Melon Patch Players Inc. - PDF Free Download

Melon Patch Players Inc. Summary Contact Information Nonprofit Melon Patch Players Inc. Address 311 N 13TH Street Leesburg, FL 34748 Phone (352) 787-3013 Web Site www.melonpatchplayers.org At a Glance IRS Ruling Year 1984 Organization's type of tax exempt status Public Supported Charity 1

Statements Statements Mission The Melon Patch Players are dedicated to providing quality entertainment, education, and encouragement to the public: entertainment to enrich the quality of life for all residents of Central Florida; education to expand their appreciation of the theatrical arts, and encouragement for all persons to use their creative, artistic, and technical talents. Impact In the 2016--2017 season, The Melon Patch Players' Board of Directors, along with its actors, directors, office personnel, and volunteers provided quality, affordable entertainment for the Central Florida area's varied residents. The Melon Patch Players has renewed its children's theater education program, involving youth from kindergarten through 18 years of age (or high school graduation, as appropriate). Also, plays have been selected that have many parts for children. For example, the 2015-2016 season's "The King and I" had many opportunities to portray The King of Siam's children. Via these efforts, The Patch has encouraged growth, in both self-esteem and public speaking capabilities, in our area's youngsters. All age groups -- especially our area's active seasoned citizens -- have been, and are always, welcomed to show their respective creative, artistic, and technical talents. For the 2017-2018 season, The Patch has realistic plans to enhance the essential foundation of volunteers, and broaden our market base. Beginning September 17th, 2016, and continuing through April of 2017, free 2-hour Saturday sessions teaching theater basics, will be offered to youths, grades 5-12, including the home-schooled. In this challenging economic climate, The Melon Patch strives to remain both fiscally conservative and financially viable. Sponsorships from local businesses, both for individual productions and for the entire season, are actively sought, and garnered. Needs The Melon Patch Theater's five most pressing needs are: Ascertaining and addressing our market's wants and needs. determining plays and programs the patrons feel will enhance their respective lives. Increasing revenue through increased ticket sales, additional sponsorships, and expanded play program advertisement sales. Decreasing expenses through more, and varied, volunteers. Also, being more aware of, and re-using, the theater's existing assets. Enlarging The Patch's market through continued enhanced networking, publicity, and use of social media; and, through the website. Assuring that the historical theater, entering its 66th season, remains in compliance with local codes; and, assuring access for people with disabilities. 2

