The Ballad of the Minutes: 6th May 2013

Ye Saga o' Minutation
From the Room of STaG, Once Upon the 6th May

As Befell the Board, Between the Hours of 5.35 and 6 in the Evening

Characters H. Allan, A. Cameron, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden,  C. Goldstone, S. Gow, D. Hahn, S. Linsley, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, R. Tildesley and Z. Williams

Characters who were kidnapped by other tales J. Cameron, A. Gonzalez
Characters of the sequel, but there to enjoy the entertainment via cameos R. Anderson, E. Bendall, L. Gasson, D. Hardie and R. Imrie

Chapter Headings

1. Welcome
2. LIPP
3. Ball
4. MS
5. NTN
6. Calendar
7. Trip
8. Monsters
9. AOB

1.  Welcome

In the basement of the STaG Room
There gathered merry folk
The seasoned old, the sanguine new
And soon was one that spoke:
Aidan went through hand signals
And offered the new Board
Ginger Nuts and chocolate -
Bribes for all to hoard.

Advice was duly given:
Old souls, do share your pack
And should the New have questions,
Please meet up for a chat!

Postponed was talk of G12 -
And Rutherford shall send
The two entries, for this opening
Which next year shall amend
Venues as cold as Moscow
And far flung as Nairobi -
We'll choose proposals with next week's
Return of John, and Scobie.

2.  LIPP

The attempt at raising money

At Saturday's Election

Generated thirty pounds

So no cause for dejection.  

Meanwhile there's a Cliff-chase 

But - though busy is the man -

The poster seems well on its way.
* (And here entered D. Hahn)

We thought a Pre-Ball Workshop

Like last year should be done.

On 17th, with sweets and juice

Stress-free, the world could come

To learn how to get ready

On a Friday afternoon

As the evening may bring parties!

Chill out in the STaG Room.

The West End Festival 

Could also help raise funds

Though til exams are over

Publicity is shunned...

But trailer, poster, website -

All done, the end of May

Then time to meet with Aidan

And put the plans in play!

Tessie's to do photography -

Rehearsals, black and white.  

The deadline is the first of June

Which is the grand Launch Night.

*(Rob Anderson here entered)

S. Linsley has discussed:

Cliff or Andrew's camera

A teaser filmed by GUST.

To be a 'talking heads' piece
Emotions on display
Delivered in short fragments
And stylishly portrayed.
We're also looking into
A Glaswegian preview space
Aileen's scouring Edinburgh
For a likewise pre-Fringe place.
We'll take the featurette and
The kickstarter in hand

Once publicity's sorted.

But,
Still set to lose two grand...

3.  Ball
The GUU on Saturday
Were emailed for a quote.
No reply as yet, although
They'll get back soon, we hope.
Will's last exam's tomorrow
Then it's meeting in the pub
To sort out poster, trailer, deco-
rations, drinks, and grub.

We also need the questions
For the newsletter next week
Amy's agreed to make a list -
And that is no mean feat!
We also need the survey
Sent out to end the year -
If any issues have come up
Feel free to voice them here.
We also need to sort out
The famous Joke Awards;
To either of the MemSecs send
Suggestions from the Board.

4.  MS
Proposals for the MainStage
Due Friday after next
Any friends who might propose -
Harass, coax and vex!

5.  NTN

Perhaps some saucy Chaucer

Or dark Arabian Nights?

A kids' play is not needed

Just something large and light.

A problem for New Talents

If we choose a fairytale

Is STaG Nights doing childhood -

Such themes may turn quite stale.

One story, two directors

Two scripts, two casts, two crew

Each of equal merit

Publicity's easier too!

All are guaranteed a part

So everyone's involved.

Please have a think before next week

To get this slot resolved!

6.  Calendar
Have a think regarding dates
To add or to remove -
Next week the calendar we aim
To plan and to improve.

7.  Trip
House confirmed, now researching
The transport that exists.
We'll leave it clean though so his folks
Don't find something amiss!

8.  Monsters Post-Mortem
Probably we'll rapidly
Go through P-M process;
The calendar, however, shall
Make more subdued progress!

13.  AOB

Hamish for the band will take

200 for a fee.

We'll also need a PA -

The budget here's 80.

The Ball is on the 20th
But enough members said
They could attend a Board Meeting
On Sunday night instead.

WHBIT at the after-party
Last year, to fund the Fringe,
Tried to sell things but it seemed
On enjoyment it impinged...

We could always charge for photos -
But it's not perhaps the time.
This night is for a dance with this year's
Old partners in crime.

The stage is a bad angle
For photographic use
The Reading Room or upstairs
Better photos may produce.

And so, brief in duration
The meeting was adjourned
The old Board's era, end it did
Some rest they well had earned.
The next meeting, on Monday
The thirteenth day in May
Shall occur, still with both Boards
To set folk on their way.
Here the baton onwards passed
Shall be, to new Boards bright!
I must say, GenSec's been a... ball!
But from me,
'tis now
Goodnight.

Minutes (i.e. the small print): 29th April 2013

Seconds of Scrumptious Tagliatele and Gorgonzola Board Eating, 29th April 2013

The STaG Rib, 62 Oakfried Avignon 5.40-5.59pm

In a ten dance were H. A lamb, A. Came on, J. beCame ron, A Cuppa n. Don's ale, W. Feet, S. Go, D. Hah, S. Linseed, A.m Call, um, A. Rot her food, Zzzzz. Will i am

A polo gies M. Gods, Gold stones r til Des leads

A gender

1. LIPP
2. Elections
3. Ball
4. G12
5. MS
6. Trip 2
7. AOB

1.  LIPP

1. C. Goldstone was kid-napped by sleepy goats, so we'll get an update next week.
2. The cast is to sell ice lollies and start singing songs by Aqua at the Barbie-cue. 
3. À venue - Mabs will give an update when she's returned from France.
4. Aileen was sharp on emailing Cerne about a flat.
5. A radio interview was recorded in subtle overtowns at SubCity.  This might be used for a trailer too, it was so freightful.  May film.
6. Fundrasor - we made a £350 cut.
7. A. Rutherford sent each cast member £50 goals, in order to start profiting from betting on high-calibre football games, although this would bring us to a running total beyond what's necessary.
8. We need a fundraising wallcart like last year (to accompany the trailer).
9. The gloves are off: we sub-mitted the second instalment for the venue today.

