10/05-24
CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
June 3,
2024
TO: Cit
y Council
FR
OM: Office of the City Manager
SUBJ
ECT: APPROVAL OF THE SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 OPERATING BUDGET AND OPERATING PLAN
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Th
e Simi Valley Arts Commission recommends that the City Council approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Operating Budget and Operating Plan.
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
Th
e Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (CAC) FY 2024-25 Operating Budget (Exhibit 1, page 5) and Operating Plan (Exhibit 2, page 10) were reviewed by the Simi Valley Arts Commission (Arts Commission) at its May 7 , 2024 meeting. The Arts Commission is recommending that the City Council approve the CAC Budget and Operating Plan. Staff incorporates the CAC Budget under Special Revenue Funds in the FY 2024-25 City Budget once adopted by the City Council. At this time, staff is bringing forward the Arts Commission’s request for approval of the FY 2024-25 Budget.
Shoul
d the City Council approve the FY 202 4-25 CAC Operating Budget and Plan this evening, staff will update the Special Revenue Fund (CAC Fund - #295) in the Adopted Budget to reflect the final revenues and expenditures as shown in Exhibit
1. On M
ay 9, 2022, the City Council approved a modification to the CAC’s financial operating structure, allowing the CAC to retain 100% of its revenues and discontinue the reimbursement to the City of 1.5 FTE positions and 10% of Earned Income for a five-year period. In lieu of reimbursing the City, the CAC would reallocate these funds to achieving the goals and objectives of the Cultural Arts Center’s Strategic Plan. These include sustained funding of the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program to allow greater access to the CAC for local non- profit and arts organizations; the creation of a citywide cultural funding grant program; diversifying programming including expanding multicultural programming opportunities; enhancing marketing efforts; developing Arts Educational programs at the CAC; and increasing arts opportunities for Simi Valley residents. These funds would allow the CAC to support local arts partner organizations and continue to offer affordable Arts Education opportunities to youth o f all ages . In addition, the
AGENDA I
TEM NO.
Consent (2)
2 10/05-24
reallocation of these funds will further assist in the CAC’s recovery from the impact s of COVID-19.
T
he CAC’s budget is adopted annually, monitored regularly by the Arts Commission and City Manager’s Office staff, and audited by Fiscal Services staff.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
F
Y 2023-24 Operating Budget
O
verall, the CAC anticipates a net income of $59,890 for FY 2023-24 based on estimated revenues of $583,565 and estimated costs of $523,675.
A
n analysis of Total Income shows vigorous anticipated Box Office Income of $367,950 due in large part to the popularity of Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family , and It’s a Wonderful Life: On Air as well as consistently solid houses for the Tribute Conc ert Series and increasing audiences for the Sunday Night Comedy at the Center Series. The expanded offerings of the Young Artists Playground (YAP) Youth Arts Education program also contributed to the CAC’s overall financial health in FY 2023-24.
F
Y 2024-25 Operating Budget
T
he proposed FY 202 4-25 CAC budget projects gross revenue of $626,350 and gross expenses of $583,850. This proposed budget for the forthcoming fiscal year projects a net income of $42,500. This surplus provides funding for the CAC to achieve the Strategic Plan goals as noted above.
M
uch positive progress has been made with regard to the effect COVID has had on audience attendance at the CAC as audiences are approaching pre- pandemic levels for many of the shows and concerts. However, rentals still remain somewhat lower than pre- pandemic levels and most rentals are dependent upon the Performing Arts R ecovery grant subsidy. The proposed 2024-25 budget reflects the hope that the CAC can continue progressing toward achieving pre-COVID attendance, box office and rental income levels.
T
he General Fund supports five full- time employees, who are all located in the CAC, including the Community Services Manager, Assistant Community Services Manager, an Office Assistant II/Administration, Office Assistant II/Box Office, a nd Technical Coordinator. The City continues to provide administrative support and oversight as it does to other City facilities and programs and continues to maintain the CAC facility. The following provisions have been incorporated into the CAC’s proposed Operating Budget:
• $47,000 i
s budgeted for capital replacement costs related to programming operations. Capital expenditures within this line item are approved and monitored by the Arts Commission as part of the CAC’s FY 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program, which was approved by the Arts Commission at its March 26 , 202 4, meeting.
