Minutes: 24th May 2010

STaG Board Meeting

24^h May 2010

In attendance: S. Gregson, D. Hahn, T. Pennock, H. Allan, C. Felstead, L. Monkman, A. Kane, E. Burckhardt, F. Bird, T. Eaton, A. Blundell.

Apologies: S. MacDonald, L. Taylor

Agenda

1. Survey
2. Opinion Poll
3. New Talent Nights
4. Venues
5. Dates
6. STaG Nights
7. Fringe
8. Other Business

1. Survey

A winner was chosen at random (student number: 0801574), this will be going out in the email and a personal email will be sent to the winning address. It was suggested that the winner should come to a board meeting in order to collect their prize.

2. Opinion Poll

The majority of respondents to the opinion poll said that they would prefer two large scale and four small-scale performances. Others suggested two large scale and between three and six small-scale performances.

3. New Talent Nights

The board decided to narrow down the choices to three different plays: Alice In Wonderland, Animal Farm and Peer Gynt. All three plays were seen as having large enough casts to include all those who audition. However it was seen as a possible problem that people may not want to be animals if Animal Farm were to be performed. A play with a large cast is essential for the form of the festival. Alice in Wonderland would have a predominately female cast which would be good as most of the people who audition tend to be female. It was also suggested that the after-party would need more publicity as last year people were unaware it was going on. This would increase the awareness of STaG and also the profile of the social events. Auditions are to be held at the end of Fresher’s Week (18^th and 19^th September) and then the performance will be around three weeks from then (10^th 11^th October). A. Blundell reminded the board of the importance of taking photographs of the auditionees as then it is easier to remember who is who!

4. Venues

The board decided it was important to check venue availability and prices in order to see if it would be possible to have some bookings. The G12 space is closing and it seemed to the board that any bookings we may already have would be honoured but made difficult by the lack of technical support. The New Works and Main Stage slots could be held at The Ramshorn, D. Hahn will look into this as soon as possible in order to secure some provisional bookings. It was suggested that the GUU could be a good place for a second main stage slot. C. Felstead will look into booking the GUU for the New Talent Nights as it would be free Sunday to Thursday thus making sure STaG is able to make profit. However the issues of lighting and the QMU’s better tech support were raised.

5. Dates

The New Talent dates were decided as being the 10^th-11^th October. A main stage slot should be scheduled for the beginning to middle of November. STaG Nights could be in the first week of December so as not to clash with exams. S. MacDonald will need to decide upon a venue for the New Talent Festival. S. Gregson will email The Ramshorn to ask about availability.

6. STaG Nights

The possibility of using Stereo as a venue was discussed however various problems were apparent such as it only has a capacity of fifty including cast and crew. This was seen as being too small for such a popular festival. However it was suggested that a smaller venue may mean the festival can go on for longer although it was debatable as to whether the venue will be available for up to a week. S. Gregson will speak to S. MacDonald about her plans for the venue. The G12 space was considered however as there are problems due to the closure of the space this may not be possible.

7. Fringe

A. Blundell has given Ed and Simon an ultimatum with regards to fundraising (and the lack of it!) Simon is said to have relinquished responsibility. L. Taylor and H. Allan have previously said they are willing to help out at The Fringe however it is important that Ed and Simon try to find people themselves. The board decided to invite them to the proposal meeting on Saturday 29^th to talk to them about the serious situation we are in. A. Blundell will email them to invite. STaG will hold a fundraiser at the ball in the form of a raffle in order to start the proceedings and give them some help.

8. Other Business

There will be a STaG clean up on Sunday 30^th May, people are advised to collect any belongings before 12pm on Saturday 29^th May. A discussion on how to promote STaG will be held in the next meeting. There is to be a proposal meeting on Saturday 29^th at 5.30pm and board meetings will continue to run for the next two weeks.

Minutes: 17th May 2010

STaG Board Meeting

17^h May 2010

In attendance: H. Sloan, S. Gregson, D. Hahn, R. Jones, S. MacDonald, T. Pennock, P. Mannion, H. Allan, T. Mackay, C. Felstead, L. Taylor, K. Nesbitt, L. Monkman, S. Bradley, A. Kane, E. Burckhardt, L. Fenwick, F. Andrew, F. Bird, A. Ralston, T. Eaton.

