HomeMy WebLinkAboutCarlsbad Playhouse DBA Carlsbad Playreaders; 2026-01-13; PSALCA-26017CA1
PSALCA-26017CA
2026 ROBERT H. GARTNER GRANT AGREEMENT
FOR CARLSBAD PLAYHOUSE DBA CARLSBAD PLAYREADERS
This agreement is made on the ______ day of ____________, 2026, by Carlsbad Playhouse DBA Carlsbad
Playreaders, a California nonprofit corporation, hereinafter referred to as “Grantee,” and the City of
Carlsbad, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as “City” (the “Agreement”) (collectively, the
“Parties”). City, as Grantor, agrees to provide Grantee the Grant funds awarded to Grantee for FY 2025-26,
in an amount not-to-exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) (“Grant”). The purpose of this Grant is to
provide funds to the Grantee for the project described in the Agreement Scope (“Agreement Scope”),
which establishes Carlsbad Playreaders as a theater-in-residence for the Library & Cultural Arts
Department for the 2026 calendar year.
Project Title: Carlsbad Playreaders 2026 Season
The Grant provided herein is comprised of funds from the Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation’s Robert H.
Gartner Cultural Endowment fund. Therefore, to ensure that the funds are used as described by the
endowment requirements, in accordance with the law, the City and Grantee hereby agree to the following
terms:
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF GRANT
1. TERM. The term of this Agreement shall mean the period commencing on the effective date of this
Agreement and expiring on Dec. 31, 2026. The term of this Agreement may be extended by mutual
written agreement of the parties. The parties will prepare a written amendment indicating the
effective date and length of extended Agreement.
2. USE OF CARLSBAD LIBRARY AND ARTS FOUNDATION’S ROBERT H. GARTNER CULTURAL ENDOWMENT
PROCEEDS.
a. Grant funds are to be disbursed as outlined in this Agreement in consideration of and on
condition that the sum be expended in carrying out the purpose as set forth in the Agreement
Scope and under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. Grantee agrees to
assume any obligation to furnish any additional funds that may be necessary to complete the
Agreement Scope.
b. Costs accrued for services and/or supplies are eligible for funding or reimbursement for events
from Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2026.
3. IN-KIND FUNDING. As per the selection committee, Grantee will receive a fee waiver for the rental of
the Schulman Auditorium and up to two staff technicians for rehearsal and/or setup time adjacent to
the performance (not to exceed double the performance duration). The Grantee is responsible for
providing one (1) front-of-house manager and one (1) to two (2) volunteer ushers, for each
performance.
Grantee must also provide documentation to support each performance for their in-kind support in the
Schulman Auditorium
• Technical Request Form / Equipment check-out information – Exhibit “C”
• Technical Rider / Stage Plot – Exhibit “D” - support setup and takedown requirements
identified in the technical rider using an equipment list approved by the city
• Run-of-Show – Exhibit “E”
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If the Grantee opts-in to Event/Program Promotional Opportunities (Item #6), the Grantee will work with
the city to ensure existing City timelines are met, and timely promotion takes place. If the Grantee opts-
out, as outlined in Scope of Grant Exhibit “A,” Item #4, the Grantee will be solely responsible for all
program publicity and promotion.
4. CONDITIONS OF FUNDING AND DISBURSEMENT. City shall have no obligation to provide the Grant
proceeds or to make any subsequent disbursement of Grant proceeds, and may seek reimbursement
of Grant proceeds, if any of the following requirements are not fully satisfied:
a. Grantee agrees to use Grant funds to implement the Agreement Scope, including using the
Grant funds to only cover expenditures for programs and services incurred during the
Agreement Scope dates and under the terms and conditions of this Grant Agreement.
b. Grantee shall certify that the Agreement Scope is within Carlsbad city limits or that the
Grantee’s main address is within Carlsbad city limits.
c. Grantee shall complete all work in accordance with Agreement Scope.
d. As soon as reasonably possible, but in no case later than thirty (30) calendar days, Grantee
shall notify the City of events or proposed changes that could affect the Agreement Scope.