3 10/05-24
• The CAC maintains two restricted funds. The balance for the Contingency/Performance Fund is estimated to remain at $38,802. The Contingency Fund is utilized only for financial emergencies and per Arts Commission policy adopted on March 5, 2003, the Arts Commission is informed of any expenditure from the Fund. Expenditures from the Performance Fund must be approved by the Arts Commission in advance and are intended for the expansion of programming to support more expensive higher risk ventures and cultural programs that the CAC could not otherwise afford.
Overall, the proposed FY 2024-25 Operating Budget continues the practice of providing high quality programming at the Cultural Arts Center and generating positive Net Income that can be set aside for emergencies, for special programming, and to replace aging and obsolete equipment.
FY 2024-25 Operating Plan
The CAC’s comprehensive FY 2024-25 Operating Plan (Exhibit 2) identifies goals for the upcoming fiscal year. This document serves as its “Annual Business Plan.” The FY 2024- 25 programming goals include:
• Continue to find ways to expand the Young Artists Playground Arts Education program to potentially include bringing after school programs into the schools.
• Expand the DownStage Cabaret series programming and expand the use of the DownStage Theater and Multipurpose Room in order to provide additional opportunities for presenting varied arts experiences.
• Strengthen collaborative efforts with fellow arts organizations, performing arts venues, and local producers to help navigate the recovery and rebirth of the arts post COVID.
• Expand the Performing Arts Recovery Grant program outreach to encourage a wider array of diverse programming being presented at the CAC.
• Continue to increase diversity in programming, outreach, artistic staffing, casting, and other areas to ensure maximum inclusivity and access to arts engagement opportunities for the community.
The CAC’s financial operating structure, combined with its marketing and programming efforts, have kept the CAC self -reliant and should continue to enhance its future growth and development.
Upon City Council approval of the City’s FY 202 4-25 Budget, staff will post the budget documents, which includes the CAC’s budget to the City’s website.
4 10/05-24
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. A
pprove the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s F iscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Operating Plan;
2. P
rovide staff with alternate direction.
T
he Arts Commission recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I
move to approve the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center’s Fiscal Year 2024-25 Operating Budget and Operating Plan.
SUMMARY
I
n March of 2002, the City Council approved the current financial operating structure for the CAC. The CAC has operated successfully under this structure, building up modest reserves and investing in its capital infrastructure. On May 9, 2022, the City Council approved to modify the current financial operating structure to allow the CAC to retain 100% of its revenues and discontinue the current reimbursement structure for a five-year period.
T
he Arts Commission reviewed the Cultural Arts Center FY 2024-25 Operating Budget and Operating Plan at its May 7, 2024, meeting and is recommending that the City Council approve the Operating Budget and Operating Plan as part of the City’s annual budget process.
___
_________________________________
Linda Swan
Assistant City Manager
P
repared by: Anna M. Medina, Deputy Community Services Director INDEX Page
E
xhibit 1 – CAC FY 2024-25 Operating Budget ............................... 5 Exhibit 2 – CAC FY 2024-25 Operating Plan ................................. 10 YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2024-25 Notes
INCOME
4000 Box Office Income
4010 Service Charges
4011 Ticket Surcharge $17,000 $18,000 $1,000 $18,000
4012 Ticket Printing/Box Office Services $0 $0 $0 $0
4015 Handling Fee $25,000 $24,000 ($1,000) $25,000