Background In 1951, Emily Faulhaber, a member of the Leesburg, Florida Junior Women s Club, had an entertaining idea. Mrs. Faulhaber shared her dream with two other of Leesburg s mid-century movers and shakers Ruby Herlong and Mildred Howard. The little theater idea began making headlines when an article appeared in the Leesburg [Daily] Commercial in 1951. In part, this article read Local folks urged to attend little theater meeting. And, so it began. The Leesburg Women s Club offered use of their building for organizational meetings and rehearsals. Several names were considered for this fledgling theater. At that time, Leesburg was considered the watermelon capital of Florida, and its citizens celebrated an annual Watermelon Festival. With those facts in mind, Ruth A. Lockett came up with the winning contest entry: The Melon Patch.Theater. The first shows were at the Lee Elementary School s auditorium. Use of The Women s Club and The Leesburg Community Building for productions followed. The "Patch" finally built its current facility on 13th street in 1955. The first production there was "Father of the Bride. Frances Lovell was the first director and Sara Barcus was an untiring founding supporter. The Melon Patch s current awards for theatrical excellence -- The Sara Awards - - are named after Ms. Barcus. The City of Leesburg donated the property on 13th, Street, and bonds were sold to finance construction. Much volunteer time and labor were needed to build the present day theater. Over the years, The Melon Patch Theater s structures have been expanded to include administrative space, a new lobby, and a refreshment corner; plus four outbuildings: two for props, one for youth education props and costumes, and a climatecontrolled shed for costumes. In 2002, Patchwork Productions was begun to offer classes to area youngsters in drama, dance, comedy, and musical theater. Through Patchwork s early efforts, and with the current Melon Patch Kids' free Saturday education sessions. children of varying ages learn many aspects of the theater; the youth grow through enhanced self-esteem and honed individual language arts skills. Patch-trained youth continue to move up to main stage productions. CEO/Executive Director Statement n/a Board Chair Statement For sixty-five consecutive years, the Melon Patch Players have delivered live community theater that is open to the entire community. The mission is to entertain, educate and encourage. The Board of Directors have worked cohesively to deliver a positive experience for patrons, actors, staff and all who interact with Melon Patch productions and events. The economy notwithstanding, The Melon Patch continues to broaden its base of patrons with programs including (on a trial basis for this year) seven main stage productions, Melon Patch Kids' productions, collaborations with Leesburg's Center For The Arts to promote the arts in Central Florida, and other worthwhile public area activities. Please see a video montage of our year in review at www.melonpatchplayers.com The Melon Patch Theatre's Board of Directors encourages input from patrons and actors in the form of surveys, and this information is used to continuously improve Patch programs. Please feel welcome to visit The Melon Patch Theatre, The Gem of Lake County. Areas of Service Geographic Areas Served Areas FL - Lake The Melon Patch Theater serves the tri-county area of Lake, Sumter, and Marion Counties, in Central Florida. Service Categories Primary Organization Type Arts,Culture & Humanities 3

Secondary Organization Type Arts,Culture & Humanities Tertiary Organization Type Arts,Culture & Humanities 4

Impact Goals The Melon Patch Players' goal is to provide high quality entertainment, education, and encouragement to the public: entertainment to enrich the quality of life for all citizens; education to expand their appreciation and love of the theatrical arts, and encouragement to use their creative, artistic, and technical talents in performances and productions. Strategies The Melon Patch Players is focused on continuing to improve the quality of its productions; enlarging the base of volunteers, both on-stage and backstage; growing/diversifying the patron base, expanding the ethnic variety on the Board of Directors; and marketing The Patch's season of shows via price, product, promotion, and place. Survey Monkey is used to encourage feedback from Patch patrons. The strategies to achieve the goal of improving the quality of our productions include reaching out to more talent from area theaters, particularly in set design and as new Melon Patch directors. To increase the volunteer base and make them more effective, The Patch acknowledged volunteers at the May 2016 Sara Awards event. An informal questionnaire -- including a query about the volunteer's perceptions of their value to The Melon Patch -- was conducted. Finally, volunteer's guidelines for helping theater's patrons feel welcome and comfortable will be reviewed and finalized. The Melon Patch's Board of Directors continues to expand and diversify. The Patch has welcomed back to its Board of Directors former seasoned members who have vast knowledge and experience in Leesburg's community theater. A Melon Patch website is maintained and publicized in hard-copy play programs. A Melon Patch Facebook page receives regular posts to encourage "Likes." A MailChimp account has proven to be cost-effective. Capabilities The Melon Patch Players has a varied, dedicated, and capable Board of Directors, whose members are focused on bringing quality live community theater to Lake County and surrounding areas. Indicators The main indicator of progress being made by The Melon Patch Players is an increase in the number and diversity of patrons attending The Melon Patch Theatre. Also, an enlarged number of volunteers working both on-stage, backstage, and in the front of the house signals success for The Patch's Board of Directors and the vibrant future of Leesburg's community theater. More community support via additional sponsorships, and receipt of various grants -- including one from The City of Leesburg -- are both indicators of successes in providing the art of live theater to Lake County. The Melon Patch's Board of Directors believes that the theatre's thriving in its 66th year in Leesburg, Florida is a milestone in itself. Progress Over the past several, The Melon Patch Theatre's goals have been accomplished -- its outreach in the community has broadened, education to youth has increased, and the patron base (both in number and diversity) has expanded. Availing members of casts and crews for local radio interviews, and for newspaper articles, has proven 5

beneficial to both ticket sales and more participation by local talent. Challenges have included literal improvements to the facility, keeping in mind the theater's auditorium's age (approximately 60 years) and local code requirements; and, maintaining/increasing the budget's bottom line within the current economic climate. Via its dynamic Strategic Plan, The Melon Patch Theatre's Board of Directors has established short and long term goals with feedback from patrons and theater volunteers. 6