2.  Elections

1. On Saturday!  Bored members can come to the STaG Room at 12.30 for something to do.  The forecast is rain and potentially thunderstorms; the postcast is once we've grown murderous with Barbie Girl being sung on a loop.
2. Mani festos are coming in thick and fast - we are acknowledging our instigation of this giant jellyfish invasion.  We received a fair few Ordinary Board Members today, and an ugly few unusual ones.
3. We should encourage others to run - genrely STaG does need more action in our events.
4. We will Spring on the audience a quick Summery before voting.  This should include what it is that one Aut umndertake in each role, and  what qualities you Wint a candidate to have.
5. H. Allan and W. Foote will organice everything this week, and also put the chapel choir in the freezer for good measure.  They will have to make a schedule on Saturday morning, however, as the manifesto deadline is Friday at midnight (when they jellyfish will turn into pumpkins).
6. Membership - a few people who have been involved this year are not in the member'ship - despite having done, for example, some light rigging - and had a sinking feeling that they can't vote.  These individuals mast join on Saturday or they'll be marooned (that is, caught red-handed...).
7. Packs - please submit packs by Friday at sunset, as it is scheduled to be a full moon.  Giant jellyfish and werewolves are not known companions.
8. Burgers, veggie burgers and condiments (especially BBQ sauce) are to be purchased.  Our Social Convenor kindly said he Will foote the bill.

3.  Ball

1. No meeting organised as yet with the absence of the Fin Sec (as we need to budget for the shark tank).
2. A. Rutherford is to email the GUU, in order for them to converse with M. Godden, W. Foote and himself.  We are gratefully taking full advantage of their offer to co-design shoes.
3. H. Macleod is looking for-ward to the Ball, as he prefers travelling via hospital corridors. 
4. Next week we'll do the publecity.  As in, join Mabs in Paris to go to every single bar.
5. A P.A. is required.  The executive needs someone to make phonecalls and coffee.
6. Ten pound entry to the Ball - new parents only.

4.  G12 Proposals

1. There is now an extension to next Friday (the weather's so crap we're renouncing BST already).
2. The first meeting with the new members will be a proposal meeting.  Give someone else a ring if you need a hand (in marriage).  Got two people.

5.  MainStage Proposals
It is recommended to start plugging at the BBQ (as mentioned already, you won't want to be able to hear anything considering the musical delights to come).


6.  Board Trip Mark II
22-24th May - A. Ciupka and J. Cameron to sort out travel to Bridge of Callie (since CT gave up football in favour of card games, they're a must-see!).

5.  AOB
Thanks for being a fantastic Board.  Cheesy, I know.

The late Secretary sincerely apologises for the sheer torment, pain and suffering this tonnage of punnage may have inflicted on readers (especially if actually survived this far!).  These views do not reflect those of the STaG Society, and should you wish to demand compensation for mistreatment or trauma - hell, remind me sometime and I'll buy ye a drink!

The Secretary gravely declared: adj-urned.

Minutes: AGM, 20th April 2013

Minutes of STaG Annual General Meeting, 20th April 2013

The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue, 1-3.40pm

In attendance were A. Cameron, J. Cameron, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden,  C. Goldstone, S. Gow, D. Hahn, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, R. Tildesley, Z. Williams

Apologies from H. Allan, S. Linsley

Agenda

1. Summary
2. Financial Report
3. Guideline Doc
4. BRep Role
5. BRep Definition
6. FS
7. Archive
8. OrdBoard
9. GUU
10. Logo
11. Campus
12. External
13. AOB

1.  Summary

1. We started on a massive high after the success of WHBIT (first profitable Fringe).  The role of the BRep was the only main issue.  Then NTN in the same format as previous years, which would be encouraged next year.  Perhaps it is not good consistently having two directors, however - one is always an option.  No major issues with SN, it was very good.  The venue and President involvement were more major issues in HB.  NW went smoothly.  Taming also had venue issues.  No NMS had any particular issues but missing directors and fainting (and venue).
2. A. Rutherford briefly ran through the agenda.

2.  Financial Report

1. Only 3 shows made losses this year - our attempt at NSDF, InterUni (which was a non-profit event), and Taming.  In terms of shows we made a definite profit, even given additional costs.  (Our financial year includes the Fringe, starting at the turnover.)  We did make a fair bit of money this year, but should bear in mind that the S.P.A.C.E. fee for NW still is to come out, as well as the Ball and the Fringe.  However, after these, there is still £4000 more than the start of the year.
2. We made £700 profit at the Fringe.  Since then it has been continual profit, with socials making £200-plus, and the SRC grant.  
3. Numbers from last year for comparison - started at £4000 (2011) and ended at almost the same (about £400 up).  How much did a Stone’s Throw lose?  £1400 loss, but made that up later.  The bank account figure is still an estimate - there could be another several hundred pounds' drop from uncashed cheques, etc..   
4. At the Fringe budget meeting it was estimated to lose £2000.  Audience capacity is lower, and ticket price is lower.  Last year was projected to lose £1200.  The fundraiser was successful this year, however - last year £600 in total was made for the Fringe.  The target again is £800-1000 this year.  

3.  Guideline Document

1. We stripped the Constitution to the bare minimum last year.  However there are a few details and advice to pass on to the next Board which are not included.  Another document alongside the Constitution is proposed - with information on the archive, the role of Reps, website details - and the Board is to vote on any changes if necessary.  It would be like a Board Pack.  
2. The Constitution contains rules - these are guidelines, not binding, but practical tasks vital to running the society.  As an appendix it would be more flexible, and can be changed too, unlike the Constitution.  The Board voted to add this appendix to the Constitution.
3. The discussion today may be incorporated into it.
4. The Constitution should include that it exists, and a unanimous vote is needed to change it.