4016 Provider Credit Card Fees $12,000 $13,250 $1,250 $12,000 Total Service Charges $54,000 $55,250 $1,250 $55,000
4040 Box Office Sales (Gross)
4020 Box Office $325,000 $365,000 $40,000 $360,000
4025 Box Office Share the Arts $1,500 $700 ($800) $1,000 4030 Box Office Gift Certificates $3,000 $2,250 ($750) $2,500 Total Box Office Sales (Gross) $329,500 $367,950 $38,450 $363,500 BN1 Total Box Office Income $383,500 $423,200 $39,700 $418,500 4100 Classes and Camps Income $12,000 $39,000 $27,000 $35,000 BN2 4200 Contribution/Fundraising Income
4210 Sponsorships $2,250 $0 ($2,250) $1,500
4220 Miscellaneous Income/Donations $5,000 $7,500 $2,500 $7,500 4230 Foundation Contributions $37,000 $36,850 ($150) $38,000 4240 City Employee Payroll Deductions $400 $100 ($300) $200 4255 Fundraisers $6,000 $0 ($6,000) $5,000
Total Contribution/Fundraising Income $50,650 $44,450 ($6,200) $52,200 4400 Grants
4425 COVID Relief $0 $0 $0 $0
4450 Share the Arts $3,500 $1,750 ($1,750) $2,500
4475 Grants Miscellaneous $50,000 $5,500 ($44,500) $25,000 BN3 Total Grants $53,500 $7,250 ($46,250) $27,500
FY 2023-24 & 2024-25 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
43a/04-24
EXHIBIT 1
5 YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2024-25 Notes
FY 2023-24 & 2024-25 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
4500 Rental Fee Income
4510 Cleaning/Damage Income $750 $775 $25 $900
4530 Rental Fees - Mainstage Theater $32,000 $28,000 ($4,000) $32,000 BN4 4540 Rental Fees - MPR/DownStage $1,500 $3,100 $1,600 $3,250 Total Rental Fee Income $34,250 $31,875 ($2,375) $36,150 4600 Concessions
4610 Cnc's - Gallery/CD Sales $800 $700 ($100) $700
4620 Cnc's - Beer/Wine $4,000 $7,000 $3,000 $5,000
4630 Cnc's - Food/Soft Drinks $5,500 $3,780 ($1,720) $4,000 BN4 4640 Cnc's - Promotional Items $1,500 $0 ($1,500) $1,000 Total Concessions $11,800 $11,480 ($320) $10,700
4700 Advertising Income $3,000 $0 ($3,000) $3,000
4800 Reimbursed Technical Costs
4820 Other Reimbursed Tech Income $1,300 $860 ($440) $1,000 4830 Technical Staff Costs $27,000 $15,250 ($11,750) $27,000 BN4/BN5 4840 Reimbursed Equipment Rental
4841 Electrics Surcharge (Lamp Usage) $1,000 $850 ($150) $1,000 4842 LCD Projector $400 $510 $110 $500
4844 Spotlight Rental Income $1,000 $740 ($260) $1,000
4845 Piano Rental Fee $500 $300 ($200) $500
4846 Microphone Rentals $12,000 $7,750 ($4,250) $12,000 BN4 Total Reimbursed Equipment Rental $14,900 $10,150 ($4,750) $15,000 Total Reimbursed Technical Costs $43,200 $26,260 ($16,940) $43,000 4900 Interest Income $300 $50 ($250) $300
TOTAL INCOME $592,200 $583,565 ($8,635) $626,350
43a/04-24
6 YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2024-25 Notes
FY 2023-24 & 2024-25 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
EXPENSE COSTS
5000 Special Events (MPR/DownStage, Receptions) $5,000 $4,000 ($1,000) $7,000 5100 Artists Fees $50,000 $85,000 $35,000 $75,000 BN6
5300 Concession Supplies
5320 Cnc's Supplies -Promo. Items $1,000 $0 ($1,000) $500 5340 Cnc's Supplies - Gallery/CD Sales Payout $800 $700 ($100) $800 5360 Cnc's Supplies - Food $1,500 $1,500 $0 $1,750
5380 Cnc's Supplies - Beer/Wine $900 $1,000 $100 $1,250 Total Concession Supplies $4,200 $3,200 ($1,000) $4,300 5400 Supplies
5410 Operating & Miscellaneous $10,000 $3,750 ($6,250) $10,000 5420 Equipment Rentals $400 $3,000 $2,600 $2,000 BN7
5430 Technical Supplies
5431 Lighting Supplies $1,000 $350 ($650) $1,000
5432 Sound Supplies $3,000 $1,700 ($1,300) $3,000
5433 Gallery Supplies $4,000 $2,250 ($1,750) $4,000
5434 Costumes/Wigs/Makeup Supplies $5,000 $7,200 $2,200 $7,000 5435 Props Supplies $5,000 $2,250 ($2,750) $5,000
5436 Set Supplies $7,500 $6,000 ($1,500) $8,000
Total Technical Supplies $25,500 $19,750 ($5,750) $28,000 Total Supplies $35,900 $26,500 ($9,400) $40,000
5500 Provider Payments (Total Box Receipts) $200,000 $225,000 $25,000 $225,000 BN8 5600 Advertising/Marketing
5610 Postage & Delivery $400 $75 ($325) $250
5620 Printing/Playbills/Tickets $2,000 $250 ($1,750) $1,000 43a/04-24
7 YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2024-25 Notes
