CCMIN03202018 - Laserfiche WebLink

TVRT. As a parent, he was able to share a stage with his children during performances and expressed his gratitude for that experience. His children are positively impacted by their experience with TVRT and will pursue performance in various capacities. Leslie Lawrance is a Pleasanton music teacher and has been personally involved with TVRT as a performer. She is currently the director of their Broadway kid's chorus and noted her reasons for support of this contract, including the professionalism, support, and commitment to the performers. She noted the long waiting list for students who would like to participate in the chorus, many of whom are from Pleasanton. The entire family can participate together in choral performances. TVRT has far-reaching community ties and she urged support for the contract. Mike Freeman spoke how TVRT allowed him to really become part of the community after he moved here with his family five years ago. He expressed support for the TVRT contract. Joy Sherratt is one of the founding members and the Associate Director of the PCRT. She urged the City Council to consider important factors when evaluating their decision, and alleged there were errors and incomplete information provided as part of the RFQ process. She stated the company's history with the City, including their relationship since 2010, multiple contracts with the City, three performances per season, professional high quality, and fiscally sustainable theatre. Currently, they bring in revenue approximately $37,000 above the contracted amount. She stated the use of the rehearsal space was never mentioned as a difficulty in the past, and they would consider negotiating to pay to utilize the rehearsal space as part of a contract. She clarified her perception the Commission vote was actually 4 — 2. She noted her company could also have brought the same amount of supporters to tonight's meeting as TVRT, as both companies have the backing and support from the acting community. Brett Strader, Musical Director of the PCRT, stated he has the utmost respect for TVRT and this matter is not an issue with that company, but rather, an issue with the RFP/RFQ process. He expressed concern only one of the Commissioner's had seen a performance, and that staff did not allow PCRT to present at the Commission meeting. PCRT is a Pleasanton company and many staff live in town. They are committed to continuous improvement of their productions and are the only Bay area theatre company who can hire equity performers. He stated the RFP/RFQ requested a professional company. He also noted the PCRT's excellent relationship with local restaurants, businesses, and merchants. Craig Dunlap, member of the PCRT Board of Directors, also noted he is a producer and has worked closely with City staff for over twenty years. He also has a dental practice in Pleasanton. He wanted to draw attention PCRT was the only company to submit an RFP response, which was "thrown out." He alleged there was proof the City provided TVRT a copy of the RFQ prior to releasing to PCRT and also, TVRT's RFQ response was for one show, even though the City requested two to three performances. He noted PCRT's professional licensing, which TVRT does not possess. He urged reconsideration of the process. Randall Stoner, member of the PORT Board of Directors, informed the City Council there are severe penalties for falsely advertising "equity" performers, and described a recent show where the former lead was fined over $50,000 for a violation. He expressed concern regarding the amount proposed by TVRT, which is more than PCRT had been paid. PCRT has an excellent track record for providing professional theatre at lower rates. He also expressed concerns regarding replacing professional performers with non-professional performers as a misrepresentation of the truth to the public. The RFQ asked for a professional theatre company and PORT was the only professional theatre company that submitted a response. David Judson, Co-founder and Artistic Director of PCRT, stated he was also a member of actor's "equity" and expressed concerns as to whether the process was fair and equitable. He noted City Council Minutes Page 9 of 12 March 20,2018