e. Grantee shall be responsible for the performance of the work, as set forth herein, and for the
preparation of reports required by this Agreement.
f. Before Grantee makes any material changes to the Agreement Scope, Grantee agrees to
submit to the city, in writing, a proposal requesting changes to the Agreement Scope. Grantee
shall make no material changes to the Agreement Scope unless and until City formally
approves the Grantee’s request in writing.
g. Grantee agrees to acknowledge the City’s Grant consistent with the programming proposal
form, attached hereto as Exhibit “B.”
h. Grantee shall provide full and timely information to the City to update staff on programs and
include naming the City in any publications and/or social media, whether in digital or print
format, as opportunities arise. All publicity materials, press releases, publications and fliers
shall include: “Carlsbad Playreaders is made possible in part by the Carlsbad Library & Arts
Foundation’s Robert H. Gartner Endowment Fund.”
i. Grantee shall retain all records and support documentation, including expenditure receipts
applicable to the Agreement Scope and this Agreement for a period of three (3) years, and
make all records and supporting documentation readily available, upon request, for inspection
and/or audit by representatives of the City.
5. RETURN OF GRANT FUNDS. Any determination, by the City, of noncompliance with activities and
expenditures outlined in the Agreement Scope without prior notice and express approval by the City,
upon demand by the City, Grantee agrees to return to the City the amount requested by the City, up to
and including an amount equivalent to the full Grant award. Failure of the Grantee to comply with the
terms of this Agreement shall not be the cause for return of Grant funds if, in the judgement of the City,
such failure was due to no fault of the Grantee.
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6. EVENT/PROGRAM PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. Grantee has the option to supply event and/or
program information including the date, location, time, admission, parking, play synopsis, photo(s),
required acknowledgments and related details for inclusion in Cultural Arts’ communications such as e-
newsletter, emails and website. At its discretion, the Cultural Arts Office will provide support in
distributing the information through the city’s established channels of communication. If Grantee wishes
to participate, the Grantee needs to submit the information to the Cultural Arts Office at least 45 days
prior to the event or program.
Please initial box to opt-in to promotional opportunities
7. REQUIRED REPORTS. Failure to complete the following reports may render the recipient ineligible to
receive the full and final payment of the Grant award.
a. Submit a 12-month work plan to the city within thirty (30) calendar days after the Grant
Agreement execution, on or before Jan. 31, 2026.
b. Submit a four-month scorecard of said workplan at midpoint of the grant season, on or before
May 31, 2026.
c. Submit a year-end report, including all required attachments, to the City within thirty (30)
calendar days after the Agreement Scope end date or Dec. 31, 2026, whichever is earlier.
Grantees in noncompliance with the above reporting requirements agree to return some or all of the
initial Grant payment if requested by the City. Additionally, if Grantee is found to be in noncompliance,
Grantee agrees that for the year immediately following a determination of noncompliance, Grantee
shall be ineligible to receive any new grants from the City.
8. DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FUNDS. The Grant amount to be provided to the Grantee, under this
Agreement, may be disbursed as follows:
a. First payment of 80 percent of Grant will be disbursed upon approval of 2026 proposal form as
applicable, and receipt of fully executed contract.
b. Final payment of 20 percent of Grant will be disbursed upon receipt of Final Report and
approval by City staff.
c. Any payment of a Grant amount in excess of the final Project costs shall be returned to the City
within sixty (60) days of completion of the Agreement Scope or the Project end date,
whichever is earliest.
9. PROJECT CANCELLATION.
a. If a Grantee wishes to cancel a Project at any time, Grantee shall notify the City in writing
within fifteen (15) calendar days of the decision to cancel and Grantee, at the time it provides
the City with notice of cancellation, shall return all Grant funds to the City.
b. In the event an approved Agreement Scope cannot be completed for any reason, and if Grant
funds were disbursed to Grantee, Grantee agrees to return all Grant funds to the City
forthwith.
