Officials at Syracuse’s Landmark Theatre are hoping to return some stability to the historic venue after a period of poor management and questionable business practices. New leadership and a strong schedule are aiming for a more promising future.
It’s been a period of transition at the Landmark. They parted ways with their executive director in February, and there’s a new president of the board of trustees. Stephanie Crockett says the board’s mission is clear:
"It's time for us to focus more diligently on the business aspect of the theater, and a little bit less on the arts aspect. So it's finding that balance of making sure that we're running the business as well as it can be run."
Crockett says the board and staff are looking at ways to improve efficiency and transparency. County legislator Kathy Rapp has been trying to get a better understanding of the Landmark’s problems…
"People would come to the bar, and it was all cash. Surprisingly, they didn't make any money (laughs). Their books were not clear. There was not a lot of transparency with the board."
Board of Trustees President Stephanie Crockett:
"We are diligently working day to day to ensure that the financial picture of the theater is clear, and that we have accurate financial reports to the board to ensure there is not any mystery going forward."
Crockett says the trustees didn’t have the information they needed, which is why there have been management changes. Legislator Rapp is cautiously optimistic the theater is getting back on track. She feels new board members have a better grip on how to run the venue.
"They're basically a rental house. So, the promoter takes all the risk and gets all the payout. So they (the theater) were undercutting the things where they made money...charging less rent, giving away some of the parking proceeds, not taking as much of the cash bars. There's an understanding there are new board members, and they're a much more business-like group."
Rapp says they’ve booked strong shows..Matilda the Musical is just about sold out. And come spring, a new production of Phantom of the Opera is likely to keep the crowds coming for a two week run.
