-back to choose shows that are more financially viable, the operative word is “slight” and I believe that, given the events of 2020, we will find that challenging shows that address issues of racial and gender equality will be financially viable. (No one thought “Fences” would sell when we produced it, but it was almost sold out every show.)

Rob Ward

Rob Ward

I strongly favor more diverse and challenging shows. At its heart theatre imitates and reflects life. Choosing challenging/current material only helps our community theatre grow and (evolve). We need to continue to look at how best to offer the classics that our base wants to see while exploring new voices.

QUESTION 4:

We currently have a business loan at a relatively high interest rate that has a balloon payment of $225,000 due in May of 2024. We also have approximately the same amount of funds in our money market investment account, which can be drawn on when needed. Would your inclination be toward seeking to refinance the loan so that we can continue to have the working capital, or toward trying to pay off the mortgage when it comes due?

Steve Bermack

Steven Bermack

I strongly favor refinancing the loan. The Board spent the money (wisely!) to get rid of the one potential issue that we had, which was the tanks under the porch/driveway. Now that we are past that, we can and need to refinance as quickly as possible before rates go up even further. I truly believe that having cash on hand during the pandemic saved this theater. If we threw all or most of that money at the mortgage, we would have been in trouble. I don’t see the benefit to paying the mortgage off early. Once the theater is back up and running, as far as performing shows and generating revenue is concerned, we should look at using our cash to implement programs that will bring in even more revenue. Plus, we should focus on using some of that money for needed capital improvements.

Alison Costello

Alison Costello

I strongly favor refinancing the loan. One of the most interesting parts of serving on the board in the early 2000’s was learning about the financial aspect of the theatre. Something very important that I came to understand during that time was that it takes a lot of money to run this theatre and that you need to expect the unexpected. Therefore, I would favor having money in reserve to access if we needed it.

Hasan Gray

Hasan Gray

I somewhat favor refinancing the loan. In general, I am debt averse, but this can be seen as “good debt.” We may want to pay down part of the mortgage and refinance to allow ourselves a necessary cushion while decreasing our monthly payments. We have just seen the advantage of having working capital available as it allowed us to survive the pandemic. At the same time a reasonable amount of debt keeps us mindful that we can’t just live show to show. Eye on the prize and live within our means would be my motto.

Jimmy Lugo
(incumbent)

James Lugo

I strongly favor refinancing the loan. Some of you will say that now – in this new world – it is the time to use financing since we have a need- post Covid. I would advise just that. It might be best to start paying back our mortgage AFTER we start earning money again.

Carol Napier

carol-napier

I somewhat favor paying off the mortgage. Regarding the financial decisions about the mortgage, I would be eager to hear from others from the Board whose professions involve finances. I lean toward somewhat favor paying off the mortgage because of the high interest rate, but I am willing to be convinced otherwise.

Derek Tarson

derek-tarson

I strongly favor refinancing the loan. It is the almost-unanimous opinion of the Finance Committee that refinancing the loan is in the best interests of Elmwood, so that we continue to have working capital. I’m on that committee along with a number of very smart, very competent professionals in the field of finance – and I strongly favor going along with this advice.

Rob Ward

Rob Ward

I strongly favor refinancing the loan. We should take advantage of the current low loan rates and leave our investment account for unforeseen expenses/building repairs. If we can refinance our loan, we should explore our options.

QUESTION 5:

The operation of a non-profit organization such as ours requires an extensive amount of time and attention, usually more than most volunteers are able to give. Accordingly, many theaters employ an executive director to handle the day-to-day tasks of running the organization. Should Elmwood consider hiring a part-time or full-time executive director, assuming the theater had the financial ability to do so?

Steve Bermack

Steven Bermack

I strongly favor relying only on volunteers. I understand that we need to pay people for certain services. (Let me go back to my answer for #3. I know we would need to pay a director for a Children’s program) I’m not a huge fan of stipends, but I get it for certain situations. However, I feel strongly about the volunteer nature of this theater. If we hire somebody to be an executive director, I see there being issues where one group likes the person, another group doesn’t, and it becomes a big conflict. We don’t have those kind of issues now (there are always going to be personality clashes, but things change dramatically where one person has that much control). One of the things I love the best about this theater is revolving cast of characters (pun intended) that shows up for each show. People do their part, they come and go, and come and go again. Having a full-time E.D. would profoundly change the nature of the theater. There are very successful community theaters that have an executive director. That’s great, it’s just not Elmwood.