10. PROJECT MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION.
a. Grantee may unilaterally rescind this Agreement at any time prior to the commencement of
the Project, or prior to first disbursement of funds. After Project commencement, as outlined
in the Agreement Scope, or disbursement of Grant funds, this Agreement may be rescinded,
modified or amended only by mutual agreement, in writing, of both the City and Grantee.
11. LOSS OF GRANT. At the discretion of the City, the following actions may result in a loss of all or in part
of any Grant amount allocated to the Grantee:
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a. Grantee fails to enter into a signed Agreement with the City within sixty (60) calendar days of
receipt of the Agreement.
b. Activities associated with Grantee occur that do not align with activities described in the
Agreement Scope, including, but not limited to, reduction in services, significant alteration of
Agreement Scope elements, such as performers, artists or attendees, or significant changes in
budget income, expenses or line-item designations from Grantee’s budget, included in the
Agreement Scope.
c. Grantee withdraws or terminates the Agreement Scope.
d. Grantee fails to complete the Agreement Scope and/or fails to submit all required reports
and/or documentation before Dec. 31, 2026.
12. COVENANT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION. Grantee agrees that neither it nor its agents shall discriminate
against any clients, prospective clients, employees, prospective employees, contractors, or prospective
contractors on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or familial status.
13. NOTICES.
a. The names and addresses of the persons who are authorized to give written notices to receive
written notice on behalf of City and on behalf of Grantee under this Agreement.
b. Each party will notify the other immediately of any changes of address that would require any
notice or delivery to be directed to another address.
For Grantee: For City:
Carlsbad Playhouse DBA Carlsbad Playreaders City of Carlsbad
Attn: Tom Brault, Treasurer Thomas Johnston
4567 Blackwell Road, 1775 Dove Lane
Oceanside, CA 92056 Carlsbad, CA 92011
Email: tombrault@hotmail.com Email: thomas.johnston@carlsbadca.gov
14. INDEMNIFICATION. Grantee hereby agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold free and harmless the City,
its officers and employees, against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs (including but not limited
to attorney's fees) and liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of, or related in any way
whatsoever to the provision of Grant proceeds.
15. NO PARTNERSHIP OR JOINT VENTURE. The relationship between City and Grantee is solely that of
Grantor and Grantee. Under no circumstances shall City and Grantee be deemed as creating a
partnership, joint venture, agency, or any other form of legal association that would impose liability
upon one party for any act or failure to act by the other party.
16. MODIFICATIONS. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by written document
executed by a duly authorized representative of both the City and the Grantee.
17. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and be governed by the laws
of the State of California. Venue, in the event of a dispute, shall be in the North San Diego County
Superior Court.
18. SEVERABILITY. In the event that any provision or clause of this Agreement conflicts with applicable
law, such conflict shall not affect other provisions of this Agreement, which can be given effect without
the conflicting provision. To this end, the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable.
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19. DRAFTING AMBIGUITIES. Grantee understands that it is aware that it has the right to be advised by
counsel with respect to the negotiations, terms and conditions of this Agreement, and that the
decision of whether or not to seek advice of counsel with respect to this Agreement is a decision which
is the sole responsibility of Grantee. This Agreement shall not be construed in favor of or against either
Party by reason of the extent to which either Party participated in the drafting of this Agreement.
20. SIGNING AUTHORITY.
The representative for each Party signing on behalf of a corporation, partnership, joint venture or
governmental entity hereby declares that authority has been obtained to sign on behalf of the
corporation, partnership, joint venture, or entity and agrees to hold the other Party or Parties hereto
harmless if it is later determined that such authority does not exist.
GRANTEE, Carlsbad Playhouse DBA Carlsbad CITY OF CARLSBAD, a municipal corporation of
Playreaders, a California nonprofit corporation, the State of California
*By: By:
(1st signature here) SUZANNE SMITHSON
Library & Cultural Arts Director
TOM BRAULT, CPR Board Treasurer As authorized by the City Manager
(Print name/Title)
tombrault@hotmail.com ATTEST: For SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(Email address)
*By: By:
(2nd Signature here) Morgen Fry, Assistant City Clerk
WILLIAM DERN, Board President
(Print name/Title)
wderndds@gmail.com
(Email address)
If required by City, proper notary acknowledgment of execution by contractor must be attached. If a
Corporation, Agreement must be signed by one corporate officer from each of the following two groups.
