The mission of the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council is to engage all in arts, culture, education and the preservation of the historic opera house.

The vision of the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council is to be a center of arts and culture.

Annual Report Design by Stephanie Burdick, Cover Design by Matt Biolchini Additional nonprofit information is available on Guide Star: www.guidestar.org

Audited financials are available at the administrative office, 93 W. Chicago Street TableTable ooff CContentsontents

TIBBITS OPERA FOUNDATION & ARTS COUNCIL

Tibbits Opera House xPresident’s Message page 2 xExecutive Director’s Message page 3 xBoard & Staff page 4 xPreservation & Maintenance page 5 xCommunity Use page 6

Program Activities xTibbits Summer Theatre (TST) page 8 xTibbits Young Audiences (TYA) page 12 School Programming Tibbits Theatre & Beyond (TTAB Teen Advisory Board) xEntertainment Series page 14 Concerts Comedy Fest xClassic Film Series page 14 xArts Alive page 15 Gallery Shows The Art of the Holiday Kids Art Rocks ArtWalk

Funding & Support xMembership page 16 xSpecial Events page 21 xVolunteers page 22 xCommunity Service/BCCT page 25 xMemorials page 26 xGrants page 27 xFinancials page 28

TIBBITS OPERA HOUSE ENDOWMENT page 31

Funds Invested For: xMaintenance xOperations xProgramming Children’s Programming

1 President’s Message

Our 2019-2020 fiscal year was unlike any that we have ever experienced in our long history. As I mentioned last year at this time, the times are a’changin but little did we know when the year started how many changes there would be! Of course there were many challenges; however, through the dedication and persistence of our staff and our Board as well as the unwavering support of our volunteers, donors and sponsors, Tibbits was able to remain open and do what we do best… be the center for arts and entertainment for the community. I am proud to say that we were one of only a few theaters that were able to do just that and remain operating for the entire year. I am immensely grateful for the community support for Tibbits as well as for all of our nonprofits in the area.

Our year started with a bang. Fall of 2019 brought the ever-popular Classic Film Series back to Tibbits as well as our successful Mary Poppins themed “Spoonful of Sugar” auction. Michigan- based band, The Accidentals, called one of the top 10 bands to watch, took the stage in late fall. Early winter brought an exciting and inspirational Christmas holiday show with music performed by a tribute band, Siberian Solstice, in the style of the nationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra. In January, Tibbits brought in two additional pop tribute bands, AbbaMania and Night Fever, to compliment activities surrounding Coldwater’s Winterfest. Then, to shake off the winter blues, we held our annual Comedy Fest, bringing in professional comedi- ans to entertain the community.

Little did we know that this would just be the beginning of our blues as the Covid-19 pandem- ic resulted in the theater going dark and raised havoc with our spring and summer schedule. But, within weeks, the staff and Board re-evaluated what had to be done realizing that we had a role in uplifting the community spirit and that the show must go on. While working remotely, Tibbits’ staff adapted quickly and was devoted to keeping the theatre alive through social media posts and virtual workshops as well as planning for the future.

Our Summer Theatre Kids Workshop, which was also blindsided by the pandemic, changed courses and was performed outdoors on the steps of the theatre to a socially-distanced audi- ence of their families. Summer Theatre (TST) was totally re-vamped. What normally took 9 to 12 months of reading scripts, selecting plays, hiring crew and actors and rehearsing to bring the shows to the stage was done in less than 1 month! While it was a substantially different TST for- mat in that it was a reader’s theatre presentation with a smaller cast, smaller sets, no full orches- tra and held outdoors, audiences were appreciative and there were sold-out performances. It also provided insights for potential venues in the future. I again wish to thank all, and especially the sponsors and donors, who helped make this 2020 TST season so successful.

Alas, this TST season also brought a farewell to Charles Burr, our Artistic Director of 30 years. Unfortunately, not quite the season nor the way he had planned to go out but he adapted to the change of script! Charles plans to continue to be selectively involved in the theatre in his retire- ment, so we will be able to be graced by his presence in the future. Please welcome Peter Riopelle as our new Artistic Director. He has been associated with Tibbits for a number of years and looks forward to continuing to bring great shows to Tibbits Summer Theatre.

In conclusion, as you will note later in this report, considering what transpired over the year, with various grants, due diligence and support from our donors, sponsors and community, we remain financially viable. I look forward to your continued support and seeing you at the many activities that we have planned for 2020-21 season.

Be Safe, Be Kind and Be Hopeful…. as the end of the pandemic craziness is in sight!

Richard Merrill, President Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc.

2 Executive Director's Report

“Science is how we solve problems, but art is how we cope with them.” ~ David Zinn

We all know what a challenge this year has been, for everyone, and in ways we never imagined. You will find throughout this report evidence of the amazing things that happened in response to those challenges. On behalf of everyone at Tibbits I’d like to say thank you to each person, business and organization that was behind all those amazing things.

You will notice a fresh look to this report with many more photos and more concise summaries of the various activities. We’ve laid it out to more clearly correspond with the aspects of our mission—programming, preservation of the building, and the fund- ing and support that makes it happen. The financials focus on the overall picture with- out the accounting detail. That detail is always available upon request within the audit- ed financial statements. The report demonstrates a running theme of how we adapted and maneuvered through the course of the year.

Even while the theatre was dark, it continued to inspire and entertain. That could not have happened without the staff, the board of directors and a very long list of donors, volunteers and supporters. Volunteers continued to find ways to help. Donors came through with their donations through membership. Tibbits’ Board of Directors stepped up to create its Board Match Challenge.

Summer Theatre was the ultimate adaptation as we turned it completely upside down in just a few weeks. My deepest respect to Charles Burr for all of his efforts inventing something new. Thank you also to the truly inspiring group of actors and technicians who joined the company ready to adapt to whatever the season, amid the restrictions, ended up being. It ended up being an incredible, creative and rewarding season. It could not have happened without the sponsors who kept their support, The Ponds which opened its venue to us, the volunteers who opened their homes to the actors, and the volunteers who stayed active doing their part for each performance.

There are so many to name there isn’t room. I trust they know who they are. We’ve tried to thank them all, but I don’t think it’s possible to thank them enough, that they can truly understand how important they have been to Tibbits this past year.

My Sincerest Thanks to Our Community.

