Torch Song Production Meeting January 28, 2025, 5:00 pm. MFL, Silver Maple Way.  

Attendance: Terry Mullis (Producer) Bill Chandler (Producer), Joe Ferrell (Director),Meredith Watson (Stage Manager), Jeanie Hartman (Props/Costumes), Sherry Jackson Thompson(Board Member).

• Joe sent out an email with furniture/set  requests, and designer needs.
• Joe has spoken to several tech director candidates, and none have been available.
• Joe has sketched a design of the playing spaces needed for each Act.
• Sherry will contact Ian Scott to see if he is available to build the pieces needed since it is a  limited build (no flats, platforms).
• Could Wylie Caudill do the set painting?
• The biggest item needed is the bed unit.  King-size is 80" X 76", would put long edge against the upstage wall.  It would have to be removed for Act II. Probably need something larger. (MW post meeting note, we measured the mat space we are using in rehearsal and it is 115" X95").
• Space is limited backstage.  Murphy or fold-away unit (padded platform dressed to look like a bed) would be the best solution.
• For Scene 1 of Act 1, we will probably use bar stools and high top tables on SR and SL to create 'areas'. For Act II we need the apartment furniture: sofa, 2 small tables, kitchen table  and 3 chairs, chair to go with sofa, coffee table.
• For the kitchen, some sort of countertop, and appearance of stove, Rerfrigerator?  Jeannie thinks there's a period one at Studio Playera.  Cabinet or two for cups, etc., used during Act II.
• Jeff Sherr will do Lighting Design
• Terry knows someone who could help with interior design and furniture, will check on the requested pieces.  Furniture for 'Boys in the Band' was borrowed from Room Service.
• Need 4 to 5 stagehands to handle the intermissoin change over-Karen Whitmore, Bill Chandler, Robert Rucker, check on Himi.
• Load-in to Farish on Monday of techh week.  Joe has spoken to library personnel and we may be able to ger in sooner.  Have to be out at 10:00pm every night.  Set 7:30 shoew time.
• Rehearsing at Antagonist Productions studios off of Regency.  Meredith will send a list to Terry of dates we would need to use the Bluegrass Churc of Chirst space.
• Rich Copley coming on Wednesday, January 29 for headshots, group shot. Headshots are optional, group photo mandatory.  Cast will wear black tops
• Need bios from Tommy and tech/designers.  Programs will be electronic.
• Next production meeting Tuesday, February 11, 5:00pm, MFL.
• Adjourned 6:00 pm.

ActOut Meeting

December 15, 2024 1:00 pm 

Present: Terry Mullins, Kyle Wade, Sherry Jackson Thompson, and Bill Chandler

Absent: Burley Thomas, Daniel Ellis, and Marcus Roland

Bank: 12,168.46

Reviewed Daniels budget for shows at Woodford, and Terry presented an outline for a budget for Angels in America.

A representative from OTC On The Stage an online platforms that is a one-stop shop for theatre companies that can assist with handling ticket sales, promotions, donations, programs and more.  A zoom meeting will be set to learn more.  Full board not required to attend so Terry, Marcus and Bill will. 

Rich Copley will do headshots for the Torch Song actors.

Terry will put together a budget for Torch Song.

Meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by 

Bill Chandler, ActOut Secretary  

ActOut Special Meeting  

November 17, 2024 5:00pm 

Present: Marcus Roland, Terry Mullins, Kyle Wade, Sherry Jackson Thompson, Bill Chandler, and Sherry Jackson Thompson via phone. 

Absent: Burley Thomas, and Daniel Ellis

Guest: Drew Barr

Drew introduce himself and gave the board information on his many years of experience in live theatre, and expressed his eagerness to work with ActOut

and especially on the production of Angels in America as the director. The board agreed to Drew's direction of ActOut's 2025 production of Angels in America.

The following names were suggested to assist in the production.

Rob Thomas.............Sound

Jennie Hartman.........Costumes

Meredith Watkins........Stage Manager

Auditions starting around January 2025

Eventbrite for tickets.

Meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.

