The meeting was called to order by Donna Jean Evans, Interim President
The first order of business was to announce officially to the membership that President Jim Brokaw resigned from the office of President. Donna Jean Evans was appointed Interim President by the Board of Trustees until a new president is voted in to complete his term. Nominations will be taken at the October meeting and a new president will be voted on in November.
Dues of $10 for the 2026-2027 season are due now. If paid after the December meeting, there will be a penalty on renewal memberships.
Lori Demres reported on the 100th year committee. Seven committees have been formed to do the work of this committee. They are:
Marketing – Ann Marie Muehlhauser
Play Reading – Donna Jean Evans
History – Jennifer Wertz and Vicki VandenBout
Pictures – Jennifer Wertz and Curtis Brown
Special Events – Mary Malerich
Promotion – Tami Marshall
Proclamation – Jean Fries
If anyone's interested in helping with these committees, contact Lori Demres.
It was also mentioned that we will be checking if we might get a beer named after us by Clag Brewing for our 100th anniversary.
Vice President Anthony Robustillini reported that the fire extinguishers are up to date. He also reported that there will be work on the set for the next show when Curtis decides what he wants. Mike Lavender and Joel Smith will be working on this with him.
Donna Jean Evans reported that our entry into the State OCTA competition received 8 awards. It was also chosen to compete at the AACT Region 3 competition in Illinois in April. If we win there, the National competition will be in Minnesota next summer. Fund raisers to pay for this will be discussed. Next years OCTA state competition will be in Cincinnati with a Roaring Twenties theme.
Copies of the Constitution and Bylaws are available at the theatre and online here.
The secretary, Barbara Steinmetz informed the membership about the instruction book kept at the front desk. She also spoke about the House Manager key which should not be removed from the building. Extra keys will be made by Donna Jean Evans and the use of them will be administered by Anthony Robustillini. Refreshment expenses from the General Meeting can be reimburses up to $25 if receipts are given to Treasurer, Vicki VandenBout.
The Treasurer's report was submitted by Barbara Steinmetz.
Curtis Brown is working on a musical presentation for the Sanduskyton celebration. A short history of the theatre will also be presented and it is asked that people submit bullet points to be used.
On September 20, there will be a reunion of the Sandusky Area Black Organized Theater (SABOT) Donna Jean Evans plans to attend and asks anyone else who would like to attend to contact her about reservations.
The Annual Christmas Party will be held on December 12. The committee for this will be Jennifer Wertz, Curtis Brown, Vicki VandenBout, and Tami Marshall. Anyone wishing to help should contact one of them.
The June Dinner date has not been decided. Anthony Robustellini will check on dates that the Eagles Club is available.
Karen Abbott volunteered to handle the mail-in season ticket sales.
The new Harlequins sign has been made and hung at the at entrance to the parking lot. Thanks to Donna Sutter and Anthony Robustellini.
Auditions for the Fall show, TASTE OF THINGS TO COME will be on Sept. 13 and 14 at 6:00.
Harlequins will be included in the Sandusky Garden Club Christmas Home Tour on Sunday December 5 after the final performance of the Christmas Cabaret. Volunteers will be needed to direct the tour.
Anthony Robustellini announced that the Norwalk Eagles has donated $2000 to sponsor the Christmas Cabaret. He also requested an estimate of what a bus and hotel rooms would cost for the trip to National competition in April so that he can request the money be donated by the Eagles to pay for that.
Respectfully submitted.
Barbara Steinmetz - Secretary