Christine Delaney, Executive Director Tibbits Opera House

3 Board of Directors and Staff

2019-2020 Board of Directors

Rick Merrill* President

Chris Donbrock* Vice President

Wayne Weaver* Treasurer

Seth Berry* Secretary

Polly Locke* Member-at-Large

David Coyle* Member-at-Large

Christine Delaney* Executive Director

Jose Albarran, John Bolton, Donna Gardner, Diane Harmon, Bonita Hoffner, Joe Hughes, Ken Norton, Diane Pridgeon

*Denotes Executive Committee

2019-2020 Staff Christine Delaney - Executive Director Charles Burr - Artistic Director Stephanie Burdick - Operations Director Andrew French - Development Director (starting March 2020) Larry Downs - Accounting Manager (until Aug 2020) Christylee Fraley - Accounting Manager (starting March 2020) Matt Biolchini - Graphic Designer Tirsha Odisher - Audience Services Director Chloe Butler - Audience Services Julia Littley - Audience Services Dave Brown - Facility Manager Joan Spaulding - Building Assistant Angie Washburn - Office Assistant

4 Building & Facility Projects

Electric Upgrade – $140,000 project brought the theatre’s antiquated electrical sys- tem to the 21st century. In addition to upgrading from single-phase to three-phase electric and new panels installed on the back of the building, new dimmers were added for the stage lighting. Project funding included $70,000 from MCACA which was matched by restoration funds. Scene Shop – Improvements to the scene shop alleviated drainage and flooding is- sues and improved the grade of the driveway, very helpful when moving scenery in and out. Funding for the $12,078 project came in part from Branch County Commu- nity Theatre, Parrish Excavating, METC Easement and Coldwater Rotary Club. Ro- tary also invested in improvements to the driveway on the east side of the building. Fire/Sprinkler Repairs & Monitoring System – Early in the year, the compressor which maintains pressure to the sprinkler system failed, resulting in a partial flood- ing of the art gallery. The compressor was replaced and repairs made. Then, an alarm system was installed to notify the fire department if a fire (or leak) triggers the sprinkler system. Funding for the project, which totaled $6,779, came in part from Branch County Men Who Give, Coldwater Rotary Club, Patrick and Tracy Kelley, and Tibbits Opera House Endowment. Historic Sign – While funds were raised and the design completed for the historic sign to be installed across from the theatre, the original size turned out to be too small to be easily read by passers-by. The original $4,000 raised only covers half the cost. The project was temporarily placed on hold while we focused on other priorities of the pandemic. Cosmetic Improvements – Having the stage dark for so long gave plenty of time for repairs and painting throughout the theatre from the art gallery, to the lobbies, through the auditorium, on stage and back stage. Even the office building received some touch ups. COVID – Many changes were made to meet CDC recommendations. Most significant is the installation of a PHI (Photohydroionization) Unit for the air handling system. Using ultraviolet light, micro-organisms in the air including germs, viruses and bac- teria, get stuck together, killing them and making them larger and easily captured by air filters. After the unit was installed, all of the ducts and air returns in the thea- tre were professionally cleaned. Air filters have also been replaced with higher- rated air filters. A partial rebate was received from the Branch County Economic Growth Alliance’s COVID-19 Rebate program. Total investment to COVID improve- ments this year was $8,508. Air conditioning – In the heat of the summer, A/C repairs required replacement of the motor, electrical breakers, extensive flushing and cleaning of the entire system. The $5,480 project was funded by the Tibbits Opera House Endowment.

Accessibility – A ramp donated by the Quincy Historical Society was installed to the backstage entrance of the theatre, finally making the stage accessible.

Committee: Chair Mike Beckwith, Hal Baird, Keith Baker, Seth Berry, Andy Bracy, Rick Merrill, Jim White, Dave Brown, Christine Delaney

5 Building/Community Use Total Children Date Presenter Event Attend. Attend.

6 Building/Community Use Total Children Date Presenter Event Attend. Attend.

Highlighted events were held outside Tibbits Opera House; Chart does not reflect online/virtual events including archival showing of TST’s Big River or Jeff Daniels Unplugged concert.

Summary: A Normal vs. COVID Comparison *Numbers from 2018-2019 show the impact of the pandemic.

Last FY This FY Last FY This FY Days of Use 284 107 Total Events 107 50 Community Events 28 8 Total including performers 29,208 11,126 Tibbits Events 62 30 Total Children Served 10,329 2,527 Partnership Events 5 2 Private Events 12 10 7 Summer Theatre

2020 did its best to make sure there was no summer theatre.

The announced season was: Ain’t Misbehavin’, Annie, Man of La Mancha and Ken Ludwig’s latest, A Comedy of Tenors. The Popcorn schedule included Hansel & Gretel, My Emperor’s New Clothes, The Snow Queen, another edition of the Classic Cartoon Cavalcade and we were on the hunt for a magician to complete the line-up. The week be- tween the musicals would be filled with the restaurant cabaret and Love Letters, featuring TST alumini, in the lower level as dessert theatre.

As the reality of Covid grew, we flipped Ain’t Misbehavin’ to the end of the season—sure we would be fine to start in July and run a little longer. I was now three or four people away from hiring the entire technical staff and only 10 actors away from completing the acting company. Hiring was in a great place.

But I started having sleepless nights about the summer. A long staff meeting laid out all our safety concerns of proceeding with the season in its usual format. What could we do instead? I suggested a series of cabarets on the theatre steps, but we all wanted more— and we couldn’t socially distance our audience in front of the building.

The answer was The Ponds of Coldwater. In their giant pavilion there was room to space out the audience and still keep the actors a safe distance away. In about 48 hours we brainstormed a new season: Sing Happy, a musical revue; A Popped Potpourri, fables, songs and cartoons for our Popcorn audience; When Radio was King, songs and radio scripts of the 1940s; Love Letters, with four different alumni couples; Man of La Mancha remained in a trimmed down, semi staged/reader’s theatre format; What Mad Pursuit, the Noel Coward short story staged with all its prose; and It Started with Eve, consisting of four one-act plays, all of them about relationships, written by diverse playwrights. It was a back- breaking schedule—a new show every week, except for La Mancha which played for two.