FY 2023-24 & 2024-25 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
5630 Advertising/Marketing $15,000 $6,000 ($9,000) $12,000 Total Advertising/Marketing $17,400 $6,325 ($11,075) $13,250 5700 Contract Labor $60,000 $74,000 $14,000 $70,000 BN9 5800 Performing Arts Recovery Fund Payout $75,000 $25,000 ($50,000) $50,000 BN10 TOTAL EXPENSE COSTS $447,500 $449,025 $1,525 $484,550
GROSS PROFIT $144,700 $134,540 ($10,160) $141,800
FIXED EXPENSES
6100 Capital Replacement $42,000 $38,000 ($4,000) $47,000 6300 Credit Card Service Fees
6350 Credit Card Discount Fees $27,000 $20,000 ($7,000) $20,000 6360 Service Fees (Bank Charges) $700 $1,200 $500 $1,300 Total Credit Card Service Fees $27,700 $21,200 ($6,500) $21,300 6400 Dues/Licenses/Permits
6410 Dues and Subscriptions $6,000 $3,200 ($2,800) $5,000 6420 Licenses & Permits $25,000 $7,500 ($17,500) $20,000 BN11 6430 Miscellaneous $1,000 $1,750 $750 $2,000
Total Dues/Licenses/Permits $32,000 $12,450 ($19,550) $27,000 6600 Office Expenses $3,000 $3,000 $0 $4,000
TOTAL FIXED EXPENSES $104,700 $74,650 ($30,050) $99,300 NET INCOME $40,000 $59,890 $19,890 $42,500
Balance Est. Balance
July 1, 2023 Credits/Interest Debits June 30, 2024
$38,802 $0 $0 $38,802CONTINGENCY/PERFORMANCE FUND
43a/04-24
8 YEAR-END PROPOSED Budget
FINAL BUDGET PROJECTIONS VARIANCE BUDGET
2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2024-25 Notes
FY 2023-24 & 2024-25 BUDGET REPORT
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS CENTER OPERATING BUDGET
BUDGET NOTES:
BN8 - Increased Provider Payments reflect the robust box office income of Beauty and the Beast and The Addams Family .
BN9 - The CAC was without a Technical Coordinator on staff for six months in FY 2023-24, thus outside contract workers needed to be hired to fill this need.
BN10 - The CAC lost three anticipated rentals in FY 2023-24 (Panic Productions, Dance Creations, and Serendipity Dance) and therefore had fewer applicants for the Performing Arts Recovery Grant.
BN11 - The rights to The Prom were paid in the third quarter of FY 2022-23. In addition, there were no royalties paid for Broadway & Beyond Cabaret or It's A Wonderful Life: On Air as they were both original CAC productions.
BN6 - Artists Fees budget overages are directly linked to the CAC's having to hire out designers due to not having a Technical Coordinator on staff for six months. In addition, the CAC continues to offer gas stipends for artists to help offset the cost of gas to commit to ten weeks of rehearsals and performances.
BN7 - The CAC had unexpected rentals of a projector and a loaner lightboard while CAC equipment was being repaired.
BN1 - The extreme popularity of Beauty and the Beast, The Addams Family and It's a Wonderful Life: On Air and anticipated big box office for Annie boosted box office sales.
BN2 - The Young Artists Playground (YAP) Program expanded offerings this year to include multiple successful Monday After School sessions. In FY 2024-25, YAP Plans to continue to build on this success and attempt to bring the After School program into the schools.
BN4 - The CAC lost several anticipated renters this year (Panic Productions, Dance Creations, and Serendipity Dance) which negatively affected several areas including Mainstage Rentals, Concessions Sales, Technical Staff Reimbursement, and Reimbursed Equipment Rentals.
BN5 - The lack of a Technical Coordinator on CAC Staff for six months negatively affected several areas including Technical Staff Reimbursement, Artists Fees, and Contract Labor.
BN3 - Unfortunately, several grant opportunities that were anticipated did not materialize in FY 2023-24. The CAC anticipates a grant from the California Arts Council in FY 2024-25 for operational/programming support. 43a/04-24
9 SIMI VALLEY
CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER
Fiscal Year 2024-25
Operating Plan
44/04-24
EXHIBIT 2
10 MISSION STATEMENT
To develop, support, and encourage cultural activities
and educational programs to enhance the quality of life of the citizens of Simi Valley and surrounding
communities.