Next meeting Saturday, Dec. 15, 2024, at 1:00pm 

Respectfully submitted by 

Bill Chandler, ActOut Secretary  

ActOut Board Meeting  

October 18,2024 5:00pm 

Present: Marcus Roland, Terry Mullins, Kyle Wade, Sherry Jackson Thompson, Daniel Ellis, and Bill Chandler 

Absent: Burley Thomas 

Current bank acct. $14,000.00 

Terry informed the board that we have the Downtown Arts Center (DAC) booked for June 6-7 and 13-14, and 15, 2025.  We are also booked for October of 2025 for 3-4, and 10-12. 

Discussion about shows for the 2025 Season include; Angels in America (Terry), La Cage aux Follies, and The Inheritance (Daniel). I Am My Own Wife, Wilde, and Gross Indecency, were also suggested as well as Cock, Stop Kiss (Lesbian Play), and Boys in the Band of which Daniel would like to play the role of Donald/Darryl. 

A motion was made by Marcus for Angels in America part 1, Millennium Approaches to be presented in June of 2025, and part 2, Perestroika in October. Also, La Cage aux Follies in June of 2026. Second by Daniel. Motion carried. We currently do not have a venue booked for Jeffrey in October 2026. Possible directors for Angels in America include Bo List, Debra Martin, and Sully?

The fundraiser idea discussed was a big silent auction to be held in the lobby of the DAC during the shows.  Could use pictures of items and an online platform.  Marcus has started a contact list for item requests that has about 130 names on it.  Shoot for auction in October 2025 and promote during June shows. 

LexArts grant is due probably around March 2025, Sherry recalls they were giving $800.00 about 30 years ago, she will look into it. 

Terry will contact Ernesto Scorsone about the JustFund grant.

Sherry will contact our bank, The Bank of the Bluegrass, about sponsorship. 

The meeting adjourned at 5:52 pm. 

Next meeting Dec. 14, 2024, at 1:00pm 

Respectfully submitted by 

Bill Chandler, ActOut Secretary  

ActOut Board Meeting August 18, 2024 

Present: Kyle Wade, Terry Mullins, Sherry Jackson Thompson, Marcus Roland, and Bill Chandler. 

Absent: Burley Thomas and Daniel Ellis 

Motion made by Kyle to accept last meeting minutes, second by Sherry. Motion carried. 

Treasurer Report:  $4,433.98. On Auguust 27, 2024 we received $271.00 from the PayPal Giving Fund which is what our website donations are run through. 

Play Reading Committee:  A Beautiful Thing (British play) 

                                                       Jeffrey (Another play about AIDS) 

                                                       Take Me Out (Nudity and a very diverse cast of characters) 

                                                        La Cage Aux Folles 

                                                        Nacked Men Singing 

Bill gave an update on the GoodGiving Challenge stating we are all set to participate when things kick-off at the end of November. 

Fundraising ideas were discussed and it was mentioned that the Kentucky Kernels gives to specific things.  They typically give up to $5,000.oo.  

Uma Jewels is interested in hosting a fundraiser for ActOut but it will have to wait awhile as she is very busy right now.   

Marcus will talk to Brett Chevron about possibly doing a celebrity auction, he has done one in the past for Moveable Feast.  Also, see if he may have other suggestions for fundraising. 

Auditions for Torch Song will be Sunday, September 15 and Monday September 16 from 6:30 pm –8:30 pm at The Bluegrass United Church of Christ. 

Next meeting September 21 at 1:00 pm at Moveable Feast. 

Meeting adjoined at 1:59 pm. 

Respectfully submitted by 

Bill Chandler, ActOut Secretary  

Thursday, August 8, 2024, 5:30 pm

Pre-Production Meeting with Joe Ferrell

Present: Terry Mullins, Marcus Roland, Sherry Jackson Thomas, and Bill Chandler.

Torch Song Off-Broadway production of play can be found on Youtube. Play runs right at 2hrs according to Joe.

Auditions for our production will be at Bluegrass Church of Christ, 500 Don Anna Dr. on Sunday, August 18, and Monday, August 19, 2024 from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Cast: Arnold Beckoff age 25-30 could be older. Ed age 30-35. Loral/Lady Blue 25ish– 35. Allen age 20ish could be a little younger or older. David age mid thirties. Ma Beckoff age 45-60.

Possible people for pre-casting: Jonathan Hall, West Nelson, Darius ?, Sherry Jackson Thomas, Ally Singleton, Kyle Wade, Daniel Ellis, and Martha Berimier Cambell. Rehearsals will be Sunday –Friday with Saturdays off. Minimum of three hours a day. Rehearsals would start on Monday, August 25, 2024.

