Publication Date: Fall 2019
On 29 August, KC MOlière: 400 in 2022, Inc. received the official IRS confirmation of our 501 (c) (3) status.
All donations are now tax deductible for 2019 and onward.
Meet our Board Members!
Your five-member Board of Directors had its in initial meeting on 22 July. By-laws were adopted and officers were elected. The board voted to proceed with the incorporation and 501 (c) (3) process; the application was mailed to the IRS on 24 July. Financial projections were discussed.
As president of the board, Felicia Londré carries on the legacy of Kip Niven, founder of Equity Actors’ Readers Theatre (EARTh), whose production of Molière’s The Doctor in Spite of Himself on 4 December 2017 was the genesis of KC MOlière: 400 in 2022. He convinced Felicia to undertake what has become an increasingly large undertaking. Felicia is Curators’ Distinguished Professor Emerita at UMKC where she is in her 42nd year of teaching theatre history. She earned her BA in French at the University of Montana, her MA in Romance Languages at the University of Washington, Seattle, and her Ph.D. in Speech/Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she directed plays in French and English. She was pleased to get two minutes at the inaugural gathering of the Theatre Alliance of Kansas City (TAKC) on 12 August to tell about KC MOlière: 400 in 2022, Inc.
Sarah Ingram-Eiser joined the board as vice president, having offered her assistance in arts endeavors when she and Felicia Londré sat together in the audience of a Black Repertory Theatre of KC production. Sarah graduated from Scripps College in California where she began lifelong friendships with leaders in the arts. She served as chair of the original Missouri Repertory Theatre (now KC Rep) Guild as well as numerous other community and arts boards. Sarah brings her experience as a tax associate for H&R BLOCK and as an international theatregoer ever since her year of study at the University of Florence.
Jim Weitzel, board treasurer, has opened a bank account for KC MOlière: 400 in 2022, Inc. and is working with Fundraising co-chairs Don Dagenais and Bev Elving. Jim brings to the board his experience from a career in commercial real estate marketing and development. He earned his B.S. in Economics at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan Business School. Jim has served on the boards of the Folly Theatre (board president 2011-12), the Unicorn, the American Jazz Museum, and the Homeowners Association of Kansas City. Jim and his wife, Sarah Minogue Weitzel, are also strong supporters of KC Melting Pot Theatre.
Secretary of the board, Chantal Roberts, has contributed far beyond her secretarial duties. As co-chair of the Press and Publications Committee, she has edited every issue of the newsletter, created our website and maintained a 'personal' Facebook page for Jean-Baptiste Poquelin. She answers myriad emails in the persona of Molière’s secretary, so it’s not surprising that she loves to wear costumes and looks forward to a masquerade-ball 399th birthday gala on 15 January 2021. Chantal graduated from Baylor University with dual majors in French and Radio-TV-Film. She and her husband, Aaron Roberts, moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Overland Park in July 2018, just in time to see Rebecca Smith’s article on the Molière project in KC Studio magazine.
With moving crates not yet unpacked, Chantal tracked down Felicia Londré and signed on initially to help with the newsletter, but Chantal has a way of taking initiatives, even as she runs her own business CMR Consulting.
With moving crates not yet unpacked, Chantal tracked down Felicia Londré and signed on initially to help with the newsletter, but Chantal has a way of taking initiatives, even as she runs her own business CMR Consulting.
KC MOlière: 400 in 2022's founder Kip Niven passed away, Press & Publication co-chairs, Chantal Roberts and Rebecca (Becky) Smith, became the main rallying forces to keep our efforts going. Indeed, board member at large, Rebecca Smith, was the driving energy behind the success of our volunteer “getting to know you” party at Diastole on 6 August. She grew up in the St. Louis area and graduated from Indiana University with studies at the University of Hamburg, Germany. Becky and her husband, Phil Smith, met in Chicago, where they both worked in advertising. They and their three children have lived in New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, and Ann Arbor. Becky is an avid supporter of the arts in Kansas City, as you can tell from her articles in KC Studio magazine.