4.  Board Rep Role

1. There have been communication issues - to sort this, it was suggested that the BRep could act more like a producer.  Liaise more, increase communication between the correct members of the Board and the Director/SM.  Clarify what is being done, chase up people, take some of the stress off directors, remind people to get things done and check that everything is the right way that the director wants it.  This would make the Rep know what they’re doing, which is currently hard.  
2. There was concern about making it that broad, as each member has already got their own job - but the producer of a MS is a big task.  In some cases it is important that the Rep knows what to do and reign in a director, for example, but sometimes a Rep is not even necessary.  Some shows run fine without this person.  
3. In some cases there maybe should be a boss - a CEO, more a boss you never see.  Perhaps just a new title would vest in them some more authority, so it would be clearer what the role actually involves.  A two-tiered system for MSs was also suggested.
   * J. Cameron joined the meeting.
4. A MS is a bigger job, so perhaps OrdBoards should maybe do it as they have a lessser board role.  
5. Another option for MSs is inviting directors to Board meetings, being expected to come at least every 2 weeks and have an input.  If a director was getting stressed or struggling with responsibilities, would this help?  In most cases if there are problems it tends to be related to the fact that the cast/crew feel distanced from the Board, and the BRep causes a 'chinese whisper' issue.  It has been noticeable, with the festivals, eg., that when directors are on the Board themselves there are fewer problems, and the directors also observe that the Board must balance a lot and all projects need due attention.
6. The options then would be to invite directors to meetings; there being 2 Reps; the Rep acting more as a producer; 2 tiers; or OrdBoard roles.  What does a Rep still need to do if directors attend meetings?  They are still objective, talk to cast, report back, and talk to directors.  Would visiting directors be for MS only?  Optional for NMS, and directors only come to talk on their agenda point.  As the festival directors are already on the board as VPs, MS directors should come along as this responsibility is just as big.  
7. In the directors’ pack, there should be a segment saying that they have the chance to come to meetings if they want to make any feelings vocal and see that we have other issues to manage.  MS directors should receive more time.  Another possibility is that the Rep had the option to decide on how much support the director needed?  However, the Rep might not be confident in adequately making that decision, although in reporting back it is visible how much input the Rep is having.  This would be a good compromise.  If the director is also too headstrong, there are 14 of us and it is the role on a Board that the President and Vices keep the committee controlled and the meeting running smoothly.
8. A final vote confirmed that NMS directors are told by the Rep that there is the possibility to attend meetings; MS directors have to come relatively regularly.

5.  Board Rep Definition

1. The role varies with different people and productions.  Some have had a lot of interest in their show and really gone to town, but this can be a lot of work.  It is not fair to push such a ‘producer’ role on to someone.  We should construct a list of what is necessary to do, and Reps can go over and above this if they want to.
2. The Rep must have a relationship with the cast and director, so all know who he/she is and feel able to talk to them.  Therefore the Rep must go to a rehearsal every week and cast socials, above all to make his/her presence known and be approachable.
3. Should the Rep sit in on the audition panel?  Certainly sit outside, not on the panel (may have no idea what a panel is looking for) but on the door.  Not always on the desk, though, because this can last two days - however on the rota they can be put in as often as possible, and at least show his/her face at each of the auditions.  At Arnie it worked fine that the Rep just popped in at end (however this was a small production).  Instead/on top of being there, however, it is perhaps more essential to go to the first Read-Through, for the first meeting.
4. The Rep then talks to the other board members - liaison within the Board on behalf of the cast/crew.  
5. The Rep must be neutral.
6. The Rep cannot become too involved in the production; however if there is a problem and someone else has to step in, the Rep or Board members are those people.  This may be unavoidable.  The volunteer for a Rep should be sure they are not wanting to be involved in the show; however if S. Gow had not been the Taming Rep, some problems would have been much less easily solved.  At the crucial point of 3 weeks before production week, W. Foote had to step in as an actor but effectively was still acting as Rep.  The new (now third) Rep did not know what to do, or understand the politics and system by this point.  Therefore it is not necessarily bad if the Rep does get involved, by that point, as everyone is so passionate that nobody is neutral; although W. Foote did have a simple, abstract role in the play, so this worked well.  There is not always a board member in the cast, but in this case J. Cameron was also asked about board issues, still being a representative.  The issue with Arnie was lack of director, and at a certain point the Rep was compelled to go in and do the warm-ups etc. - in such a situation, the Rep is someone who can take this on.  Therefore the Rep can take on a more involved role if something really needs to be done.
   * Z. Williams leaves meeting to release boyfriend from back garden.
7. Further to the above, regarding cast roles, the Rep should not have a lead role in the cast, and tech is completely scored out (similar situation caused problems in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest).  However, as in Taming, the Rep is not to start with a cast role, however they may take a small one up if stepping in for an emergency.
8. The Rep duty is very malleable - it all depends on the show.
9. Change of role name - ideas were put in the hat, and the name will be finalised in the AOB.
10. The Rep does not need to go to the production meeting - they do not really know what is happening and both Board members and the directors are present.
11. The main endeavour of the role is to be perceptive about all aspects of the production.

6.  Found Spaces Slot

1. Introduced 3 years ago.  However tends not to be 'found' anymore.  *Z. Williams resumes her seat triumphant.
2. Last year we decided a certain number of FS, SS, and either/or.  A problem is always finding a venue, and FS was to counter that, however it is really hard to get it to happen.  This year we had no studio slot, instead performing in Offshore.  However Arnie was technically still a FS, as the cafe situation of Offshore was deliberate.  The Investigations was supposed to be a FS, but for venue availability ended up in the Flying Duck.
3. FS is about finding a space and performing something site-specific.  A studio is a black box, etc., suitable to be performed anywhere.  Making theatre outside, for example, is hard to engineer though.
4. It is still a good opportunity, but perhaps the current membership is not up for it at the moment.  Directors can still do this if they want at any time; the previous uses of a flat and outside were just after the idea first came up, so had been directly inspired.  
5. This year nobody seemed to be that aware of it, more than anything else, or sure about what it involved.  It is the role of Venues to talk to the director about the possibilities. 
6. It is not to be a separate slot, however the idea of a 'found' venue shall be hyped.

7.  Archive

1. Introduced by Sarah McDonald 3 years ago.  It covers the history of STaG - for example, we do not even know when it started - and keeps a record of shows, cast list, programmes, etc.  Current issues are making sure that it’s implemented, and how to go ahead.  At the moment it consists of a box with scripts and programmes, etc. and a mention on the website.  
2. To kick it off again, would Sarah be happy to do a session?  With the new Board, at the changeover, to get someone up to date.
3. Perhaps it should be a Rep job, to keep a poster and a programme for the show.  Then a MemSec duty, as they have the membership list.  
4. It could be opened outwith the Board, with someone on the Board to take care of it, and another member onboard.  There's not enough (to do or enough interest) for a committee.  The bare minimum should be a requirement, but at the moment there's also a necessity to contact alumni.
5. The previous Archives person did not really care, whereas it really needs someone interested to get involved.
6. It was agreed that continuing the archive is a good idea.
7. In the future, will storage be an issue?  All digitised - a Tumblr/blog would solve this.  The idea is to have more than a poster and cast list, but also contact people and ask them about their concept of STaG, famous people involved, what they enjoyed.
8. Make it available to STaG membership and incorporate it into the MemSec role.  
9. D. Hahn will contact S. MacDonald to come in once the new Board is up and running.

* 15-minute break.  M. Godden joins the meeting.

