Minutes: 23rd November 2009

STaG Board Meeting

23^rd November 2009

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, M. J. O’Neill, J. Dyer, K. Nesbitt, T. MacKay F. Andrew, A. Ralston, L. Fenwick, T. Eaton.

Agenda

1. Proposals for EUTC New Writing Festival
2. STaG Nights Post-mortem/Reflection
3. NSDF
4. QMU Pantomime
5. Present Laughter
6. Social
7. Christmas Dinner
8. AOB

1. Proposals for the EUTC New Writing Festival

There were three proposals for the Edinburgh New Writing Festival:

• Ciaran McHale – No Wasted Education
• Flora Bird – Method Acting A La Blogger
• Joe Waterfield and Ben Watson – Colour Me Stupid

After much deliberation, the Board agreed upon producing Ciaran McHale’s No Wasted Education, for the Festival. Within the discussion, a point arose that should be noted here: when deciding on the reworking of an already-produced play, the issue of casting the same actors can become a point of contestation. Additionally, shows that are a one-actor-vehicles should be discussed thoroughly to ensure that is the right decision and does not appear elitist/exclusive.

2. STaG Nights Post-mortem/Reflection

S. Gregson announced that STaG Nights made a profit at £890, and this mainly came from the bar and the selling of programmes. There were many points and issues discussed surrounding the festival and are as follows:

• There was disagreement over the sorting out of the tech/dress schedule for production week. There was no correct way of scheduling, but it was suggested that maybe it could be worked out with directors and stage managers at a Director’s Meeting, for example. The schedule can only really work if directors keep in touch, which was a problem this year.
• It was discussed that there needs to be more bureaucracy in place, and there needs to be more guidelines and rigid structure surrounding the festival and conduct with communication etc.
• It needs to be strongly suggested to the next STaG Nights VP that organisation is key, to ensure that there is not any unnecessary stress that can be avoided.
• The stage plan needs to be sent out to directors well in advance, to avoid any unnecessary shocks.
• If STaG Nights is going to include devised slots around the building, these need to be checked in advance, and not in production week.
• The STaG Nights committee needs to be better structured next year, with roles defined early on, and make sure they are governed properly and used in the right way. Everyone needs to be aware of what their responsibilities are. It is good to have many people involved but there needs to be purpose. Committees need to have tangible tasks to do, rather than thinking about a theme: ckear direction and structure is required.
• The technical manager felt that they were doing many jobs that were not part of their responsibilities, and felt like they were left to organise many things by themselves. They felt if they didn’t do these things that they wouldn’t be done.
• It was felt that the STaG Nights Director should not be involved in any of the productions as this compromises their position as Director of the Festival.
• There was a little interest from directors, as many of the proposals were ‘just writers’. We need to generate more ‘buzz’ in the future about the opportunities at STaG Nights.
• It was suggested that taking on a separate designer to lighten the load of the STaG Nights production team and help to realise the Festival Director’s vision.
• It was felt that the technical manager was not consulted on the decisions of the production team, and this should be a collaborative process.
• It was noted that people should be aware of the tasks of the Production Team throughout the whole day during production week.
• When we are involving other societies in the festival, we need to look professional. The space for the band should have been sorted out earlier and not when they were there; we need to appear as professional as possible. This highlights the point for the STaG Nights VP needing to be organised – we need to stress that for next year.
• Even though we have inherited the ‘problems’ of last year’s board’s scheduling, we need to ensure that we are organised. This year, however, suffered due to STaG’s calendar of events ‘running into one another’ and casts/crews/production members becoming fatigued and exhausted.
• We need to remember to promote the opportunities of new writing and proposing for STaG Nights, and how interesting it is to do STaG Nights.
• It was felt that the STaG Nights this year, was overprogrammed and it would be good to give people more time – like the bands, for example. STaG should never compromise on quality for quantity. Next year, it could be suggested to scale the festival down, if the proposals are not of the highest quality.
• The New Talent Nights have set a low standard for STaG this year, and we need to build up the reputation that rehearsals are productive. We need to make the process of involvement is a STaG play is not just ‘two rehearsals’ but a creative process. The New Talent Nights really was a disservice for STaG this year, it was felt.
• It was suggested strongly that reports should be written after every STaG production to ensure that comments are passed on to future members, so we can learn from mistakes.
• STaG needs to be aware of the failings of structure within the G12 and it would be best practice to speak to all the managers (FOH, Tech and General) to ensure that they are all agreed to different concepts/ideas for every production.
• If people are unresponsive to email communication, it was suggested that they should be ‘threatened’ with their play being cancelled, or whatever is applicable. We are a student company, but we would like to be professional.
• There were many problems with the programme of the festival. M. J. O’Neill had hoped to create a festival brochure, but with the lack of information from the directors, this was impossible. There were mistakes and the technical team were missed; it should be noted that this should not be forgotten in the future.