*Group A. **Group B.
Chairman, Secretary,
President, or Assistant Secretary,
Vice-President CFO or Assistant Treasurer
Otherwise, the corporation must attach a resolution certified by the secretary or assistant secretary under
corporate seal empowering the officer(s) signing to bind the corporation.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
For CINDIE K. MCMAHON, City Attorney
By:
Anayeli Zavala, Deputy City Attorney
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EXHIBIT “A”
SCOPE OF GRANT
Grantee presented a proposal requesting funding assistance for nine productions for Grantee’s 2026
Season. All performances will be at the Carlsbad City Library’s Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove
Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011 from February to December 2026. Grantee was accepted as a project worthy
of receiving cultural endowment funding based on the vision statement – “Presenting plays that seek to
explore the human condition and, thereby, enrich the lives of audiences in Carlsbad and neighboring
communities” and their proposal.
1. CONTACT INFORMATION.
Grantee
• Board President William Dern, 760-207-7803, Email: wderndds@gmail.com
• CPR Board Treasurer, Tom Brault, Email: tombrault@hotmail.com
City
• Cultural Arts Manager Craddock Stropes, 442-339-2726, craddock.stropes@carlsbadca.gov
• Programs & Venues Coordinator Thomas Johnston, 442-339-2093, thomas.johnston@carlsbadca.gov
• Cultural Arts Administration 442-339-2090
2. GRANTEE MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING TO SATISFY GRANT FUNDING.
• Required with contract - Event Proposal
• Required thirty (30) days after execution of Grant agreement - 12-month workplan, on or before
Jan. 31, 2026.
• Required by May 31, 2026 - Mid-season report of objectives and outcomes
• Required on or before Dec. 31, 2026 - Post-season final report
3. SCHEDULE FOR 2026 CARLSBAD PLAYREADERS SEASON.
Performance: First Mondays from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Season 2026 will run from February through
December 2026, with eight (8) productions and one (1) open-call audition day, totaling nine (9) events.
City staff technicians will be on site and available from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Date Event Title
02/02/2026 California Suite
03/02/2026 Lifespan of a Fact
04/06/2026 Anthropology
05/04/2026 Mary Jane
06/01/2026 Fifth of July
08/31/2026 All the Natalie Portmans
10/05/2026 Underdog: The Other Other Brontë
11/02/2026 Side by Side by Sondheim
12/07/2026 Open Call Auditions
*Final Selection of plays depends upon securing performance rights
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4. GRANTEE REQUIREMENTS.
• To assure a quality experience and safety considerations, Grantee will provide a front of house
manager and one to two volunteer ushers onsite one-hour prior to curtain.
• Grantee will provide a run-of-show, for each performance, 72 hours before scheduled
performance.
• Grantee will provide the technical rider requirements in writing, i.e., stage set-up, with all
technical needs using an equipment list approved by the City, detailed in Exhibit “D.”
• Grantee will be solely responsible for the marketing and promotion materials of its
performances included but not limited to programs, posters, flyers, and social media.
• Grantee will provide a four-month scorecard that demonstrates goals and outcomes at the
midway point of the season and grant agreement, due on or before May 31, 2026.
• Grantee will provide a post-season report that includes attendance figures for each
performance and the full season; a detailed budget-to-actual financial summary; and a narrative
outlining audience response, any feedback received, and observations that may inform future
programming, front-of-house operations, venue needs, or technical improvements.
• All requests and reports shall be submitted to Programs and Venues Coordinator, Thomas
Johnston and/or his designee and shall be sufficiently detailed.
