COMMONWEAL THEATRE - Year in Review 20202020 Professional Live Theatre
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COMMONWEAL THEATRE Year in Review 2020 Professional Live Theatre
Commonweal Theatre Company Commonweal Theatre Company
2020—A Year Unlike Any Other 2020—Our Year in Review
2020—a year many of us might wish eography, and voice talent; and striving At the beginning of the new year in
to place squarely in our rearview mirror. to stay connected to you, our audience 2020, all of us at the Commonweal had
It began auspiciously enough. On January and loyal supporters. Your commitment high hopes and a spring in our step. We
3rd, we retired the mortgage on Dixon to us and our work helped us to suc- had just come off of one of the most
House, our artists’ residence. Shortly cessfully pivot, crafting six new pieces successful seasons in our history with a
thereafter, we waded full steam into of virtual entertainment, keeping our record number of season pass holders,
a season ticket sales campaign, which ensemble together and employed, and a firm financial footing, and a strong
yielded our highest season pass total allowing us to make plans for an exciting lineup of fantastic plays to share with
ever, with over 1,400 subscribers. Our and safe 2021. you. In a matter of weeks, a national
apprentices, ably aided by ensemble The stories that follow will amplify pandemic spread, live theatre closed
members Brandt Roberts and Kelsey the many accomplishments we achieved all across the country, and our hopes
Heathcote, spent eight weeks crafting a together in 2020.
turned to uncertainty and a canceled
haunting piece of theater, Alan Miller’s So, please enjoy this look back. We
season. We were left with no other
The Fox, and we were able to present hope you’ll take this as yet another Brandt Roberts
option than to…pivot. Suddenly, we
one preview and one public performance opportunity to know just how deeply we in his show
needed to find impactful stories that The Art of the Entertainer
before the coronavirus brought all of life treasure each of you.
we could share virtually with our devot-
to a screeching halt.
From there, we spent the better part ed family of patrons.
minded us of the importance of staying
of the spring planning and communicat- First, we collaborated with Lanes-
connected to one another.
ing; developing new skills in writing, vid- boro Arts, along with local theatre
Hal Cropp In July, we were thrilled to bring to
Producing Artistic Director
director/producer and former Com-
living rooms across the country yet an-
monweal ensemble member Catherine
Glynn and three of her Audacious Raw other original play redeveloped for the
Theatre company artists, to produce virtual world, The Art of the Entertainer
by resident ensemble member
Brandt Roberts. Following the
exploits of Gerald the janitor,
Brandt’s work was an homage to
vaudeville that left us all won-
dering how one man can channel
Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin,
the Marx Brothers, and Laurel &
Hardy in one body!
The 2020 Commonweal Resident Company The excitement of solo per-
formance extended into the fall
of 2020 with Fully Committed by
Becky Mode, featuring our own
Josiah Laubenstein—and Josiah
Laubenstein, along with Josiah
Laubenstein. With tour-de-force
talent and a string of outrageous
and unforgettable characters,
The Root River Anthology. Told with hu- Fully Committed had us all rooting for
mor, engaging storytelling, and a tinge Sam to get out from behind the desk
of heartache, the story introduced us and burst onto the stage. Plus, we’ll not
soon forget Josiah as Manhattan
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to a wide range of neighbors who re-
During 2020 we became Zoom meeting experts. Even Santa got in on the act.