3. NSDF

H. Sloan has looked into us applying to enter the NSDF competition. If the next studio slot is applicable then the Board will discuss the situation. It costs £95 and this includes a feedback session with the selector.

4. Pantomime

There was one interested party in running the QMU Pantomime. T. Eaton is going to chase them for a definitive response.

5. Present Laughter

A. Blundell said that everything was progressing smoothly. Brett Myers has seen the space, and the posters and flyers are being designed. The budget for the poster is £5. It was discussed that Brett which to paint a table white and this was disagreed.

6. Social

Present Laughter is holding a Pub Quiz Fundraiser in the STaG Room on Thursday 26^th November, 7.30pm. P. Mannion and F. Andrew are going to stock the bar for it. The Monday night Chillout Social was arranged. F. Andrew strongly urged STaG Board Members to be at the Social next week; the Social needs to grow and the Board at the moment is not setting a good example.

7. Christmas Dinner

The STaG Christmas Dinner will be on 6^th December 2009 at 3/3 109 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G4 9AH i.e. the flat of K. Nesbitt, A. Ralston and T. MacKay. Secret Santa has also been arranged and the budget is £5. It is a Pot luck dinner and everyone has been assigned a category.

• Mains: F. Andrew, T. MacKay, K. Nesbitt, T. Eaton, E. Burckhardt
• Sides: M. J. O’Neill, S. Gregson
• Desserts: A. Ralston, P. Mannion, H. Sloan, J. Dyer
• Starters: R. Jones, A. Blundell, L. Fenwick

8. AOB

F. Andrew – checked that A. Blundell is finding judges for the New Writing Festival; this is happening

F. Andrew – asked whether we were looking into the Summer Steele situation. H. Sloan stated that it was time to draw a line under it and move on.

Minutes: 16th November 2009

STaG Board Meeting

16^th November 2009

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, M. J. O’Neill, K. Nesbitt, T. MacKay, F. Andrew, E. Burckhardt, A. Ralston, T. Eaton.

Agenda

1. STaG Nights
2. Play, Panini and a Pint – QMU
3. Pantomime – QMU
4. EUTC New Writing Festival
5. AOB

1. STaG Nights

A very hearty well done for all involved in STaG Nights. The post-mortem of STaG Nights will be at next week’s meeting, so please gather your thoughts/comments for this meeting.

2. Play, Panini and a Pint – QMU

STaG has been approached by the QMU to help them start up a Monday evening fortnightly event, aptly named ‘A Play, A Panini and A Pint.’ Many thoughts were expressed about joining the QMU in this venture. It appears to be an amazing opportunity, but the timescale looks to be impracticable. There were worries of quality control and STaG having too many other projects, without adding this one as well. However, it said it would be good to assist- work with PlayGroup and RSAMD on this - using New Writing Festival plays is also an option. H. Sloan is going to get in touch with the QMU and explain that there is interest, but this term is probably unfeasible.

3. Pantomime – QMU

The QMU have asked us if we wish to perform a pantomime for them at Christmas time. K. Nesbitt is going to email the membership and see if there is anyone willing to take charge, if not, H. Sloan noted that it will probably not be possible.

4. EUTC New Writing Festival

We have been invited to the EUTC New Writing Festival at the Bedlam theatre in Edinburgh, and we have been given a slot on Thursday 21^st January 2010, 7:30pm-9:30pm. They have asked for a 30mins to 1h 30mins performance, so it was suggested that old New Writing Festival entries were asked. P. Mannion will email them. The EUTC are willing to give us a box office split of the takings, and proposals are going to be next week.

