Minutes 1st June 2011

STaG Board Meeting 5:30pm 01/06/11
In attendance: C. Felstead, C. Goldstone, S. Gregson, E. Igelström, I. McArthur, T. Pennock, A. Rutherford
Apologies: H. Allan, G. Bennett-Lurie, D. Di Rollo, D. Keenan, L. Monkman, L. Taylor
Agenda
• Much Ado About Nothing Mainstage
• ‘Which Shoes do you Choose?’
• A Stone’s Throw
• The STaG Ball
• Archives
• Freshers’ Week
• New Talent Nights
• Facebook-gate
• Our Next Meeting
• A.O.B
C. Felstead raised the concern that in view of the percentage of board members in attendance, holding a meeting may be unconstitutional. T. Pennock took out his calculator and in fact, the numbers were sufficient to go ahead.
Much Ado About Nothing Mainstage
C. Felstead requested that J. Payne (director of Much Ado)’s request for some extra help in the form of crew/asst. Direc. be advertised in the newsletter. E. Igelström will do this. It was suggested that some basic questions about why applicants were interested in the role be included to make the process more selective, with a deadline for application.
The board agreed that they all enjoy reading E. Igelström’s newsletters.
In terms of finding a mainstage venue, S. Gregson explained having investigated using the James Arnott Theatre, The Ramshorn and Cottiers, the final of which he had recently visited. P. Sneddon, manager of Cottiers, quoted S. Gregson £1,800 for a week’s use of the space, not including staff costs, of which there would unavoidably be some. S. Gregson also explained that the theatre does not have its own box office, meaning ticket sales would be entirely the responsibility of STaG. C. Felstead pointed out that this was very expensive compared to other venues rented in the past.
With regards to use of the Ramshorn theatre, S. Gregson has been given the date of July 31st for its proposed closure, making it an especially unlikely option. A. Rutherford pointed out that the theatre may be looking to sell some of its equipment, and that STaG may want to investigate this later in the year.
Staff at the James Arnott informed S. Gregson that the entire year’s schedule must be worked out before it can be made available to outside parties such as STaG. This, they pointed out, may take some time. S. Gregson will pursue this further. An additional concern raised was that rehearsal time in the James Arnott may be ‘bitty’, with very few larger slots of several consecutive hours available.
A.Rutherford and I. McArthur expressed an interest in finding a smaller venue, in which shows could run for slightly longer. S. Gregson pointed out the importance of using a larger, official theatre space for STaG’s mainstage for benefit of show, spectator, performer and STaG’s reputation. C. Felstead pointed out that adequate stage size was also important for a mainstage production.
A. Rutherford suggested looking into using Athenium on Buchanan st, an older theatre which, he explained, may or may not still be in use. S. Gregson said he would look into this.
C. Felstead passed on J. Payne’s suggested dates for Much Ado About Nothing auditions. The board agreed, with these being at the very beginning of the year, immediately after Freshers’ Week, that to make them a week later would be beneficial. This will be posed to J. Payne as an alternative.
Production week dates were discussed, with Mon 21st-Sat 26th November preferable. It was pointed out that previous mainstage audiences may have suffered because of early December production weeks, causing exam clashes.
‘Which Shoes do you Choose?’
A.Cordier and cast were congratulated on a successful performance. There were some concerns expressed that the video footage may not be ready in time for submittal to NTS. A. Cordier was contacted about this, and it is the responsibility of C. Goldstone to see it is sent as quickly as possible.
A Stone’s Throw
C. Felstead explained that a flat is still being looked for in Edinburgh, although there is currently one promising lead. The board were told that a press show version of A Stone’s Throw will be put on at The Arches, inviting primarily people in the industry in order to gain feedback on the piece and that more news would follow on this.
In addition, an open-air version of A Stone’s Throw will be performed at Solace Festival, South Lanarkshire on the 26th June. STaG Members are encouraged to go in support and watch this performance.
Just before the start of the Fringe, a fundraising walk from Glasgow to Edinburgh will take place. Volunteers should express their interest to someone on the A Stone’s Throw team soon.
The board were informed that the A Stone’s Throw website will be launched on 9th June, in time for publication of the Fringe guide (which will advertise the site alongside the play).
Additional fundraising ideas include those appealing to children in particular such as face-painting and S. MacDonald’s coin spiral idea. It was suggested that these could take place alongside West End Festival events. C. Felstead also mentioned the possibility of an origami workshop for children. S. Gregson pointed out that something of an origami expert, and a good amount of organisation would be required. C. Felstead assured the board that care would be taken in doing this for any fundraising idea executed.
The STaG Ball
The ball was declared a success with good attendance on a par with the last three years.
C. Felstead pointed out that anyone wishing to cash cheques should do so soon before the official signatories change. E. Igelström agreed to inform people of this in the newsletter.
C. Felstead pointed out that there was food wastage at the ball. A. Rutherford suggested more of a per-head food plan and itemised budget for next year’s ball.