8.  OrdBoard Roles

1. These should alleviate pressure on other members and fill gaps for non-assigned duties.  Should this concept continue?  Yes.  A list of jobs is needed: assisting tech, publicity, festivals, venues... better defining the role.
2. Publicity should be one, but bigger than just collecting posters.  Depending on Publicity's decision, it could be social media (or something more concrete).
3. Tech depends on how much there is to know and on the production - there are a lot of techies around.  Allocate roles around ability, playing to strengths.  Mention what roles are available are at the start, but not specific roles as in 'Pub OrdBoard'.  Discuss strengths and focus at the first meeting.
4. Publicity will want a different themselves perhaps to their predecessor, preferring social media to posters eg..  The OrdBoard could handle Twitter statuses.  At this stage it is not worth defining.  
5. Website - there is no point giving it to someone who doesn’t know.  A Board member can always teach the rest how to use it.  Someone should always be there who knows enough to keep it maintained, though.  
6. Festival help - SN didn’t need it really.  Festivals have committees.  
7. Venues help would be useful.
8. Social help - food/drink runs, getting cups.
9. Tech help - always useful.

9.  GUU

1. Obviously there was an issue recently in moving the Taming fundraiser, after we boycotted the GUU for the misogynistic behaviour at the Ancients Debate.  What to do now?  The investigation and final judgement does not appear to be on the horizon.
2. This is a diplomatic issue - we signed a public letter stating our intentions, we knew the consequences of this, and we can not now turn around upon finding the GUU useful.
3. However, it is not the staff to blame, and they are the ones who ultimately suffer.  The case is now in the hands of the Senate.
4. The GUU has had elections, and have a new board.
5. It is a good space, and it seems we would be shooting ourselves in the foot to not use it for the Ball.
6. We need to release a statement to say what we’re doing.  Ask them what they plan to do, and if the new Board mean to deal with these issues then we will use it for the Ball as planned.
7. The new Board is to decide whether they will reaffiliate with the GUU.
8. We use rooms attended to by staff, but the union is run by students - the relationship between STaG and the GUU is the representation of a concept.
9. We will release a statement, meeting with the GUU and if we get a satisfactory quote statement from them we will say that we will do Ball.  This is to be within the next week.  
10. A valid point made on this issue previously is that if you want to change a culture then you are part of it - go make it what you are about.  An angle for re-affiliation is that it is our union, and less about annexing from what we dislike.

10.  Logo

1. Only brand/image changing can be done at the start of the year.
2. Another design?  The current one is viewed by some as illegible, weird, unrepresentative, messy; there is the simple logo, then the image with antlered people and hand-written words.  Most do not mind the antlers, but dislike the lettering especially.  In the past it evolved from previous logos, so perhaps we should not change too much.
3. We should come up with hypotheticals - if we are to change it, we should at least make it good.  Over the summer, we could ask people to design it, asking in the newsletter.  Winner receives free tickets.  You can vote for the old logo too, however - it is important, if evolving, to have an input if the old one is still wanted.

11.  Relationship on Campus

1. We do not seem to have much of a relationship with other societies on campus.  Next year we should foster these again.  
2. There are many other creative societies, there is such a large wealth of talent and we’re not participating to the extent we could.  There are also many new theatre societies, which focus all on different things - Encore, TNTS, Cecilians - we all offer different things, but this is something we should be able to foster.  The G12 is to be back up and running soon, and we should do more joint socials.  STaG Nights perhaps has much more opportunity for inter-society projects.
3. At this stage, perhaps this is more of an issue for the new board to keep in mind.

12.  External Presence

1. InterUni, NSDF, Fringe: all external events.  How should we select the plays?  This year we picked something from SN or NW due to tight deadlines.  We could introduce a standing proposal, or there should be a system in place; however we need to avoid creating the impression that the 'second prize' to the Fringe is InterUni, and the SN 'winner' is NSDF.  In retrospect it must have seemed like that, even though the Board did look at all the possible shows and chose the most suitable and feasible to fit into these festivals.  We could do the same as for going to the Fringe but on a smaller scale.
2. InterUni and NSDF are two very different things.  InterUni is a given, NSDF is not.
3. New festival?  These events needed plays of a certain length, and SN plays were ideal.  We can just say that this is what is decided.  Or put a date in the calendar for proposals?
4. An issue at the GH post-mortem was that perhaps STaG just has too much happening.
5. With these festivals, we would probably not do as many studio slots.
6. We are sending the play to represent Glasgow and us: should the membership vote from all the plays?  This would be harsh.  SN is a good way to test out theatre.
7. Aimed at different directors, teams - unfair for first-time directors, fewer opportunities to do things.
8. It is a concern that SN would become a competition; once it is finished then we could invite directors to propose.  
9. InterUni doesn’t have to be on beforehand, and it could be anything, it does not have to be the best we can pull together, not being competitive.  NSDF requires an individual pre-showing.  It is hard to market and it lost money.  NSDF would need a new structure, and perhaps it is just not within our remit.
10. Some plays submitted to NW were also submitted for NMS, and this can encourage writing; you could re-propose for a festival.
11. Could we invite NSDF to MS1, our biggest play?  No time pressure involved.  But the entire MS cast must be available in the Spring, and we must pay at great expense for each person to go down.  The impression was that the same group of people tends to do it every year.  
12. It could be seen as a choice between NSDF and the Fringe.  NSDF created a big hit in the budget and there is always the possibility of failing; furthermore it is not so much good for lots of people, on the scale of the Fringe.
13. Conclusion: NSDF is not a focus in future. 
14. Other events - InterUni.  It is a nice thing to do, people can go with them to see the plays.  It should be a good show.  We should make InterUni culture more of a thing; it gets bigger each year too, and at some point we will have to host, if we keep attending.
15. InterUni could be a competition, as a studio slot, with a proposals deadline.
16. Bristol had a stage - a FS could be in Offshore, then suited to the stage?  In Bristol the kind of level was that of ones probably going to the Fringe.  50-minute pieces of new writing.  In proposing for InterUni, directors/writers should cater for a larger space.  However we could always get a venue to suit this scale for a studio slot.
17. We could make the slot the one that will get feedback, then go to InterUni.  It would have to be in Semester 1.  If SS encourages new directors/writers, they probably are not eager to go straight to a festival, however Semester 2 is probably better for them anyway, if they've already had a semester learning the ropes.
18. We could perform more of a production for the membership, and not so much a public show for Glasgow then for another festival.  However the STaG audience tends to be membership and a few parents anyway.  We could do feedback forms for any show.
19. The slot would have to be tailored towards InterUni, performed as a work in progress, with feedback from people, or a dress rehearsal where people come along.  If a rehearsal performance, we would not have to make posters or publicity.
20. How many people proposed for SS though - is the volume of submissions itself a potential issue?  It may also take the focus off STaG Nights; therefore it would be advertised afterwards.
21. The 'After Eight' practise run, was just Catherine inviting folk on Facebook.
22. There being no costs incurred in publicity, a larger space can be hired for one night to perform.
23. There are 3 NMS, and one would be InterUni or add another one?  A concern would then be rehearsal space.
24. Dom and Daryl couldn’t find space to rehearse.  InterUni however is late February, after SN but before NW, so not a peak time.  If using the idea of feedback forms it will also take time for the feedback to come through, and at this time other things are rehearsing.  It would have a 3 week rehearsal period, the showcase plus time afterwards.
25. Conclusion: replace first NMS with InterUni.  Then we know about that production and can plan it accordingly.
26. Rules at InterUni?  You just go, there are no specific guidelines (unless they change the rules next year).  Our involvement in InterUni should be amplified.

