2025 8-28 Board Meeting Minutes – Ouachita Little Theatre

August 28, 2025

Ouachita Little Theatre Board Minutes

Guests: No guests

Zeke called the meeting to order at 4:45 p.m

Secretary’s Report–

It was confirmed that Alex made the motion to accept the minutes of the May 5^th board meeting, and Mikayla seconded the motion. The motion carried, and the minutes from June 19th have been updated to reflect that action.
A motion was made by Alex to accept the minutes of the last meeting as corrected, Mikayla seconded, and the motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report- Bill

Arvest (General/Operating): $ 3664.78
First Financial (Concessions): $ 270.01
Union Bank (Building Fund): $1342.00
Edward Jones: No report at this time
Miklaya mentioned that we need to add her to the bank accounts. The people that are going to be added on the accounts are as followed:
– Bill Hayes
– Jered Birad
-Judy Kropp
– Ezekiel McPherson
– Mikayla Barber
Rudi motioned to add these people to the accounts and Bill seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Bill talked about how he asked several people in the realtor business to get donations and membership as he is no longer driving the bus anymore, he has some more time to do so. He is also talking to the 1st presbyterian church about also making a donation
Bill also asked that we find some more help for concession.

Publicity Report-Zeke

We have an exciting month. Announcements have been good for the promoting the new plays
Seems like the relationship with the paper is going really good. One thing we have figured out is to advertise on the radio for frozen as we can not do that with the royalties we signed.

Office Report-Alex ( Through Email)

Salesman tickets are on sale on the website
Frozen tickets are on their way to being on sale; they will be behind the salesman in the menu on the website as to not distract from salesman
Working on gathering the program material on both shows
Renewed Angel memberships and season tickets:
– Ann & Marvin Glenn
– Dolores Hutcheson
– Bill & Susan Raby
– Natalie Raby
Mailed letter to new businesses congratulating them and explaining commercial memberships; also inviting them to our upcoming shows. A few were returned to sender. Mikalaya helped find the correct addresses to resend them out.
As we go into fall and winter season to be wary of sickness and not coming in when ill, as some of us can not afford to become sick.
Reminder to please help keep the office tidy, anything left in the office for an extended time will be placed in the lobby.

Artistic Director Report- Judy (Through Email)

July to August was very busy working with the publishing companies, rights and royalties. Due to some issues with the finances, none of the material had been gathered for either Death of a Salesman or Frozen Jr. Judy apologizes to both directors that they started out without material.
Judy is still waiting for the Perusal scripts for the other plays, though the bills have been paid. Judy wanted to thank Bill for getting her the reimbursements so quickly, as she had paid with her own finances.
Death of a Salesman is on the move. Zeke has reported to Judy that it is going well. All the cast and crew members are insured through theater.
Frozen Jr. auditions happened this past week, with the cast list posted.
Scheduled for practices are as followed:
Death of a Salesman: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Frozen Jr. : Monday, Tuesday and Saturday
Judy is hoping that arrangements can be made for Frozen Jr. Scheduled to practice after school on Mondays and the afternoon for Saturdays. Both plays will practice at the theatre with the exception of one night at a church. Judy is happy with what great cooperation there is between directors.
Zeke said All Frozen rehearsals are all at the church location until death is done
The following plays have been approved by the play selection committee:

– Ok’d Private Lives
            – Disney’s Descendants Jr.
            – Camelot
            – The Play that Goes Wrong

– Something Rotton

The Play Selection Committee recommend that:
Ok’d Private Lives directed by Zeke McPherson for February 2026
Descendants Jr directed by Kallie Howard for May 2026.
Camelot directed by April Burt for Summer 2026
The Play that Goes Wrong directed by Jered Biard for Fall 2026
Something Rotten at a later date
The Approximate Royalties and Rights cost based on this years cost:
Ok’d Private Lives: $ 1000
Descendants Jr. : $ 2765
Camelot: $ 3300
Play that Goes Wrong: $1000
Something Rotton: $ 3300
-That is $ 7000( only the 4 that are for next year) and still need 1 more play and directors
Nothing has been submitted for December, if anyone is interested, please let Judy know.
Zeke started the voting for the plays that were mentioned and selected by the play selection committee
Private Lives: Rudi motioned that we approve, and Alex seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Descendants: Stef motioned that we approve, and Ann seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Camelot: Ann motioned that we approve, and Drew seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
The Play that Goes Wrong: Drew motioned that we approve, and Lexie seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Zeke asked for any recommendations for the December play. Bill recommends Mamma Mia and Oklahoma. Stef recommends Next to Normal and Nutcracker the Musical. Zeke recommends What a wonderful life.

House Report-Zeke

Small bathroom issues, but they have been fixed. The men’s bathroom sink was leaking, which has been fixed and taken care of. A woman’s toilet is leaking, the water has been turned off for that toilet. The parts have been bought to fix it, but have not been fixed yet.
AC has been working really well with this weather heat.
Jared and Zeke are talking about fixing the McQueen ( front of the building) as there is damage and other things to the roof and underside of it. Nothing set in stone as it is a big financial project.

IT Report-Jered (through email)

Added new wifi router in the sound booth, so we can have better service around the theatre

Box Office-Amanda

Needing Volunteers for box office. Zeke mentioned that he and Drew can find some volunteers for both the box office and concessions.

Social Committee-Linda

Zeke mentioned that the social committee wants to do a halloween engagement around the trick or treat through businesses
They are thinking about doing something for December. There is a rumor of an ice rink in Janson Park. The Committee is talking about partnering with the Art gallery and doing an open house type of thing.
The committee decided to not do a block party this year, and is thinking about doing it maybe next year.

Reader’s Theater -Ann

New Business

Rudi asked for some people to help get the props out of his garage, and putting it in the storage unit, Zeke said we can set up a day and time to be able to arrange that.
Mikayla mentioned a work day for Saturday September 13th.

Old Business

Adjournment: Stef made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Drew seconded and all approved adjournment.

The meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m

Next meeting is September 18th @ 4:45pm

Respectfully submitted,

Lexie Payne Secretary

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