5. HEALTH & SAFETY.
During any health-related pandemic, all activities occurring at City facilities, all Parties must adhere to
the guidance from the state, county, and local authorities on health and safety protocols. City staff will
inform Contractor of the current guidelines prior to their arrival and entering any City facility. Safety
protocols may include, but are not limited to, hand washing, temperature testing, requiring a face
covering, and maintaining physical distancing of six feet. The safety protocols may be modified at any
time due to changing rules, regulations, or circumstances.
6. INVOICING/PAYMENT.
• 80% payment, eight thousand dollars ($8,000) due upon execution of agreement.
• 20% payment, two thousand dollars ($2,000) due upon acceptance of final report.
All payment approval will be completed by the City’s Library & Cultural Arts Director or designee.
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1.Group or individual proposing program
Carlsbad Playhouse (DBA Carlsbad Playreaders - CPR)Carlsbad Playreaders is a project of the Carlsbad Playhouse
2.Contact person with mailing address, phone number and email address
Tom Brault, Board Treasurer, 4567 Blackwell Road, Oceanside, CA 92056 tombrault@hotmail.com 760-583-4437
OR
William Dern, Board President, 1334 Woodview Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056 wderndds@gmail.com 760-207-7803
3.Proposed title of program
CARLSBAD PLAYREADERS 2026 Play Season
4.Proposed date(s) and time(s) of program, including rehearsal time and event startand end time for Schulman Auditorium
PERFORMANCE: 7:00 pm–9:00 pm on the first Monday of the month (except forsummer and holiday periods). Season runs between February and November, witheight regular productions scheduled in 2026.
REHEARSALS: Two rehearsals are held off-site. The final tech rehearsal is
held in the Auditorium on the show date, with the call time usually at 4 pm.
2026 Season (Rights for all plays have been obtained for these dates)02/02/2026 - California Suite (comedy) 03/02/2026 - Lifespan of a Fact (dramatic comedy) 04/06/2026 -Anthropology (drama) 05/04/2026 -Mary Jane (drama) 06/01/2026 -Fifth of July (comedy/drama) 08/31/2026 -All the Natalie Portmans (drama) 10/05/2026 -Underdog – The Other Bronte (drama) 11/02/2026 -Side by Side by Sondheim (musical)
EXHIBIT “B”
2026 Program Proposal for the
Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation
Robert H. Gartner Cultural Endowment Fund
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5.Description of program, including short bios for performers and/or presenters and
samples of your work.
The acting technique of play reading uses the voice, facial expressions,
gestures, and body language to bring characters and situations to life. Thereare no costumes, props, or sets. The audience members must listen and usetheir imaginations to “see” the story unfolding before them.
Carlsbad Playreaders was initially founded as Carlsbad Playhouse in 1995 by
Pat and Jim Hansen. This husband-and-wife team, both accomplished actors,teachers, and mentors in the theater community, continued to serve asEmeritus members on the Carlsbad Playreaders Board of Directors until theirpassing in 2022.
Performances are held on Mondays when professional theaters are typicallydark. This allows the CPR Artistic Director to draw from a pool of professionaldirectors, music directors, and actors to perform on the Schulman Auditoriumstage. These professionals are paid stipends according to Actors EquityAssociation rules.
o William Dern is the Board President. He is an active board member at theOceanside Rotary with extensive experience on boards.
o o Tom Brault is the Board Treasurer. Tom is also an active member of theOceanside Rotary with extensive experience on boards, and a longtimetheatre supporter and performer in the San Diego community.
o Gerilyn Brault is our Board Secretary and will assist with marketing andsocial media. She is a professional actor, director, and also an adjunctprofessor in the Theater Departments at MiraCosta, Palomar, andGrossmont Colleges.
o Melissa Fernandes is our Artistic Director. She is a talented actor /director / producer with over 30 years of professional theater experienceat venues throughout San Diego County.
o Sharon Duchi, actor, director, and owner/manager of a theater in
Temecula for over 20 years, joined the Board with the responsibility forobtaining performance rights and materials.
o Holiday Geiger is a key volunteer for our Box Office. This includes BoxOffice set up, selling tickets, maintaining attendance and cash-on-hand
records.
o Rona Djeddah, Wendy Sabin Lasker, Becky Cherlin Baird, and Rachel D.White serve as Members-at-Large with responsibility for serving asliaisons to the public, with a focus on diversity, POC, youth, Carlsbad,
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and the North County community. They also provide advice and
guidance as objective members of the Board.