5. AOB

K. Nesbitt – is emailing the On The Rocks Proposal again, and was asked by J. Dyer that there is a clean-up on Thursday 19^th at 4pm

P. Mannion – looking at the Director’s Pack this week.

T. MacKay – had a drinks list of STaG Nights bar takings. S. Gregson and R. Jones will take that off her hands

F. Andrew – come see Mercury Fur tomorrow!

R. Jones – mentioned that we should discuss how/if we should enter the NSDF. H. Sloan is keeping up with it, and we need to wait to see if we have a play at the right time, in the right place – perhaps the EUTC performance. H. Sloan is on it.

SNACK ROTA – M. J. O’Neill – Drink, T. Eaton – Food

.

Minutes: 9th November 2009

STaG Board Meeting

9^th November 2009

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, M. J. O’Neill, J. Dyer, K. Nesbitt, T. MacKay, F. Andrew, E. Burckhardt, A. Ralston, L. Fenwick, T. Eaton.

Agenda

1. Room Booking
2. Newsletter Deadline
3. Studio
4. Community Schools Project
5. Sponsorship
6. Role of the Executive Board
7. AOB

1. Room Booking

After a busy week of booking rooms at the QMU, the room booking squad (H. Sloan, J. Dyer, P. Mannion) has create a new policy for the booking of rooms in the establishment of the QMU. The new policy is that rooms at the QMU will be booked once a week on Wednesday morning. In order to book a room, you need to inform the squad by Tuesday 7pm.

2. Newsletter Deadline

K. Nesbitt would like to remind everyone that the deadline for the newsletter is Tuesday 6pm. If you are going to be late to meet this deadline, please inform her in advance.

3. Studio

The production of Present Laughter in the studio is progressing well.

4. Community School Project

L. Fenwick stated that the project is still going well. One of the schools might be performing material from the workshops, and STaG members will be invited to watch.

5. Sponsorship

T. Eaton and F. Andrew met with Chris Birrell (of GUU fame; currently working at Jumpin’ Jaks) to discuss receiving sponsorship from Jumpin’ Jaks. The offer was poor and it was thought that the STaG contingent might not ‘appreciate’ the atmosphere of the venue. It was suggested that they look into PJ Champs as a possible alternative.

6. Role of the Executive Board

The role of the Executive board was discussed, to ensure that the Ordinary board knew its purpose. Nothing was definitively agreed, but there were some interesting roles considered:

• They set the agenda.
• They make sure that the board is functioning properly and attempt to resolve any problems on the board.
• They are a group with more experience of STaG bureaucracy and have extra time to discuss and make important decision.
• They can quickly make a decision/take action in times of crisis..

It was agreed that Executive meeting will be advertised to the Ordinary board and the minutes will made available online. There is already openness between the two groups, but there should be more transparency.

The Executive Board is H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson and P. Mannion.

7. AOB

P. Mannion – On The Rocks is happening again this year and there is a call for submissions. It was agreed to be advertised to the general membership with proposals on Monday 30^th November, and the successful applicants will be entered on 1^st December.

J. Dyer – the bed in the STaG Room, which belongs to Richard Gadd, will be removed this week. A. Ralston stated that mattresses, which belong to Ruth Wells will be removed this week too. There will be a STaG Room clean up on Thursday 19^th November at 4pm. L. Fenwick is going to ring Stewart Archibald to see if he wants his belongings, if not they will be thrown out by the end of the week.

L. Fenwick – is working with A. Blundell to do PlayGroup.

R. Jones – asked for volunteers for Tuesday’s tech/dress of Peter and the Wolf. If you are there on the show night, please volunteer yourself or make your friends.

M. J. O’Neill – created a STaG Memory Box; please add your own memories. There is also a need for people to sell programmes to and gather feedback from the audience:

THU- M. J. O’Neill

FRI – E. Burckhardt

SAT – H. Sloan and P. Mannion

R. Jones - STaG has bought a domain name (www.stagstage.org.uk), but now needs to sit down with someone who has some internet/website know-how to create the STaG website.

F. Andrew – had a moral quandary about the STaG theatre trip, but that has been resolved. It is a positive thing to support STG’s work, and Nick Jones, with a trip to see Mercury Fur at the Ramshorn.

S. Gregson – asked if we could sell beer in the Studio and this was agreed not to be a good idea.

SNACK ROTA: A. Ralston – Drink, A. Blundell – Food.