13.  AOB

1. ‘Production Liaison’?  Sure.
2. Should Venues be two people?  It is a hard enough role to deserve as such.  The idea of using a Google doc for bookings?  We could assign certain things to each Venues member - MS1, NMS sem 2, Festival sem 2 to one, and vice-versa.  However everything is booked long beforehand, or should be, and in dealing with venues you build up relationships.  A while back a precautionary hierarchy for shows was also mentioned, as was the issue generally of STAG Room bookings.  Both of these topics should probably be left to be decided on by the next Board.
3. Studio Slot - it was suggested to make the STaG Room black - but this would create a horrible space, with walls dripping with sweat.  Perhaps a black box constructed in the room would be better.  It's a nice thought to keep in mind though that we could paint it if necessary.  With a mural?  No.  It could probably do with another coat of white paint, however.  Paint the floor? Nah.
4. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the MSA for their patience and endurance throughout this afternoon of us pretending to be loud and interesting.  Whether a 3-hour sedate discussion about board policy, finances and production liaison is indeed a good time for the oldies to be jealous of, certainly it will probably now result in heading down the road for the drinking and shrieking part!

The next Board meeting will be at 5.30pm as usual in the STaG Room on Monday 22nd April.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 22nd April 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 22nd April 2013

The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue 5.35-5.55pm

In attendance were A. Cameron, J. Cameron, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden,  C. Goldstone, S. Gow, D. Hahn, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, Z. Williams

Apologies from H. Allan, S. Linsley,  R. Tildesley

Agenda

1. Monsters
2. LIPP
3. Elections
4. Ball
5. AOB

1.  Monsters

1. Post-Mortem next week [AGENDA].
2. Rob has the moneybox, and shall give a report next week [ACTION: Rob].

2.  Love in the Past Participle

1. Budget meeting last week.  Projected a £2000 loss, which is pessimistic, but hopefully we shall smash the fundraising target and audience numbers.  It is better budgeting this way.  
2. Venue for preview show - possibly 16th July, but venue is more of a concern than date.  J. May doesn't want The S.P.A.C.E. at the risk of creating a deflated repeat of the same performance.  Preferably it will be somewhere more centralised and well-known, so reviewers are more likely to attend.
3. Radio - teaser to come.
4. Meeting with poster designer - some good ideas.  Deadline for publicity material is 31st May/1st June.
5. Kickstarter Campaign - being planned.  More funds will be received for this too hopefully (only if we reach the target).

3.  Elections

1. Manifesto deadline - Exec members Friday, non-Exec for a week later.  Get going and kickstart the process!  Please also start Facebook campaigns [ACTION: All].   
2. Barbecue is sorted.  
3. MSA have been observing our progress.  Please make sure to keep noise to a minimum during elections [ACTION: All].
4. Write packs, to be in by a week on Friday [ACTION: All].  Nobody has time to chase packs up and we have been given an extra 3 weeks.
5. Paperwork - items including help for door duty, Board Rep and Directors have been written/edited.  These shall be added to a Google Doc to be looked over [ACTION: Nogs].

4.  Ball

1. Advertisement for help was sent out in the newsletter last week, with a few responses.  After tomorrow, W. Foote shall check bookings and get the ball rolling [ACTION: Will].
2. Budget meeting - to be arranged.  However no issues are forseen [ACTION: Will & Rob].
3. A meeting with the GUU is to be organised [ACTION: Will].

5.  AOB

1. S. MacDonald would love to come and talk about Archives.

The date of the next meeting is Monday 29th April at 5.30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 15th April 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 15th April 2013

The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue 5.35-6.40pm

In attendance were H. Allan, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden,  C. Goldstone, S. Gow, S. Linsley, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, Z. Williams

Apologies from J. Cameron, D. Hahn, R. Tildesley
A. Cameron was also being kept updated on proceedings.

Agenda

1. Monsters
2. LIPP
3. AGM
4. Elections
5. Packs
6. Ball
7. Board Trip
8. Govanhill
9. AOB

1.  Monsters

1. A door rota is needed [ACTION: Nogs]. 
2. The money box needs to be sorted [ACTION: Rob].
3. Please plug it!  [ACTION: All].
4. Chairs - 20 a night.  Marketing it as intimate; the booking form is on the website.
5. Posters have been put up by the cast.

2.  Love in the Past Participle

1. Venues - Bedlam and Zoo both rejected our application.  Managed to call most venues and called Charles at Space who have given us a cancelled slot.  C were angry, and have made a note in STaG’s file.  However the venue is now booked, with two different time slots: 11am for the first half of the run and 12pm for the second, and we have some days off.  It's a shorter run than we would have had before, but it is more central (on Nicholson Street).  [EVENT: LIPP, 2nd-17th August, Surgeons' Hall].
2. Applied for the Fringe Facebook and Twitter. 
3. Poster designer - Cliff Andrade, yet to reply to the email.  He will also make a trailer and teaser, and we need to ask him if he would be willing to design the website which Aidan can then make before 30^th May [ACTION: Mabs, Aidan?].
4. Internet campaign deadline is the end of May; June is for press releases.
5. Budget meeting is needed [ACTION: Aidan, Rob]. Space is cheaper than our previous option - £1500 for the whole run.
6. Fundraiser - Thursday 18^th [EVENT], in the form of a love-themed Scratch Night with a photo booth, etc.
7. STaG room clean up needed [ACTION: Mabs].
8. Fundraising ideas - need more. J. May does not want a day-long fundraiser, although C. Goldstone is to talk to him again as they can be effective [ACTION: Catherine].
9. A preview show is to be held in July.  Arches and Tron Changing House are possibilities [ACTION: Mabs].
10. The show is taking time off before returning to rehearsals in early June.
11. Flat search has not yet begun but will probably be done in the next 3 weeks [ACTION: Catherine].