Apologies: A. Blundell, J. Dyer

Agenda

1. Devised Slot
2. Board Availability
3. Survey
4. Opinion Poll
5. New Talent Nights
6. Main Stage Slot
7. Website
8. Cheques
9. Fringe
10. Fresher’s Week
11. Other Business

1. Devised Slot

Operators were needed for all dates, Thursday will be covered by D. Hahn, Friday by C. Felstead and Saturday by L. Taylor. Doors for the nights are to be K. Nesbitt and T. Pennock on Thursday, K. Nesbitt and T. Mackay on Friday and S. Gregson and L. Monkman on Saturday. It is said to be progressing well and flyering around campus is hoped to increase awareness. Laura Jones is to be added to the list of thanks in the programme.

2. Board Availability

The board are hoping to meet three more times before the Summer break. These dates will be the 24^th May, 31^st May and 7^th June. If you cannot make the meeting please let someone know.

3. Survey

Information about the survey will be going in the email again and the closing date is next week. After this, the £10 prize will be awarded.

4. Opinion Poll

S. Gregson suggested putting out an opinion poll regarding STaG’s slots and people’s opinions of them. H. Sloan suggested people should to propose before the summer if possible to avoid things getting hectic when it is difficult to keep in touch.

5. New Talent Nights

It was suggested that the format of selecting people and plays for this should be changed. H. Sloan has looked into various spaces that could be used and stated that better organisation is needed before the Summer break. P. Mannion suggested an open discussion could be a useful tool to reassess the goals of this event. In the past new talent has increased membership of STaG but it was said that people need to be more involved in order to continue to increase. If little plays are to be produced then the quality of the plays needs to be improved. It could be beneficial to provide Freshers with feedback forms afterwards to find out how successful it was. An announcement regarding New Talent will be out soon. Some people suggested the format could be based on that of the Cecilian society. Others said auditions should be held for a prewritten play in order to increase interest. T. Mackay suggested that more technical positions should be advertised in order to encourage people to join STaG even if they are not as interested in acting.

It was suggested that two versions of the same play could be staged which is hoped will increase socialisation between members and also improve the numbers of people coming to see the performances. However, it was noted it could be boring for someone to see the same play twice. This would add an element of competition to the proceedings. S. Gregson suggested making the plays more open to all and providing a feedback form for auditionees. This could include tick boxes where they can state if they are interested in other things, for example directing. It was decided a well known play should be chosen as this should increase interest. Possible play-writes were Shakespeare, Wilde and Brecht.

Everyone promised to think about what play could be chosen… (This should also appear in the email.)

6. Main Stage Slot

Proposals for the slot will be advertised in the email. S. Gregson suggested the proposals should be acquired first and then the venue and date will be agreed upon possible venues are The Ramshorn Theatre and the G12 space. A provisional booking may be made for The Ramshorn. Proposal forms will need to be sent out this week. The 29^th May was decided as the date where proposals will be heard by the board. People can propose virtually if they are unable to make the meeting.

7. Website

R. Jones has begun to look for a new way of hosting the STaG website using the domain name “stagstage.org.uk”. A new host site is estimated to cost around £50 and should be a better way of collecting all the various blogs and pages associated with STaG, for example the minutes blog and a calendar of forthcoming events. The board all voted in favour of a new website. S. Gregson, R. Jones, A. Kane and T. Pennock will work on this project together and will meet on the 28^th May at 4.30pm at R. Jones’s house.

8. Cheques and Financial Issues

If anyone has any cheques to cash then they should be cashed as soon as possible. This will also be put on the Facebook group and included in the email.

9. Fringe

No meeting with Simon or Ed has been confirmed yet however F. Bird will hopefully arrange one by the end of the week. Rehearsals are due to start soon as an availability email has been sent out to the cast. The board agreed that an ultimatum needs to be set for Simon and Ed in order to force them to begin fundraising and communicating more with the board otherwise STaG may not be able to support them at the Fringe. F. Bird will email Ed to encourage him to begin a fundraising plan.

