The popular Popcorn Theatre, featuring the professional Tibbits Summer Theatre company, returned to the historic theatre this summer for the first time since Covid. This is just one of the aspects of the 2021-2022 fiscal year for the Tibbits Opera Foundation to be reviewed at the theatre’s annual meeting January 26, 2023.
COLDWATER – The annual meeting of the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. will review the historic theatre’s 2021-2022 fiscal year at 5:30pm Thursday, January 26, 2023.
According to Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “Overall the theatre is doing well. We certainly are not back to pre-pandemic levels in terms of attendance, ticket sales or even volunteers, but it has definitely improved.” She added, “We have so much gratitude to our members and everyone in the community who continue to support us. The meeting gives us a chance to share what’s going on.”
The annual meeting will offer members and the community a chance to meet the board of directors and staff over refreshments before the meeting highlights the activities, events and financials of the theatre’s fiscal year which ended Sept. 30. As a nonprofit organization and according to its bylaws, Tibbits must hold a general meeting of its membership each year. The purpose of the meeting is to present an annual report and elect members to the board of directors.
The meeting will be held in the theatre and open to the public. Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater. For more information call 517-278-6029 or visit Tibbits.org.
COLDWATER
– With the addition of entertainment and check presentations, Tibbits Opera
Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. held its annual meeting as a combined
virtual and in-person event at the historic opera house Thursday, January 27,
2022.
Tibbits Board member and Smith Memorial Concert organizer Diane Pridgeon presented $1000 checks to Coldwater High School, Reading High School, Union City High School and Pansophia Academy’s choir programs at Tibbits’ Annual Meeting. Dr. Jacob Simmons accepted the check for Coldwater High School.
Highlighting
area choir programs, the evening opened with a recap of the Smith Memorial Benefit
Concert and master class held in September and a performance by Lexie Galliers,
one of the students who participated in the master class led by Coldwater High
School graduate Chelsea Hart Melcher and her husband Paul Melcher. For
participating in the master class, the choir programs from Coldwater High
School, Reading High School, Union City High School and Pansophia Academy each
received checks for $1000 presented by Diane Pridgeon.
Students
from Coldwater High School’s production of “Little Women” performed several
musical numbers from the show. Attendees then enjoyed a video of Tibbits Summer
Theatre which shared the behind-the-scenes perspective at the end of the
season.
Tibbits
Board President Chris Donbrock led the business portion of the meeting with an
overview of the flexibility and adapting of the past year, commending the staff
on their dedication. Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney commented on
the year in terms of the importance of the membership. She said, “It’s the
foundation of everything we do and in the past year it’s because of membership
and the donations we’ve received that we have been able to remain strong.” She
also related the positive bottom line to the lack of programming the theatre
has been able to do through the restrictions. She pointed out, “Membership
allows us to provide programming that is often offered at discounted ticket
prices or presented at a break-even or sometimes even a loss. The profit you
see should have been spent on our programming. You can see how much it was
limited this past year.” She referenced the theatre’s annual report which had
only a single page of events listed where there would normally be two and the
pie chart of expenses which in other years half the chart would have
represented the programming versus less than a quarter this year.
Students from Coldwater High School’s production of “Little Women” performed several musical numbers from the show as part of the evening’s entertainment prior to the business portion of the annual meeting.
The
Annual Report for the organization provides a comprehensive view of the year. Board
Treasurer Ken Norton pointed out the amazing support from the community which
has carried the theatre through another year of challenges. Those donors are
recognized throughout the book.
Also
during the meeting, Jose Albarran, Donna Gardner and Joe Hughes were elected their
second terms on the board. Officers for the Foundation were reelected at the organizational
meeting which followed the annual meeting, Chris Donbrock president, John
Bolton vice president, Ken Norton treasurer and Joe Hughes secretary.
Copies
of the Tibbits Opera Foundation Annual Report are available at the
administrative office at 93 W. Chicago St. or online at https://tibbits.org/about-tibbits/ under
the organizational information tab. For more information on Tibbits or its events
visit Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029.
COLDWATER
– Highlighting area choir programs, the annual meeting of the Tibbits Opera
Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. will open with check presentations and
short student performances before reviewing the theatre’s 2020-2021 fiscal
year. The meeting at the historic opera house at 5pm Thursday, January 27, 2022
will also offer a virtual option.
In
September, the Smith Memorial Concert featured Coldwater High School graduate
Chelsea Hart Melcher and was a benefit for four area choir programs who
participated in a special Master Class with Chelsea and her husband Paul
Melcher. Representatives from the choir departments of Coldwater, Reading,
Union City and Pansophia Academy will be on hand to receive checks from the
proceeds of that concert.
According
to Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “Tibbits’ mission focuses on
opportunities to engage in the arts. Our area youth are a major part of that
and it’s fitting that we recognize these school programs at our annual meeting.