2020 Year in Review 2020 Year in Review
Commonweal Theatre Company Commonweal Theatre Company
socialite Carolann Rosenstein-Fishburn. And now with a new year, we pivot
The only thing missing was Josiah in to another season, with some linger- Diversity Workshop: Leilani Raashida Henry
the full costume and makeup to go with ing uncertainty but with renewed high
the voice! hopes and still relying on that same On August 25th, 2020, after many within our organization and our com-
great creativity hours of careful planning around munity. It was a dynamic eight hours.
you love us for. COVID-19 risk mitigation, after screen- Because of the guests’ willingness to
We’re giddy ing for symptoms and taking tem- share their knowledge and open their
with excitement peratures, after months of avoiding hearts to our good intentions, we
at the thought gathering en masse and finally having heard first-hand experiences of racism.
of gathering protocols in place to do so carefully We spent time acknowledging and
together again— identifying micro-ag-
in person—to A group exercise during the workshop gressions we, as white
share five fabu- people, observed (and
lous stories with even perpetuated),
Cast, crew you. We kick and we learned new
& set of Fully Committed off 2021 with skills around how to
a delectable acknowledge what we
In November, Headspace Theatre comedy, dance to the unlikeliest of ro- heard, inquire about
took us on a journey of the mind. mances, toss in a madcap Shakespear- intention, endorse new
Communicating only with their heads
“We
ways of thinking, and
and faces, our seven headspace actors
fit perfectly into a season in which took great reinforce how appre-
ciated and impactful a
we couldn’t gather in person, and it
taught us the lesson that the best art
comfort in new way of thinking or
comes from working within extremely doing what we acting would be.
Leilani expressed
specific and defined limits. The neon
heart sprouting from the head of David
do best—telling the necessary shifts
which would have to
Hennessey…yeah, that may have just great stories.” and safely, the Commonweal Resident take place within, shifts that would al-
stolen the show. Ensemble, several Board members, low a meaningful dialog to commence.
During the holiday season, creativity ean parody for the summer, weave in and a few special guest speakers met With an aim to inspire collective explo-
and inventiveness were truly put on an offbeat comedy about love and loss, in the auditorium. We discussed how, ration through
display when nine ensemble members and conclude with a holiday classic as individuals and as an organization, conversation in
created, from the ground up, A Driftless featuring a welcome twist! It’s a grand we could begin the work of celebrating which truth and
Christmas, an original work of stories, season of reconnection and it’s right diversity, exercising equity, practicing meaning could
music, and reflections on Christmases around the corner at the Commonweal. inclusion, and embodying anti-racism. be uncovered
past and the impact Leilani Raashida Henry of Being and through col-
of the present-day Living Enterprises ushered participants laboration and
Taping Headspace Theatre
holiday. We know through a series of (socially distanced deep listening,
that last Christmas and masked) exercises and discussions Leilani spoke
was a bit “driftless” on the theme of Multiversity: Diversity, of becoming a
and not the same Equity, and Inclusion in our work as participant and
for any of us, but we theatre artists. a learner. She
took great comfort The workshop had several goals asked us to re-
in doing what we do
designed to create safe and healing ject our feelings
best—telling great
conversations around race and to “gen- Leilani
of competence
stories. We hope and
erate a new narrative, foster awareness, Raashida to make room
pray that you took
and inspire bold woke leadership” Henry for vul-
▲
comfort in that, too.
2020 Year in Review 2020 Year in Review
Commonweal Theatre Company Commonweal Theatre Company
Diversity Workshop Comings & Goings Board of Directors Salute
nerability, and in doing so, shift from In July, Production Manager The past year has been one of un- on both of the company’s properties).
arrogance to humility. Thomas White left the company to precedented challenges for nonprofits They have articulated a process for
We participated in dialog which allowed rejoin his husband, Bryan, in Water- around the country. The Commonweal succession, both in emergency situa-
us to listen and reflect, to approach loo, IA. They both now work at an is not unique. As we wrestled with the tions and as a planned outgrowth of
ideas and confusion with curiosity and assisted living facility, Deery Suites dilemmas of when or whether to open, the company’s longevity. They have
advocacy, and to suspend judgment. at the Western Home Communities. whether to keep staff employed, and become active participants in season
This practice of challenging as- As Lead Hospitality Coordinator, he is how to maintain relevance as an orga- selection.