Minutes: 2nd November 2009

STaG Open Board Meeting

2^nd November 2009

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, M. J. O’Neill, J. Dyer, K. Nesbitt, T. MacKay F. Andrew, E. Burckhardt, A. Ralston, L. Fenwick, T. Eaton.

Also present: C. Felstead.

Agenda

1. Peribanez Post-mortem/Reflection
2. Finance Update
3. Studio Board Rep
4. STaG Nights
5. Workshop Fridays
6. Proposals
7. Chillout
8. Clean-Up
9. AOB

1. Peribanez Post/mortem/Reflection

General congratulations to all involved in Peribanez, despite having only four weeks to produce the show. Publicity was praised; possibly the best STaG has seen in a good few years [unofficial claim]. Lots of problems that were made were to do with the length of rehearsal time, but this will hopefully be corrected/avoided with more planning from H. Sloan and the Board. Other points that were flagged up:

• Need for a Production Manager on G12 slots, to assist the production team in a variety of ways, where necessary.
• All members of the production team should be aware of their duties before the rehearsal period begins.
• If there is a short rehearsal period, we should have more guidelines/deadlines for directors.
• The publicity team and the director of the show need to sit down and decide exactly who is in charge of what, and decide how publicity will be executed.
• It was suggested that we have a set of warm-up exercises in the Director’s Pack, so that we can be viewed as a more professional company. Lots of debate surrounding this. P. Mannion and H. Sloan are going to look over the Director’s Pack and make it work.
• ‘Ask for help’ policy should be put in place.
• Next set of proposals, the board is to bear in mind that it would be good to produce a ‘bums-on-seats’ show, but not to compromise the artistic integrity of the society.

2. Financial Update

S. Gregson had some financial updates to share with the Board.

Dracula – has made, at present, a net loss of £927. This is due to them not receiving the production fund. H. Sloan “doesn’t want to hear about it anymore.”

I Don’t Live Here Anymore – made a £338 loss, but that is good and with a grant next year, we should be able to make a profit.

Freshers’ Week – made a loss of £77

Peribanez – appears to be making a loss of £376, but this was to do with the programming of the show at Hallowe’en.

Membership Fees – has made £397 so far…

3. Studio

It was agreed that A. Blundell will be the Board Rep on all Studio plays.

4. STaG Nights

The STaG Nights Get-In is 10am – 6pm on Monday 9^th November. Any help from anyone would be appreciated. The launch party is at Initial Itch next week, so please remember about that also. Everything in the STaG Nights bucket of fun is going well.

5. Workshop Fridays

The first session of Improvised Teatime is Friday 6^th November and the first session of PlayGroup is Friday 20^th November. Improv will be ran by Ben Watson and F. Andrew and PlayGroup will be run by A. Blundell, with L. Fenwick, running the first session. All is going well.

6. Proposals

The next G12 slot proposals will be the Monday before Easter. This date is Monday 22^nd March, giving a 8-week rehearsal period, including the Easter holidays.

7. Chillout

It was suggested that there will be a STaG Room social on Monday 16^th November, as we have discovered that if we open the bar we make £70. F. Andrew is going to plan this exciting social event, with board games and booze.

Please remember to get directors to bring their casts to Socials.

8. Clean Up

There will be a STaG Room clean-up on Tuesday 3^rd November, 12 – 3pm. All hands on deck. S. Archibald is to be given an ultimatum on his property being removed from the STaG Room.

9. AOB

M. J. O’Neill – is going to experiment with various forms of new publicity, i.e. more facebook advertising, less posters – trying to find the correct balance.

Minutes: 26th October 2009

STaG Board Meeting

26^th October 2009

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, M. J. O’Neill, J. Dyer, K. Nesbitt, T. MacKay F. Andrew, E. Burckhardt.

Apologies: A. Ralston, L. Fenwick, T. Eaton.

Agenda

1. Peribanez
2. Financial Situation
3. STaG Nights
4. Community Schools Project
5. Improvised Teatime
6. AOB

1. Peribanez

People are required for selling of programmes on the performance nights of Peribanez. The following people have agreed to help:

Thursday – E. Burckhardt and M. J. O’Neill

Friday – A. Blundell and J. Dyer

Saturday – T. MacKay and F. Andrew

There has been significant changes in the production team and T. MacKay highlighted the need for a stage hand. It was agreed that E. Burckhardt will assist in the production.