We appreciate Diane Pridgeon and her sister Susanne Wise for allowing Tibbits
to partner with them. We think it will be a great lead-in to our year in
review.”
Tibbits
annual meeting will begin with a small reception with hors d’ oeuvres at 5pm. Entertainment
beginning at 5:30pm will include cast members of Coldwater High School’s spring
show, “Little Women.” The meeting portion will include a review of the
theatre’s financials. Just as last year’s meeting focused on the unprecedented
time of Covid, this year’s meeting will demonstrate how the theatre has
continued to maneuver through the challenges.
Tibbits moved its 2021 Summer Theatre season from The Ponds of Coldwater back to the opera house, just one of the aspects of the 2020-2021 fiscal year for the Tibbits Opera Foundation to be reviewed at the theatre’s annual meeting January 27, 2022.
As a nonprofit organization and according to its bylaws, Tibbits must hold a general meeting of its membership in January. The purpose of the meeting is to present an annual report to the membership and elect members to the board of directors.
The
meeting will be held in the theatre and open to the public. Masks are
encouraged. Recognizing not everyone is comfortable attending in person, an
online option will be available to those who pre-register calling the theatre
at 517.278.6029 or by emailing boxoffice@Tibbits.org.
Tibbits
Opera House is located at 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater. For more
information call 517-278-6029 or visit Tibbits.org.
COLDWATER –The
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced its grant
awards for 2021-2022 and they included two for the Tibbits Opera Foundation and
Arts Council, Inc. – an Operational Support Grant and a Capital Improvement
Grant.
This year’s Operational Support Grant award of
$19,500 represents a $4500 increase from last year. The grant includes funding
from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Capital Improvement Grant of $68,080
will fund the addition of a fire alarm system and additional egress lighting
for the historic theatre as well as continued investment in the theatrical and
lighting equipment. The Capital Improvement Grant requires a dollar-for-dollar
match.
According to Tibbits Executive Director
Christine Delaney, “These awards provide an important boost to our annual
budget as well as our continued investment in the building. We are grateful for
both of the grants. The process is very competitive and it is always nice to
have affirmation of the work we are doing for our community.”
Both MCACA grants were awarded through the
peer review process and were among 594 applications competing for fiscal year
2022 funding. Through the review process grant applications were evaluated and
recommendations made to the MCACA Governor’s Council. The two grants to Tibbits
represent the only funding from MCACA for Branch County this year.
According to Alison Watson, Director of MCACA,
“It is really wonderful to see so many great grant applications. Especially
during these times, it is a strong affirmation that the field is still vibrant
and the value of our programs is appreciated.”
The Michigan Council for Arts and
Cultural Affairs is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen and community in
Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and
culture.
Tibbits Opera House built in 1882 is owned and
operated by the Tibbits Opera Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
founded in 1962. Its mission is “to engage all in arts, culture, education and
the preservation of the historic Opera House.” To support the theatre’s general
operations or specifically the sound and theatrical equipment project go on
line to Tibbits.org, stop at the Tibbits offices at 93 W. Chicago St.,
Coldwater 9-5 Mon. through Fri., or call 517.278.6029.
COLDWATER – With an underlying theme of gratitude, Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. held its annual meeting as a combined virtual and in-person event at the historic opera house last night.
Tibbits Board President Rick Merrill welcomed Chris Donbrock as the incoming board president at Tibbits’ Annual Meeting.
Despite
the challenges of COVID which shut the theatre for months, the organization’s
financial position remains strong. The Annual Report for the organization
provides a comprehensive view of the year. Most telling are the pages with the
list of shows for the year including all of the cancellations. Donations
replaced ticket revenue and each person who presented during the meeting
reiterated appreciation for the community, the members, the sponsors, the board
and staff for all of the support and effort through the year.
Board
treasurer Wayne Weaver summed up the year saying, “This is not a business model
we want to repeat, but through increased fundraising and a concerted effort to
cut expenses, we ended 2018-2019 with a $15,000 loss and this year 2019-2020 we
had a $78,000 profit.” Tibbits also received a PPP loan and several emergency
grants. Notes on the financial pages of the report express the goal being
prepared for continued challenges in 2021 and even into 2022. While
restrictions allow the theatre to open to limited capacity, the schedule still
remains sparse.
Rick
Merrill reviewed the year and the ways Tibbits staff and board adapted and
stepped up to keep the theatre strong. He reflected on his three years as
president of Tibbits board thanking the other board members and the staff for
their support. He recognized retiring board member Polly Locke with a plaque
honoring her nine years of service. Also during the meeting, Daniel Gordon,
Erin Jansen, Angie Marsh and Cisco Ortiz were elected to the board of
directors. John Bolton and Wayne Weaver each renewed their terms.
