Friends of the Dixie Gives Operations Update, Seeks Formal Agreement

Friends of the Dixie chair, Dr. Krista Martin, updated Huntingdon’s Council about Dixie operations at their meeting on November 25, as well as requested that the town considers entering into a memorandum of understanding to formally establish the group’s operational role.

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ADDRESSING THE COUNCIL - Dr. Krista Martin, Chair of the Friends of the Dixie organization gives Huntingdon Council members an update on Dixie operations. Jesse Joseph/Carroll County Observer

Back in April, Martin pitched the idea of allowing the Friends of the Dixie nonprofit group assume operations of the theater in an effort to alleviate the town of the financial burdens that go along with operating a performing arts theater.

They have since been handling all operations.

Over the past several months, Martin said the organization has handled show bookings, paid for artists and technical crews, absorbed production expenses, provided volunteer labor for deep cleaning and backstage upgrades, and covered ongoing costs ranging from hospitality to marketing to stagehands.

“When you’re the one writing the checks, you learn very quickly how many hidden costs there are,” she said. “And these are costs the city does not need to bear.”

She said that the learning curve was an immense one, but they’ve managed to work through it.

“We did not know what we did not know,” Martin said. “It takes hours of research, offers, emails, and negotiations just to get one contract fully executed.”

Martin also emphasized that the volunteers have been willing to do whatever the building needed.

“We’ve scrubbed toilets. We’ve vacuumed corners that haven’t seen daylight in years,” she said. “Our goal is to preserve the Dixie, grow its audience, and do it without burdening the taxpayers.”

She told the council the group’s next step depends on the MOU.

“We’re not asking for less responsibility. We’re asking for written clarity so we can secure grants, continue programming, and plan for the future.”

The Friends organization is a nonprofit, and eligible to receive far more grants than the town itself, according to Martin.

She said their grant writer has already identified “10 to 15 new opportunities,” but many of them require documentation such as an MOU or lease agreement to show formal operating authority.

The Dixie is currently in its 20th season, and has 25 shows booked and managed entirely by the Friends organization.

The Dixie's 20th season lineup.

Martin said the board has been intentional about diversifying the lineup and “bringing in a younger audience.”

“The goal is new audiences,” she explained. “We’re already seeing younger people coming in, and many of them had never been to the Dixie before.”

She said that’s essential for the theater’s future.

“If we want the Dixie to last, we have to reach the next generation. That’s what we’re trying to build,” she said.

Martin added that improving the backstage experience plays a direct role in attracting better talent.

“The artists are posting photos, they’re telling other artists about us. That makes a difference in who we can book next.”

The Council did not partake in any discussions. It’s expected that the town will revisit the topic in the near future.

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Friends of the Dixie Gives Operations Update, Seeks Formal Agreement

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