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (CAC) provides a
multipurpose facility and presents performances of
music, theater, dance, film, popular entertainment, as
well as space for conferences, meetings, seminars, and
workshops.
44/04-24
11 INCLUSION,
DIVERSITY, EQUITY
AND ACCESSIBILITY
STATEMENT
The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (CAC) recognizes the importance of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).
The CAC believes in the transformative power of the arts to enrich lives and revitalize communities and that engaging in the arts is essential to the human experience and should be available to all.
We also recognize the true value and the critical role that diversity serves in helping our theater and community thrive.
We are committed to create and sustain a diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, education, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, or ability.
We believe that all voices deserve an opportunity to be heard and we strive to provide a safe environment to share ideas. We understand that a vibrant, thriving arts venue requires balancing creative/diverse programming with the cultivation of inclusive practices and strategies as well as the development of a diverse team who share in these values. We believe this is a continuous evolution. With respect for the original caretakers of the land, we recognize that the CAC currently inhabits the land of the Micqanaqa’n and Chumash Nations. We honor the sacred lands of all indigenous peoples.
44/04-24
12 INCLUSION
SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL
ARTS CENTER’S IDEA
PHILOSOPHY IS BASED
ON THE FOLLOWING:
DIVERSITY
EQUITY
ACCESS
Honoring and accepting the backgrounds,
experiences, and talent that every individual
brings with them, so that everyone feels
valued.
Acknowledging and respecting human
qualities that are different from our own and
outside the groups with which we are
associated.
Addressing inequities in access and
opportunity, and allowing for full and fair
participation.
Ensuring that everyone, regardless of
physical, emotional, socioeconomic, and/or
developmental barriers, has access to the
arts and benefit from such access.
44/04-24
13 SIMI VALLEY CULTURAL ARTS
CENTER GOALS:
ESTABLISH
Establish the CAC as the
foremost arts education
resource in Simi Valley,
increasing the amount of
arts education
opportunities and the
support of emerging artists
programs.
CREATE
Create and sustain a diverse,
inclusive, and equitable
space where everyone feels
valued and respected
regardless of gender, age,
race, ethnicity, national
origin, sexual orientation,
gender identity, education,
socioeconomic status,
political affiliation, or ability.
PRESENT
Present programming that
supports inclusion and
diversity, encourages
cultural activities and
enhances the quality of
life of the citizens of Simi
Valley and surrounding
communities.
REINFORCE
Reinforce the arts as a vital,
integral, and necessary
component of life in Simi
Valley and include the arts in
more aspects of life in Simi
Valley, reaching beyond the
walls of the CAC, seeing an
increase of arts engagement
opportunities for all Simi
Valley residents.
44/04-24
14 “The building is architecturally gorgeous, and
the interior was decorated beautifully.
Volunteers & staff were warm & inviting. The
show itself was great, my husband & I were
thoroughly entertained. I loved that the cast
came to the lobby to greet people.”
FACILITY
DESCRIPTION:
185-seat professional
stage theater
Multipurpose
Room/DownStage Cabaret
Theater
Gallery space for visual
arts exhibits
A catering kitchen
Dressing rooms
Technical equipment for a
fully operational
performing arts center
1800-square-feet of
storage facilities for props
and other theater
equipment
MaryAnn B.
“The plays and the center are immaculate and
the people are very pleasant.”
“Friendly and joyful. The people, the place, and
the play was really great.”
Catherine P.
Satish S.
44/04-24
15 DOWNSTAGE
47.3%
MAINSTAGE
41.8%
GALLERY
8.1%
GROUNDS
1.7%
COMMUNITY
1.1%
SPACE USAGE IN 2023
DOWNSTAGEMAINSTAGECOMMUNITY
GROUNDS GALLERY
192 events took place in
the CAC’s David Ralphe
Main Stage Theater
Art Exhibits at the
Simi Valley Public
Library and the Simi
Valley Town Center!
Spring Arts & Crafts Fair,
Winter Art Marketplace
and Femme Faire took
place on the CAC
Grounds
Art Exhibits, Art Openings
and Opening Receptions
in the CAC’s Gary
Thomas Gallery
217 events took place in
the CAC’s
DownStage/Community
Room
44/04-24
16 COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
STATISTICAL
OVERVIEW
Through increased social media posts and advertising, we expanded the CAC’s community engagement and reach throughout the United States, and abroad. In 2023, the CAC increased social media reach to include over 6,500 Facebook followers, 6,100 Instagram followers, and 332 followers on X (formerly Twitter). In addition, our Eblast Subscriber base now exceeds 12,380.