During
the organizational meeting which followed the annual meeting, Chris Donbrock
was elected president, John Bolton vice president, Ken Norton treasurer, Joe
Hughes secretary and Dave Coyle member-at-large, to serve as the officers and
executive committee for the Foundation.
Copies
of the Tibbits Opera Foundation Annual Report are available at the
administrative office at 93 W. Chicago St. or online at https://tibbits.org/about-tibbits/ under
the organizational information tab. For more information on Tibbits or its
events visit Tibbits.org or call 517-278-6029.
COLDWATER
– Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. will hold its annual meeting
as a combined virtual and in-person event at the historic opera house at 5:30
pm Thursday, January 28, 2021.
As
a nonprofit organization and according to its bylaws, Tibbits must hold a
general meeting of its membership in January. The purpose of the meeting is to
present an annual report to the membership and elect new members to fill any
vacant positions on the board of directors.
Under COVID restrictions, Tibbits moved its Summer Theatre season to The Ponds of Coldwater, just one of the aspects of the 2019-2020 fiscal year for the Tibbits Opera Foundation to be reviewed at the theatre’s Annual Meeting on January 28, 2021.
While past annual meetings have included special presentations on the building, its history, or some form of entertainment, as well as a reception, this year’s event will focus on the unprecedented past year. According to Board President, Richard Merrill, “Our 2019-2020 fiscal year was unlike any that we have ever experienced in our long history.”
The
current orders allow the theatre to open with socially distanced seating, so
the meeting will be held in the theatre and open to members. Recognizing not
all members are comfortable attending in person, an online option will be
available to members who pre-register by responding to the invitation sent via
email, by calling the theatre at 517.278.6029 or by emailing boxoffice@Tibbits.org.
In
addition to the presentation of the 2019-2020 financials, the meeting will
include a review of the theatre’s COVID-related activities both in terms of
programming and improvements to the building. There will also be the election
of four new members to the board and the recognition of one member leaving the
board.
Tibbits
Opera House is located at 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater. For more
information call 517-278-6029 or visit Tibbits.org
COLDWATER –The
Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced its grant
awards for 2020-2021 and they included two for the Tibbits Opera Foundation and
Arts Council, Inc. – an Operational Support Grant and a Capital Improvement
Grant.
Tibbits has received an Operation Support
grant each year since the MCACA implemented the program in 2012. This year’s
award of $15,000 represents a $3000 decrease from the year before. The grant
includes funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Capital
Improvement grant of $63,000 will go towards upgrades to the theatre’s sound
and theatrical equipment. The project requires a dollar-for-dollar match.
According to Tibbits Executive Director,
Christine Delaney “We are grateful for both of the grants. Arts organizations
like Tibbits play a vital role for their communities. The process is very
competitive and it is always nice to have affirmation of the work we are doing
for our community.”
Both MCACA grants were awarded through the
peer review process and were among 597 applications competing for fiscal year
2021 funding. Through the review process grant applications were evaluated and
recommendations made to the MCACA Governor’s Council. The two grants to Tibbits
represent the only funding from MCACA for Branch County this year.
According to Alison Watson, Director of MCACA “It
is really wonderful to see so many great grant applications. During these tough
times, it is a strong affirmation that the field is still vibrant, and the
value of our programs is not only recognized, but can contribute to ongoing
efforts support vibrancy in our communities throughout the state.”
The Michigan Council for Arts and
Cultural Affairs is dedicated to ensuring that every citizen and community in
Michigan enjoys the civic, economic and educational benefits of arts and
culture.
Tibbits Opera House built in 1882 is owned and
operated by the Tibbits Opera Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
founded in 1962. Its mission is “to engage all in arts, culture, education and
the preservation of the historic Opera House.” To support the theatre’s general
operations or specifically the sound and theatrical equipment project go on
line to Tibbits.org, stop at the Tibbits offices at 93 W. Chicago St.,
Coldwater 9-5 Mon. through Fri., or call 517.278.6029.
COLDWATER— The Board of Directors of
the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. has launched a fundraising
matching challenge campaign in an effort to raise $15,000, approximately one
month’s expenses for the historic theatre.
Tibbits’ leadership
have agreed to match all new donations to Tibbits in September and October,
dollar for dollar, up to $7,500. The
COVID Pandemic, and the resulting lockouts and shut downs, has kept the theatre
closed. While they adapted for Summer Theatre, the closure has eliminated all
of Tibbits’ fall programming. The campaign
is designed to supplement the loss of revenue for the fall season.
Rick
Merrill, Tibbits Opera Foundation Board President said, “As evidenced by our
ever-changing summer theatre season, this year has been a challenge for us, but
with your assistance, we have conquered Covid one show at a time!
Unfortunately, we foresee that the near future will continue to be a challenge
for us. We are challenging all of our Tibbits friends, supporters and community
to this fundraising match.”