There will be a Peribanez podcast to be added to the subcity Radio website, to be arranged by M. J. O’Neill and Ruth Wells

The Board is encouraged to come and see the production.

2. Financial Situation

The mystery £700 has been given to STaG, thanks to S. Gregson. There was a discussion about claiming back money off STaG. A policy has been agreed that receipts must be submitted at Board meetings within a month of the end of production. Emzy Wisker is still claiming money off STaG, but S. Gregson will sort this out with her.

3. STaG Nights

There has been a technical meeting and the lighting will be agreed this week. T. MacKay and R. Jones have spoken to Tony at the G12 to arrange all these technical matters. The drinks have been ordered. A mock-up of the posters and flyers has been made and they are going to print on Wed 28^th October. R. Jones has booked the 13^th Note in town for the STaG Nights Launch Party, twinned with Initial Itch Scratch Night.

4. Community

The community project has started. And is still going well.

5. Improvised Teatime

B. Watson and F. Andrew are proposing the return of Improvised Teatime on the 1^st Friday of every month, 5 -7pm. H. Sloan suggested the return of PlayGroup as well. E. Burckhardt is going to liaise with A. Blundell and P. Mannion in the hope of resurrecting PlayGroup on the 3^rd Friday of every month. H. Sloan and the Board hope to begin a workshop series every Friday by the next term.

6. AOB

T. MacKay – asked if we have a staple gun.

J. Dyer – is looking into a lock for the store ‘booze’ cupboard and is also arranging a STaG Room clear up soon

S. Gregson – wants the posters to go back up and they shall.

A. Blundell – wants a board photo board. This shall be done soon.

F. Andrew – the theatre trip went well and there will be more to come.

Minutes: 19th October 2009

STaG Board Meeting

19^th October 2009

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, M. J. O’Neill, L. Fenwick, T. MacKay, J. Dyer, K. Nesbitt, F. Andrew, A. Ralston, E. Burchhardt, T. Eaton.

Welcome everyone, esp. the First Years!

Agenda

1. Proposals
2. First Year Responsibilities
3. New Talent Nights De-brief
4. Community
5. Peribanez
6. STaG Nights
7. Website
8. Executive Meeting
9. AOB

1. Proposal

Brett Myres proposed Noel Coward’s play Present Laughter for the Studio. After much deliberation, it was agreed that Present Laughter will be performed in the Studio. A. Blundell will act as the Board Representative, and will make sure that the production flows smoothly. P. Mannion will write up the Board’s feedback for Brett in the coming week.

2. First Year Responsibilities

The First Year Ordinary Board Members and Ordinary Board Member were assigned responsibilities for the coming academic year. T. Eaton will explore different channels to find sponsorship, as STaG has not had a sponsor for a while now. E. Burckhardt will be responsible for arranging workshops and seeking out workshops that our members might be interested in. It was agreed that A. Ralston should also have some responsibilities too, and it was suggested that this could be communicating with other universities.

3. New Talent Nights De-brief

H. Sloan felt it was important to have a New Talent Nights De-brief to reflect on the positives and negatives of New Talent Nights and obtaining new members. The general opinion was that it had done well, but there were various problems and grievances that were flagged up:

• There was not enough social cohesion between casts. To remedy this, perhaps there could be a group warm-up, more emphasis on the After-show party, designated backstage area, run-through of the running order on the night.
• The technical benefits of Qudos were great, but the acoustics of the space need to be addressed.
• It was hard to keep Freshers to stick around after the evening had concluded. The small projects were useful for organising, but not for bonding between groups.
• The way in which we frame and present the society on these social nights is important. We need to appear professional. There should have been more board members on hand throughout both nights to make sure that people are supported and enjoying themselves at STaG events.
• We need to be careful that people have a similar kind of STaG experience and keep more of a check on directors to make sure that rehearsals are not too chaotic and that people have fun. We need to make sure we present a good image.
• It was suggested there could be more of a theme – have plays picked, then find people to direct them. We need to have people involved sooner, and we need to make sure we are picking the directors that know how STaG works. We need to make sure that the STaG directors are supported throughout the process.
• There needs to be a bigger team involved in planning the New Talent Nights, as the amount of work involved cannot be underestimated. More help should have been asked for.
• It might be a good idea to plan New Talent Nights before people go on summer break.
• It was suggested that we should still consider the GUU as a venue, due to our financial viability at the moment.