Alison Costello

Alison Costello

I strongly favor hiring a part-time or full-time executive director. Since joining Elmwood in 2005, I have watched and been absolutely astounded by how our little theatre has grown into a large “business”. Before we closed down, it was getting very challenging to manage all that the theatre requires. If there was one person over seeing it all, then our organization would run even more smoothly. While, yes, our volunteers are the core of our community, we have gotten to the point that we need help in the day-to-day tasks that our theatre requires.

Hasan Gray

Hasan Gray

I somewhat favor hiring a part-time or full-time executive director. “With the financial ability” is the key phrase. Sure. If we can afford it. Trouble is question one has us in dire straits and question five is assuming we have come out the other end flush with funds.

Jimmy Lugo
(incumbent)

James Lugo

I strongly favor relying only on volunteers. This is probably best held off – to wait and see (particularly when there isn’t money and we already have people on payroll). So much is going on… let’s get the new Board in place with our new focus and see if it actually is necessary at this time. I would recommend that this idea be tabled as we focus on what’s really important. To make an incorrect knee-jerk reaction based on “old” Elmwood at this time is not my focus. Let’s focus on what helps us bring arts back to our community. Once reestablished, it will be a better time to make a consideration that has a monetary price to it during our current “lack of cash flow” times.

Carol Napier

carol-napier

I somewhat favor relying on volunteers. It’s the devil you know, but I would want to ask questions and learn more about the possibility. I can’t imagine that we have enough money to offer a significant salary, unless it was quite “part-time.”

Derek Tarson

derek-tarson

I strongly favor relying only on volunteers. I feel very strongly about this. The fact that there are seven of us vying for three board positions shows that there is no dearth of volunteers to run this theater. I believe that Elmwood was founded and has operated as a community theater since its inception and to hire an executive director would deprive (or at least weaken) Elmwood’s character as a community venture. While other non-profit organizations that are not theater-based and professional non-profit theater organizations use executive directors, those organizations generally do not rely on volunteers nor do they have a strong foundation of volunteer service. To impose such a structure on Elmwood, which has had historically and continues to have a robust tradition of volunteerism and community involvement, would sow discontent and an eventual dissolution of volunteerism at Elmwood. That would be nothing less than a tragedy.

Rob Ward

Rob Ward

I strongly favor relying only on volunteers. I would certainly listen to a case being made for hiring an executive director, although I feel we could find additional volunteers to help out. If I thought it would be in our group’s beat interests to hire a General Manager, I would like to find someone with fresh ideas, possibly with no prior Playhouse involvement, to fill that role.

FINAL REMARKS:

Any final thoughts or comments you’d wish the membership to know?

Steve Bermack

Steven Bermack

I’m being very careful not to get too longwinded here, because I could write a book on how much Elmwood means to me. I truly love this theater. I’ve been a member for over 20 years. I ran the Benefits Committee for several years and I am a charter member of the Finance Committee. Elmwood is my 2nd home. I have made many lifelong friends here and I would like to do my part to give back. I look forward to the Meet the Candidates night where I can expound on my ideas. I would like to end by saying that I feel that the past 2 presidents (Larry and Steve) have done an incredible job. Larry Beckerle saw us through a major renovation and Steve Taylor has overseen our foray into fundraising (I’m oversimplifying their accomplishments, my apologies). We now have a lot of work to do, getting Elmwood back up and running after being dealt a blow for the past year. We are down, but we are not out. I’m so excited to see what the future holds and I want to be a part of it. Thank you!

Alison Costello

Alison Costello

Elmwood is my home and my family. I have been able to watch it grow and am so proud to be able to create within the walls (or porch). I’ve continued to direct and serve on various committees, but I am ready to jump back in and be a part of this community in a fuller way. I welcome the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors.

Hasan Gray

Hasan Gray

I am father to 4 young daughters. I live and work in Newburgh. I’ve been an actor at Elmwood in A Time to Kill, A Lesson Before Dying, Stick Fly and Our Town. I have realized a fondness for the Elmwood community over the years and became interested in joining the board after serving on the membership committee. Elmwood has been particularly welcoming and inclusive as a community theater. That’s one of the qualities that makes me want to be more involved.

Jimmy Lugo
(incumbent)

James Lugo

I have always promised members that my focus on the board is not predominantly artistic but financial, promotional, and the facilities. I remain focused primarily on the money, the building, and butts in seats! As I write this, the Elmwood board is facing a possible replacement of 4 of its current members. Yes it is possible that almost half of the current board will change in June. We will stop what we are doing – not good in this so important time. As the only “incumbent”, I would ask all of my fellow members to please help me remain as I am – on the board. Thank you and God Bless.