Would be better if we could get the performance dates pushed back by two weeks, opening October, 18– 19, 2024. Terry will look into it. 

Possible crew members: Stage Manager-Bert, Zack Coobadge (Scoob), Evelyn. Lights Designer, Tom Willis if available, maybe Todd. Set Designer, Rob Thomas-Music & Sound. Costumer, Jeanie Hartman. Prop & Set Piecies, Maybe Barbara Clifton.

Set Crew 2-4 people. Ed Montilogue?

Meeting adjourned at 6:37pm.

Respectfully submitted 

By Bill Chandler, ActOut Secretary of the Board

ted Church of Christ

500 Don Anna Dr, Lexington, KY 40511

 ActOut Theatre Group Expenses for the production of AVSW

Play Rights…………………………………………………………….……$600.00

Scripts……………………………………………………………..…………$260.00

DAC Rental………………………………………………………………..$3,208.75

Actors……………………………………………………………………....$1,200.00

Lights………………………………………………………………………....$600.00

Stage Manager…………………………………………………………….…$400.00

Banner……………………………………………………………………….. $113.66

Processing and Proofing Banner……..……………………………………...$20.00

Poster…………………………………………………………………………. .$18.29

Costumes…………………………………………………………………...…$500.00

Sherry Jackson……………………………………………………………...…$150.00

Props……………………………………………………………………………$0.00

Carlie Watson………………………………………………………………..…$50.00

Evender Sanders………………………………………………………………$150.00

Bryant’s Rent All……………………………………………………… ..………$32.65

West Pond Insurance…………………………………………………...………$491.85

Marcus Roland…………………………………………………………………..$269.97

Scooter……………………………………………………………………...…….$160.00

________________________________________________________________________

Total………………………………………………………………………………$8,224.51

INCOME

Box Office………………………………………………………………………..$9,914.47 -$8,224.51 = $1,689.96

Actor’s Gift Box…………………………………………………………………….$520.00 

 ActOut Meeting 

Sunday, May 19, 2024 

Time: 12:37 p.m.

Present: Terry Mullins, Sherry Jackson Thompson, Marcus Roland, Kyle Wade, and Bill Chandler

Absent: Burley Thomas, and Daniel Ellis

The motion was made by Kyle and seconded by Marcus to accept the April 21, 2024 minutes. Motion carried.

Play Reading Committee: Marcus suggested the play “Suddenly Last Summer” at a site-specific location outdoors. Location in mind is owned by _______________. Sherry, nothing to add.

Terry informed the board that we have 2025 booked at the DAC, and need to decide on the plays.

Motion made by Marcus to accept the strategic plan, second by Terry, motion carried. We will incorporate what we have and update as needed.

A Very Sordid Wedding update: Marcus, “We had a great read-through yesterday. Still need a Ty character and ___________.” 

Sherry suggested factoring Jordan out as a potential actor.

Marcus’ friend Leo will create a bar for the set. 

Sherry suggested Becky Joe for lights, Daniel will have her contact information.

Sherry is doing costumes. Bill is doing sound. 

It will cost $316.00 for ASCAP and AACT Membership to get the rights to use various artists' music for pre-show, intermission, and post-show. Bill contacted Concord on May 14, 2024, to request a Master Use License for in-show music. He was still waiting to hear back. Motion made to purchase the ASCAP and AACT membership by Bill, Second by Marcus. Motion carried. 

Fundraising: Marcus will talk to Uma Jewels about hosting a fundraiser. We made $385.00 on Kentucky Gives Day. We will be participating in the 2024 GoodGiving Challenge which kicks off on Giving Tuesday, December 3 at 9 am and concludes on Friday, December 6 at 11:59pm. Registration is open from June 3 through August 30. 

Terry will look into insurance coverage for the BOD.

Motion made by Terry to adjourn at 1:38 pm, second by Bill. Motion carried. Next meeting is July 29, 2024.

Respectfully submitted by

Bill Chandler

ActOut Secretary of the Board

ActOut Meeting 

Sunday, April 21, 2024 

Time: 12:30 p.m.

Present: Terry Mullins, Sherry Jackson Thompson, Marcus Roland, Kyle Wade, Daniel Ellis, and Bill Chandler

Absent: Burley Thomas

Marcus moved to approve last month’s meeting mins., second by Kyle, motion carried.