6.Target audience(s) and estimated attendance
The primary audience continues to be seniors and many of the Library’sregular program attendees. Due to strategic show selection, increased PR, andtargeted marketing, Playreaders programs are gradually attracting a youngerand more diverse audience.
CPR plans to continue seeking collaborations with various organizations toincrease attendance by groups. For example, plans for 2026 include
continuing our targeted marketing to local high school and college dramaprograms to encourage younger, theater-oriented individuals to attend.
Playreaders performances have been working toward building back ouraverage attendance since the pandemic shutdown. Our per show average
audience increased from 64 in the 2022 season to 75.3 in 2023 and 86.6 in2024. The 2025 season has seen somewhat lower numbers (down to anaverage of 69 per show so far), with attendance being impacted by severalfactors which were outside of our control: 1) The temporary relocation of ourreadings from the Schulman Auditorium during its renovation proved to be a
challenge maintaining audience continuity; and 2) Two of our shows in the2025 season ended up being scheduled and produced at more establishedprofessional theaters after we had already booked and announced our lineup.
7.Programming goal (desired outcome of program)
Since its founding in 1995, the mission of Carlsbad Playreaders is to “presentplays that seek to explore the human condition and, thereby, enrich the lives
of audiences in Carlsbad and neighboring communities.”
The Board also recognizes the importance of being inclusive as a theatrecompany. CPR will continue its dedication to lift up underrepresented voicesand serve a broader audience:
-by including female playwrights (4 once again in the coming season),playwrights of color, and playwrights from the LGBTQIA+ community.
-by seeking a mix and balance of comedies and dramas and a musical tooffer “something for everyone” in the season.
-by exploring inclusive casting of roles, beyond gender or ethnicity.
CPR wants audience members to walk out of the auditorium, thinking about the play and talking about it with their friends and families. If the play is a shorter one-act, the cast and director have the option to add a talkback. We want our audiences to come in to the performance with anticipation and to walk out with satisfaction. We want them to discover and appreciate the play reading format.
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CPR’s goal is to continue as a source of excellence in the performing arts for
audiences, the professional theater community, and the City of Carlsbad.
8.AV needs for rehearsals and performance(s)
The tech rehearsal and performance require the use of the sound system,
including the sound board, speakers, and one microphone and stand perperformer. Assistive listening devices are occasionally requested by membersof the audience. On occasion, the option of video recording of performanceswould be useful for our marketing and archival purposes. City Staff works withthe CPR Stage Manager and Board members for set up and clean up.
9.Prelim. program budget, request for funding & other identified funding sources
a) Production
•Directors for plays (7) - $120 each
•Director for musical - $160
•Professional stage manager/technical production (8) - $150 per show
•Artistic Director - $100 per show
•Actors (Total = 40)
o For plays: 36 roles are planned for this season - $120 each (oras mandated by Actor’s Equity Association)o Stipends offered to participants in our musicals is higher, due
to extra rehearsal time and the addition of a musical director.Actors (4), Director, and Music Director receive $160 each
b)Rights and materials
•Royalties/performance rights: average $207 per show
•Meals provided to actors / director in the short time between techand performance - $720 for the season
•Purchase of scripts: $820 for the season
•Cost of enlarging and printing scripts: $480 per season
o Enlarged copies are required by some actors for optimal readabilityon stage
c)Other - Website costs, marketing, and publicity: $225 per show
o To more effectively promote our productions, we continue to
dedicate funds within our budget for publicity and marketing. Theseefforts have helped us to build awareness of our program andencourage attendanceFiling fees: $100 for the year
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OTHER FUNDING SOURCES:
1) The Carlsbad Library and Cultural Arts Foundation’s Robert H. GartnerCultural Endowment Fund has been the major and vitally important fundingsource for Carlsbad Playreaders to continue our mission of education and entertainment.