The company was a third of our normal size. Almost everyone had worked with us before. (Cancelling the contracts of the people I could no longer use was rough—but everyone seemed to understand.) Many of our stalwart host families were eager to house the com- pany. We rehearsed in masks in the regularly disinfected theatre. Performances had to be fit around existing bookings at The Ponds, necessitating extra strikes of sets and lights, adding to the already heavy work load. But it was still the happiest company in years. Everyone wanted to be there—and to work together. To create each new production in the middle of the pandemic was truly uplifting. In one sense, it is certainly not how I imagined my last season as Artistic Director…but on reflection of what we did—and with the people involved—I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Charles Burr Tibbits Summer Theatre Artistic Director

Artwork for the original season provided by Stephanie Burdick & Matt Biolchini.

8 Summer Theatre

(Without their support, the season COULD NOT have happened)

9

Grant Support Tibbits Summer Theatre was made possible through grant support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

CHARLES BURR RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS! We said farewell to Charles with a reception at The Ponds after his performance of Love Letters with Gloria Logan. Burr has been involved in over 100 productions at Tibbits, including Anything Goes, Footloose, and all seven of 2020’s TST shows, including the title role in Man of La Mancha.

In honor of his time at Tibbits, he was given a Don Quixote statue and his name was painted on Alfred Parke’s mural in Tibbits’ lobby.

10 Summer Theatre Workshop

Who: 16 students, led by summer com- pany member Chad Tallon, an experienced THE SHOWCASE actor and drama teacher.

What: An artistic adventure, exploring the world of theatre and honing their own skills through theatre games, role playing and performance activities. The primary goal was to have fun but through the process young actors build confidence, improve public speaking skills and learn teamwork.

When: 2-week session in June

Sponsored by Evan Frederick, DDS/ Frederick Family Dental.

Workshop instructor Chad Tallon leads students through some warm-up activities and blocking of the showcase performance.

The opera house provided the perfect backdrop for the expanded two-week workshop’s showcase performance, which had to be held outside due to COVID restrictions which closed the theatre.

In addition to the workshop ses- sions, students received a T-shirt, Tibbits mask, and ticket vouchers to one of the outdoor TST performances at The Ponds.

11 Tibbits Young Audiences

By empowering youth with quality arts experiences and supporting and supplementing the arts education offered by the schools, Tibbits focuses on the value of arts in developing youth.

The magical wizarding world of Harry Potter took to the stage when a cast of 40 local students presented the parody Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone under the direction of Jayne Lillis at the theatre Oct. 11-13, 2019. The Secret Garden, directed by Julia Littley, was scheduled to be per- formed on March 27-29. After months of hard work and many re- hearsals, the show was postponed due to Covid. The charming, upbeat adaptation of the literary classic had 43 cast members from Coldwater, Quincy, Union City, Allen, Sturgis, Bronson, and even Angola and Fremont, IN. The cast was less than a week away from opening their pro- duction when the governor enacted the Stay-at-Home order for Michigan.

The cast was at least able to perform a few songs at the Chamber Awards dinner in early March as well as at Drew’s Place, Grand Vista Assisted Living, and at a Kiwanis Club meet- ing as a way to promote the show and thank Kiwanis for their sponsor- ship. The cast was also able to do a run through at their last rehearsal.

Thank you to Kiwanis for generously sponsoring the TYA program. Support also received from M. Rosenberg 12 Tibbits Young Audiences

Saylor Fraley—Mary Lennox Alison Christopher—Mrs. Medlock Jeffrey Harvey —Archibald Craven Ivy Witmer—Mrs. Sowerby Jonah Pentecost—Dr. Craven Isabel Christopher—Miss Wiggin/Lilias Malachi Payne—Colin Hannah Heitger—Mrs. Crawford Logan Foster—Dickon Micah Lee—Bellboy Bree Tappenden—Martha Drey McGlothan—Cook

Crysta McGlothan, McKinley Kirk, and Cady Fillmore as Indian Servants; Brianna Barle, Olivia Harris, and Nakota Dayton as kitchen maids; Molly Foster, Lyric Shuerman, and Madelynn Grife as housemaids; Colton LaFountain and Logan Kirk as footmen; Emma Tennyson as Bet- ty; Alana Houtz and Lily Witmer as daughters; Ashlyn Caswell as Jane; London Elkins as nurse; and Kristian Thornton and Allison Sherman as nursemaids. The cast is rounded out with Marissa Dornbush, Sierra LaFountain, and Jackie VanEvery as Sowerby girls; Joel Miller and Athena Benedict as stable hands; and Kacey Thorton, Ciaira Paul, Samuel Carpenter, Adira Jaros, Brock Stoner, Destiny Stoner, Aislee McGlothan, and Isaac Lee as chorus.

Tibbits Theatre And Beyond (T-TAB) Tibbits Theatre and Beyond (T-TAB) builds confidence and develops leadership skills for students in grades 6-12 who are interested in being more involved with theatre at Tibbits. The group comprised the stage crew for the fall TYA show. They also worked behind the scenes for Summer Theatre including running spotlights and being part of stage crew. Due to restrictions and cancellations caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, many of the activities they usually do were not possible, including the “Spotlight on Teen Talent” competition and representing the theatre at community events.

School Programming Even though we had a full slate of school programming shows scheduled including Coding to the Moon, Harriet Tubman, Frog & Toad, Romeo & Juliet, COVID quickly shut down all schools and businesses in Michigan. Programming for the spring was wiped out, and while we initially received grant funding from the MICHIGAN HUMANI- TIES COUNCIL, all grant monies had to be returned.

Tibbits school programming is funded with the support of ASAMA Coldwater Manufacturing and membership support of the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council. Inc.

13 Entertainment Series

For the first time since the 1960s, the theatre sat empty for the majority of the year when COVID forced a shutdown. From March 2020 through the remainder of the fiscal year, the theatre was dark, and with it, many plans for the Entertainment Series also went dark.

Siberian Solstice, a Trans- Siberian Orchestra tribute group, entertained a packed house in Dec 2019.

The January WinterFest concert ABBAMANIA/ Night Fever featured tribute groups from the BeeGees and ABBA. Members from the crowd were pulled up on stage at one point, with memorable results.