It was decided that we would not hire Michael Drury at this time. Terry stated reasoning for not hiring Michael “We have Daniel who is the director of one of the largest theatre companies in Kentucky, plus Marcus who has many years of experience in the world of theater , as do Bill and I, actually our entire board, surely we can come up a strategic plan.” 

Motion to table hiring Michael made by Sherry, second by Marcus, motion carried. We will use A.I. to compose a strategic plan and make adjustments to suit our needs.

Marcus asked that everyone “talk up the auditions.”

Bill presented a deep fake advertisement for the auditions and made a motion to allow it to posted via various media outlets, second by Kyle, motion carried.

Marcus made a motion to spend $500.00 entry fee to participate in this year’s Good Giving Challenge, sponsored by The Bluegrass Community Foundation and Smiley Pete’s Publishing. Second by Kyle, motion carried.

It was decided that we will have board meetings every other month on the 3rd Sunday of the month, however we will meet again Sunday, May 19 at 12:30pm and began in July. Production meetings will keep going on separately from regular board meetings. 

Fundraising ideas discussed includes PayPal, Ky Gives Day, Good Giving Challenge, grants, also suggested asking drag queens and bars. This will be our first time participating in the Ky Gives Day-we should try to get 6-10 matching funds grants. 

Some possible people to ask include; Jim Gray, Debra Hensley, Ernesto Scorsone, Kevin Dearinger, Silas House, Native Café, Michler’s Florist, and Woodland Christian Church. Marcus may talk to some law firms. Sherry volunteered to do some grants research.

Marcus made a motion to have a donation for actors setup in the lobby similar to Woodford Theatre’s Benny The Butler. The funds would be divided evenly between the actors. One, suggestion-a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Motion second by Kyle, motion carried. Bill will work on creating the display.

A play reading committee was formed and will consist of Marcus and Sherry. Their suggestions may be opened to people to vote on.

Meeting adjourned at 2:12pm

Next meeting will be Sunday, May 19, 2024

Respectfully submitted by

Bill Chandler, Secretary  

ActOut Meeting with special guest, Michael Drury

23 March 2024

 Present: Terry Mullins, Kyle Wade, Daniel Ellis, and Bill Chandler.

Sherry Thompson, Burley Thomas, and Marcus Roland are present via Zoom

Topics of discussion:

Developing an action plan

Long-term strategic plan

Among the fundraising ideas are Paypal, and GoFundMe, taking part in this year's Kentucky Gives Day, open from May 1-8. However, the actual date is May 7, 2024. Also, participation in this year’s Good Giving Challenge (requires a $500.00 entry fee)  Dates are November 28—December  1, 2024, presented by the Bluegrass Community Foundation and Smiley Pete’s Publishing. Research and write grants, individual Solicitations, and Corporate Sponsorships.

Try to find rehearsal space.

Per show budget.

Administration budget.

Suggested; partner with African American theater company, Message Theater.

Suggested production; Last Summer at Bluefish Cove ( Lesbian play)

Michael Drury 502 592-6009

The meeting adjourned at 2:34 pm.

Respectfully submitted by 

Bill Chandler, 

ActOut Secretary
 

ActOut Zoom Meeting 

October 10,2023

Present: Terry Mullins, Bill Chandler, Marcus Roland, Kyle Wade and Daniel Ellis

Absent: Burley Thomas. Marty Wayman resigned from the board on Monday, October 16, 2023 via text.

Marty wrote “ Hey gents, I’ve determined that I need to resign from the board and the main reason is no longer doing any theatre at this time. Know I love you all and I hope everybody still loves me, but I am done.” 

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm

Marty was to be the main director for our production of The New Century by Paul Rudnick, Tommy Gatton, Sherry Jackson and Burley Thomas would also direct. Without Marty the board discussed how to move forward with this production as well as the other shows we had planned for next year. Prior to this meeting Terry received a text from Tommy suggesting that he and Burley do two of the four segments each. Before making a decision to confirm them doing so the board will ask Sherry Jackson if she is still interested in participating and directing herself in one of the segments, leaving Tommy and Burley to direct their original segments, and the three of them coordinating on the fourth. 