With the
uncertainty of the governor’s Executive Orders and when theatres will be
allowed to open, the Opera House is unable to schedule any live events. Last
year, the theatre received revenue through ticket sales from its Tibbits Young
Audiences production, its production of “Next to Normal,” the Classic Films
Series, the Smith Thank You concert, as well as rentals from Branch County
Community Theatre, Branch County Community Band, and numerous private events.
According to
Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “As the center for arts, culture
and entertainment for our community, Tibbits staff is pressing forward to
assure the theatre remains strong and is ready to reopen when the time comes.
We are grateful for the leadership of our board.”
Those wishing to support the campaign may make a donation at Tibbits.org, on Tibbits’ Facebook page, by calling 517.278.6029, or in person at the Tibbits Administrative Offices at 93 W. Chicago Street in Coldwater.
COLDWATER, MI — The scene shop for Tibbits Opera House
received a much-needed excavation improvement this past week as Parrish
Excavation of Quincy completed installation of a leach basin and a new gravel
driveway.
Parrish Excavating, Inc. of Quincy completed a much-needed excavation improvement to the scene shop for the Tibbits Opera House. The work included installation of a leach basin and grading a gravel driveway to eliminate flooding issues for the building used to construct and store sets and props for the theatre.
The excavation work took two days and alleviates a
long-standing problem of poor drainage. With the grade of the entire property going
toward the building, winter and spring snow and rain routinely flooded the
building. Between the standing water and the freezing and thawing there were
times when it was unsafe for staff, volunteers, the building, and its contents.
The project originally planned for the spring, like
everything else, was delayed due to the state-mandated shutdown. The scene shop
located on Division Street is used for storing scenery and props, and as a
workspace for building sets for Tibbits’ professional theatre shows as well as
local productions. Coldwater Community Theatre, Coldwater High School and
Tibbits Young Audiences use a great deal of the scenery for their shows and Coldwater
Rotary Club stores the risers and sets for its annual show in the scene shop. The
space would normally be abuzz with activity throughout the summer but the theatre’s
revised schedule all but eliminated the set building for this year.
Partial funding for the project came from Coldwater Rotary Club
and a local donor. Those wishing to contribute to the project fund may contact
Tibbits at 517-278-6029. Online donations may be made at Tibbits.org with
“Scene Shop” in the description.
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House proudly announces Peter Riopelle will join the
staff to become the new Artistic Director for Tibbits Summer Theatre when
Charles Burr retires at the close of the 2020 season. Burr has held the position for 30 years.
Riopelle brings a
wealth of experience to the position and to Tibbits. His career includes
Broadway national tours, Off-Broadway, television, film, commercials, and
leading roles at some of the nation’s finest regional theaters. His history
with Tibbits began in 1992.
Longtime Tibbits favorite Peter Riopelle will join Tibbits Opera House staff as the new Artistic Director for Tibbits Summer Theatre when Charles Burr retires at the close of the 2020 season.
On joining the theatre,
Riopelle says, “Over my many years at Tibbits, this community—and the people in
it—have truly become family to me. This theater, in a very real sense, has been
my home for a long time–I am a part of it, and it is a part of me.”
Over the past three
decades, Riopelle has been a consistent face both on the stage as an actor and
behind the scenes as part of the production team. Most recently for Summer Theatre he has
played Pharaoh in last summer’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,”
Pontius Pilate in “Jesus Christ Superstar” the previous year, and Mr. Applegate
in “Damn Yankees” in 2017. Audiences may also remember his other memorable
roles from the 90s as Huck Finn in “Big River,” Mark in “Mass Appeal,” or
Eugene in the Neil Simon Trilogy of “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Broadway Bound,”
and “Biloxi Blues.”
He received his BFA in
Musical Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University, and his MFA in
Classical Acting and Directing from The Professional Theatre Training Program at
Brandeis University in Boston.
Riopelle will be
tasked with continuing the legacy and success of Tibbits Summer Theatre when he
steps into his role as artistic director. The program which began in 1964 has
grown in reputation and national reach each summer bringing an average of 9,000
patrons through the doors of the historic Tibbits Opera House.
“I could not be more
honored, humbled or thrilled to be asked to join the amazing Tibbits team of
professionals, to help guide and lead this theater I love so much, into the
next great chapter of its historic story,” Riopelle said.
He continued, “I
envision Tibbits as one of the great American regional theatres. We have the
history and heritage to prove it, and the momentum of the outstanding
leadership of Artistic Director Charles Burr for the past 30 years, and
Executive Director Christine Delaney (and her crackerjack team) for the past
19!”
Riopelle will assist
and shadow Burr this summer in preparation for Riopelle’s takeover. For more
information about Tibbits’ summer season, visit Tibbits.org.