All five board members are active contributors to the work of our committees and share the pleasure of our successful application for non- profit status. The Board of Directors especially looks forward to hiring an administrative assistant who can begin on 1 October to oversee the board’s growing list of initiatives.
Here are the opening paragraphs of the letter, dated 23 August, from the Internal Revenue Service:
We’re pleased to tell you we determined you’re exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 ( c) (3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170. You’re also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106 or 2522. This letter could help resolve questions on your exempt status. Please keep it in your records.
Organizations exempt under IRC Section 501 ( c) (3) are further classified as either public charities or private foundations. We determined you’re a public charity under the IRC Section listed at the top of this letter.
Let the donations begin!
6 August 2019 Volunteer Getting to Know You Party
KC MOlière: 400 in 2022 held its introductory “Getting to Know You” event on August 6 and was, we think all would admit, un grand succès. Admittedly, this was in part due to some fine French wines served but, more importantly, resulted from the talent and commitment level of the attendees, which was, clearly, nonpareil.
A theme seemed to emerge over the course of the evening:
And, surprisingly, it all started with the setting itself.
All five board members are active contributors to the work of our committees and share the pleasure of our successful application for non- profit status. The Board of Directors especially looks forward to hiring an administrative assistant who can begin on 1 October to oversee the board’s growing list of initiatives.
Here are the opening paragraphs of the letter, dated 23 August, from the Internal Revenue Service:
We’re pleased to tell you we determined you’re exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501 ( c) (3). Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170. You’re also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under Section 2055, 2106 or 2522. This letter could help resolve questions on your exempt status. Please keep it in your records.
Organizations exempt under IRC Section 501 ( c) (3) are further classified as either public charities or private foundations. We determined you’re a public charity under the IRC Section listed at the top of this letter.
Let the donations begin!
6 August 2019 Volunteer Getting to Know You Party
KC MOlière: 400 in 2022 held its introductory “Getting to Know You” event on August 6 and was, we think all would admit, un grand succès. Admittedly, this was in part due to some fine French wines served but, more importantly, resulted from the talent and commitment level of the attendees, which was, clearly, nonpareil.
A theme seemed to emerge over the course of the evening:
- Felicia Londré’s energy for Kansas City arts is a tour de force.
- Almost everything connects to Molière.
- There is so much to inspire and motivate us.
And, surprisingly, it all started with the setting itself.
Sincerest appreciation goes to Don Dagenais, chair of the Fundraising Committee, for shepherding the 40-page application process from beginning to completion. It is gratifying that our status confirmation came so promptly, considering that many organizations wait several months for that invaluable letter.
Committee Updates
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Theatre Production co-chairs, John Rensenhouse and Sidonie Garrett, are gathering volunteers to contact local theater companies for a steady schedule of Molière-related productions.
Merci to our Treasurer, Jim Weitzel, for his quick thinking and for taking the video which is posted with John and Jim's permission. |
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Thoroughly Modern Molière
Cynthia Levin and Damron Russel Armstrong, co-chairs, have already begun work for their committee. Unicorn Theatre, in association with Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, seeks to commission a new play influenced by the life of Molière or inspired by his comic spirit or in the form of adaptations of his work to feature diverse contemporary cultures. Submissions will be accepted in the form of proposals sent to Literary@unicorntheatre.org. Proposals should include a 1-2 page concept explanation and rough plot and casting outline (preferably less than 10 actors required). The deadline to submit proposals is January 1, 2020. |
Fundraising Committee co-chairs, Don Dagenais and Bev Elving, set up their first committee meeting for September 2, 2019 to discuss fundraising events. And just in time for their committee, KC MOlière: 400 in 2022, Inc-- the business arm of the festival-- received its 501c3 status!
We are ready to take your donations to become fully funded and help other committees with their goals.
We are ready to take your donations to become fully funded and help other committees with their goals.