To help our struggling arts partners recover from the fiscal decimation of COVID and encourage their return to renting the Center, the CAC launched a Performing Arts Recovery Grant to help subsidize rental costs to qualified local non-profits and arts or educational organizations. The initial funding for this program was $75,000 with an additional $100,000 in funding secured in Fiscal Year 2022-23 which will allow the CAC to extend the granting period through Fiscal Year 2023-24. In 2023, the Performing Arts Recovery Grant Program awarded $43,000 in subsidy to non-profit and other arts organizations in bringing musical theatre, dance, multicultural music, and other events to the CAC.
In 2023, the CAC produced or presented over 400 events in the David Ralphe Main Stage Theater, DownStage Theater/Multipurpose Room, Gary Thomas Gallery and the exterior grounds. Attendance continues to approach pre-pandemic levels with over 24,000 people coming through its doors in 2023.
In 2023, the Performing Arts Recovery
Grant Program awarded $43,000 in
rental subsidy to non-profit and other
arts organizations so that they can
bring arts programming to the CAC.
Attendance, while not fully back
to pre-pandemic levels,
continues to increase and in
2023 the CAC saw over 24,000
people come through its doors.
44/04-24
17 COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
GOALS
01 - REBUILD
02 - RECOVER
03 - EXPAND
In Fiscal Year 2024-25, continue to rebuild audience engagement and attendance through enhanced marketing, targeted
promotions and expanding program diversity.
Through the Performing Arts Recovery Grant, incentivize both long time arts partners to continue to access the CAC while actively pursuing new and diverse programming and partnership
opportunities. Combined these efforts will continue to strengthen the high quality, diverse programming for which the CAC has become known to provide.
In addition, explore ways to continue to expand access to arts and culture in the community through pop-up gallery events, collaborations with such groups as the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, the Simi Valley Public Library, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, and others. These efforts combined will help the CAC progress toward the goals outlined in the CAC’s strategic plan. 44/04-24
18 The CAC is dedicated to the belief that the
arts are an indispensable element of a
thriving and meaningful community, and art
events and arts education should be
available to all.
The CAC’s arts and culture programming is
inspired by our energetic community, the
geography in which our organization is
situated, and the unique history of our
region. When we are willing to consider
ideas and art together, we are learning to
acknowledge and respect the histories that
bind us together, and the changing world
that surrounds us.
PROGRAMMING
44/04-24
19 There are three physical areas of the CAC that work in concert with each other to fulfill its programming mission.
They are the David Ralphe Main Stage Theater, the DownStage Theater/Multipurpose Room, and the Gary Thomas Gallery. In 2023, the CAC provided arts and culture programming
throughout the community in partnership with the Simi Valley Public Library, Moorpark College, Kindling Studios, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, Ventura County Arts Council, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, County of Ventura Arts and Culture Department, and the Simi Valley Town Center.
From 1996 through 2023, the CAC has hosted over 11,000
events, including musicals, plays, concerts, school
productions, children’s theater, film series, graduations, meetings, receptions, seminars, and more. The CAC’s diverse range of programming also encompasses youth programs,
special events, and visual art exhibits in the CAC’s gallery as well as pop up galleries in the community.
In 2022, the Center launched the Young Artists Playground (YAP) Youth Education program offering Summer Camp and
Saturday Morning Workshops in the performing and visual arts for young artists ages 5 - 14. In 2023, YAP expanded their program offerings to include family workshops and after school arts camps. In 2023, the CAC also revitalized the Gallery offerings with a series of art shows featuring local and regional artists both at the CAC and in pop-up community galleries.
PROGRAMMING CONT’D
02 - DOWNSTAGE01 - MAIN STAGE 03 - GALLERY
44/04-24
20 GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS
FISCAL YEAR 2023-24
Continue to work with struggling local arts organizations to help strengthen and stabilize them by creating means for them to utilize the CAC and create income for both the organizations and the CAC. In addition, produce or host at least 12-15 concert events on the David Ralphe Mainstage featuring a variety of genres and audience appeal, and host 4-6 gallery shows in the Gary Thomas Gallery at the CAC.
