09/26/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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In response to a question, Mr. Reynolds said that the Oregon Repertory Theatre e would have added 40-45 dates to the usage of the Soreng Theatre, not including the ORTis Christmas production. He added that the present number of holds on the theater did not include any ORT productions. In regard to cleaning costs for the hall, Mr. Reynolds said this cost was recovered in the rental fee, adding that the cleaning required was minimal. Answering a question on private ticket sales, Mr. Reynolds explained that all tickets supplied to the tenants were considered sold unless they were returned prior to the closing of the show. In response to a question by Mr. Holmer, Mr. Reynolds said that he did not remember the first yearls budget for the Soreng Theatre. He said that he did not have the actual figures on the present budget, but that the amount taken in was far below what was budgeted. He explained that the deficit would be covered by a donor whose intent would be to encourage the opportunity for local artists to perform in the center. Ms. Wooten added that it was the spirit of many of the donors to the center to encourage local artists, stressing that many people felt the center could remain vital only so long as local artists performed there. Mr. Holmer acknowledged that the organizations were worthwhile, but he still wanted to flag the possible $6,000 deficit as an expenditure. Mayor Keller said that the additional dates picked up by ORT would help to decrease the deficit. Public hearing was opened. Linda Devine, 795 Willamette Street, Eugene, said she was the Executive Director of the Lane Regional Arts Council. She read a statement from the council into e the record supporting the rental structure. The statement said the council saw the reduced rental rate as a signal that the Hult Center welcomed the use of the Soreng Theatre by local artists. She said the council was aware that the rental costs were only a portion of the total cost for performing in the space, the average additional cost being over $600 per night. She said that the council was requesting that any press releases promoting the lowered rental rate for the Soreng Theatre include a statement informing local independent performers of the range of additional costs. She said that this information would preclude later explanations. She urged the council and the Hult Center staff to look closely at the competitive stance of the center to increase use of the facility and how such use could affect the market for the use of the Community Center for the Performing Arts and other performing facilities in the metro area. She said the Arts Council felt that it was necessary for all facilities to remain alive to provide a diverse showcase for the area talent. She asked the council to approve the proposed rental structure, but to also view other policy changes in regard to their impact on the entire arts community. In response to request by Mayor Keller, Ms. Devine repeated her statement on press releases, adding that none of the news coverage on the proposed rental structure had included the additional costs of renting the Soreng Theatre. Sura John Lentz, 5115 Fox Hollow Road, Eugene, said he was a former co-coordi- nator of the Community Center for the Performing Arts and was currently on the board of directors for that facility and for the Lane Regional Arts Council. He said he was also a singer and musician. He said the CCPA recognized that the proposed rate change would probably provide more access for local artists to the - MINUTES--Eugene City Council September 26, 1983 Page 7