Overall the Nights made £100 profit on the doors, and the membership fees are still to be counted.

These criticisms should all being taken into account when the new Board begin to plan New Talent Nights. H. Sloan will type up some advice for the future Board.

4. Community

The community project is starting this week, and L. Fenwick stated that everything was going great!

5. Peribanez

There is a fundraiser on Thursday 22^nd October to raise funds for Peribanez. The bake sale on Friday made £58.48. The production is going as planned as well.

6. STaG Nights

To quote R. Jones, ‘bit of rock and a hard place’ in terms of finding casts for the last final plays of STaG Nights. However, the majority of plays have been cast. The committee are still continuing to meet and organise the festival. H. Sloan reminded R. Jones to explain to directors that they are only allowed 6 hrs in the STaG Room a week. Email policy is being over-looked to help for plays to find casts, but this policy will try to be observed at all other times.

7. Website

H. Sloan wished to check-in with the Publicity Committee, regarding the status of the Website. M. J. O’Neill admits that he will need to be more authoritarian with delegating things to his committee. A group to ‘found’ the website will hopefully be found by this week, and this can be started.

8. Executive Meeting

An executive meeting has been arranged for 5pm, 1^st November at A. Blundell’s house. [12 Kelvingrove St, 2/1]

9. AOB

J. Dyer – wants to make it clear that there will be a clean-up after Peribanez, so please let her know when you are available that week.

A. Blundell – suggested for next year’s STaG Nights that there could be more of a build up for the auditions.

T. MacKay – wanted to know if we still want to pursue buying lights for the society. It was agreed that we do.

K. Nesbitt – is meeting with someone from GU Amnesty International to arrange a time that we could perform with them at an event. Hopefully, a piece of new writing will be performed at said event.

P. Mannion – asked whether we should think about making/buying more t-shirts. E. Burckhardt is going to look into making the t-shirts.

M. J. O’Neill – highlighted the problem of there being too many newsflashes and emails going to the Faculty Departments. This issue needs to be address.

SNACK ROTA – Tamsyn [Juice], Hilary [Food]…

[END]

STaG Constitution

This is the current amendment of the constitution of the Glasgow University Society known as Student Theatre at Glasgow (STaG).

The amendment is issued on this date, 12^th October, 2009, and incorporates the changes to the constitution approved by all of those members attending the STaG AGM on 5^th October, 2009.

1. The Constitution

This STaG constitution represents the governing principles of the society. Any board or ordinary member of the society must adhere to these principles. It is the responsibility of all members to ensure the society fulfils this constitution in the circumstance of a serious breach of these commitments the board reserve the right to remove membership from any offending member.

2. Name

2.1 The society shall be known as Student Theatre at Glasgow, STaG for short.

3. Objectives

The objectives of STaG are:

3.1 To create an environment in which members can take part in and enjoy all aspects of theatre, its production and creative process.

3.2 To encourage new work and develop new talent wherever possible.

3.3 To have a large and active membership drawn from as wide a background and experience as possible.

3.4 Not to exclude anyone, who meets the conditions of this constitution, of their right to be a member.

3.5 To produce challenging, thought-provoking, and relevant theatre.

4. Role.

To meet these objectives STaG will:

4.1 Produce theatre of all kinds.

4.2 Encourage members to produce theatre, providing appropriate 'support' for such 'affiliated' productions.

4.2.1 To be considered 'affiliated' a show must be: made up entirely of STaG members, acknowledge STaG by including our logo on production publicity, include a STaG board member as adviser to the production team, keep appropriate financial records, hold open auditions unless there are exceptional circumstances (deemed by the board), meet the requirements of this constitution and any contract between the said show and STaG.

4.2.2 Such 'support' will involve providing (as the board deems appropriate): financial support, rehearsal and performance space, props and costume, any other appropriate help and advice.

4.2.3 Financial support is given on agreed conditions and is at the discretion of the Board.

4.3 Provide theatrical training and education through teaching, workshops and collaborative learning.

4.4 Take drama beyond the context of the University, using members experience to the benefit of the local community.

4.5 Provide links between members and the professional theatre establishment.

5. Membership

5.1.1 Membership is open to any matriculated student of Glasgow University, subject to the payment of the current membership fee.