Comedy Fest in March, which normally is a full event, had to be limited with new COVID restrictions set by the governor. With additional hand sanitizer on hand, it was the last event at the theatre for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Classic Film Series The series kicked off with three movies for MonsterFest— the house was full with the wildly popular Hocus Pocus be- fore the Halloween parade, then a dou- ble feature of Gremlins and Critters. From another year of the Academy Award nominated shorts, to double fea- tures including Die Hard and Lethal Weapon, or Polar Express and It’s a Wonderful Life, the series is growing in popularity.

Showings from March through May-which should have included Bogie & Bacall, Danny 14Kaye musicals and Errol Flynn, were cancelled due to COVID.

Arts Alive

Arts Alive hosted six exhibits, a downtown Art Walk, and a holiday fundraising event, as well as the Kids’ Art Rocks! program.

Gallery shows included Creatures of Habit, Home for the Holidays, Victorian Re- flection, and Once Upon a Time, along with the Kids Art Rocks program and a solo exhibit by Union City native Seth Pitt, who now runs his own studio in West Virginia.

The Art of the Holiday was simplified from the previous year and held on Tibbits’ stage, offering attendees a meal with recipes and and demonstrations by BACC’s Culinary class, Tasteful Kreations, and JT’s. Table décor in a variety of styles gave ideas and inspiration. A make-and-take session featured a Christmas countdown craft project.

The Kids Art Rocks reception recognized 48 student artists including the 15 chosen for the year-long business lease program.

KAR committee members Stan and Judy Bushouse, Deb Thenen, Ruth Scheidler and Stephanie Burdick judged, publicized, framed and hung the winners’ artwork.

The reception was held on the terrace in front of Tibbits to accommodate CDC gathering guidelines.

ArtWalk was held in July on Monroe Street and featured a variety of artists, live performers, and food. 15 Membership

“I love the Tibbits....It's one of those great old opera houses. They're all over the coun- try, those places and Tibbits is one of the best ones, just 'cause, you just walk in there and you feel the history. It feels like an old Broadway theatre.”

~ Jeff Daniels* *During his live-stream concert

For over 138 years, the historic Tibbits Opera House has stood in Coldwater as a symbol of outstanding arts and culture to this region of the country. Built in 1882 and a vision of Barton S. Tibbits, the opera house remains the heart of our community. The legacy and future of Tibbits is made possible by those who support and believe in her through an annual gift. Membership resources help sustain Tibbits; both the building and its supporting staff, keeping it an active community asset. Donations supplement ticket sales, support many of the programs held at Tibbits, and keep the theatre accessible.

Memberships allow Tibbits to offer programs that excite and encourage children thoughout our region to experience and appreciate performing arts and culture. Tibbits brings live, authentic talent to the stage for our entertainment, a sharp contrast to the internet, social media, and video games of our everyday lives. Tibbits inspires the hopes and dreams of many aspiring actors, musicians, dancers and artists. Also through the generosity of our loyal members, Tibbits can be the home for school productions, community theatre, community band, area dance studios, businesses, and other local and regional organizations. And in a year of COVID it provides financial stability.

In the 2019-2020FY there were 413 Individual and Corporate Members who contributed $117,728.

Barton S. Tibbits Sponsor

One of the highlights of the annual Tibbits auction is the Barton S. Tibbits Sponsorship. The winning bidder receives their choice of four seats for every performance at the theatre for the entire year.

2018-2020 James & Renee White, Kaiser Electric, Dave & Caroline Austin, Paul & Kathy Bair 2017-2018 Norma Geishert, Betty Shank, Remus & Donna Rigg, Judy Jenkins (2 years) 2015-2016 Norma Geishert, Betty Shank, Remus & Donna Rigg (2 years) 2014 Ralph & Carol Schafer 2012 - 2013 Norma Geishert (2 years) 2002 - 2011 Ed & Norma Geishert (10 years) 2001 Ed Geishert 2000 Harold & Jane Schultz 1999 Dale & Judy Custer 1990 - 1998 Harold & Jane Schultz (9 years) 1989 Irv & Catherine Harris 1988 Ed & Sylvia Geishert 1986 - 1987 Richard & Marie Bettinger (2 years)

16 Individual Members

Tibbits members are the foundation for this historic theatre. We thank each and every one of you for your generosity and support of the Tibbits Opera House. For more information on membership and its benefits, visit Tibbits.org Curtain Raiser $1000 + Benefactor $250 to $449 Angel $650 to $999 Friend $100 to $249 Star $450 to $649 Donor $50 to $99

Curtain Raiser Irv & Kathy Kontowsky Larry & Linda Ives

Anonymous Chuck & Jayne Lillis & Family Bill Johnson Dave & Caroline Austin Tom & Polly Locke Ron & Dawn Lanford Paul & Kathy Bair Dan & Carol Ludlow Bill & Karen Malatinsky M. Marie Bettinger Marvin & Betty Malovey Albert & Patricia Martin Ken & Becky Bible Bill Milnes Crane & Deborah McClennen Douglas & Sharon Bloom Mark & Janet Ott Ken Norton Bruce & Melinda Bloom John & Kate Ranshaw Bill & Tirsha Odisher & Family Robert W. Browne Georgann Reppert Joe & Natha Olds Stan & Judy Bushouse Steve & Jenn Searls Kevin & Amy Paradine David & Carol Coyle Ray & Bev Sebastian Leon & Evlyn Parrish Dan & Judy Dobson Robert & Valerie Shedd John & Linda Potts Linda Galliers Jim & Joanne Smith Jonathan & Kenzi Pridgeon James Berton Harris Darlene & John Starr Remus & Donna Rigg Linda Knirk Jeffrey & Gina Teeple Jan & Bill Robinson Edward Lake Charles & Beverly Tippmann John & Joan Rohloff Linda Luce Stan & Karen Welch R. David & Shary Rumsey Kathy & Rick Merrill Paul & Connie Winbigler Lucinda Sebald & Andy VanDoren Larry & Mary Sielken Elaine Moore Nancy Sprow Michael & Diane Pridgeon Benefactor David & Joann Stang Curt & Ruth Proctor Anonymous Bernie & Becky Stankewicz David & Del Rubley The Bach Family Jan Storrs Don & Donnie VanBrackel Ron & Wilma Ball Norbert Strobel Vena K Wade Susan Bercaw John & Lois Swanson Joseph & Judy Wright John & Sandra Bolton Carol & Cork Tinervia Angel Byron & Alice Bond Gary & Susan Tinkel Ivan & Jan Boynton Tonia Vorce Ken & Christine Delaney Bryan Shirk John & Ginny Watkins Keith & Linda Gardner Loren & Sheryl Burlingame Wayne & Tara Weaver Evelyn & Corbin Grimes Hon. Michael H. & Dorothy Cherry William & Patricia Wegrzyn Don & Leigh Ann Hicks Jeff & Teresa Dean Russell & Jan Whitaker William & Carol Koester Merle & Elizabeth Donbrock Gail Widener & James McDaniels Kathy & Rick Merrill Gene & Louise Fry Ken & Lyne Wirtz J. L. Shorno Jeff Gallup Paul & Pat Woirol John A. Streit Joanna & Greg Geise Terry & Bea Wilber Norma Geishert Friend Janet Gleason Star Ted & Cathy Gordon Wade & Sue Adams Dr. & Mrs. William Graham Carroll & Peg Barnes Bill & Linda Becker David & Shana Grife Jim & Carol Barnes Barbara & Robert Brott Rachel & Mike Hard William & Randi Barr Bosco & Lynda Chan Diane Harmon Mike & Maggie Beckwith John M Chase Jr. Ruby & Jon Harpst Bill & Robin Benjamin Guy & Joyce Cobb Jay & Jennifer Henry Ronald & Kay Bercaw David & Louise French Sharon Hillquist Lee & Jean Brayton Karen Hargreave Ethel Hinkley Bill & Renate Brenneke Rick Hess Joseph & Heidi Holicki Reverend Paul & Judy Brisbane Jane Hurley Jack & Karen Horrell Trisha Brokus Dr Ruth & David Keefer Joyce Hubbs Jeff & Rhonda Budd 17 Individual Members (con’t)