sumptions through dialog gave us a responsible for ordering, storing and nization pursuing our mission, one key All of this effort has been done
foundation to build upon. From here, serving food for 40 to 60 residents. group of volunteers has been willing to as true volunteers. Attendance at
we have a responsibility to continue Since he coordinated all our produc- provide excellent guidance and the for- bi-monthly Board meetings (which
the work individually, in our organiza- tions, he had no problem adjusting titude to look this catastrophe squarely last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours),
tion, and in our community. Dedicating to this new organizing challenge. in the face. Against this backdrop, it participation on Board committees,
time to this effort allowed us to see He’ll be back to design lights for A is instructive to examine and express attendance at various social functions,
how diversity, equity and inclusion Christmas Carol and is looking for- gratitude for the work of a largely un- and participation in the annual Board
make us better artists and more com- ward to and frequenting the Pastry sung group retreat are totally uncompensated. Yet
passionate community members. Shoppe again. of volun- their efforts have been and continue to
Our workshop ended with time Jackie Johnson joined us at the teers, our be instrumental in the ongoing success
to envision ways we can apply these start of 2020 as Production Manager Board of of the company.
values to our work at the Commonweal. while also helping to manage the Directors. We would be remiss if we did not
Working in small groups, we incorpo- Under salute the service of Jill Frieders, retir-
costume shop. Most recently, she
rated the day’s lessons by discussing, the capable ing Board member, who worked tire-
was Teaching Artist at the Pre-
creating, and producing theatre that leader- lessly to expand the patron base of the
school of the Arts in Madison, WI,
would reflect our ship of our company in the greater Rochester area
after spending almost a decade at
anti-racist learn- Board pres- and who served as Board Secretary for
St. Croix Festival Theatre, rising to
ing. It will take ident Joan most of her term. Jill, many thanks and
Artistic Director. “I had long heard
time, intention, Ruen, these don’t be a
the praises of the Commonweal,” she
vulnerability, heroes of stranger.
says. “And as an artist with strengths Jill Frieders
and patience the Com- Please
in administration and leadership, I
to apply the monweal welcome Mary
was grateful to find one of the few (Chuck Aug, Alan Bailey, David Boen, Jill Wilder, Exec-
efforts of equity theatres with this business model.”
and inclusion Frieders, Chris Hanson, Ron Kreinbring, utive Director
Rivka Kelly arrived halfway Wendy Mattison, André Novack, Sarah of Gift of Life
to all aspects of through our canceled season in
our work at the Peterson, José Rivas, and P. J. Thomp- Transplant
July, having formerly been Assistant son, Laura Gentry and Mary Wilder) House in
Commonweal, Stage Manager at American Play-
but it felt good have been engaged in developing Rochester.
ers Theatre, Spring Green, WI. This strategic initiatives designed to assure Mary comes
as a company to season she will stage manage all our
begin that work the company’s long-term stability. to use with a
rehearsals and the performances As reflected elsewhere in this report passion for Mary Wilder
together, with for two productions. What brought (see “Finances and Needs”), they have the the-
our hearts full her here? “I saw the Commonweal assisted in increasing the percentage atre and years of experience in the
and our minds job posting in February, and my visit of contributed income to total income non-profit sector. Also, please welcome
engaged in being here is what really sold it to me,” she toward the stated 50:50 goal. They Laura Gentry, Lutheran minister and
a part of the says. “I felt such a strong sense of have overseen the creation of both a master teacher of laughter yoga, to our
Rochester poet change we wish togetherness and welcoming as soon
Dominique Jones
cash reserve fund and a building fund Board. Laura and her husband William
to see in the as I entered the building!” (designed to cover maintenance issues have been long-time supporters
▲
shared his work. world.
