CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST) held its annual membership meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 18.
The annual meeting provides the opportunity for members of CAST to hear about the progress and plans of the non-profit organization and to elect board members for open positions.
Members attended the meeting, which was held at CAST, located at 112 E. Locust St., in downtown Clearfield.
The meeting began with the acknowledgement of CAST Board of Directors and officers: Steve Albert, president; Leanne Kassab, vice president; Mason Strouse, treasurer; Catherine Mandell, secretary; and Rachel Duke, Lew Duttry, Gerry Hatcher, Dr. Richard Horton, Shawn Inlow, Greg Norris, Joshua Maines, ?Jan Moore Boyer, Chris Shaffer and Tim Winters, directors.
Following this introduction, Strouse provided a financial report, noting CAST’s success in obtaining a real estate tax exemption status earlier this year.
He reported that CAST is current on all payments, including a line of credit in which the organization now pays a substantial amount on principal each month to pay down quicker.
Strouse spoke about the changes the organization has made in handling finances to include the institution of a finance committee; the requirement of two executive board member signatures on each check; and the use of a local accounting firm, which he publicly thanked for the service provided to CAST.
The multiple projects CAST successfully completed since the annual membership held a year ago were reviewed, as were the fundraising efforts held by the organization, and the use of grant funds received to support the Seeds of Art Summer Camp.
The “Raise the Roof” campaign was covered as were the various sponsorship opportunities.
Strouse concluded his report by thanking the community, saying “without the tremendous support of [our community], we would not be able to keep CAST above water.”
He went on to say, “I cannot even begin to thank you all enough for your support.”
Albert proceeded to the stage for his report, and expressed his gratitude as well for all that Strouse does for CAST. During his report, Albert reviewed the proposed changes to the constitution and by-laws for the Clearfield Arts Studio Theater Inc., which are available online at ClearfieldArts.org.
Gayle Gearhart, artistic director, began a summary of the theater’s accomplishments over a course of 28 months beginning with CASTs reorganization in September of 2015 through the end of this year.
“[There are] so many people to thank! We’ve enjoyed 14, full-length plays and musicals, 10 directors, six music directors, four choreographers, five assistant directors, seven stage managers, over 325 characters created and a wide variety of lighting, sound, costume, makeup, set designers and technicians,” she said.
She went on to include the success of over 9,200 tickets sold to date with more to come as CAST is in the midst of its fourth show of the year, The Foreigner, and looking forward to Elf Jr., and a special production earmarked to help fund the organization’s “Raise the Roof” campaign, The Rocky Horror Show, yet this year.
Gearhart went on to provide a tentative list of five shows planned for 2018 to include The Glorious Ones, a comedy by Stephen Flaherty and Lynne Aherns; Madagascar Jr., CAST’s annual youth production; Grease, the musical; Nevermore! The imaginary life and mysterious death of Edgar Allen Poe; and Scrooge in Rouge, an English musical-hall Christmas Carol.
The availability of season tickets will be announced soon.
Albert returned to the stage and explained to the members that three of the 14 current board members, Greg Norris, Joshua Maines and Chris Shaffer, are interim board members, appointed upon the loss of three directors earlier this year.
A more recent vacancy had not yet been filled, and with the anticipated departure of current board member, Gerry Hatcher, the membership was faced with the election of five new board members.
The election of the new board members ensued, providing each of the interested candidates the opportunity to speak to the membership.
Each stood and provided insight as to their interest, background, contributions and heart-warming tales of caring for the theater and its meaning to them personally and to the community.
Following the introductions, members cast their votes by ballot and, after the votes were counted, Albert announced the new board members: Lisa Gormont, Jennifer Himes Bush, Joshua Maines, Greg Norris and Chris Shaffer.
The remaining 10 board of directors will be retained.
“Congratulations to each of these individuals and thank you again to all our members, volunteers, event attendees and local community members and businesses, who all have a role in helping CAST in its rejuvenation efforts,” Albert concluded.
Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. (CAST) fosters the promotion of community interest in theatre, music, art, dance, photography and theatrical productions for education, civic and benevolent purposes.
People’s enthusiasm and continued support are needed to bring high-quality opportunities to the area.
CAST is proud to announce the fulfillment of its mission this past year, and plans to do so for years to come. Please call CAST at 814-765-4474 or visit its Web site at ClearfieldArts.org to become a member or find volunteer opportunities. Individual memberships are available for $25/year.
The Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre Inc. can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
