Minutes 1st November 2010

In attendance: S. Gregson, T. Pennock, H. Allan, C. Felstead, D. Hahn, L. Monkman, S. MacDonald, A. Rutherford, D. Keenan, T. Eaton, L. Taylor, E. Burckhardt, J. May
Apologies: F. Bird, A. Kane
Agenda
1. New Talent Post-Mortem
2. STaG Nights Update
3. La Ronde Update
4. T-Shirts
5. SRC
6. Social
7. Mainstage
8. Other Business

1. New Talent Post-Mortem
E. Burckhardt felt this year had been more successful than last year as it seemed like more of an event which encouraged people to come. However, D. Hahn was unsure about having two of the same play because it decreases the element of competition which is usually apparent in New Talent. The cast feedback has all been very positive and they enjoyed the whole experience. L. Monkman liked the format but suggested that perhaps the current board should try to organise New Talent for the new board so there is less pressure on them as there is such a small timescale to sort everything out. However, L. Taylor pointed out that over summer there is a lot of work to be done on the Fringe and so this may not be possible for the old board. Yet it was pointed out that having more communication between the old and new boards would help to increase the smoothness with which it is operated. E. Burckhardt said that it should be the new board’s job however as it is their first real performance to put on however maybe there should be more overlapping board meetings between the old and new board to make sure that any queries or problems can be resolved.
C. Felstead stressed the importance of choosing a director that is known to STaG so that we know they are approachable and easy to work with. A New Talent pack will be made to help the future boards.
It was suggested that in future different plays should be chosen so that there are more parts available because of large numbers of auditionees. Those in the chorus may have felt slightly less included because of the lack of larger roles. However, it isn’t just the part size that matters as STaG is trying to promote a good social experience too.
The auditioning process needs to be rethought as the directors felt the board auditioning didn’t help too much as it is difficult to judge parts based solely on workshops (or conversations). Perhaps the panel should be made up of the directors and an impartial board member. Some suggested that perhaps having an audition/interview process was not the best way to decide on parts and as a result felt upset and ridiculed.
Feedback will be given to C. Mcleod in the form of a meeting between him, T. Pennock and T. Eaton who will represent the board and their discussion.

2. STaG Nights Update
STaG Nights promotion at Initial Itch today. The flyers and posters have been printed and the board have been asked to distribute as many as they can. The launch party is this Thursday in the STaG room from 12-12.

3. La Ronde Update
J. May feels the process is going well. Rehearsals are taking place Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The tech meeting has been postponed. Set is a major concern at the moment, J. May is hoping to speak to the man who did the set for An Acre and Change but there are also other options. C. Felstead suggested J. May may want to take on a dramaturge but both J. May and L. Taylor feel he is focused and does not require one.

4. T-Shirts
The screen printer has arrived and C. Felstead and D. Hahn will go to buy t-shirts and get it set up on Wednesday.

5. SRC
Ongoing process…

6. Social
Nobody turned up last week, we will discuss the best course of action to encourage people to come.
7. Mainstage
We have so far received one proposal for the first mainstage slot of next year. An advert for proposals will be put in the newsletter to encourage people to propose. The deadline for proposals will be the 5th December and a proposal meeting will be held on 6th December.

8. Other Business
-Improv tea-time will start on Friday 5th November at 5pm in the STaG room.