5.1.2 Membership is also open to non-students and students of other educational institutions (e.g. Strathclyde University), subject to the discretion of the board and payment of the current membership fee.

5.2 Membership entitles the student to take an active role in society activities, to question the activities of board members directly or through the membership secretary and to vote in the STaG elections.

5.3 Any member found bringing STaG into disrepute may have their membership withdrawn, without refund, at the discretion of a majority vote of the STaG board.

6. The Board

6.1 STaG will be run by an elected board, appointed via appropriate elections (See section 7).

The Board is structured as follows;

6.2 An Executive elected directly to their posts by the membership

· The President

· The Vice Presidents (2)

· The Financial Secretary

· The General Secretary

6.3.1 The remaining board positions are then filled by electing members and are elected to specific posts.

The remaining general board posts are as follows;

· Membership Secretary

· Social Convenor

· Publicity Manager

· Technical Manager

· Venues Manager

· Community Theatre Representative

· Ordinary Board Members (up to 2) (see 6.3.3)

· First Year Ordinary Board Members (up to 2) (see 6.3.2 and 6.3.3)

6.3.2 First Year Ordinary Board Members will be added to the general board after the first AGM of the new Academic Year. At the AGM, new members will be invited to put themselves forward for these positions. The Executive is responsible for ensuring the appointment of these positions within two weeks of the AGM. The Method as which these appointments take place will be at the discretion of the Board.

6.3.3 First Year Ordinary Board Members and Ordinary Board Members will be assigned specific duties at the start of the year and throughout by a process of discussion with the Executive.

6.4 Once appointed, general positions can be changed by the executive as and when appropriate. However, the general board member maintains the right to hold a general position for the duration of the elected period (i.e. one year).

6.5 The board will meet weekly at minuted meetings, where majority voting will take place on appropriate general issues.

6.6 Each Board member has the responsibility to carry out their duties to the best of their ability.

6.7 The president, as directly elected representative of the membership, carries the final casting vote on any issue, where s/he feels the membership’s interests are not served by an individual board decision and carries the casting vote of executive decisions.

6.8 The STaG board will be available to answer to the membership and will hold regular advertised meetings and surgeries.

6.9 The President can be removed with a unanimous general Board vote or the majority of the active membership.

7. Elections

7.1 A full annual election of the STaG board will take place on the Week after Easter break.

7.2 A general meeting will be called at this time and elections administered jointly by the Membership Secretary and Social Convenor.

7.3 All elections must be advertised sufficiently to the membership.

7.3.2 'Sufficiently' In this case being open advertisement and contact enough (as deemed by the board) to ensure 90% of active members are aware of the election and how to vote.

7.4 On the occasion of less than a 35% turn out of active membership (as deemed by the board), the process will be carried over to the next week, where those present will select new officers regardless of the turn out.

7.5 On the occasion of general Board positions not being filled then a second set of elections will be held within two weeks, the only requirement for election being a majority vote of those present at the meeting.

7.6 In running the elections the Membership Secretary or Social Convenor must not be running for an executive position (though s/he may run for a general position)*in the occasion of the membership secretary or social convenor running for an executive position the outgoing board must select an appropriate independent member to administer the elections in their place.

7.7 Those wishing to run for President must be nominated by two STaG members and the election administrator must receive their nomination at least one week prior to the election.

7.7.1 Those wishing to run for Executive Board must be nominated by one STaG members and the election administrator must receive their nomination at least one week prior to the election.

7.7.2 Those wishing to run for Ordinary Board must nominate themselves and inform the election administrator at least 24 hours prior to the election.

7.8 Prospective general board members may nominate themselves as a candidate at the election meeting.

7.9 On the occasion of only 1 person being nominated for President or standing for an Executive position, the person running requires a confirmation vote of more than 50% of those attending the election. If this vote is not received or the President's post has no nominee, the position will be opened up to the membership at the election where majority voting will fill the position.

7.10 Only registered STaG members may vote in or stand for election.

8. Hand Over

8.1 Following an election the existing executive board and the newly elected board will share control of STaG for two weeks after the election to ensure a full hand over of all records (including financial), property, etc. takes place.

8.2 During this period the previous board will compile a report detailing the work they have carried out that year, including a full set of accounts.

8.3 It is the responsibility of the exiting President and Financial Secretary to ensure all funds are fully accounted for and handed over to the incoming administration.