A motion was made by Daniel to have Marcus as executive producer to coordinate all the rehearsal times, deadlines for props and costumes, and to decide the final direction of the fourth act should the need arise. Motion second by Kyle, Marcus accepted and the motion passed. Marcus will appoint Tommy as the main director for act four but will maintain the authority to make any final decisions. Marcus will contact Sherry to see where she stand also Laura Clowder about being the stage manager. 

Ben Wagner, the manager of the DAC will do a simple wash for the lighting, Bill and Tommy on sound, Jeannie Talbot-costumes. The new dates for the production are February, 2-3 and 8-10, 2024. 

After some discussion a motion was made by Marcus to switch dates with our 2024 productions of Torch Song and A Very Sordid Wedding. Second by Kyle, the motion passed. A Very Sordid Wedding will be produced in July of 2024 at the Farrish Theater in the Lexington Downtown Public Library and Torch Song in November at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center. Terry will take care of changing the licensing to correspond with the new dates. He will also reach out to Debra Martin to see if she would be interested in directing Torch Song. Daniel is interested in being in the production. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm. 

EXPENSES

Banner and Poster…..$138.92

Truck Rental…................$238.00    

Stage Building 

Material..............................$903.42

Play Rights 

for 6 shows.....................$1049.50

Quiches for the 

Audience.........................… $567.91

Prop Cost..........................$100.00

Costume Cost……...........$110.00

Black Box Rental...$2,645.00

Tommy.................................$200.00

Robin …...…..........................$250.00

Insurance…..........................$422.47

                          $6,625.22

INCOME

DAC ……..........................…..$5277.70

Pride Festival….....…..$1500.00

TOTAL INCOME.......$6777.70

Minus Expenses....…$6,625.22

PROFIT …….............................$152.48

ActOut Zoom Meeting 

August 13, 2023

Present: Terry Mullins, Bill Chandler, Marcus Roland, and Kyle Wade.

Absent: Burley Thomas and Daniel Ellis

The meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm

Terry gave an update on our account status; Currently we have $3,245.00 in the bank, but we have not received the check form the Arts Center, it will be in the amount of $5,277.76. We only made $152.48 on our production of Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche, but it was a great show. 

Terry made a motion to send $50.00 to Scoob, the young man who stepped up to help us when our Stage Manager, Robin Kunkel was out sick. Marcus second and the motion passed.

Marty stated “ The next show won’t cost as much.” and that she is the only one with directing experience, and hopes that Marcus will be able to help Burley and Tommy with their directing debut. Discussion about a possible Stage Manger; Robin Kunkel has a full time job now so other suggestions were Zoey Womack, Isaac Reader and Haden Bennett.

Marcus informed the board that Suraya Shalash had reached out to him about directors and stipends for the actors. See said “Marty mentioned at the start of rehearsal, we’d get something.” Marty made a motion to send Suraya a breakdown of the costs. Bill second, motion passed with the addition of Marcus drafting a letter to go along with it. Marty stated that she does not recall promising people that they would get a stipend for working with ActOut. Bill reminded everyone, “It states on our home page that ActOut does not provide monetary compensation or travel reimbursement for actors.” Marty suggested that maybe we can start having production meetings to workout budgets for plays. 

Marcus reached out to Pandora Productions in Louisville to ask what they do for fundraising and it was suggested; to try to find other organizations to co-produce shows, subscriptions, play sponsors, and season sponsors, (this would require having a full season of shows, 3 or more.)

Terry will put together a list of possible sponsors.

Marty suggested bringing Kim Dixon on the board, she co-hosts a local version of The View on ABC 36 and would make a great Marketing Director. Sherry Jackson was also suggested. 

Discussion to clear up confusion about who would direct our production of Torch Song. Daniel expressed interest in directing or being in it, but that was before he took the job at Woodford Theatre. Marty reiterated her desire to direct it, and will. 

Auditions for The New Century will be Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 6 pm at The Pride Center.

Still need to find rehearsal space, but shouldn’t require much.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15pm.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm 

Present: Kyle, Terry, Bill, Marty, and Marcus.

Absent: Burley and Daniel

-Everybody will be sending updated email information to Bill to be shared with the board.

-Dates for Torch Song next year and 19-21; July 2024 We have the theatre from 8-21, 2024. Noting at end of the year unless we use the Library. Dates for Fall show October 6-15, 2023.

A Very Sordid Wedding set for October 2024.

New Century rights cost $325.00 for 5 performances.