3.  AGM

1. Compulsory board attendance [ACTION: All]. 
2. Email A. Rutherford any potential issues by 1pm on Saturday [ACTION: All]. 
3. R. Tildesley needs to make a financial support for the year [ACTION: Rob]. 
4. A. Ciupka is to email about the issue of the Board Rep role [ACTION: Alex]. 

4.  Elections

1. Details of the roles have been published in the newsletter, and manifestos are to be out quite quickly next week.
2. W. Foote will sort the barbeque before tomorrow and forward plans for newsletter [ACTION: Will].

5.  Packs
Packs need to be ready preferably for Friday, but certainly by the elections on May the 4th [ACTION: All].

6.  Ball

1. Venue - GUU are unlikely to have an inquest before the end of term, so the boycott resulting from the Ancients Debate continues.
2. The general consensus was not to change the venue.  This does not alter the fact, however, that members still have a problem with the GUU.  W. Foote dislikes Kudos and felt that the GUU is the best space, and it is a hassle to find a new one.
3. M. Godden and W. Foote are to check the booking with Gemma [ACTION: Mabs & Will].
4. A poster and the Ball Committee are needed [ACTION: Will & Sinead].

7.  Board Trip

1. Jack’s house is available.  It is a bit awkward to get to but doable.
2. We figured out that there are no dates that we can all do - 22^nd, 23^rd  and 24^th are when most are free; we may stay until Friday depending on our availabilities [EVENT: Board Trip 22-24th May, Jack's House].
3. A. Ciupka volunteered to help organize travel [ACTION: Alex].
   * N. Donald entered.

8.  Govanhill Baths

While being refurbished as a theatre/exhibition space, the Govanhill Baths are looking for interested parties to perform.  It might be a possible venue in the future.  A. Rutherford is to email expressing interest [ACTION: Aidan].

9.  AOB

1. Cecilians - this year we were invited to their cèilidh, and in the past there has been a joint sports/football event.  W. Foote will email to ask if they want to reprise something similar [ACTION: Will].
2. MSs next year - venues are already a struggle.  Only the Mitchell is free but at a price, although G12 is a possibility.  2nd semester perhaps Platform?  It is far away but a good price and a nice venue.  We could suspend making the decision until the new Board is in place, as especially with the transport issues it seems like a heavy burden to put on the new Board's shoulders.  A vote secured suspending the decision for now.  However we are running out of time; the Tron and Tramway are full, the Arches are expensive.  The CCA could be a possibility for MS1.
3. Avant Garde could be a possibility for the STaG Ball.

The date of the next meeting is Monday 22nd April at 5.30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 4th March 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 4th March 2013

The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue 5.35-6.40pm

In attendance were H. Allan, A. Cameron, J. Cameron, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden,  C. Goldstone, S. Gow, D. Hahn, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, R. Tildesley, Z. Williams

Apologies from, S. Linsley

Also present was Leonie Gasson (director of Taming).

Agenda

1. Taming
2. NW PM
3. Monsters
4. LIPP
5. InterUni
6. Publicity
7. Social
8. Mainstage Venue
9. AOB

1.  Taming

1. The venue is confirmed,  publicity is done and tech is almost there; Sunday will be hellish: we can get in the venue from 8am, then we create a black box, run the tech and dress rehearsals before the show also at 8pm.  
2. 20 bits of deck and 100m scaffolding arriving at the STaG Room on Saturday - as many people as possible are needed to help construct (not J. Cameron) [ACTION: All].
   *A. McCallum entered the meeting.
3. We are unable to get into the venue on Saturday night, therefore we need to book a van: a big one, perferably a Luton [ACTION: Zoë].  The delivery will be at 4pm - all hands are needed to store things in the STaG Room and then meet at 6am on Sunday morning [ACTION: All].  Rehearsals must be moved from 4pm-onwards on Saturday [ACTION: Soph].
4. The venue didn't answer whether we can leave things in corner until Wed morning, in which case we may need to do the same procedure then.  This also depends on GBR.
5. Publicity - the posters and business cards went to the printers this morning, to be collected tomorrow morning.  The poster was also emailed to the Fraser Building screens, and information has been emailed to Heads of Arts subjects.  A. Cameron has also spoken to ten schools and is expecting heads of departments to email tomorrow, as she mostly spoke with secretaries who weren't sure if Taming was on the syllabus; a couple seemed really interested.  Loads of hashtag cards have also been printed and tomorrow the attack will begin!  Fortunately everywhere is fine to poster this week due to the SRC elections.  She has also made a twitter account and arranged to plug at the end of Theatre and English Lit lectures this week, having already been sent lecture schedules, which will be forwarded to L. Gasson to assign to cast members [ACTION: Amy].   
6. It may be worth contacting old folk homes for the matinee [ACTION: Amy].  
7. 3 reviewers have also agreed to come, two from GUM and one from Polaris.  None know which days they will come yet, but A. Cameron is to send details on to A. Rutherford to book tickets [ACTION: Amy, Aidan].
8. The cards and posters shall be left in the STaG Room for cast/crew/bored members to pick up.  A. Cameron will tell us where to go plug [ACTION: All, Amy].
9. There is the new ticket system, which can be plugged.  A. Rutherford will teach A. Cameron how to get behind the scenes.  Please book tickets [ACTION: All].
10. The blackboxing seems to be sorted, although we need to find out some details still [ACTION: Adam].  It is unlikely that the venue has curtains for those windows, so they need to be covered; we must also find out if the venue has ladders (3.5m high) - we could possibly get them from Gilmorehill, S. Gow's garage or the university [ACTION: Aidan, Soph, Adam, Zoë].
11. The cast is all doing fine, and Facebook has seemed to explode with Taming.  They will be more relaxed when the publicity is out.  Saturday shall be spent sleeping in preparation for the next day - until then, publicity shall continue at full throttle.
12. Door Rota - Sun, Rob & Debs; Mon, Catherine & Nogs; Tues matinee, Alex & Amy; Tues night, Alex & Mabs [ACTION].
    *L. Gasson left the meeting.