2)Carlsbad Playreaders has also received a Community Arts Grant from the Cityof Carlsbad for the past three years, averaging $4,675 per year. (We anticipate
that CAG funding will be phased out for us after the current fiscal year.)3) Suggested Ticket donations of $1 for students/military and $5 for adults coveronly a portion of the expenses. This is typical for theater companies.
(Anticipated ticket sales for the coming season is approximately $3,000.)4)A number of patrons voluntarily give more than the suggested ticket amountas a donation to the organization.5) Carlsbad Playreaders plans to roll out a “Pay What You Can” structure tohopefully receive enhanced ticket income while still being a valued and
affordable entertainment option for the community. We also have set a goal toactively seek other outside grants and encourage separate patroncontributions to help fund our productions.
2026 Season Projected Expenses
Expense Avg. Cost per show Season Cost
Professional Stipends :
36 play actors in season @ $120 4 actors - musical @ $160 Director x 7 plays Director x 1 musical Musical Director x 1 musical
Artistic Director x 8 shows Stage Manager x 8 shows
SubTotal
$ 617 640 120 160 160
100 150
$ 4,320 640 840 160 160
800 1,200
$ 8,120
Royalties for 8 shows Avg of $207 $ 207 $ 1,655 Scripts (required purchases) 102 820
Printing or enlarging of scripts 60 480
Meal for actors 90 720 Website and season publicity 225 1,800
Filing fees n/a 100
SubTotal $ 5,575
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 13,695
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2026 Season Projected Other Funding Sources
Expense Cost per show Season Cost
Community Arts Grant (for shows left
in 2025-26 grant cycle)
Anticipated Ticket Sales Projection of Donations
TOTAL OTHER INCOME
$ 453
375 40
$ 2.265
3,000 320
$ 5,585
Projected Deficit (Income minus Expenses) $ 8,110
FUNDING REQUEST FOR THE 2026 PLAY SEASON: $ 10,000
Note: Carlsbad Playreaders has historically requested and received a waiver for
the use of the Schulman Auditorium
10.Have you presented this program before? If so, note changes from past program,
what level of funding was budgeted for the previous program, and what was theaudience attendance.
Carlsbad Playreaders has been a popular cultural arts event at the SchulmanAuditorium since 1995. Attendance has ranged between 50 – 150 per show. Asnoted previously, attendance has seen strong post-pandemic growth, withaverage attendance from 2022 to 2025 at 73.467 per show.
The projected expenses for the previous year totaled $15,356, a bit higherthan our 2026 budgeted amount due to the expansion of our 2025 seasonfrom 8 to 9 performances in celebration of our 30th anniversary year.
11.Will this program be free? If not, what admission fee is planned?
Donations are requested but not required for admission. The suggested fee is$1 for students, $5 for adults, and $10 for those wanting to give as “CarlsbadPlayreaders Supporters.” In the coming 2026 season, we will be trying out theconcept of inviting patrons to “Pay What You Can” for tickets, in hopes ofenhancing our box office receipts.
12.Who from your organization will be present during the performance?
The Artistic Director, the Stage Manager, and the Box Office volunteers are allpresent at the performance, and the expectation is that other Board Memberswill attend each performance as well, when available, to assist.
PSALCA-26017CADocusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820
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13.How will your organization promote the performance?
•The Carlsbad Playreaders publicity flyers, posters, and programs areprinted and distributed through the Library & Cultural Arts Department,as well as used in social media posts and patron emails
•Programs for each performance have an announcement about the nextupcoming production, and a QR code to link to our website.
•Regular email promos and updates are sent to audience members whohave signed up for email notifications of upcoming shows.
•Publicity is posted to social media, including CPR’s Facebook andInstagram page, meet up groups, and a Facebook page devoted toNorth County theater news.
•The activities directors at various local senior communities have beencontacted to publicize CPR and encourage group attendance.
•Our Members-At-Large serve as liaisons to the North County
community, promoting Carlsbad Playreader productions both toindividuals and organizations.