Programs Programs Children's Education Program Description In 2016, The Melon Patch Players reinvigorated its Children's Education Program by naming a Board of Directors' Education Chairperson. Two groups of students have been defined: "Melon Patch Kids", elementary school; and, "The Melon Patch Young Actors," middle through high school. The Children's Education Program's students will gain knowledge about all aspects of the theater. Under the director's guidance in free Saturday morning workshops, the children will learn the fundamentals of theater through acting, singing, and dancing. They will learn scenes and musical numbers with a show at the end of each semester. Former Melon Patch education program (formerly known as "Patchwork") students have been, and continue to be, part of main stage productions. In 2015, The Melon Patch Kids performed "Disney's The Little Mermaid" to two sold-out houses. In June and July of 2016, the combined Melon Patch Kids group had 20 students and performed "Disney's Aladdin." The 2017 summer show has yet to be determined. In September 2015, The Patch expanded a collaboration with Leesburg's Center for the Arts (CFA). The Patch continues to provide costumes and props, as needed. Class Code Class Sub Code Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theater K-12 (5-19 years) General/Unspecified K-12 (5-19 years) Budget $0.00 Long Term Success Short Term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success The Melon Patch's Education Program and The Melon Patch Theatre's 2013 through 2015 collaboration with Leesburg's Center for the Arts made art and theater fun for young people. The Program's goal was for the fledgling thespians to move up to a Melon Patch Main Stage production; as well as to perform at other theaters. A short-term goal is for the young people to learn teamwork, enhance individual responsibility, and improve their respective self-confidence. Student retention, and repeat enrollment, plus the young people moving forward to main stage are two indicators of the Children's Education Program's effectiveness. Patch Education alumni are working on our Main Stage, and in other area community theaters. 7

2017-2018 Season Description Now entering its 66th year as a community theater, for the 2017-2018 season, The Patch will present: The 39 Steps You Can't Take It With You A Christmas Carol Lost in Yonkers How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying The Addams Family The Wedding Singer The main stage shows for 2017-2018 were chosen to offer a variety of genre; allowing adults and children to interact, utilizing a variety of talents, and encouraging diversity and community involvement. Class Code Class Sub Code Population Served Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Theater General/Unspecified Families Budget $0.00 Long Term Success Short Term Success Program Success Monitored By Examples of Program Success Keeping The Melon Patch Theatre financially viable as we enter our 63nd year, and well into the future. Providing productions that our patrons value as witnessed by ticket sales and filled theater seats. Completed written surveys and mini-exit interviews, as well as e-mails and letters from patrons are The Melon Patch's success monitors. Increases in the number of reserved seats, flex-pass sales, and walk-in ticket sales; percentages of attendance; program ad sales, donations of goods and services, as well as successful grant applications are examples of The Melon Patch Theatre's success. CEO Comments The Melon Patch does not budget its programs separately. 8