2.  New Works Post-Mortem

1. It went really well.  C. Goldstone however has three points, although conceded that mostly she could have avoided them herself: firstly, she was not familiar with proposal form system, and would recommend the VP look over this before their deadline.  A proper application form may work better; the old one she also found at the last minute was a good template.  She wasn't sold on the box; this was for a message or to copy in the proposal form, then upload the script.  In the end it was all well.  
2. From proposals meeting, all ran very smoothly.  She went to two rehearsals which was really helpful, and feels she maybe should have gone to the other two.  A. Cameron did not go to any STaG Nights rehearsals out of choice, to give the productions breathing space, but then slightly regretted that approach too.  Basically you make the cast/crew feel uncomfortable by being there, but if they are scared because they have not done enough work, it does encourage them to pick up their feet.  As opposed to having a BRep for every show, this has a similar function, and C. Goldstone did give advance warning.  It also prepares the Board and the organisers for exactly what to expect.  People also really like it (especially when new to STaG) to see a Board member is there, and that outwith the play there is a support network.  For one of the plays, however, C. Goldstone also needed a rehearsal schedule.  
3. Fundraiser - went very well, and should be a stable NW fundraiser idea as it shows new things but also the four plays.  Chinese NW was also a good party.  
4. Venue - nothing went wrong.
5. Publicity - both M. Godden and S. Linsley were not around during those two weeks so there was a different version of the programme each day.  It brought up that we should keep in mind that if the relevant person cannot do something, do delegate it in the Board.  This in general was something C. Goldstone felt she needed to work on.  
6. The four plays were really good.  
7. Judges - emailed results quickly, however only one judge has given feedback.  Emailing the result is also the best thing to do, instead of the announcement night last year.  G. McNair has expressed interest in meeting each director and writer in person, which is a nice thing to do and in the past has worked out well.  S. Archibald has recently had a hiccup with his laptop, so that may explain.  But we a re hoping soon for three written feedbacks, which can be used for publicity.
8. Finally, C. Goldstone was congratulated on a very successful show.
9. Figures - to be confirmed after R. Tildesley has met with A. Rutherford [ACTION: Rob, Aidan].

3.  Monsters

1. D. Hahn has not been to rehearsals this week but everything seems fine and everyone seems to be feeling good.  
2. Venue - the Mitchell Library does community prices for registered charities (technically we are through the SRC) and the Blythswood Room is available on this scheme on the 23-24th at £35 a day (if not it's £225).  It has a capacity of 40, but we cannot go over that, so we could not do the 38 people with raffle tickets idea.  There is also the Burns Room, capacity 80 and not available on the charity price plan but for only £125 a day, available 22-23rd.  We have been penciled in for both, and there will be a venues visit on Wednesday with A. Parkerclare to make a definitive decision; if the Mitchell does not suit, M. Godden shall call the Council about schools.  There is also the St Andrew's Buiding.
3. Poster - two pictures are potentials, and the basic image is done.  A. Cameron will send it on to A. Rutherford to put the logos on [ACTION: Amy].  Nothing more can be done until venue details are confirmed.
4. The Mitchell also closes at 5pm, so we would have to do afternoon shows.  This may be possible, being at the end of term - if anything it might be better to have afternoon showings.  Offshore could also be a possibility.  M. Godden shall talk it over with A. Parkerclare [ACTION: Mabs].

4.  Love in the Past Participle (LIPP)

1. The S.P.A.C.E. has not invoiced yet - this shall be investigated [ACTION: Mabs, Rob].  The Bedlam form has gone off, and C. Goldstone is meeting with J. May and N. Harrison on Wednesday to finalise which spaces to look at.  Zoo and Assembly applications will be sent by the end of the week [ACTION: Catherine].  
2. Newsletter -  there has be no response except from C. Goldstone.  The deadline is Friday, and the venues deadline is March 14th.  A. Rutherford shall write a blurb about a TechMan in the newsletter [ACTION: Aidan].

5. InterUni

1. All is going fine - R. Tildesley met with J. May and discussed rough plans for getting there.  He and L. McCalister both have railcards (therefore £16 per head), whereas - instead of buying R. Somerville a railcard - his ticket will be a little more expensive.  Otherwise, as the accommodation is free, there are no other costs.

6. Publicity

1. There was some concern about the current plans for the fundraiser tomorrow - there is confusion as to what has been confirmed.  Also, 9-12pm is not a lot of time to make much money - an after-party at the STaG Room might be a good idea.  W. Foote shall replenish refreshments tomorrow, and shall text for help [ACTION: Will].
2. S. Gow should end the rehearsal early, and the STaG Room can be cleaned up before the cast head off to their own fundraiser [ACTION: Soph]. 
3. The venue situation is as follows - we are creating a blackbox studio with a reverse tardis effect - it only fits 100.  Tickets are 85 on the booking form, with 15 reserved for the door.  After discussing costs, it was suggested that S. Gow should give L. Gasson a programme template (for the usual director's note, cast list and crew list).  A. Cameron shall speak to her about this tonight [ACTION: Soph, Amy].
4. Budget for Taming - £100 for publicity (but expected below that).  A. McCallum shall talk to R. Tildesley about tech costs, which need confirmed [ACTION: Adam, Rob].
5. Take caution that R. Tildesley's email is playing up [ACTION: All].
6. It was confirmed that there was a bleed on the poster.

7.  Social

1. Another social?  Each of the next few weeks include Taming, Theatre Studies performances, and Monsters - unless we go out on a Saturday night.  A pub night out is also easy to organise, and to soak up the post-show blues and also the end of the rugby, it was decided for Saturday 16th March [EVENT: March Social].  To be publicised in the newsletter this week [ACTION: Will].  
2. Ball Committee - to be organised over Easter.  
3. Ball céilidh band - tech requirements?  A. McCallum shall enquire and pass on details [ACTION: Adam].

8. Mainstage Venue

To be looked at over Easter (or at least once Monsters is sorted).  The MainStage slot proposal deadline is the first meeting of the new board (outwith changeover meetings), at the end of May.  There are no newsletters over Easter, however [ACTION: Mabs, Aidan].