SUMMARY
The Carlsbad Playreaders Board is tremendously excited to continue presenting
high quality, affordable performances on the stage of the Schulman Auditorium.
Our patrons look forward to our live performances of compelling dramatic
stories, comedies that tickle the funny-bone, and musicals which showcase San
Diego County’s theatre professionals in an intimate setting.
We are grateful to the Carlsbad City Library and Cultural Arts Office for
supporting Carlsbad Playreaders through the years. The use of the Schulman
Auditorium and funding by the Robert H. Gartner Cultural Endowment Fund is an
honor and a privilege which we most sincerely appreciate. Thank you for your
ongoing support.
Tom Brault Board Treasurer Carlsbad Playreaders
PSALCA-26017CADocusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820
Schulman Auditorium – Equipment Check-Out & Tech
Request Form
EXHIBIT “C”
Tech Request Form and Equipment Check-Out
Event / Production Details
Event / Show Title
Organization / Grantee
Performance Date(s) / Time(s)
Rehearsal Date(s)
Primary Contact / On-Site Lead:
Phone / Email
Equipment & Technical Requests (Quantities subject to availability)
Wireless Mikes – Handheld Wireless Mics – Lavalier
Wired Microphones (advance notice)
Music Stands (8 available) Steinway Piano (1 available)
Audio – Bluetooth Audio – Wired Input
Chairs (12 available)
Special Lighting (advance notice) General Stage Wash Lighting
Tables (Ticket Booth)
Front Projector Rear Projector
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PSALCA-26017CA
Docusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820
Schulman Auditorium – Equipment Check-Out & Tech
Request Form
Tech Info
Stage Plot Attached? Yes No
Full Tech Rider Attached? Yes No
Playback Needs Bluetooth Wired Both
Lighting Notes
Equipment Condition
Condition Out
Condition In
Acknowledgement
Grantee Signature Date
City Staff Signature Date
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PSALCA-26017CA
Docusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820
I I I
TECHNICAL RIDER
Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/cultural-arts
1)Artist/Band Name: __________________________________________________________
2)List all inputs required for vocals and instruments, and be as specific as you can. We have
microphones and stands, direct boxes, cabling, a Steinway piano, and the ability to connect
devices via Bluetooth. Anything else will need to be provided by performer(s).
Vocals (quantity of microphones, lead, back-up, etc.):
4)Do you have any backing tracks? Y/N
a)If yes, how will they be played and what kind of connection do you need?
5)Any other questions? Y/N If so, please list your questions.
6)Please fill out the attached stage diagram or use ridermaker.com and send
us a .pdf of the plot.
Instruments (quantity of each instrument, direct in, DI needed, microphone, etc.):
Devices (iPad, phone, laptop, other type of device, need Bluetooth, direct it, etc.):
3)We have four stage monitors with four distinct mixes. What quantity of monitors and mixes do
you want? Please provide, with as much detail as possible.
EXHIBIT “D”
Technical Rider/Stage Plot
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PSALCA-26017CA
Docusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820
{city of
Carlsbad
Cultural Arts
TECHNICAL RIDER
Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/cultural-arts
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Stage dimensions: 29.5’ wide X 13.5’ (front of stage to screen or midline curtain) or 20.5’ (front of stage to
where storage cabinets are). You can either utilize the whole stage and not have any real backstage area, or
you can use the projector and screen (potentially as a digital backdrop) or the midline and have a little
backstage area. You can load in through the South Parking Lot or East Parking Lot door.
Page 2 of 2
PSALCA-26017CA
Docusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820
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EXHIBIT “E”
Run of Show
Start
Time End Time Duration Activity / Segment Location / Space Responsible Person(s) Notes / Contingency
12:00 PM 12:30 PM 30 min Venue opens & crew arrival –
sound/lighting check Lobby & hall Stage Manager, Tech Lead [EXAMPLE]
PSALCA-26017CADocusign Envelope ID: 498A8349-393A-4493-AB19-C17FF21E9820