Governance Board Chair Board Chair Mr. Dustin J. Lavine Company Affiliation Buckwild Entertainment Term May 2016 to Apr 2017 Board Members Name Affiliation Status Mrs. Ylaine "Laney" Maril Clark Ms Sandra Carter Ginn Ms. Jennifer Davis Graves Mr. Kenneth G. Hoffmann Mrs. Caroline Valero Hoffmann Ms. Pauline Alice Judge Retired, Former Akiva Jewish Day School counselor Retired: USPS/Community Volunteer Lake County Public School Teacher Retired; Former Director of Procurement, Telephonics Corp., N.Y. Retired, Former Vice-Pres. of First Empire Seurities Retired Medical Assistant/Community Volunteer Voting Voting Voting Voting NonVoting Voting Mrs. Mina Hinds Kirkland Public School Teacher/Volunteer Voting Mr. Dustin Joseph Lavine Owner of Buckwild Entertainment Voting Mrs. Sarah A. McNeill DoTerra Oils Sales Voting Ms Joan Amy Nyarady Retired Voting Ms. Angela "Jel" Parker Mr. John J. Turcotte Miss Daisy's Flowers owner/retired attorney Voting Lake County Public School System Voting Mr Bryan Derek Wallman Nationwide Publishing Vice-Pres. Voting Mr. Michael E. Winternheimer The Villages' Technology Solutiions Group Computer Programmer Voting Board Demographics - Ethnicity African American/Black 0 Asian American/Pacific Islander 0 Caucasian 9 Hispanic/Latino 2 Native American/American Indian 0 Other 3 Middle Eastern Board Demographics - Gender Male 5 9

Female 9 Not Specified 0 Governance Board Term Lengths 1 Board Term Limits 0 Board Meeting Attendance 83% Number of Full Board Meetings Annually 12 Written Board Selection Criteria? Written Conflict of Interest Policy? Percentage Making Monetary Contributions 0% Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions 100% Standing Committees By-laws Communications / Promotion / Publicity / Public Relations Distributions / Grant Making Finance Nominating Education Advisory Board / Advisory Council Additional Board Members Name Ms Amy Padgett Painter Affiliation Director, Leesburg Center for The Arts Comments The Melon Patch Theatre strives to provide a variety of quality entertainment. The Board of Directors' members work cohesively to address any concerns which may arise regarding productions, theater maintenance, and keeping its theater financially viable. As are other businesses in this challenging economic climate, The Patch continues to broaden its base and diversity of patrons. The Board of Directors encourages input from patrons, volunteers, casts and crews regarding every aspect of the theater. The Melon Patch also looks towards the future by encouraging and supporting area youth through its collaboration with The Leesburg Center for the Arts youth programs and the prioritizing of a youth education program -- re-established in 2014 -- at The Melon Patch. 10

Management Staff Full Time Staff 1 Part Time Staff 1 Volunteers 12 Contractors 2 Retention Rate 100% State Information State Charitable Solicitations Permit? Aug 2017 State Registration May 2017 Management Comments CEO/Executive Director/Board Comments The Melon Patch Players at Leesburg's Melon Patch Theatre are overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is elected by Melon Patch Players' members at an annual meeting. The Board consists of: a President, an Executive Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a Vice-President of Operations, and a Vice-President of Productions; plus, members-at-large. These Board members are assisted by an Advisory Board, as needed, when issues arise involving extraordinary legal or financial matters. The Melon Patch has one full time Office Manager. Office staff takes direction from the Board of Directors; and, is the liaison between the theater and the community. The office manager reports to the board monthly at the board's meetings. Box office staff is retained as needed. In August of 2014, The Board of Directors approved a 4-year Strategic Plan. The strategies and tactics towards reaching stated goals are in the process of being more thoroughly defined. The Patch's Strategic Plan covers the years 2014-2017. 11