2020 Year in Review 2020 Year in Review
Commonweal Theatre Company Commonweal Theatre Company
have a strong potential to join the
Board Salute MDC program. Stela’s Clear Blue Morning Cabaret
★ Season passes to give as gifts In 2018, our
of the Commonweal, and we are sure to anytime at the discounted renewal dear friend and
benefit from her wise counsel. price of $99 for 2021! Normally, this colleague Scott
rate is available only for a limit- Dixon passed
Laura Gentry,
husband William ed time, but MDC members can away following a
and Fuji. purchase discounted season passes battle with cancer.
anytime. Call our box office at (800) Scott made an
657-7025 to purchase gift passes, or indelible mark on
tell your friends to mention your each person he
name when ordering to receive this met and gave of
special offer. himself fully to
★ For more information or assistance, every project he
undertook.
contact Jeremy van Meter at (507)
We still miss
467-2905 ext. 211 or email at: jere- To help kick off the inaugu-
him terribly, but we’re extremely
myvm@commonwealtheatre.org ral year of the fund in 2020, our
MDC Benefits proud to announce the launch
of The Scott Dixon Memorial
friend Alan Bailey conceived
a cabaret-style event featuring
Fund. Donations made to the fund
Thank you to our MDC Members! Important 2021 will help support projects that
Scott’s wife, Stela Burdt. As pan-
Thank you so much for all you do to MDC COVID Updates were the nearest and dearest to
demic restrictions continued to
tighten, it became apparent that
support the work of the Commonweal Scott’s heart during his time as
an in-person fundraising event
Theatre. You are at the heart of this Watch your mailbox for a 2021 sea- a resident ensemble member of
would have to transition to a
company, providing a strong founda- son brochure and a letter that will de- the Commonweal. Those include
virtual one. And so, many hours
tion for 32 years of awards, service, and tail safe reopening plans and temporary educational programs like the
of recording and filming by the
professional excellence. Apprentice class production and
changes to your MDC benefits. For any entire company were undertaken
As we look ahead to the hopeful- the student matinee series, the
questions contact: Jeremy van Meter to produce a collection of 11 songs
ness of our 33rd season, we want to cultivation of new plays by con-
at (507) 467-2905 ext. 211 or email at: chronicling both Stela’s story of
remind you of the benefits offered to temporary playwrights, focusing
courage and strength as well as
MDC members and update you on some jeremyvm@commonwealtheatre.org on the resident ensemble’s strong
the Commonweal’s own story of
impact on the local economy, and
changes for this year. We know that you overcoming a year of challenges.
his most passionate project, Weal-
give because you believe in our work The result was Stela’s Clear Blue
house, our second stage series
and our mission to enrich the common Morning, and it is an understate-
that debuted in 2019.
good through actor-based storytell- ment to say that it was a most
ing which is both transcendent and successful way to launch The
relevant, but we try never to miss an Scott Dixon Memorial Fund.
opportunity to show our appreciation The musical journey was
for all that you do for us. uplifting and joyful as well as
touching and reflective—and
All MDC members receive: we know that Scott would be
★ 2 tickets to any show, anytime (one the prouder of it than anyone.
ticket for single-head-of-household For more information on the
membership) Hal with MDC memorial fund and to make
★ $10 off regular Adult tickets for members Joe your donation, please visit the
guests for any show, anytime and Lois Duffy at Donate page at www.Common-
his 25th Season Stela, Scott and Kieran wealTheatre.org/donate.
★ Complimentary ticket vouchers, celebration.
upon request, to give to people who
2020 Year in Review 2020 Year in Review
Commonweal Theatre Company Commonweal Theatre Company
Finances & Needs Our 33rd Season Let Our Audience
As alluded to in our introduction,
2020 was a unique year for the Com-
monweal, and it looked as if we would
have another banner year. We ended
2019 with the strongest cash position
family and also when many of you will
be comfortable returning to the Com-
monweal in person to share our stories,
we are planning a somewhat austere
2021 season, attempting to keep our
I Love To Eat
by James Still
SEE
Your Business!