Barak & Janet Burr George Laws & Margaret Trotzke Allison Tyson Beverly Carpenter Dolores Leszczynski Lee & Molly VanStone Martha Phillips & John Cayton Jack & Linda Lintner Amy & Brian VanZee Michael & Linda Cilla Bart, Lynn & Allie Marshall Terry Vice Marc & Donna Cisco Jerry & Kandy Martinson Renita Wallen Teresa Cohen Harold & Diana Massey Debra & Daniel Warner James & Pamela Cole Lowell & Suzanne Maxson Angela & Ken Washburn Michael & Diana Conant Dennis McCafferty Joan Waterbury Donald & Verla Cook Dollie McGough Lynn Wernet Judy Custer Dan J. McKenna Vicki & William Wettach Tod & Debra Dally Debra McTaggart-Fisher Jackson Wetzel Christina Daoud Jim & Chris Melton Jim & Virginia White Sheryl Dart Sherill & Bernie Metten Sally Whitten Carl & Brenda Demlow Gary & Maureen Miller Brent & Ginny Wilber Pieter & Gail Doerr Marion Miller Dr. Neil and Phyllis Wilcox Nan Donay John & Tami Miller Jennifer M. Wingard Charles & Patricia Doner Ward Miller Linda Woodhams Tom & JoAnn Duff Elizabeth A. Mowan Lisa Worrey Tom Eldridge Robert & Barbara Mullally Robert Zabonick Ken & Judy Elliott Mike & Theresa Murphy Julianna M. Zei, M.D. Barbara Faulkner Jerry & Jean Myers Dick & Beverly Zeluff Jack & Kathy Ferguson Albert & Jean Nelson Sarah Ferguson Kim & Brad Nichols James & Samantha Ferry Darrell & Karen Nichols Donor

Jim & Christy Fraley & Family Joel & Kristen Niedzwiecki Brandon Apmann & Tammy Barnes Andrew & Lisa French Odds N Ends 4-H Club Stephanie Asher Wava Gano Alan & Linda O'Leary Nick & Jessie Bachler Yvette Geissinger Household Mary Jo Ours Ron & Deb Balowski Greg & Marilyn Gemmill Anne Oxenrider Lori Bassage Ford & Julie Gibson Virginia Oxenrider Becky Cole George & Stacy Gilbert Donald & Sue Paarlberg Kayla Belknap Diane Godfrey Larry & Barb Parks Seth & Amber Berry Jacqueline Godfrey John Petzko Cody Blair Daniel Gordon Loretta Powell Mel & Ann Boltz Ted & Cathy Gordon Todd & Teri Price Denny & Paula Brieske Monica & Bob Granger Diane & Dennis Riegel Stephanie & Clint Burdick Rene Meave & Kate Grant Kim & Janice Roberts Larry & Andrea Burns Bruce & Nancy Gregory Stan & Antoinette Robinson Kathy Cary David & Shana Grife Darene Sargent Gwen Chavez Mary Guthrie Barbara Schmidt Michael & Jennifer Clark Tim & Pam Haberl Elaine Schultz Doris L. Coay Heather Sobek Anthony & Krista Searls Alice Conrad John & Sharon Heistan Steven & Jill Senyk Barbara Ann Contat Marie Hemker Richard & Joan Sherman Mike & Alice Crenshaw Phil Herman Carma Shook Hackett Aaron Cummings Michael & Bonita Hoffner Michael & Amy Smith & Family Mary Deegan Judy Jenkins Rita Snyder Randy & Patty DeGroot Ben & Katie Jewell Robert & Barbara Soos Chris & Dusti Donbrock Bing & Marilyn Johnson Maynard & Nancy Stafford Kami Duda Pam & Ralph Kasprzyk Mr. & Mrs. Brian Stetler Martha Farber Brian & Margaret Kidston Ralph & Mary Gail Stevens Don & Trish Farrand Terry & Rita Klavinski Michael & Nancy Stevens Suzanne Fillmore Andrew Klein Tim & Julie Stoll Tom & Susan Fisher Jim & Jill Knaack Melissa Stormont Karie & Michael Foulk Mark & Shawn Knaack Julie Stratos Jim & Christy Fraley & Family Ken & Kathie Knight Jim & Dawn Supianoski Louise Fredrick Irv & Kathy Kontowsky Eric & Betsy Tappenden & Family Don & Luba Fry Eric & Cheryl Krause David & Mary Thornton Matt & Kristi Galliers & Family Becky Kubica Larry & Deb Todak 18 Individual Members (cont.)