Tommy Gatton was asked to direct one of the one act plays, Burley and Marty will also direct from The New Century. We will purchase the rights so we can go ahead and start advertising it.

A Very Sordid Wedding rights $600.00

Torch Song rights $812.50

Total for all 3 $1,737.50. Current amount in bank $7400.00.

Terry will check with the Library for possible dates.

It was suggested that maybe Marcus could mentor Tommy as it will be his first time directing a play.

So far for opening night of 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche has 26 tickets sold and a little less for other nights. Marty stated we need somebody to get ads out, promotions, we need T.V. advertisement. 

Meeting adjourned at 6:25pm.

Respectfully submitted 

Bill Chandler, Secretary AOTG

Present: Bill, Terry, Marcus, Kyle, and Marty.

Absent: Burley, Daniel.

The meeting came to order at 7:00pm 

Discussion about presenting our June play,”5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” for free at this year’s Pride Festival. There were concern expressed about losing potential customers to our paid performances and about additional cost requirements like; adding another date and location to our existing contract with Samuel French, inc. and another truck rental fee. However, prior to the evenings meeting an email was received by all board members from Carmen Wampler-Collins the Executive Director of the Lexington Pride Center. It read as follows: 

Hi All,

I'm just writing to formalize the discussion some of us have had about a potential performance of ActOut Theatre Group's "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" at the 2023 Lexington Pride Festival. Lexington Pride has often included short  theatrical and dance performances at the festival, and we feel like our move to a new, indoor venue at Central Bank Center is a great opportunity to showcase LGBTQIA+ arts in our region in a bigger way at the event.
 

We are proposing a 1-hour performance of 5 Lesbians on the day of the festival, June 24th beginning at 3:15 pm on our secondary stage in the ballroom of Central Bank Center. This space is separate from the open vendor area of the festival and more conducive to theatrical performance.
 

We will have a 32" high stage in place and arrangements would be made to have the wall pieces of the 5 Lesbians set installed prior to the day's performance. Sets could be moved into the building to a secure space near the performance area either Friday night before the festival or before 11 am on the day of the festival. Robin Kunkel, the show's stage manager has had an initial meeting with the Central Bank Center (CBC) staff to determine possibilities, and Lexington Pride staff would facilitate additional meetings with CBC technical and production staff  to ensure the production goes smoothly.
 

Lexington Pride has been fortunate to receive a grant from JustFundKY to help cover new activities at the Lexington Pride Festival this year. We are able to offer ActOut Theater $1,500 in grant funds to help cover production costs of "5 Lesbian"s at the Festival. The performance would not incur any additional cost for space or any tech that is already in place for the festival. The grant funding could help to cover any additional lighting or tech that is needed specifically for the show, for transporting sets, etc., and in lieu of selling tickets, or for any other cost ActOut deems necessary.
 

While Lexington Pride Center will be charging a modest admission fee to help cover the costs of the festival this year, we would not charge a separate admission fee to see the play. We feel this would introduce a new audience to ActOut, as folks who attend the festival may be encouraged to see the show when they would not have otherwise. ActOut will have space to advertise their organization both at the performance and with a regular vendor booth in the main space, if desired. ActOut would be welcome to solicit donations, sell merchandise, or just promote upcoming shows and programming in this space.
 

We understand the concern about impacting regular ticket sales by announcing the inclusion of the show at Lexington Pride Festival too soon. We are happy to hold the public announcement of the production at the festival until after the regular run of the show closes on June 18th. We'd like to bill it as a special encore performance at the Lexington Pride Festival.

We are excited about the potential of this partnership in that it might attract theater fans to the Lexington Pride Festival's new venue and could introduce festival attendees to LGBTQIA+ theater in Lexington, attracting new audiences for both organizations.

We are happy to sign a formal memorandum of understanding or contract to solidify details of the performance. Thank you for your consideration of this arrangement. Please let me know if you have any questions.
 

In Pride and Solidarity, 

Carmen

Carmen Wampler-Collins

Executive Director

(she, her, hers, herself pronouns)

Learn about personal pronouns at 

Www.mypronouns.org

The board approved the Pride Festival performance under the proposal written by Carmen Wampler-Collins in her email.

The question was asked, Can we advertise or publicize the plays we want to perform before we get the rights? 

Terry will look into answering that question before the week is out as well as available dates at the DAC . Rights for plays can be between $200-$300 dollars per show, we usually do five shows costing between 1000-1500 for rights.

