Minutes: 27th September 2010

In attendance: S. Gregson, T. Pennock, H. Allan, C. Felstead, D. Hahn, A. Kane, F. Bird, L. Taylor, L. Monkman, S. MacDonald, E. Burckhardt, T. Eaton
Also in attendance: S. Gwynn
Agenda
An Acre and Change Post-Mortem
The Studio
STaG Nights
T-Shirts
Improv Tea Time
Socials
New Talent
La Ronde
Other Business
1. An Acre and Change Post-Mortem
As S. Gwynn was invited to the board meeting he was invited to speak about his Fringe experience. He felt the show on whole went well (although we do not have the figures for ticket sales as yet). Despite not having great reviews the audience numbers didn’t seem to be greatly impacted. There was good feedback from the audience which seemed to be other than students typically middle-aged (a target fringe audience). The publicity and the flyers went down well however it was suggested that more flyers may be needed (changing from 10,000 to 15,000 perhaps?) The cast and crew were very enthusiastic and helped out with flyering and promoting the show. However, it was suggested that perhaps rehearsals need to be started earlier than May as the cast and crew seemed quite apathetic and with the summer break looming it was difficult to organize a proper rehearsal schedule, yet it was noted that the delay could have been due to the lack of a finished script. D. Hahn suggested that there should be more of an emphasis on the fact that the chosen play will be going to the Fringe as the cast seemed unprepared for the challenge when it came. It was suggested that STaG should have a larger role with promoting the show and publicising the fact that STaG was linked with it. It could also be useful to have more people from the board involved in the running of the show. S. Gwynn felt that perhaps it was the wrong play for the Fringe as it was difficult to get people interested, something which the board could have helped more with. The lack of technical support was also addressed and it was suggested that there needs to be a larger drive to get people involved in tech for next year. He did however, feel that the Fringe pack was helpful but may need some updating. The venue (The Bedlam Theatre) was according to S. Gwynn, unhelpful and didn’t supply appropriate information when it was needed. There was definitely a lack of communication between the theatre and the cast and crew. Similarly L. Taylor was unaware of certain aspects of the theatre’s technical requirements for example the fact that the lights would be moved throughout the day so they may not have been in the correct position for the show the following day. Thus it was questioned whether a new venue should be found for the production next year which still provides the same amount of space for the play. In future there needs to be more fundraising and it should be started earlier as there wasn’t quite enough done this year. It was stressed however, that this is not the sole responsibility of the board.
2. The Studio
Studio slots for the New Works Festival have been decided as follows: Performances on the 9th, 11th, 16th and 18th with tech/dress rehearsals on the 8th, 10th, 15th and 17th.
3. STaG Nights
S. MacDonald discussed various progressions made within the separate committee for STaG nights (STaG Knights). There are 12 in the committee so far however others have expressed interest. They will be meeting on Thursdays and a schedule has been devised for the next two months. There will be a tech meeting this week. Cut! Filmmaking society has been contacted to discuss them taking part in the daytime events.
4. T-Shirts
L. Taylor is going to buy the screen-printing machine.
5. Improv. Tea Time
So far there have been 2 replies to the email. Both the people interested have been relatively inexperienced however. It will be put out on the Newsletter again.
6. Socials
Initial Itch social information will be on the website and in the Newsletter.The board needs to email F. Bird their availability for the social so a rota can be devised.
7. New Talent Nights
T. Pennock needs to contact the directors as part of his role as board rep. It was suggested he should attend some rehearsals to check on progress. The launch night has been confirmed as the 7th October in Coopers. The fundraiser has been cancelled. If rehearsal space is needed it is best to contact Lucy at the GUU as she has been helpful to STaG in the past. L. Taylor suggested using the Catholic Chaplaincy as a rehearsal space as it is quite large.Publicity for the shows will be sorted through Rob Jones’s Subcity radio show.
8. La Ronde
Publicity for La Ronde in the Guardian, Qmunicate, Subcity – if they will put something out anyway!Callbacks are on Tuesday 28th September. After a good turn out of about 70 it has been narrowed down to 12. The cast will be chosen from this 12.
9. Other Business
Community Theatre position and 1st year board reps will be advertised in the email. More posters for Alice should be put up, perhaps asking the cast if they can put up some posters in halls. T. Eaton will look into a board trip away.An executive meeting has been planned for Sunday 10th October at 11am.S. Gregson and D. Hahn are meeting Minty on Wednesday 29th September to discuss the James Arnott/G12 theatre space.