Royal Theatre Celebrates Achievements

By Vicki Wood

Royal Theatre Stars AwardsPhoto byVicki Wood Writing and Photos

     The Royal Arts Council held their annual board meeting on Wednesday night, February 21st, at the Diamond Annex of the Royal Theatre in Downtown Versailles. Brian MacLean, President, opened the meeting and introduced the seven current council board members. He then handed the agenda over to Executive Director Tina Holsten. She recapped some of the performances at the Royal of 2023-2024, highlighting the sold out performance of the Annual Talent Show celebrating its 7th year in January. Recapping the recent Bob Ross painting class that was held, the finished works of art are on display in the Diamond Annex adjacent to the concession area through the March performance of Little Women. 

Bob Ross Art Class paintings on display at the Royal Arts Council Diamond Annex at the Royal Theatre in Versailles, MissouriPhoto byVicki Wood Writing and Photos

     MacLean told the attendees that working on grant writing for the council has brought to light the inclusion of all arts, not just performance art, and that is why the painting class was offered. The difficulty of finding a certified Bob Ross method instructor was not easy, but they were fortunate enough to find one close by from California, Missouri. 15 painters attended, learning the method. MacLean said that the majority of students had not ever visited the Royal Theatre. Another session is intended to be presented in the future. 

Royal Arts Council Board of DirectorsPhoto byVicki Wood Writing and Photos

     The council’s director gave a synopsis of the July 2023-January 2024 budget. She brought attention to the operating income in the form of general donations, with a budget much greater in anticipation of season ticket sales. Holsten showed that the actual show ticket sales were lower than budgeted due to recovery from COVID in attitudes of patrons. She said that increasing marketing to outlying areas is already showing an increase in patronage. The building maintenance fund was greater than budget due to a renovation to the upstairs costume room with Brian MacLean performing the labor in house. In reviewing the equipment budget, Holsten showed that the budgeted amount was greater than the actual expense where the purchase of a short throw projector eliminating back drop shadows will be purchased. Gross Profits were $49,289.99 for the year. Total Expenses were $48,876.66.

     An introduction of the theatrical award program gave credit to Stephanie Steinmeyer for creating it. There are four levels: Royal Stars have performed in 10-24 shows, Royal Superstars have performed in 25-34 shows, and Megastars are for those with participation in greater than 35 shows. A new level was created for a select few that are about to achieve the new unnamed level of 70 shows or more. These awards included all levels of production from stage technicians to cast. All efforts for every performance will be recognized.

Royal Stars Certificates presented Wednesday were Hadleigh Brockmeier-10 shows, Evie Marriott-10 shows, Sydney Jones-11 shows, Page Brown-11 shows.

Royal Superstar Certificates were presented to Abigail Holsten with 25 shows and Sophie Steinmeyer with 26 shows. One Megastar plaque was presented to David Merriott with over 35 shows. 

     MacLean introduced the possibility of a “Royal Underground” black box style venue for some upcoming entertainment of a smaller scale. Nathaniel Jones is the creator of the idea, and shared with council members that the black box style offers new directors and writers a chance to produce with a debut venue and low risk, with productions such as radio shows, improv theater, or murder mysteries. 

RAC council members attending annual meeting.Photo byVicki Wood Writing and Photos

     The upcoming performances for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. There is a weekly improv performance class on Wednesday evenings at 7pm at the theater, with Heather Greenhill, Board Secretary, as instructor. 

     The 2024-2025 season was revealed, with that run beginning with the Annual Versailles Apple Festival performance of Hood, The Musical, directed by Janet Gaughan, October 4-6, and 11-13, 2024. The Nutcracker returns in December, and Spring 2025 brings the much anticipated, Disney’s Descendants.

     The election of the new Royal Arts Council board members resulted in unanimous approval of  four positions: Denise Fisher, Eric Beckerdite, Larissa Cutsinger, and Bailey Jo Stevenson. Three seats will serve 3-year terms and the fourth seat will fill a 1 year term.