The CAC has revised the Performing Arts Recovery Grant to help our struggling local arts organizations while also forcing them to begin to rebuild their own finances and infrastructure. In Fiscal Year 2023-24, over $25,000 has been granted to local arts groups, nonprofits, and artists to help them access use of the CAC. The CAC averages 2-3 concerts a month and have presented six gallery shows in the Gary Thomas Gallery.
Expand partnerships with community organizations to both expand visibility of the CAC and its programs and to provide community outreach to ensure the arts are accessible to all members of the community.
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the CAC partnered with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District, the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Ventura County Arts Council, County of Ventura Arts and Culture Department, Simi Valley Public Library Foundation, Kindling Studios, Simi Valley Town Center, Simi Valley Unified School District and more.
Establish the Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Advisory Panel to help find ways to address and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the policies, casting, artistic staffing and programming of the CAC. With input from the IDEA Advisory Panel, establish an ongoing multicultural series aimed at broadening the spectrum of the CAC’s diversified and multicultural programming for Simi Valley and the surrounding community.
While the IDEA Committee has yet to be formalized, the CAC has made great progress in including diversification and multiculturalism in the programming, casting, and artistic team staffing as well as in our Concert Series, Sunday Night Comedy at the Center Series, and in our YAP Workshops.
Continue to explore and expand non-weekend performances of special events, concerts, business rentals and other live arts experiences to generate additional revenue and provide more opportunity for community use of the CAC.
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, non-weekend programming at the CAC has expanded to include more mid- week concerts, rentals, performances on the DownStage, and Gallery events.
Strengthen and expand the Young Artists Playground (YAP) Youth Arts in Education program to include projects that provide performance and creative arts related experiences to youth of all ages.
YAP expanded their programs for ages 5 - 14 in Fiscal Year 2023-24 to include quarterly family arts workshops as well as Monday After School Arts Camp. These are in addition to the YAP Summer Camp program.
Continue to expand the DownStage Cabaret Series and expand the use of the DownStage Theater and Multipurpose Room in order to present a variety of performing arts experiences and provide additional opportunities for increased community involvement as well as generate additional revenue for the CAC.
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the DownStage Theater was renovated and the CAC presented a Broadway and Beyond Cabaret with great success. Additionally, the CAC held several Artists Talks and Receptions and the Ventura County Youth Poet Laureate Ceremony on the DownStage. More Cabaret events are scheduled in May, August and September of 2024.
44/04-24
21 PROGRAMMING
GOALS FISCAL
YEAR 2024-25
Strengthen collaborative
efforts with fellow arts
organizations, performing
arts venues, and local
producers to help navigate
the recovery and rebirth of
the arts post COVID.
Continue to find ways to
expand the Young Artists
Playground Arts Education
program to potentially
include bringing after school
programs into the schools.
Expand the DownStage
Cabaret Series programming
and expand the use of the
DownStage Theater and
Multipurpose Room in order
to provide additional
opportunities for presenting
varied arts experiences.
Continue to increase
diversity in programming,
outreach, artistic staffing,
casting and other areas to
ensure maximum inclusivity
and access to arts
engagement opportunities
for the community.
Expand the Performing Arts
Recovery Grant program
outreach to encourage a
wider array of diverse
programming being
presented at the CAC.
44/04-24
22 MARKETING AND
MARKETING GOALS
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25
The CAC’s marketing program incorporates the use of print media, color brochures and flyers, radio, television, website promotion, email marketing, social media and special promotions. Individual producers of events also generate their own marketing materials that work in concert with the CAC’s marketing efforts.
Continue an aggressive marketing campaign highlighting the CAC’s diversity of programming, affordability of programming and rental opportunities, community involvement and outreach, and inclusivity in an effort to continue to entice audiences, performers, volunteers, and renters back to the CAC in a post COVID setting.
Expand the CAC’s advertising and marketing in local and regional print media to include promotion of not only programming and rental availability of the CAC, but also availability as a venue for business and community usage.
Continue outreach to nonprofit and arts organizations about the availability of the Performing Arts Recovery Grant to entice them to rent the CAC.
Continue to expand our successful email relationship with our audience and continue to increase the CAC’s impact on Social Media through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, www.simi-arts.org website, online publications, online reviewers as well as cooperative promotion with other theatrical organizations that help to increase the CAC’s recognition within the greater Los Angeles region.
Through cooperative events, promotions, and publications with other community organizations including the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation, reach out to the community in order to create awareness of the activities of the CAC and the unique resources that are available.