10. Fresher’s Week

This is a basic discussion and a more detailed one will take place next week. S. Gregson asked the previous board members for ideas about what to do this year. It was agreed that more STaG publicity is needed as both T. Eaton and H. Allan stated they had not seen much of STaG during Fresher’s week. This could be done through more team members getting involved, STaG t-shirts, more flyers, a showcase night, a workshop. It was also said that a map to the STaG room should be included on all leaflets distributed. H. Sloan also suggested there needed to be more information about what STaG is, included in the events list.

11. Other Business

H. Sloan offered her congratulations to all those involved with Cleansed. The takings are thought to be around £180. However, a contract from the GUU has not been received despite being told one would be emailed. Approximately 80 people came to the performance over the 2 days.

T. Mackay will be meeting with Tony after the exam period. (Not sure where this was intended to go so… here it is!)

Please meet with your Board counterpart this week if you have not done so already! There will be an executive changeover meeting on 25^th May at 1pm.

Thanks to S. Gregson, who brought biscuits and F. Andrew who brought doughnuts. Snack rota is back on so feel free to bring something to the next meeting.

Minutes: 10th May 2010

STaG Board Meeting

10^th May 2010

In attendance: H. Sloan, S. Gregson, A. Blundell, D. Hahn, R. Jones, S. MacDonald, T. Pennock, P. Mannion, H. Allan, T. Mackay, C. Felstead, L. Taylor, K. Nesbitt, L. Monkman, S. Bradley, A. Kane, J. Dyer, E. Burckhardt, L. Fenwick, F. Andrew, F. Bird, A. Ralston, T. Eaton.

H. Sloan welcomed the new Board to their first meeting, and the group shared their aspirations for the coming academic year.

Agenda

1. Financial Summary

2. Devised Slot

3. Cleansed

4. Venues

5. Main-stage Proposals

6. STaG Ball

7. Fringe

8. Lights

9. AOB

1. Financial Summary

S. Gregson stated that STaG is a good financial situation compared with last year. There is roughly £4500 in the account, but the Fringe is coming up which traditionally makes a big loss for the society.

2. Devised Slot

The BBQ and Speed-dating fundraiser went well on Sunday 9^th May, generating about £74. The tech rehearsal will be on the Monday and the dress run on the Tuesday; the start time for the performances will be 7pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday (w/b 17^th May). A. Blundell has checked with the G12 to confirm the dates and there will be ushers and janitors present on all performance nights. The capacity for the performance is 35, not including cast, but it should be noted that this is only for this performance and it would be worth checking for different shows.

In terms of holding events and doing get-outs in the STaG Room, the MSA should be notified 24 hrs before, so not to offend.

3. Cleansed

F. Andrew said that he is speaking to the QMU about obtaining drapes for the production. P. Mannion will assist by supplying some of them *cough*. The following people offered to be the box office for the performance nights:

Friday – E. Bruckhardt & H. Sloan

Saturday – T. Eaton & C. Felstead

An advertisement for a stagehand will be added to the newsletter this week. The Cleansed posters will be distributed around campus this week. A. Blundell will be running the box office and all people will be notified that they must book by 5pm on Friday. People will also be informed that they must collect their tickets 15 mins before the performance.

4. Venues for Next Year

Due to the uncertainty of venues for the next academic year, the Board will assist the new board in finding new places. It is very likely that the G12 will close in the next few months.. With the hope of obtaining the lights, church halls and other non-traditional theatre venues could be an option.

The following venues were suggested to be looked into:

· Ramshorn Theatre, Ingram St – J. Dyer has been in touch with Susan at the Ramshorn and they really want to encourage bookings.

· Britannia Panopticon, Trongate – STaG had been given a slot in this venue before, there are a lot of major drawbacks and conditions.

· Tramway, Albert Drive – have applied before, but could keep applying

· Citizens Theatre, Gorbals St– Circle Studio and Stalls Studio

· Tron Theatre, Trongate – the Changing House

· Cottiers Theatre, Hyndland St – not yet complete, but maybe something for the future

· Lansdowne Church, Great Western Rd

· Adelaide's, Bath St – 470-seat theatre, £40/hr

· GUST Studio, Southpark Ave – might have a problem with the public being inside

· SRC – asking the SRC for help in finding a space

· Renfield St Stephens, Bath St – church hall

· Stereo, Renfield Lane – gig venue underneath the bar

· Oran Mor, Byres Rd – maybe?