Carol Napier

carol-napier

I would like to take this opportunity to make a pitch for increasing the theater’s visibility in the community through activities that give back to Nyack and Rockland County in measurable ways. “Let’s bring out the COMMUNITY in Community Theater.” Several nonprofits I’ve known have made a policy of giving a certain percentage of their income as donations. It may seem counter-intuitive, but I believe as members of the wider community witness good works and generosity from our theater, we will expand our membership, our audiences, our grants, and general good will towards our theater. We have already done some wonderful community outreach in the library readings about seniors and in the collaboration with ARC that included adults with cognitive disabilities. When I brainstormed about this, I was able to list over 20 activities for consideration. And when we go out into the community, I think we should bring along a large sign, ELMWOOD PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS, to increase our visibility in the wider community.

Derek Tarson

derek-tarson

I have had a long and wonderful relationship with Elmwood. My family and I have supported the theatre not only financially but by years of volunteer service, and I value the recognition that Elmwood has bestowed – life membership for my mother and me, an Elm Leaf (and two for my mother), and the dedication of a rehearsal room as the Tarson Family Studio, among many others. I have served on the Board a total of ten years so far (in the period from 1989 to 2017), and I believe that I have a great deal to offer. I am an attorney and have offered (and can continue to offer) my legal expertise and opinions at no cost to Elmwood. I currently serve on the Finance Committee, as co-chairperson of Workshops, the Membership Committee, and as the coordinator of the Public Domain Players – and I intend to continue in those capacities, whether I am elected or not, as long as they do not pose any conflict of interest. If elected, a key issue for me will be greater transparency between the Board of Directors and the membership. There has been an unfortunate recent trend of Board decisions not being timely disclosed and of disastrous consequences from those late disclosures. While I believe the current Board is aware of the problem and is working to remedy it, I will do my best to continue efforts to achieve greater transparency and to see that input from the membership is solicited and actively considered. Only in that way, I believe, can the membership feel included and involved.

Rob Ward

Rob Ward

Our theatre, like many theatres, will be facing a challenging time coming back from the past year. I have professional experience and knowledge to help us get back to presenting the best productions our community is used to seeing from this dedicated group. Together we can keep the Elmwood Community Playhouse moving forward, enriching the community and teaching our crafts to new generations.

Play Selection Committee Candidates

Mimi Leahey

Mimi Leahy – I have served on the Play Selection Committee since 2017, but my relationship with Elmwood goes back to the late 1960s and 1970s when I was a student and had the good fortune to work with many of Elmwood’s founders. They set the tone for the joy, professionalism and inclusion that has defined the theater and also, (not coincidentally) guided my career. As Elmwood moves toward its 75th year, the need to continue to entertain audiences while also addressing social and political challenges is clear. It would be my privilege to support a selection of plays that meets those demands and revisits our core values.

Over the years I have worked as a professional actress, theater reviewer, award winning television writer and college professor – currently teaching incarcerated women for Marymount at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. I am also a passionate theater goer and enjoy familiarizing myself with new plays.

Thanks to my husband Scott Nangle, who found a second home at Elmwood over 20 years ago, I’m familiar with the theater’s rich talent pool, the contributions of its members and the wide and wonderful scope of its productions. I hope to bring that perspective to creating memorable new seasons for Elmwood.

Bea Pohl

Bea Pohl – Playwright, actress, public school educator, board member of Rivertown Film. 15-year Nyack resident with experience in playwriting, directing, acting, corporate finance. She believes that Elmwood is an integral part of the New York theatrical community and that she can contribute from her diverse life experiences and passion for the theatre.

Bea is a playwright, actress, storyteller, and special needs public-school educator. She has partnered with several non-profit organizations in the theatrical and film industry including Rockland Youth Film Festival, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble. Rockland Center for the Arts, 95 ½ Main and others within Rockland County. She has performed in an Elmwood production in 2019 and enjoys being a part of the Elmwood family.

Bea has been a board member of Rivertown Film Society for the past 6 years and has organized several highly successful theatrical/fund raising events. She has utilized her skills in playwriting, acting, education, technology, and corporate finance to volunteer in community groups in the neighborhood and in Rockland County.

Bea believes that Elmwood is an integral part of the New York theatrical community and that diversity and inclusion are important pieces to expand a well-established community forum for the performing arts to new audiences. She believes that she can contribute to Elmwood Playhouse her diverse perspectives from her life experiences and passion for the theatre.