Continue to consult and provide technical assistance to organizations that promote, present and enrich the arts within the Simi Valley community.
Finalize a new website for the CAC that is fully ADA accessible for all users. 44/04-24
23 UPDATE ON THE CAC’S
STRATEGIC PLAN
The CAC’s Five Year Strategic Plan was adopted
by City Council in 2021. Great progress was
made in Fiscal Year 2023-24 in achieving the six
Strategic Priorities of the Plan.
Quality of Life: The CAC presented many new and returning artists including Ventura County Arts Council, Apollo High School, Mastrolonardo Piano School, Stage 1 Music Conservatory, A 5-6-7-8 Dance Company, Simi Valley PTA Reflections Program, Moorpark College Photography exhibits, Moorpark-Simi Valley Republican Women Federated, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, County of Ventura Arts and Culture Department, Simi Valley Youth Council, Actors’ Repertory Theatre of Simi, Kindling Studios, The Former Ladies of the Supremes, and more!
Sustainability: The CAC presented a full season of events in Fiscal Year 2023-24 of musicals, comedy nights, concerts, dance recitals, conservatory music recitals, gallery events, speaker series, DownStage Cabarets, and more. The Performing Arts Recovery Grant awarded over $25,000 in subsidies to local arts and non-profit organizations to rent the CAC. The CAC also worked closely with the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation to strengthen the organization, and produce quality fundraising campaigns such as the Little House on the Prairie screening, A Night in Bollywood and the return of the Spotlight Awards. In addition, the CAC changed credit card processors, trimming 3- 4% off fees being charged and upgraded concessions sales to include electronic payment options.
SUSTAINABILITY QUALITY OF LIFE PROGRAMMING
Programming: The CAC opened up the calendar to include more community programming organizations such as Stage 1 Music Conservatory, Mastrolonardo Piano School, and Turpin Performing Arts Studio; created several low cost and free events such as the Gallery Opening Receptions for the Of My Blood/De Mi Sangre , Nature at your Doorstep, Finding Our Voices, and Bridges: Art & Community exhibits, the PTA Reflections Program, Famous Authors Living History series at the Simi Valley Public Library, and the Sunday Night Comedy at the Center series; increased multicultural arts experiences such as the Night In Bollywood event, Former Ladies of the Supremes concert, the Music of Motown concert, and the Tony Award winning musical In The Heights; and expanded the Young Artists Playground Youth Arts Education program to provide arts training and experiences for youth ages 5 - 14 including a Monday After School Arts Camp and multicultural workshops in Ballet Folklorico, Shibori Dying, Origami, and African Drumming.
In addition, the CAC will produce more DownStage Cabaret events in the DownStage Theater in May and June.
44/04-24
24 UPDATE ON THE CAC’S
STRATEGIC PLAN
FACILITYMARKETING ARTS LEADERSHIP
Marketing: Marketing and outreach efforts at the CAC to increase awareness about the CAC are always a high priority as even after 29 years of existence, the CAC remains one of the best kept secrets of Simi Valley. The CAC continues to expand their social media reach with over 25,000 followers currently on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and our Eblast subscribers. The CAC has increased print advertising in local media as well as their marketing reach into the greater Los Angeles area. CAC productions have garnered over 40 regional nominations from BroadwayWorld.com including favorite local theater.
Facility: Patron response to the CAC’s upgraded touchless box office system through post-event surveys about the new system as well as programming has been overwhelmingly positive. The built in customer relationship and donor management capabilities of the system are proving helpful in supporting the CAC’s marketing plan goals to create a more targeted CAC experience. The CAC made several improvements in Fiscal Year 2023-24 including completely renovating the DownStage Theater including faux brick paneling, new lighting, and installing a curtain, steam cleaning all carpets, replacing both short and long throw digital projectors in the David Ralphe Mainstage Theater, and upgrading sound and lighting equipment in an effort to keep the CAC in prime usage condition.
Arts Leadership: The Simi Valley Arts Commission and the CAC revised the Performing Arts Recovery Grant to better assist local artists, arts groups, non- profits and educational institutions gain access to renting the CAC for their programs and aid in recovering from the financial devastation of the pandemic. The CAC partnered with the Ventura County Arts Council to recognize Ventura County’s Youth Poet Laureate. In addition, the CAC celebrated the County of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary with a special free Night of the Arts Celebration. 44/04-24
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