Press & Publication
Co-Chairs, Rebecca Smith and Chantal Roberts, have their first meeting set with their committee volunteers on September 5, 2019.
Their committee members have already thought of terrific ways to engage the base of Molière fans and attract new ones.
The festival now has an Instagram account and its own Facebook account. Molière already had his 'personal' Facebook page.
Further the committee plans on featuring guest writers in the blog and tantalizing fans with Fun French Facts.
Make sure you're on the mailing list to keep up to date!
Co-Chairs, Rebecca Smith and Chantal Roberts, have their first meeting set with their committee volunteers on September 5, 2019.
Their committee members have already thought of terrific ways to engage the base of Molière fans and attract new ones.
The festival now has an Instagram account and its own Facebook account. Molière already had his 'personal' Facebook page.
Further the committee plans on featuring guest writers in the blog and tantalizing fans with Fun French Facts.
Make sure you're on the mailing list to keep up to date!
Cultural Context
This committee with its charismatic co-chairs, Linda Ade Brand and Tracy Terstriep, has a large following of volunteers-- and it even has its own sub-committee, the Social Committee, which will coordinate receptions for visiting artists and facilitate arrangements for national press visitors.
The volunteers had several ideas how this committee could take on momentum from cooking classes to dancing classes to fashion shows.
This will definitely be the committee to watch as its mission is to bring all parts of the art community together for the 6 month festival.
This committee with its charismatic co-chairs, Linda Ade Brand and Tracy Terstriep, has a large following of volunteers-- and it even has its own sub-committee, the Social Committee, which will coordinate receptions for visiting artists and facilitate arrangements for national press visitors.
The volunteers had several ideas how this committee could take on momentum from cooking classes to dancing classes to fashion shows.
This will definitely be the committee to watch as its mission is to bring all parts of the art community together for the 6 month festival.
Jennifer Martin and Mechele Leon, co-chairs of the Higher Education Committee, have set their first meeting for their committee members on September 20, 2019. They are excited to hear their volunteers' ideas and questions and believe it will be a rich information sharing time.
Martin English and Dani Trebus, co-chairs, are preparing for the school year and then they will begin reaching out to area schools to promote Molière and French studies as part of their K-12 Education Committee.
The K-12 and Higher Education Committees could be some of the first to celebrate the festival as the educational series will begin in the Fall of 2021. Be sure to check out the timeline for more information!
The K-12 and Higher Education Committees could be some of the first to celebrate the festival as the educational series will begin in the Fall of 2021. Be sure to check out the timeline for more information!
Who better to chair the International Committee than someone of French heritage living in Kansas City, Cyprienne Simchowicz?
Cyprienne has been quietly working away with her contacts letting them know about our organization and festival. It was she who suggested the newsletter have a small snippet en français to engage the wider international readers. And we're happy to oblige. KC MOlière: 400 in 2022's mission and Kansas City's history have been combined for a comprehensive statement here.
Cyprienne has been quietly working away with her contacts letting them know about our organization and festival. It was she who suggested the newsletter have a small snippet en français to engage the wider international readers. And we're happy to oblige. KC MOlière: 400 in 2022's mission and Kansas City's history have been combined for a comprehensive statement here.
Continuation from Getting to Know You...
Felicia spoke first, fully honoring Kip Niven, from whom the idea of KC MOlière: 400 in 2022 originated. She also thanked Don Dagenais for his generous and crucial help in formalizing the organization. Felicia gave a general background and an overview and then invited the various committees to detail their activities and plans.
A lively Questions and Discussions period wrapped up the presentations. Chantal moderated the audience participation, which was expansive and enthusiastic. Ideas flowed. Happily, offers to volunteer also flowed following the presentations. Which was the event’s raison d’être, after all.
Midway through the committee presentations, the gathering was treated to three delightful Baroque Period performances.
Claire Davis (Co-Chair of the Social Committee with Georgianna Buchanan) performed a soliloquy from, appropriately, Le Tartuffe. En français.