· RSAMD, Renfield St – Chandler Studio, New Athenaeum Theatre – can only be used outwith term-time.

· Langside College, Prospecthill Road

· Langside Hall, Langside Ave

· Pearce Institute, Govan Road

· Woodside Hall, Glenfarg St

· The Flying Duck, Renfield St

· The Piping Centre, Otago St

· Photographic Studios, SWG3

· The Halt 2, Woodlands Road

· Scottish Youth Theatre, Brunswick St

· Trongate 103, Trongate

· 13^th Note, King St

· Mono, King's Court

5. Main-stage Proposals

H. Sloan reminded the incoming board that they need to decide when to hold their next proposals for the first main-stage of the year. With the uncertainty of venues, this is at the Board's discretion. It is unlikely that the University will honour the bookings we have in place at the G12 for November, December 2010 and May 2011.

6. STaG Ball

There is half/less-than-half of a ceilidh band confirmed for the Ball. A. Blundell, J. Dyer and L. Taylor will be assisting in the search for musicians/a cheap ceilidh band. The Budget is still not formalised, in light of the band situation. The tickets for the Ball will be £15, and the theme is formal black tie. There will be nibbles.

7. Fringe

There was a Fringe Committee meeting last week. A. Blundell is keeping in touch with Simon and Ed. There needs to be much fundraising, and much organisation. A. Blundell has given them a systematic list of tasks they need to do. It is important that StaG and the production team share the responsibility of the Fringe. The Board and membership need to be more supportive of the production and work with the Fringe committee – and will hopefully be given advice from P. Mannion, S. MacDonald and Ben Watson, who have all taken shows to the Fringe in previous years. L. Taylor will assist in training (potentially leading?) the production team. A meeting between Ed and Simon and the Fringe Committee will be rearranged.

8. Lights

T. Mackay said that she was still working on having the lights valued with the help of Tony and the Internet. She is looking into dimmer packs/alpha packs to accompany the lights.

9. AOB

F. Andrew with H. Sloan will look into obtaining a contract for Cleansed.

Please meet with your Board counterpart this week!

Minutes: 3rd May 2010

STaG Board Meeting

3^rd May 2010

In attendance: H. Sloan, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, S. Bradley, T. Mackay, K. Nesbitt, J. Dyer, L. Fenwick, F. Andrew, A. Ralston.

Apologies: A. Blundell, T. Eaton, E. Burckhardt.

Agenda

1. Elections

2. Devised Slot

3. Cleansed

4. Venues

5. STaG Ball

6. Fringe

7. AOB

1. Elections

a) The Exec Nominations for VP (Studio) and General Secretary will be kept open 'til 24 hrs before, to allow the Exec to be filled. All board members are reminded to have their binder ready for handover on Sunday 9^th May. The best binder will receive a cupcake from H. Sloan. P. Mannion will amend the constitution ready for new Board.

b) Two people wish to run for the Technical Manager. T. Mackay stated that it was a large role for one person and that it could easily be split into two roles. It was suggested that constitution be altered to be more flexible to these individual requests. The board concluded after some debate that it will be suggested that one of them run for the position with the other as deputy. H. Sloan and T. Mackay will meet with the candidate to negotiate an arrangement. There will be continuing discussions this week to outline how they could run as a team, and this will change throughout the course of the week.

2. Devised Slot

The devised slot now has a title: Error 404: Play Not Found. The production dates are 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd May in the Performance Studio. L. Fenwick will speak to T. Mackay about technical operators for the performances. The blog attached to the performances will be emailed to K. Nesbitt to be circulated in the email. L. Fenwick also will enquire about having booze in the performance studio, and will ask A. Blundell to liaise with G12.

3. Cleansed

F. Andrew stated that Stewart was not the best person at keeping in touch, but it seems that the production is going well. The flyers and poster will be sorted out as soon as possible, hopefully in time for the election. There were issues raised with letting the QMU and GUU that rehearsals and performances would contain explicit material. H. Sloan and L. Fenwick are going to formulate a strategy in dealing with this sensitive issue.

4. Venues for Next Year

Due to the uncertainty of venues for the next academic year, the Board will assist the new board in finding new places. It is looking that the Ramshorn and the G12 will close in the not-too-distant future. H. Sloan stated that people should think and the issue will be discussed thoroughly at the next Board meeting. With the hope of obtaining the lights, church halls and other non-traditional theatre venues could be an option. T. Mackay said that she was still working on having the lights valued with the help of Tony and the Internet.

