History
The Ed and Betty Wilcox Performing Arts Center became a reality through a generous gift of $5 million from the Wilcox family. In February of 2015, Ed Wilcox approached the school district about the potential cost to build an auditorium. The Algona School District agreed to contribute $2.5 million towards the project through SAVE Funds as well as to build a parking lot at a cost of $700,000. Over the next few months, several other donors became involved including Iowa State Bank, Pharmacist Mutual Companies and the Algona School Foundation, each with a gift of $167,000. As bids were received at the end of August, it became apparent that additional funding was needed. At this point the Ken Kemna family made a $500,000 donation to complete the project financing. The total cost to construct the PAC was $7.2 million.
Intent of Donors
It was the intent of Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox that the Performing Arts Center be used by not only the school district, but Bishop Garrigan and Seton as well as the community at large. Local nonprofits should have no rental fees for the facility with the exception of some minimal cleaning or managerial costs. To make this possible, the Wilcox family placed $1 million of their $5 million gift in a trust with the proceeds from the trust going to the Algona School District to assist with annual costs to operate the facility. For-profit groups will also incur a rental fee for the facility.
When scheduling the facility, priority will be in order to: 1) Algona Community School District, 2) Bishop Garrigan and Seton Schools, 3) Area Nonprofit Groups, 4) Area For-Profit Groups, 5) Other Parties. A schedule of events will be kept by the Algona School District, and booking of the PAC can be done at Central Administration 600 S. Hale St. Algona, IA 50511 or by calling 515-295-3528. The facility is not considered booked until signed usage agreements are completed. A fee schedule is included in this document. The Algona Community School District does reserve the right to cancel usage agreements with 30 days’ notice.
Food and Beverage
- Food and beverages are not allowed in the theater at any time.
- TOBACCO, DRUGS OR ALCOHOL ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING OR ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. Any evidence of such will result in cancellation of the current usage contract and will result in the renter losing the privilege of using the PAC in the future. No refunds will be issued.
Decorations, Sets and Deliveries
- Painting of any type is not permitted in the facility.
- Use of adhesives including tape, decals, etc. are not allowed without prior consent from the Manager of the Performing Arts Center.
- Storage of decorations, set supplies, paint etc. is not allowed in the PAC. Renters are required to remove all items after their event.
- Freight deliveries must occur during the time of the rental agreement and must be arranged with the PAC Manager or their designee.
Building Usage
- No keys will be checked out to the PAC. When using the facility, either the PAC Manager or their designee must be present during all hours of the rental agreement.
- Groups will have access only to areas specified in their rental agreement.
- Move-in and move-out of the facility will occur through the loading dock only, not through pedestrian entrances.
- Tap shoes are allowed on the stage only.
- No items may be put up that block building entrances or exits.
- No flammable materials are allowed in the facility. The use of pyrotechnics during an event is prohibited.
Fee Groups
Group 1: Schools
Group 2: Local Nonprofit Groups
Group 3: All Others
RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE
Hourly Rate (3HR Minimum) Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
PAC Rental NC $100/hr $150/hr
Equipment Rental Fee (Flat Rate) Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Custom Lighting TBD TBD TBD
Projector and Screen NC NC NC
Risers & Chairs NC $150 $300
Grand Piano Fee NC $100 $100
Microphones NC NC $50
Spotlights NC NC $50
Extra Charges Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Custodial TBD TBD TBD
Sunday Surcharge TBD $100 $500
Renters in all groups are financially responsible for any damages to the facility that may occur during their rental agreement. A damage deposit of $250 is required at the time of entering this contract.