Ryan Head, UMKC graduate student in guitar studies, performed a lovely piece by Molière contemporary, Robert de Visèe.
Tracy Terstriep demonstrated Court Ballet deportment, ably accompanied by cellist, Trilla Ray-Carter.
Actually, it had been an entire hour of entertainment in the kiva. The presenters generated great laughing and cheering. Most of them were accustomed to winning over audiences regularly; they did exactly that.
Guitarist Ryan Head perhaps spoke for all when he wrote the next day, “I wasn't sure what to expect, and, to be honest, I had imagined something rather stuffy and academic. I couldn't have been more wrong! Everyone was so charming and enthusiastic; I was filled with optimism for your project.”
Felicia spoke first, fully honoring Kip Niven, from whom the idea of KC MOlière: 400 in 2022 originated. She also thanked Don Dagenais for his generous and crucial help in formalizing the organization. Felicia gave a general background and an overview and then invited the various committees to detail their activities and plans.
- Chantal Roberts and Rebecca Smith, “Press & Publications”, described the website, newsletter, Facebook presence, upcoming blogs and offerings, and asked for social media-savvy assistance.
- From “Higher Education”, Mechele Leon (Co-Chair Jennifer Martin was not able to attend), impressed the crowd with the extensive communication and efforts in progress with local schools and institutions.
- Stephanie Roberts, Co-Chair of “UMKC Theatre’s Molière” initiatives, highlighted various ideas percolating and, in particular, a Mobile Molière project.
- “K-12” Committee Co-Chairs, Martin English and Dani Trebus, announced they would be reaching out to area grade schools to promote development of their own programs and/or participation in other offerings. They were pleased to proclaim the support of Jeff Church and The Coterie Theatre.
- Linda Ade Brand and Tracy Terstriep, of “Cultural Contact” alluded to a nearly limitless scope of Molière-connected activities. Linda held up the book Molière a Theatrical Life by Virginia Scott, as recommended reading for all. Not surprising to anyone, Felicia had a personal connection to the book.
- “International” committee’s Cyprienne Simchowicz enumerated several French media contacts. Affiliations with Ireland, as well as France were mentioned.
- Cynthia Levin and Damron Russell Armstrong of “Thoroughly Modern Molière” highlighted the contest for new Molière and Molière-inspired plays, which they will spearhead as part of the National New Play Network. Armstrong emphasized the determination to deliver inclusivity and diversity in the material.
- “Theatre Production” was the last committee to speak. Chair John Rensenhouse led off with Tartuffe’s famous Act 3 entrance, proffering a handkerchief while leeringly asking his co-chair, Sidonie Garrett, to “cover that bosom that I ought not to see”. They then explained how they will coordinate with the local theater companies for a steady schedule of Molière-related productions.
A lively Questions and Discussions period wrapped up the presentations. Chantal moderated the audience participation, which was expansive and enthusiastic. Ideas flowed. Happily, offers to volunteer also flowed following the presentations. Which was the event’s raison d’être, after all.
Midway through the committee presentations, the gathering was treated to three delightful Baroque Period performances.
Claire Davis (Co-Chair of the Social Committee with Georgianna Buchanan) performed a soliloquy from, appropriately, Le Tartuffe. En français.
Ryan Head, UMKC graduate student in guitar studies, performed a lovely piece by Molière contemporary, Robert de Visèe.
Tracy Terstriep demonstrated Court Ballet deportment, ably accompanied by cellist, Trilla Ray-Carter.
Actually, it had been an entire hour of entertainment in the kiva. The presenters generated great laughing and cheering. Most of them were accustomed to winning over audiences regularly; they did exactly that.
Guitarist Ryan Head perhaps spoke for all when he wrote the next day, “I wasn't sure what to expect, and, to be honest, I had imagined something rather stuffy and academic. I couldn't have been more wrong! Everyone was so charming and enthusiastic; I was filled with optimism for your project.”