Plans & Policies Plans and Policies Organization has a Fundraising Plan? Organization has a Strategic Plan? No Years Strategic Plan Considers 4 Date Strategic Plan Adopted Aug 2014 Management Succession Plan? No Organization Policy and Procedures Nondiscrimination Policy Directors and Officers Insurance Policy Management Information Whistleblower Policy Document Destruction Policy Management Reports To Board CEO/Executive Director Formal Evaluation CEO/Executive Director Formal Frequency Senior Management Formal Evaluation Senior Management Formal Evaluation Frequency N/A N/A N/A N/A Collaborations The Melon Patch Theatre partners with area community theaters by the exchange and use of costumes and props. The Melon Patch has collaborated with a downtown Leesburg business on opening night receptions. The Melon Patch Players is a member of Leesburg's Chamber of Commerce, The Leesburg Downtown Business Association and The Leesburg Partnership, All help promote Patch shows. Leesburg's Center for the Arts and The Melon Patch Theatre have partnered to bring theater to under-served youth from Lake County's Boys and Girls Clubs. 12

Financials Fiscal year Fiscal Year Start June 01, 2016 Fiscal Year End May 31, 2017 Projected Revenue $128,100.00 Projected Expenses $127,835.00 Endowment Value $0.00 Spending Policy N/A Percentage 0% Detailed Financials Revenue and Expenses Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Total Revenue $122,054 $144,046 $97,200 Total Expenses $125,267 $131,630 $107,565 Revenue Sources Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Foundation and Corporation $0 $0 $0 Contributions Government Contributions $0 $0 $0 Federal $0 $0 $0 State $0 $0 $0 Local $0 $0 $0 Unspecified $0 $0 $0 Individual Contributions $25,435 $17,678 $5,623 Indirect Public Support $0 $0 $0 Earned Revenue $96,569 $126,367 $91,477 Investment Income, Net of Losses $50 $1 $100 Membership Dues $0 $0 $0 Special Events $0 $0 $0 Revenue In-Kind $0 $0 $0 Other $0 $0 $0 13

Expense Allocation Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Program Expense $107,359 $104,819 $87,799 Administration Expense $17,908 $26,811 $19,734 Fundraising Expense $0 $0 $32 Payments to Affiliates $0 $0 $0 Total Revenue/Total Expenses 0.97 1.09 0.90 Program Expense/Total Expenses 86% 80% 82% Fundraising Expense/Contributed Revenue 0% 0% 1% Assets and Liabilities Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Total Assets $47,822 $44,625 $33,182 Current Assets $42,632 $39,783 $25,248 Long-Term Liabilities $0 $0 $0 Current Liabilities $13,174 $6,764 $7,737 Total Net Assets $34,648 $37,861 $25,445 Short Term Solvency Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current Liabilities 3.24 5.88 3.26 Long Term Solvency Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets 0% 0% 0% Top Funding Sources Fiscal Year 2016 2015 2014 Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount Earned Revenue $96,569 Earned Revenue $126,367 Earned Revenue $91,477 Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar Amount Foundation, Corporation and Individuals $25,435 Investment Income $50 Foundations, Corporations and Individuals $17,678 Individuals, Foundations and Corporations $5,623 -- Investment Income $100 Capital Campaign Currently in a Capital Campaign? No Goal 0 Capital Campaign Anticipated in Next 5 Years? No Comments Organization Comments The Melon Patch Theatre s ongoing challenges have included growing audience and performer diversity, expanding the variety of the theater s offerings, increasing revenue and control of costs, continuing improvement of the facility, enlarging the membership base, and adding more variety of skill sets to The Board of Directors. The opportunities The Patch has found to address these challenges include: collaborating with Leesburg's Center for the Arts, selecting more thought-provoking plays with more opportunities for diversity in casting; acquiring a United Arts Grant, applying for and receiving a Culture Builds Florida Grant, gaining season and individual show sponsors, and requiring Board approval of all plays budgets; upgrading the theater s grounds; renovating the theater's lobby and the casts green room and dressing rooms; amplifying the theater s membership categories; and, finally, as fiscally responsible overseers of The Melon Patch Theatre, The Board 14

continues to strive to successfully recruit additional diverse board members with both business and theatrical acumen. Foundation Comments Financial figures taken from 990. Audited financial statements were not provided. Foundations, corporations and congregations are included with individual contributions as they were not separated on the 990. 15