Hans & Connie Geiger Ruth Scheidler Dave & Gretchen Stefanski Linda Goodale Polly Schiel Kellie Stroud The Grupke Family Jackie Schwind Steve & Kim Thomas Barbara Harvey Tom & Sharon Shenefield Dick & Karen Unger Jan Hess Kevin & Michelle Sheppard Tim & Deb Wilkinson Leonard & Elinor Horn Viveca & Dan Skean John & Debra Wilson Robert & Justine Hostetler Ken Smoker Aaron Wood John & Maureen Hutchinson Jim & Karen Sobeske Michelle & Matthew Yearling & Kris Jenkins Joe & Susan Sobeske Family Alicia Johansen Elizabeth & Charlie Stahl Nathan L Johnson Richard & Janet Johnson Stephanie Johnson Donated Goods & Services Elisabeth Kelley 2019 - 2020 Kandice Kieliszewski Michael & Penny Kinter Mari Jo Krebs Jean Broby Brenda Schrader Charity Krueger Coldwater Swap Meet ServPro of Branch & Betty Kurtz Walton & Janet Lane & Car Show Calhoun Counties

Johnathan Larimore Ed Stone Jennifer Leosh-Stahl Dally Tire Company Catherine Lewis Taylor, Plant & Watkins, P.C. Joe & Lisa Lopez Kathy Ferguson Mike & Carole Loudenslager Gordon’s Culligan Water The Ponds of Coldwater Larry Loviska Scott & Karen Lowder Kaiser Electric, Inc. Debra Warner Jacqui Lyon Mr. & Mrs. James Mallow Pat & Tracy Kelley Sally Whitten Marguerite C. Grupke Mike & Mary McConnell Cecilia McCaleb Kitty Wilcox Don & Karen Michael WTVB-AM 1590, FM 95.5 Jennifer & Matt Milligan Kelly Medina William S. & Jean Milnes Mary Ann Morrill Arielle Norris Michael & Ann Nowicki Steve & LuAnn O'Donnell John & Grace Parshall Jim and Deborah Peters Charles & Leonor Plath Bill & Geri Post Larry G. Rich Jack & Bonnie Rocco Laurie Rosenberg & Jeffrey Dostal William Runge Dan & Julie Rush Charlotte Sadler 19 Corporate Members

Corporate members consist of local businesses and service clubs. They offer generous support to Tibbits and the arts. Please support them as a way of thanking them. We encourage all businesses and service clubs to become corporate members.

We recognize our corporate contributors according to the following categories: Corporate Partner $2500 and above Corporate Director $1500 to $2499 Corporate Angel $1000 to $1499 Corporate Star $500 to $999 Corporate Benefactor $250 to $499

Corporate Partner

Asama Coldwater Manufacturing, Inc. Dally Tire Company Nichols Accounting & Tax Services ServPro Taylor, Plant & Watkins PC

Corporate Director

Ray & Fran Bregger Century Bank & Trust Coldwater Board of Public Utilities Southern Michigan Bank & Trust

Corporate Angel

McDonald's: The Maynard Organization The Stanton Foundation

Corporate Star Altrusa International of Branch Co Jeannie's Diner Coldwater Kiwanis Club Marshall Community Credit Union Culy's Jewelry The Museum Gallery Dairy Queen - Coldwater Corporate Benefactor All Things Serenity Yoga & Event Center Coldwater Swap Meet & Car Show Baird Company Dr. Matthew Christopher, DDS, PLLC Bronson Banking Center James W. Gordon, CPA, P.C. Business Impressions, Inc. Lillis & Jansen, P.C. Coldwater Orthodontics Marble Lake Resort & Marina 20 Special Events

Themed after the popular Disney movie Mary Poppins, the opera house was decorated with kites, umbrellas, silhouettes of London rooftops, penguins, and more. Over 200 guests enjoyed a wine pull, raffles, food and beverages as well as the auction. Nearly 500 items were up for silent auction in the art gallery and another 60 were available for the entertaining live auction on stage led by Darren Spieth and Dan Satow. The event grossed over $64,000 for the theatre’s annual operating budget.

Nearly 100 volunteers helped make the event a success by gathering donations, decorating the theatre, selling raf- fle tickets or working the night of the event.

21 Volunteers

Volunteers have always been a huge A Normal vs. COVID Comparison part of what Tibbits is able to offer the Last FY This FY community, and even though COVID caused many events to be cancelled or Volunteer Hours 9,611 3,268 adapted, our volunteers stepped up to Active Volunteers 277 195 the challenge and helped us navigate Monetary Value $244,407 $88,883 through uncharted territory. of Volunteer Hours While maintaining the work for the Beautification and Office Com- mittees during the summer, volunteers were also trained on COVID safety procedures for the theatre. As the theatre remained closed, our Audience Services Team had to pivot and adapt to changes in their schedules and duties. We all had a learning curve on how to produce a Tibbits Summer Theatre caliber season at an outside venue while social distanc- ing. It was overwhelming! Volunteers jumped right in and accepted the changes to their schedules without hesitation and helped to develop a plan for the front of house that kept patrons, staff, and performers safe and happily entertained. We absolutely could not have accomplished the season we did without the willingness of the volunteers to be flexible and suggest changes to the process to make it better.

22

VOLUNTEERS of the MONTH October 2019 November 2019 Christy Fraley Joi Villa

December 2019 January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 Pam Kasprzyk Kim Ashenfelter Dusti Donbrock Jayne Lillis CLOSED

May 2020 June 2020 July 2020 August 2020 September 2020 CLOSED Joan Waterbury Nancy Mahle Bill Trebilcock Diane Godfrey 23 Volunteers