Mixed feelings were expressed about the quality of the photographer, although the redundancy of his keyring stall was unanimously agreed on.
Archives
C. Felstead reminded the group that an Archive meeting will be held on Friday at 4pm, with location TBC. This will be emailed once known.
Freshers’ Week
It was pointed out that without D. Keenan in attendance it was difficult to move forward with any bigger decisions, however it was agreed that he should continue to seek helpers and delegate tasks.
A.Rutherford raised concerns about the time it might take to print t-shirts in time for Freshers’ Week. The benefits of both in-house and online printing services were discussed. The board are reminded to buy t-shirts (orange only for Freshers’ Week) in preparation for Freshers’ Week.
C. Felstead showed an enthusiasm for the return of hoodies. S. Gregson expressed a dislike for hoodies. No one conclusion was made.
New Talent
It was acknowledged that Roald Dahl’s stories has previously been a popular idea. C. Felstead aired concerns that a decision needed to be made over the summer in readiness for the new academic year, and yet paradoxically this was the hardest time to get the whole board together at once. It was agreed that those in attendance would have to make an attempt at making a decision, and emailing absentees to check for concerns/issues.
S. Gregson pointed out the importance of the rehearsal process in terms of conveying a sense of professionalism and knowledge, as well as a sense of fun, to those new to STaG.
Three plays proposed were James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Some issues with the above were raised. E. Igelström introduced the idea of using A.A. Milne’s adaptation of The Wind in the Willows, Toad of Toad Hall which appealed to him because of its creative malleability, large cast, and chorus of a flexible size.
The board agreed that, regardless of play, it was very important to carefully choose directors who would be supportive, well-organised and friendly, as the ‘face of STaG’ for Freshers involved in New Talent. It was agreed that, as in the past, the G.U Debates Chamber is ideal for the performance of the New Talent work.
It was agreed that the board would examine the Toad of Toad Hall script, discuss it and make a decision as part of A.O.B.
Facebook-gate
Changes on Facebook threatening the safety of STaG’s online collection of photos, wall-posts and other history were angrily moaned about by all.
In particular, C. Felstead pointed out the value of all the posts on the original Facebook group created several years ago by R. Jones, particularly with regards to helping build the archives. She suggested attempting to save this information. A.Rutherford explained that this was indeed possible. T. Pennock will attempt to save, back-up and if possible transfer the photos that may disappear. E. Igelström pointed out that when the group eventually is terminated in favour of a ‘Page’, someone will actually win Last Person to Post Wins. The thought of this made everyone momentarily very uncomfortable.
Next Meeting
C.Felstead asked for a response to the idea of an online meeting whereby the board members available to do so could convene online from their respective locations. Skype was suggested as the preferred medium for this and typing far better than attempting to source microphones etc. A.Rutherford agreed to organise this and contact the relevant parties.
A.O.B
S. Gregson informed the board that after exploring another avenue via MSA, Estates and Buildings have approved the idea for STaG to install their own doorbell. He explained that STaG could, contrary to previous beliefs, organise this themselves. S. Gregson agreed to be in charge of taking the next relevant steps with this.
A. Rutherford outlined the research he had done into getting himself a Working at Heights certificate, allowing STaG to carry out more of their own technical work in different venues, without the need to pay for an in-house member of staff. It was suggested, with the vastly varying prices of these (between £25 and £700) that A.Rutherford would contact some prospective theatres asking what level and quality of certificate they normally ask for, so that no money is wasted investing in the wrong course.
I. McArthur expressed a need for more permanent photographer so that rehearsals and performances were better and more consistently documented for publicity and archival purposes. After different suggestions, E. Igelstöm and S. Gregson were selected as best-suited in-board members to help with this when available to do so. Although the possibility of using photographers from past events was not dismissed. I. McArthur will make a more concise contact list of potential photographers for current and future use.
A. Rutherford raised the possibility of looking into liability insurance with regards to technical work. It was agreed that this was worth researching and he will do so.
I. McArthur mentioned some ideas surrounding a temporary events licence, and it was concluded that this was best outlined later in the academic year when more board members could be in attendance and all the legal documentation to hand.
S. Gregson expressed an interest in building some staging for the STaG Room in its future use as a studio space. Research has revealed buying rather than making it would be very expensive. S. Gregson also mentioned the importance of sourcing a blackout curtain for the space. S. Gregson and E. Igelström both agreed that STaG could benefit from investment in a better set of power tools. A. Rutherford explained some of the elements required to make staging soundproof.
E. Igelström and S. Gregson returned with a copy of the proposed play text The Toad of Toad Hall for New Talent nights and, after examining it and discussing its potential, all agreed that it was very well suited. The board agreed to contact absentees so that they might express any concerns about this choice should they have them.
A meeting about the website will be held Thurs, 5pm in the STaG Room. An additional meeting about the Archives will be held on Friday 3rd at 4pm, with location TBC by C. Felstead. The next general board meeting will be online, on the evening of Monday 6th June. A. Rutherford will contact board members with more information on how this will be organised.