in our history, and by March 1 our sub- expenses low by staging plays that will April-June Our programs this year will be
scription base had grown to over 1,400. only feature our resident ensemble and A delectable comedy online, not in print, and they
And then the pandemic hit. severely limiting the number of outside
will include clickable links
We spent much of the spring trying artists (actors, directors, and designers)
to hold our ensemble together, with whom we will engage. We have also put (when available) to make them
Dancing Lessons
frequent messaging about our contin- our Apprenticeship Program on hiatus. interactive!
ually evolving plans for re-opening. We We continue to believe that increas-
joked that this was our week for much
of the spring:
ing our contributed income, as we grow
our patronage, will bring the Common- by Mark St. Germain Put an ad in our
• Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday: draft
plans;
weal to a position of financial strength.
With the support of Commonweal
May-August season program—
The unlikeliest of romances
• Thursday: listen to the Governor; family members like yourself, signifi- ● For the entire year or for spe-
• Friday: rip up the plans and start cant progress was made in 2020 on the cific shows!
over. contributed income challenge. For that,
Thankfully, 93.4% of our subscrib- we thank you. We also recognize that it The Complete Works ● Help sponsor our five County
Free nights for workers & res-
ers either converted their passes into will take some time to realize a return of Wm Shakespeare July- idents in Fillmore & Houston
straight donations or accepted vouchers to patronage levels we saw in 2019, but (Abridged)[Revised] Oct Counties!
for tickets for upcoming productions.
These funds, along with generous
with your support we surely will be
back there. A madcap parody ● Have your name mentioned in
donations from our entire extended As we move forward, the Board by Adam Long, the pre-show speech!
Commonweal family, some judicious and staff have recommitted to the Daniel Singer & Jess Winfield ● See your name appearing in
cost-cutting, CARES Act support from past years’ two initiatives: increasing our lobby video!
county and state government, and a the amount of contributed income
Come Back
forgivable Payroll Protection Plan grant, to come closer to the 50:50 ratio of ● Underwrite an entire produc-
allowed us to keep our ensemble work- earned-to-contributed income and in- tion!
ing. We were able to fund six virtual creasing patronage in our key markets. ● Your logo on the program title
Sept-
projects, assuring that Commonweal We ask for your support, as together
Nov
by Neil Haven page!
storytelling would not be silent over we work to assure the Commonweal’s
An offbeat comedy ● Your name mentioned in the
the past year. success for generations to come.
post-show speech!
Ending the year with a surplus, our about love & loss
total expenses were just over $680,779,
while revenues were just over $772,820. For more information, contact us:
While we continue to keep an eye on
the earned income/contributed income A Christmas Program ads—
David Hennessey, 507-467-2905 ex 205,
ratio, 2020’s figures cannot be used as
a measuring stick: contributed income
in 2020 amounted to 92.4% of total
Carol Nov-
Dec
advertising@commonwealtheatre.org
Sponsors & Underwriters—
by Charles Dickens
revenue. adapted by the Commonweal Jeremy van Meter, 507-467-2905 ex 212,
While we face uncertainty as to both We can’t wait to A holiday classic—with a twist! jeremyvm@commonwealtheatre.org
when we can re-open to our extended see you here again!
2020 Year in Review 2020 Year in Review
Commonweal Theatre Company
Here’s to YOU, our Commonweal Family!
It Takes a Village
Theatre is a collaborative art form, 2021 Board of Directors:
not only in its creation but in its sup-
port as well. Making art costs money, Charles Aug Wendy Mattison—
and many Alan Bailey Vice President
organizations and people step up to David Boen— Treasurer André Novack
the plate to make our art happen— Harold N. Cropp— Sarah Peterson
including you! Ex Officio José Rivas— Secretary
To our granting organizations, our Laura Gentry Joan Ruen— President
board of directors, our MDC members, Chris Hanson P. J. Thompson
our season pass holders, our vol- Ron Kreinbring Mary Wilder
unteers and all our many individual
donors:
Thank You!
And thank you to theatregoers like you—
your patronage makes live theatre possible!
2020 Year in Review
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