Yasin Abdul-MuQit Keith Gardner Tammy Nohr Megan Smith Amy Abrey Linda Kay Gardner Ken Norton Ron Smith Deena Ahmed Stacy Gilbert Cherith Nottingham Shirley Snyder Jose Albarran Diane Godfrey Hal Nottingham Judy Sours Suha Algaradi Sue Greenamyer Addie Noyes Cayden Sparks Gabriela Armstrong Amy Greenhoe Jill Noyes Joan Spaulding Kim Ashenfelter Sue Greenhoe Bill Odisher Nancy J. Sprow Matt Ashenfelter Barbara Hantz Emily Odisher Mary Gail Stevens Sharon Atkinson Richard Hantz Tirsha Odisher Crystal Stoner Abby Austin Diane Harmon Curtis Odom June Stoner Hal Baird Alison Harvey Laura Odom Norbert P Strobel Keith Baker Barbara Harvey Beverly Ohm Audrey Tappenden Bridget Barle Beth Harvey Philip Olney Betsy Tappenden James Barnes Jeffrey Harvey Laura Pentecost Bree Tappenden Michael Beckwith Amy Hassenzahl Jessie Pickell Brysen Tappenden Jada Bell Marie Hemker Steve Pickell Deb Thenen Amber Berry Bonita Hoffner Jeffrey Powell Bill Trebilcock Seth Berry Connie Howard Diane Pridgeon Mary Turner Matt Biolchini Anita Hoyt Georgann Reppert Mallory VanWagner Doug Bloom Joe Hughes Dennis Riegel Angela Washburn John Bolton Penny Ireland Diane Riegel Erin Washburn Andy Bracy Linda Ives Kay Riegel Ken Washburn Trisha Brokus Alicia Johansen Elaine Rockey Joan Waterbury Monique Broughman Sylvia Johns Marvin Rosenberg Patricia Weaver David Brown Conner Kaniewski Barbara Rosene Wayne Weaver Stephanie Burdick Lydia Kaniewski Kara Rowe Samantha Welch Judith Bushouse Steve Kasperski Deanna Rupp James White Stanley Bushouse Pam Kasprzyk Rege Rupp Dean Whittington Nicole Caswell Ralph Kasprzyk Gail Russell Jan Whittington Sunny Cole Brandi Killian Rachel Rutz Kitty Wilcox Diana Conant Nedra Kingsbury Judy Sanders Abbie Wischmeyer Corrin Cook Tim Kingsbury Ruth Scheidler Adam Witmer David Coyle Julia Kirk Charlene Searing Pat Woirol Nakota Dayton Lisa Kirk Mackenzie Searing Paul Woirol Suzanne Dayton Linda Knirk Michael Searing Linda Woodhams Lily Decker Emelia Kyser Raymond Sebastian Monica Wyss Paula DeJongh Cheryl Lawrence Joni Siler Michelle Yearling Christine Delaney Katy Lenhardt Madeline Smith Dorothy Young Ken Delaney Jayne Lillis Sean Delaney Marianne Lindblom Courtney Dirschell Jaycie Littley Christopher Donbrock Julia Littley Dusti Donbrock JoAnn Lloyd Larry Downs Polly Locke Sandy Duvendack Joi Luckadoo-Villa Shirley Easterday Nancy Mahle Tom Eldridge Betty Malovey Suzanne Fillmore Marvin Malovey Tiffany Fillmore Vicki Manning Katie Fish Kristin Marteen Jackie Foley Tricia Mayer Dylan Foster Crysta McGlothan Joan Foster Dreyden McGlothan Christylee Fraley Emily McIndoe Lubov Fry Richard Merrill Darci Gaff Bill Milnes Volunteers fold last year’s annual report. Lexi Galliers Linda Moses Wava Gano Shakurah MuQit Donna Gardner Kristen Niedzwiecki 24 Community Service

Each year Tibbits Opera Foundation helps other organizations through the donation of tickets, gift items, props, costumes, set pieces or sharing theatre advice and expertise. Following is a partial list of the organizations who benefited from Tibbits’ community service: Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County Kimball Camp Branch County Association of Realtors Knights of Columbus Beginnings Care for Life Walk & Run Night to Shine Branch County Children's Museum Pansophia PTO Calhoun Christian School Project Hope Ministries Annual Auction Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce Pure MI Tourism Conference Elks Caring for Kids St. Charles Borromeo Mardi Gras HIS Spot for Tots Steuben County Council on Aging Jonesville Athletic Booster Association Stick It for a Cure KC Learning Center Sunrise Rotary KCC Arts & Communication WTVB– AM 1590, FM 95.5

Branch County Community Theatre Submitted by Jennifer Colbeck, BCCT Member

Last season, Branch County Community Theatre was able to produce two shows. A familiar holiday classic that represented the true message of Christmas, The Best Christ- mas Pageant Ever was perfect for engaging young thespians into the world of theatre and bringing families together to enjoy the Christmas Season.

Our second show was the Robert J. Picker- ing Award for Playwrighting Excellence win- ner - The ABC’s of LGBT at the Rainbow Valley BnB, by Phil Darg. This was BCCT’s last show able to be performed on the Tibbits Opera House stage due to COVID. We felt very fortunate to be able to produce this kind of show that dealt with tough issues in a sen- sitive but humorous way. We had great feed- back from audience members and hope to continue to find new ways to perform and provide support to the arts. 25 Memorials

Marisue Taylor (May 23, 1949 – January 10, 2020)

Marisue Taylor, was a dedicated and selfless volunteer and member. She gave over 2000 recorded hours and at one time or another probably did every volunteer job available. She was one-time chair of Tibbits’ auction committee and served with Tibbits Boosters for seven years. On her rec- ord, under the listing of volunteer skills, it simply read, “She can DO it all!” In 2012 Tibbits recognized her as Volunteer of the Year.

More recently, Marisue headed the tour guides and docents for the thea- tre and spent countless hours digging into the history, organizing boxes of archives, writing stories about people of the past, and keeping the tour script fresh. Her involvement with Coldwater/Branch County Community Theatre extended back to the 1980s, always behind the scenes. Her most common role, as stage manager, fully utilized her organizational skills as well as her “teacher” discipline.

Dzidra Bonfiglio Shamuluas (November 20, 1926 – October 12, 2019)

Dzidra was active with Tibbits Summer Theatre for many years. She played piano in the orchestra for dozens of the musicals staged at the theatre through the 1970s and 80s. Central to her involvement was her deep friendship with Jeffery Neill and Wendell Kindberg, director and musical director, respectively, for Tibbits Summer Theatre.

Her involvement with the Tibbits Opera House also included recitals by her music students as well as accompanying many young musicians for talent shows, pageants and other concert performances. Dzidra was always the consummate professional and meticulous in every way, right down to insisting on polishing the piano keys every time she came in.

Marisue and Dzidra, the ghost light shines on stage for you & all who have shared their spirit with Tibbits.

