Although I am a member of the
Wheeler Advisory Board this is strictly a personal opinion and is not the opinion of the Board or the Wheeler.
The mission statement and the adjunct goals for the Wheeler Opera House are like throwing spaghetti at the wall. It’s an everything list.
Everything lists are not mission statements.
Kennedy didn’t say we’re going to the moon to beat the Russians and build robots and computers and unify the planet in one event on one day…. no… Kennedy said we choose to go to the moon and other things “not because they are easy, but because they are hard” Now that’s a mission statement.
Mission Statements are more than aspirational - more than motivational - mission statements should embody the best possible character of those launching the mission.
The Wheeler? "The mission of the Wheeler Opera House is to monitor and ensure the preservation and viability of the historic venue and its property through exceptional performance experiences for residents, guests and performers, and to support the cultural assets of the Roaring Fork Valley.” Exceptional world class performances at affordable prices and a meeting space, and an educational space, and a rental space, and sustain the historical building, and and and…. When you try and chase everything at once you chase your tail… in one spot…. spinning into butter.
"Arena Stage’s vision is to galvanize the transformative power of theater to understand who we are as Americans.” Now that’s a mission.
Part 2:
Align each goal to the season which can support that goal. Practice the Art of the Possible.
Our most ignored population is the one which actually supports the Wheeler. Our “semi Aspenites”, our second homeowners buy real estate and pay the RETT. When this population is in the back of my limo and I ask them if they’ve gone to the Wheeler the ubiquitous response is “I’d love to but there’s never anything there I want to see”. As for our down valley locals what can Aspen provide which will inspire a trip above the roundabout? I get plenty of riders in my limo going from down valley to Belly Up but none going to the Wheeler.
If The Wheeler had high profile $$$ performances during season when our well heeled guests are here (and those of us of the working class are working) then perhaps higher ticket prices could fund not only the running costs of the Wheeler but those high profile acts coming back to town during off season at “affordable” prices after the working class has had a chance to catch up on some sleep and might have the time to go see a show.
Part 3:
As I asked during the public comment portion of a recent Aspen City Council meeting- please align the Wheeler Advisory Board directive with the Wheeler Mission Statement so we may serve you better.
