06/08/1987 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e noted that virtually all of the classical performers who were booked for future Hult Center performances were listed in Billboard magazine's Classical Top 20 albums. He said the Hult Center computer database allowed research of attractions by category, by artist, by night of the week, and by time of the year. For example, he said that during the past two years, an overwhelming percentage of performances had occurred on Friday nights, which was one of the preferred times for a "good sell. II Mr. Roan said the booking committee comprised Mr. Schutz, James Aday of the Cultural Arts Program, Hult Center Ticket Office Manager Marcia James-Gluz, Scheduling Coordinator Laura Niles, and himself. He said that committee's review included financial scenarios for breaking even and selling out at various ticket prices, and normally risks were considered unacceptable if an event required selling more than about 67 percent of the seats to break even. He added that higher percentages were considered acceptable for other events, such as musical theater, which historically did well in this market. Mr. Roan also noted that in manipulating ticket prices, the amount of revenue belonging to the promoter often did not change much. Mr. Roan said the booking committee presented an offer to the executive director, Mr. Schutz, and a decision then was made to proceed or decline. Final contract negotiation or, if necessary, a renegotiation was done, and engagements were put together. e Ms. Ehrman asked about the amount of promotion done by the Hult Center and by outside promoters. Mr. Roan said the number of commercial promoters for venues the size of the Hult Center was declining, both nationally and locally, and was expected to continue that trend. He said a larger venue also was not necessarily a sure sell, and he added that Hult Center staff was actively promoting the center to producers, of which many existed. Mr. Roan described the process of circulating contracts to check scheduling, terms, and technical requirements. He added that production costs for rock and country shows frequently ranged from $7,000 to $12,000, which was in addition to the artists' fees. Mr. Roan showed a program configuration for the classical series Musical Fortunes, which had an average break-even point of 67 percent and a net potential for sell-outs of $70,000. He added that the series included six shows, was one of five series, and was expected to result in a substantial increase in earned income. Mr. Roan presented a poster for the upcoming "Wonders Never Cease" campaign. He also distributed press proofs of brochures for the campaign. Mr. Holmer asked about scheduling priorities for resident arts groups. Mr. Roan said Mr. Smith this year had begun a master scheduling conference to set 1988-89 dates for resident companies and for the Hult Center. He said staff intended to plan dates two years in advance so that companies could more accurately and substantively plan their series. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council Dinner/Work Session June 8, 1987 Page 3