Memorial Gifts Received 2019-2020 Jean & Richard Biringer Jan Koss Dzidra Bonfiglio Shamuluas Mary Smith JR Colbeck Marisue Taylor

Planned & Estate Gifts (realized in 2019-2020) Wilber & Lieucelle Oder Trusts Estate of Dzidra Bonfiglio Shamuluas Aileen Barnett Charitable Trust Gladys Davis Charitable Trust Janette Stevens Trust

26 Grant Programs

COVID: MCACA Emergency Grant - $3000 (NEA - CARES funding) DDA rebate - $500 (hand sanitizing stations) United Way - $2000 (masks and Plexiglas barriers) BCEGA rebate - $1000 (PHI - UV unit for air handling system) MEDC - MSB Business Restart Program - $5000 (Michigan Economic Development Corporation - Michigan Small Business) Payroll Protection Program - $81,700

GRANTS:

x 2020 MCACA Operational grant – Awarded $18,000 x 2020 MCACA Capital Improvement grant – Electrical Upgrades $70,000 (matching) x Men Who Give of Branch County – Sprinkler monitoring system $4100 x Coldwater (Noon) Rotary – Sprinkler monitoring system $1250

Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs (MCACA) National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Branch County Economic Growth Alliance (BCEGA)

27 TIBBITS OPERA FOUNDATION AND ARTS COUNCIL, INC.

STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENSES - Operations For Year Ended September 30, 2020 Compared To Year Ended September 30, 2019

Notes to revenue: x With the loss of ticket and programming revenue, emphasis was placed on fundraising, with the focus not just on 2020 but 2021 as well. x A portion of the rental income includes deposits which will be rolled to a future date once organizations are ready to resume their performances. x In-kind revenue is included in miscellaneous income.

Notes to the expenses: x Programming is normally the largest expense. While the shutdown devastated the pro- gramming in 2020, through the PPP and other sources, taking care of the employees was a priority. x Administrative expense includes the addition of a Development Director, a move that was very timely as fundraising became a priority to weather the uncertainty, not just of 2020 but looking forward to 2021 and even 2022. x Administrative expense also includes Internet Technology which became a priority, not only to protect Tibbits and its data from increasing cyber security issues, but also to al- low staff to function while working remotely. x In-kind services are included in miscellaneous expenses.

Audited financials are available at the administrative office, 93 W. Chicago Street 28 TIBBITS OPERA FOUNDATION AND ARTS COUNCIL, INC.

REVENUE

EXPENSES

29 TIBBITS OPERA FOUNDATION AND ARTS COUNCIL, INC. BALANCE SHEET - RESTORATION For Year Ended September 30, 2020

STATEMENT OF REVENUE & EXPENSES - RESTORATION CAMPAIGN For Year Ended September 30, 2020

Audited financials are available at the administrative office, 93 W. Chicago Street 30 Tibbits Opera House Endowment (TOHE)

Established in 2003, TOHE ensures the long-term viability of the Tibbits Opera Foun- dation & Arts Council, Inc. by supporting the maintenance of the historic Tibbits Opera House, its programing and operations, as well as arts in the community. As an endow- ment, the funds are invested with only a portion of the interest or earnings distributed; the principal is preserved to provide a steady source of income.

Without much programming in 2020, funding requests focused on the theatre.

Endowment grants funded in 2020: i6 café tables plus covers and new chairs for the art gallery iReplacement bulbs for stage lights iBoiler service and repair iReplacement compressor and repairs for the sprinkler system iIT and computer upgrades including new server, networking switch and firewall iSoftware upgrade for the LED sign iRepairs to the A/C including electrical repairs

Current funds within the endowment: Harold J. “Dutch” Meier, M.D. Endowment Fund Gloria & Norman Hawk and Gretchen & Raymond Dresser Glen & Eileen Barnett Estate Dick Fitzgerald Memorial Marvin & Phyllis Rosenberg Endowment Fund for Children’s Programming *Emma, Meredith and Madelynn Grife Fund-Children’s Programming Alex Lomik – Children’s Programming Memorial Fund Olga F. Wright – Children’s Programming Endowment Fund Operations Fund *$1,900 in new gifts received in 2020

TOHE Board of Directors: Tod Dally (president), Ken Delaney (vice president), Ray Sebastian (secretary), Jim Gordon (treasurer), Dylan Foster, Wayne Weaver and Christine Delaney.

TOHE is a 501(c) 3 organization separate from the Tibbits Opera Foundation.

TOHE accepts gifts of cash, securities, real and personal property which a donor wishes to permanently endow. Persons interested in receiving more information on the endowment, planned giving or the restoration may contact Tibbits Opera House. Advisors are available to meet with donors and their attorneys about gifting options.

31 Tibbits Opera House Endowment

Value of Accounts at Edward Jones As of December 31, 2020

32 :D\VWR6XSSRUW7LEELWV2SHUD+RXVH Come 6ee $nother 3erformance! Enjoy an evening of spectacular entertainment at the Tibbits Opera House. From Broadway shows to concerts to community theatre to comedy acts and so much more, we strive to offer something for everyone.

Become a Member! Help maintain a vital piece of history by becoming a Tibbits member and nourish the hopes and dreams of aspiring actors, musicians, dancers, and artists who grace Tibbits stage.

Become a Corporate Member! Heighten your company’s visibility and enhance your image as a good corporate citizen with a membership package that matches your goal of community recognition with our need for financial support.

Give a Gift to the Restoration Campaign! Make a contribution and/or a pledge over three to five years. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal of a beautifully restored, historic gem of the community.

Sponsor a Show! Take the opportunity to promote your business while helping Tibbits bring in entertaining shows and special events.

Volunteer! Help at the theatre or the office. Have fun and serve your community all at once.

Be a Host Family! Get to know a Summer Theatre actor or crewmember by opening up your home.

Introduce Someone Else to Tibbits! The best form of advertising is positive word of mouth. Share the theatre with loved ones, create a memory, and give the gift of a unique experience to Tibbits.

Include Tibbits in your Estate Planning! There are wonderful ways to include Tibbits in your estate plan and minimize the tax burden for your family. A Tibbits advisor would be happy to discuss the possibilities.

Believe! Through the Magic of Believing, we will continue to raise the curtain! Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Hopeful.

Tibbits Opera Foundation is a qualified nonprofit organization under IRS section 501(c) 3. Gifts are tax deductible as defined in the current Internal Revenue Code.