9. Conduct

9.1 STaG exists for its membership, not for the private profit of any member. It is the responsibility of all members and particularly that of the Financial Secretary and the President, to ensure that STaG funds are used only for the benefits of STaG.

9.2 The STaG Board must make every effort to ensure that STaG is in a better general condition when they pass it on than it was when they inherited it.

10. Finance

10.1 STaG's funds will be administered by the Financial Secretary and by the President.

10.2 All shows etc., will be encouraged to make money from their productions, adding to STaG's general funds. A show’s ability to do so will be taken into account when approval for affiliated shows is handed out.

10.3 No member or Board member will be paid for their services other than for legitimate expenses incurred and approved in advance by the Financial Secretary AND the President.

10.4 The spending of any major sum of money (above £40) must be agreed in advance by BOTH the President and the Financial Secretary.

11. The STaG Room

11.1 The STaG Studio (Oakfield Avenue) must be used only with the prior approval of the Venues Manager AND the President, who reserves the right to withdraw such approval at their discretion.

11.2 Anyone using the STaG room must ensure that the room is left in a tidy condition, that chairs are stacked, and all rubbish disposed of. The person returning the STaG room keys to the main gate is also responsible for ensuring all lights are turned off, all doors are locked, and that the alarm (if appropriate) is set.

11.3 Any member found to be misusing (i.e. not meeting the above conditions) the STaG Room will have their STaG membership withdrawn without refund.

12. General

12.1 STaG exists to meet the requirements of its membership. An extraordinary AGM can be called in the event of more than 50% of the membership signing a petition requesting such a meeting. At such a meeting the board can be disbanded and new elections called by virtue of a majority vote. Such meetings will be administered jointly by the Membership Secretary and Social Convenor.

12.2 This constitution may not be amended, other than at the approval of more than 70% of the membership attending a STaG AGM, Extraordinary AGM or STaG election

13. Equal Opportunities

13.1 STaG will provide and promote equal opportunities, whatever a person's race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, beliefs, sex, age, sexuality, HIV status, physical or mental disability, state of health, appearance, marital status or family circumstances.

Minutes: 12th October 2009

STaG Board Meeting

12^th October 2009

In attendance: A. Blundell, R. Jones, P. Mannion, K. Nesbitt, L. Fenwick, J. Dyer.

Apologies: H. Sloan, S. Gregson, M. J. O’Neill, F. Andrew, T. MacKay, A. Ralston

[As only half the board were there, it was quite an informal Board Meeting, with R. Jones chairing.]

Agenda

1. Peribanez
2. STaG Nights
3. Community Schools Project
4. Board Trip
5. Studio
6. AOB

1. Peribanez

R. Jones wished to report back on the state of the posters and flyers for Peribanez and that they are ready to be sent to the printers. The posters and flyers are high resolution, using the new uniform poster format, which was approved by the board.

2. STaG Nights

The festival is gathering steam. The plays have been chosen, and the directors will all meet at a meeting on Tuesday 13^th October to go through the full running of different shows. The auditions for STaG Nights will be advertised to Level 1 and Level 2 Theatre Studies students, in the hope of recruiting/involving new members. We are on the hunt for bands, as Washington Irving has pulled out. R. Jones is urging the board to find other interested bands.

3. Community Schools Project

The project will be entering schools next week. There are at least three people interested, but L. Fenwick hopes that more people will become involved. A. Blundell is still acting as an assistant. L. Fenwick now has a tutor to oversee the project. It is going well.

4. Board Trip

The Board discussed team building games that we could play in Inverary – capture the flag, spider trap, drinking games, worm game. A. Blundell has emerged as the head of games. Everyone is encourage to bring CDs, iPods, Frisbees, Balls, Pack of cards etc. to make the trip a place where we can bond.

5. Studio

The Studio will cost £150 for the week. The studio proposal date is next week. A. Blundell is going to speak to Tony at the G12 to make sure we have a solid relationship with the G12 before we use their space.

6. AOB

P. Mannion – The Fringe and Bedlam Box Office Takings has arrived for ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’. The play made £2,223.12 in ticket sales, which means that the play will have made a smaller loss than we thought, possibly only a couple of hundred pounds.

A. Blundell – has concerns that the G12 cheque that was written to ‘ STaG Nights’ and not ‘STaG’ may have expired. She will speak to S. Gregson about the situation.