Marty-"We have ad space coming from several other theatre companies in ad-swap agreements also, we will be doing a pod cast with Kate Savage."

Run through for 5Lesbians Eating a Quiche will consist of two on each of the following dates; Wed. May 31, Thurs. June 1, and Sunday, June 4, 2023.

only 28 tickets had been sold as of last week for the opening night performance, which is the high end of sales. There is 250 seats in the black box theatre.

Load-in will be on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 2:00pm. 

Terry will double check with Ben on the load-in time. He will also check on available dates for future shows.

The question was asked, Does Jeanie need help with costumes?

The answer, She will take help.
  

Meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by

Bill Chandler, Secretary

ActOut Theatre Group, Inc.

Present: Bill Chandler, Terry Mullins, Marcus Roland, Marty Wayman, and Daniel Ellis.

Absent: Kyle Wade, Burley Thomas

The meeting came to order at 6:44 pm. 

Treasurer’s Report: Our current bank balance is $8,874.77. 

Marty requested board approval to write a letter seeking contributions to provide stipends for actors specifically.  Offering small sums at first in hopes of being able to increase funds in the future.  Some board members reviewed a copy of the letter and approved it being sent with recommended changes. 

Discussion about the possibility of Tommy Gatton and Marty Wayman co-directing Del Shores-A Very Sordid Wedding.  Marty, however, is not interested in the direction of this show but is interested in Torch Song for next year.  We may be able to change the October show dates for Marcus Roland to be able to direct it.  Marcus and Marty will talk to Graham Hart to see if he may be interested as well.

Terry made a motion to try something new in not printing a program for 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche but suggested we try an electronic program that the audience can access via their phones. If this works it will save a lot of money and will allow for almost endless content.  Motion second by Marty.  Motion passed.  Bill will be setting the program up to be viewed online at our website actoutlex.org.

Terry- Tickets are to go on sale today.

Marty- Rehearsal starts Wednesday at the church.

The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm. 

Respectfully Submitted by

Bill Chandler, Secretary

ActOut Theatre Group, Inc.

Present: Bill Chandler, Terry Mullins, Marcus Roland, Kyle Wade, Marty Wayman, Daniel Ellis, and Burley Thomas.

The meeting came to order at 12.38 pm. 

Treasurer’s Report: We have not received the funds raised by the bingo night held by the Sisters. The current bank balance is $8,874.77. 

Marty moved to discuss what play we should do next. Second by Daniel. Suggestions include Torch Song (not the trilogy), A Sordid Wedding, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Take Me Out, or a musical like Southern Comfort which has a Trans-character. 

Motion made by Marty to do Torch Song in October 2023. Second by Daniel. Motion carried. 

The dates in October will be 7-15.

Motion made by Marty to form a 3-person play reading and suggested season for 2024. Second by Daniel. Motion carried. The committee will consist of Marty Wayman, Burley Thomas, and Marcus Roland. They are commissioned to read and suggest 3 plays per season totaling 9 to the entire board for consideration and authorization.

Marty informed us that we need a set designer ( requires a fairly simple set design) and a props person ( a good props person because it is 1956). 

Need some more mature actors for roles in 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche. 

Lights will be set by Ben Wagner.

Lights will be run by Robin Kunkel

Bill Chandler will be on sound.

There is no intermission written in the play but we will be putting one in after the scene when the bomb drops. A couple of Staging Assistance will direct the audience to the lobby while singing “Let’s all go to the lobby” where we will offer them free Costco quiche prepared by Moveable Feast and small bottled water. 

Motion made by Terry, second by Marcus for The Pride Center to have a table to offer for selling soft drinks with proceeds to benefit The Center. Motion carried. 

Marty would like to look into getting some TV advertisements. Daniel offered to check with Sherry about it. Ad swap with Voices…… still in consideration. 

Marcus made a motion to end the meeting, seconded by Marty. The meeting adjourned at 1:27 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 12:30 pm (Zoom). 

Topics to discuss at the next meeting: Saturday, February 25, 2023

(Meeting postponed until after auditions) 

Agenda Requested Topics (ART)

· Electronic programs

· Stipends Letter

· Fake quiche

* Donation from Sisters received February  27, 20223 $591.00 

Respectfully Submitted by

Bill Chandler, Secretary

ActOut Theatre Group, Inc.