SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

 

Supernumerary Committee

 

September 27, 2004

 

Minutes of the Meeting

 

 

The following members of the Supernumerary Committee (the �Committee�) of the San Francisco Opera (the �Opera�) were present for all or parts of the meeting:

 

            Susan Anderson

Irene Bechtel

            Priscilla Lore

            Kimberly Thompson

            Sally Warren

            Rob Wonder (in costume)

 

            Also present was Carrie Murphy. Absent from the meeting were Mike Harvey and Paul Szczesiul. Susan served as Chair and Priscilla Lore served as Secretary.

 

Susan called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm. Minutes of the August 16, 2004, meeting were read and approved.

 

Financial Report: Carrie brought the Financial Report, which was accepted. Expenses included $355 to hold the Fort Mason venue for the Super Party and $148.75 for opening night chocolates for three productions. Deposits included bake sale proceeds of $355 and garage sale proceeds of $193. Our balance is $1452.42.

 

As an addendum to the Financial Report, Paul had prepared a draft budget for the Committee, which was briefly discussed; it was agreed to discuss it further in future meetings.

 

Old Business

 

Banner: Susan displayed the new Super banner and Bake Sale banner to the Committee, who were unanimously enthusiastic about them. It was suggested that we hang up the banner at Opera in the Park on the fence below the stage.

 

Photo Shoots: Irene reported that Tom Carlisle said he would be delighted to arrange the photo shoot for each show.

 

Bake Sale:  Susan reported that Paul and Mike would bring a spiral-cut ham; Susan would bring rolls and mustard.  The setup crew would include Priscilla, Rob, Susan, Irene, and Kimberly (who also agreed to stay to clean up).

New Business

 

            Comp tickets to dress rehearsal: A request was brought before the Committee for two guest tickets for the final dress rehearsal.  Carrie said that Pamela couldn�t make an across-the-board decision about that, that it would depend on number of supers in the production and availability. Carrie will investigate this. Kimberly suggested that something like a staff ticket hotline be available for supers, but Carrie said that wouldn�t be available for us. The House will give tickets when the chorus and orchestra are given tickets, but Carrie emphasized that the House isn�t obliged to give tickets to supers.

 

            Then followed a discussion of lightwalking and comp tickets, whether there were written guidelines anywhere. It was suggested that the policy be changed so that a lightwalker could use four credits to bring one guest for a show rather than use the four credits at two shows.

 

            Rob left at 6:55 for performance.

 

Super Party:  It was suggested that we need to decide on a caterer. Susan thought that we could look for a new caterer; she has all of Mimi Timberlake�s information from last year�s party as a benchmark for this year. Priscilla volunteered to contact the caterer her office uses, although she felt they would be expensive.

 

Carrie asked why we had a $10 charge for the party; Susan explained that it was because of the no-shows in years past.

 

Awards were discussed; it was suggested that an e-mail be sent to the production super captains to be on the lookout for good recipients. Susan asked if the website casting updates were working better for Carrie�s e-mail load; Carrie said it was helpful to her.

 

Susan volunteered to spearhead the party plans.

 

Other Business: Irene said that a super asked her about parking in the lot for pay. For some shows there would be spots for supers, but the union rules dictate that all union workers have a parking spot. A new security company is patrolling the lots now and will ticket and tow people without permits. Carrie explained why the Company can�t pay for or provide parking for supers.

 

Carrie talked about the procedure of casting supers and the frustration of others about how things are going. She doesn�t want people to be frustrated and wants us to know that we are appreciated. The large group of supers and small number of parts will naturally lead to disappointment for many.  She emphasized that casting is not her personal decision. She discussed how lateness and irresponsibility can be okay because she doesn�t have time to recast the part, that leeway should be allowed. The most important thing is what is the best for the production. Carrie also noted that this has been a learning process for her over the past two years.

 

The subject of providing alternates for parts was also discussed.

 

Carrie left the meeting at 7:35.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45.

 

The next meeting will be October 11, 2004, at 6:30 pm in the 4th floor conference room of the Opera House. Mike will act as chair.