5. Ball

F. Andrew has “still no news” about a swing band, and is unsure about a P. A. system. There is still no leads on a ceilidh band. It was noted that the P. A. system at the GUU was deemed 'insufficient' for bands. Posters and flyer will need to be worked on. A cheque will be sent to the GUU shortly. F. Andrew posed the question: “Who is willing to host the Afterparty?”

6. Fringe

Things are moving on.

7. Clean-Up

There will be a STaG Clean-up on 8^th May (1pm-4pm).

8. AOB

The survey has done well – S. Gregson will send round the results to the Board.

Minutes: 26th April 2010

STaG Board Meeting

26^th April 2010

In attendance: H. Sloan, A. Blundell, R. Jones, S. Gregson, P. Mannion, S. Bradley, T. Mackay, K. Nesbitt, J. Dyer, F. Andrew, A. Ralston.

Apologies: L. Fenwick, T. Eaton, E. Burckhardt.

Agenda

1. Devised Slot

2. Cleansed

3. St. Andrews

4. STaG Ball

5. Lights

6. Claiming Money

7. Fringe Committee

1. Devised Slot

L. Fenwick has been delayed in commencing rehearsals due to the volcanic ash disruption. She has given her cast holiday tasks, and the shape of the production is progressing well. There will be a fund-raiser of BBQ food and speed-dating at the STaG elections to raise money for the performances. There has been a problem with room-booking sheets, but J. Dyer will resolve this issue. A. Blundell reported that she has double-checked the booking and there will a G12 usher at the performances. H. Sloan reminded that audience size should be double-checked.

2. Cleansed

The play is progressing well – rehearsals have commenced. Technical and financial meetings have taken place, and the production design is moving along nicely.

3. St. Andrews

The performance went really well in St. Andrews. There was only 10 people in the audience, and it was suggested that we send flyers/posters to promote a performance in different locations.

4. STaG Ball

F. Andrew is attempting to confirm a band for the STaG Ball, and is on the hunt for cheap ceilidh bands. J. Dyer and A. Blundell will attempt to follow leads that they have. A budget is in the process of being agreed. S. Bradley will arrange b/w posters for the event.

5. Lights

T. Mackay is still unsure how much the lights from Jonny are, and will try to valuate them with Tony from G12. It is hoped that there will be an offer made soon. There is still some problems with storage and components of the lights, but hopefully they will be resolved. J. Dyer will enquire about space at the SRC.

6. Claiming Money

In December 2009, Emzy Wisker invoiced STaG for £317.99 for expenses covering 2007-2009. There were issues with receipts and the time elapsed in claiming the money, and there has been much communication to attempt to agree on a deal. The Exec Board has agreed to pay £158 to Emzy, recognising her contribution to the society,even though no receipts can be found for the claim. In light of this issue, the Constitution will be amended to clarify monetary issues.

7. Fringe

45 and a half miles has been renamed An Acre and change. The Fringe committee is beginning to meet in the following weeks. Things appear to be progressing well.

STaG Room clean-up on 8^th May.

Minutes: 19th April 2010

STaG Board Meeting

19^th April 2010

As P. Mannion was listed as 'Not Attending' this week, here's a quick update of what may have happened:

1. Cleansed – Stewart has had a reasonable turnout at auditions. The production was granted the G12 production fund.

2. Devised Slot – Things are progressing well. The cast were sent holiday tasks. There has been problems will volcanic ash disruptions, but this will hopefully be resolved soon.

3. Elections – On May 9^th, there will be STaG Elections. There will be a picnic and fun. F. Andrew and K. Nesbitt will inform the membership about all the details via the Newletter and Facebook.

4. STaG Ball – Things are happening.

5. Fringe – There will be a committee meeting this week. Simon and Edward have been given feedback about the play.

6. St. Andrews – No Wasted Education is happening. Again.

7. Survey – S. Gregson is going to make a online survey to question the membership about STaG and give them the opportunity to contribute feedback.

8. SRC Top-Up Grant – H. Sloan will be looking into how to claim money from the SRC.

9. Handover – Get your binder sorted.