9.  AOB
No further business.

The date of the next meeting is Monday 11th January at 5.30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 25th February 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 25th February 2013

Coopers', 499 Great Western Road 5:45-6pm

In attendance were A. Cameron, J. Cameron, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden, S. Gow, D. Hahn, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, Z. Williams
Apologies from H. Allan, C. Goldstone, S. Linsley, R. Tildesley

Agenda

1. Taming
2. Monsters
3. LIPP
4. Venues
5. InterUni
6. Social
7. Publicity
8. AOB

1.  Taming

1. Recent Changes - W. Foote has been cast in the show as the SM, so N. Donald has taken over the position of BRep.  S. Linsley has also gone home, so C. MacAskill has been cast in her stead.  N. Donald has been to a rehearsal, and has been forwarded a copy of the rehearsal schedule and posted on Facebook.  Due to venue specifications, some scenes may need to be re-blocked.  There was a very enjoyable social at the weekend.
2. Fundraiser - D. May and R. Tildesley are hopefully to meet this week [ACTION: Rob].  A. Cameron spoke to D. May about changing the fundraiser into a comedy/scratch night, as there are no comedians.  Something is needed for the newsletter this week [ACTION: Amy].  
3. Progress - once the venue is confirmed, everything will happen quickly.  A Tech Meeting will be required [ACTION: Aidan] or liaisons initiated if using the Citz, as they do their own tech.  M. Godden is calling the Citz tomorrow; she will talk to L. Gasson before making any changes [ACTION: Mabs].

2.  Monsters

1. D. Hahn (BRep) went to the rehearsal on Friday, and it is looking good.  She suggested providing chairs, instead of the audience standing, as parents in particular might appreciate this.
2. Everything seems to be going fine regarding room booking.
3. Venue - the Old Hairdressers' is not replying, and M. Godden is to chase them up [ACTION: Mabs].  The provisional date would be 20-21st March.
4. A. Cameron has met with A. Parkerclare about publicity.

3.  Love in the Past Participle (LIPP)

1. Venue - an application to Bedlam has been submitted.  There will be a meeting with J. May about other possible venues; we are also looking at Udderbelly, Zoo and potentially the Baillie Room at Assembly [ACTION: Catherine].  Pleasance was decided against.  M. Godden will talk to her friend at Bedlam about the possibility [ACTION: Mabs].
2. Publicity - there will be a meeting about this after the venue is confirmed [ACTION: Amy/Sinead].
3. Fundraiser - this needs to be organised as soon as possible [ACTION: Catherine]. 

4.  Venues

1. S. Gow is taking on all the Taming rehearsals, which seems to be working well.  Due to time constraints, however, room bookings are now to be managed by S. Gow and N. Harrison.  
2. Taming Venue - the Citz will be contacted tomorrow.
3. Next Year - now that the MS is (soon to be) covered, research should be embarked on next year's MS1 for booking in advance, and suggestions emailed out to the Board [ACTION: Mabs].  When hunting for Taming, several offers for our next show were made, such as the Mitchell Library for £400/night, which has a capacity of 350, although the acoustics and tech spec are not great.  The Cecilians and the Dance Society have put shows on there in the past.  The Tron is also a possibility; Kings seems too complicated.  Details are to be passed on once these are sorted.
4. STaG Room - a Google calendar will be linked to the website so that everyone has immediate access to booking the rooms [ACTION: Aidan], and it will be more efficient as M. Godden doesn't have to gallop to the notice board with every text message.   An explanatory sign should be put on the noticeboard instead [ACTION: Mabs/Zoë].

5.  InterUni

1. There has been no meeting as yet about a fundraiser [ACTION: Aidan].
2. As we are going ahead, blurbs for the programme, for example, should be sent off, and finance needs to be estimated [ACTION: Aidan, Rob].
3. GIFT - Gateshead International Festival Theatre (Newcastle) used to be integrated with Newcastle City Council, which cut 100% of its arts funding, whereas Gateshead added more funds.  Therefore their festival this year is bigger than usual and they are introducing a programme aimed at students and graduates.  It would be useful perhaps to pilot the Fringe show there.  More details shall come, shared on Facebook; the deadline is the 8th of March, so we need to move quickly [ACTION: Amy, Aidan].

6.  Social
February Social on Wednesday [EVENT: Wed, Social].  W. Foote is planning to buy provisions during the day beforehand, and shall text round for help [ACTION: Will, All].  Please come in comfortable clothes (pyjamas even!) and all Board members were asked to come especially early to fill the room up, as there is no theme [ACTION: All].  S. Gow will reiterate the social at the preceding Taming rehearsal [ACTION: Soph].

7.  Publicity

1. As S. Linsley is unwell, A. Cameron is covering Publicity for now.  
2. Taming - she is meeting with L. Gasson to discuss plans, and the Taming poster designer emailed her today.  A. Cameron is looking at the poster: it only needs the venue name before being sent to the printers.
3. Monsters - A. Cameron also met with A. Parkerclare and had the photoshoot.  The title and venue name then just need to be added.  Both of these projects are within the two-week deadline.  The poster will be forwarded to A. Rutherford to add logos and text, which will then be sent on the Z. Williams for grammar [ACTION: Amy, Aidan, Zoë].
4. As A. Cameron's show is on Friday, A. Ciupka is to go to the printers on Friday - any problems and she can drop A. Rutherford an email; even a cast member could be volunteered [ACTION: Alex, Aidan/Soph].
5. Mockumentary - T. Troes is starting tonight.  For short segments with the whole Board, W. Foote shall text to arrange when everyone is free.  T. Troes has a flexible timetable [ACTION: Will, All].

8.  AOB

1. Student Initiative Grant - a university scheme, this fund is for undergraduate arts students and has previously funded personal development or amateur theatre projects.  It was suggested we apply for Taming - R. Tildesley shall submit an application, with details forwarded by S. Gow [ACTION: Soph, Rob].

The date of the next meeting is Monday 4th January at 5.30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 18th February 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 18th February 2013

The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue 5:40-6.20pm

In attendance were H. Allan, A. Cameron, J. Cameron, A. Ciupka, N. Donald, W. Foote, M. Godden,  C. Goldstone, S. Gow, D. Hahn, S. Linsley, A. McCallum, A. Rutherford, R. Tildesley, Z. Williams

Agenda

1. GH Post-Mortem
2. Taming
3. InterUni
4. NSDF
5. Monsters
6. NW
7. Ven
8. Bookings
9. Soc
10. Grammar
11. AOB

1.  Inver Post-Mortem

1. M. Godden (director) said that it was very nice - apart from the fainting!  We should have got posters up earlier.  Maybe for another standing audience we should make sure there are places to sit down, although the audience was told the length of the play and recommended to take a seat.  M. Godden has done longer standing performances in the same space without this result; fainting is so unprecedented, there is no previous experience to work from.
2. Cast Absences - were a problem.  Should we introduce a two-shows cap?  Three shows is a huge amount, however capping is a restraint of creativity.  NW shows are restricted to only two, although this is more for competitive reasons.  It seems unfair to directors who cast actors earlier in shows if their cast drops out, however it is also unfair to later shows if all the actors are taken, and it’s not our choice to decide what people can handle: currently we strongly recommend no more than two shows only.  We could make a form for auditionees to detail not just shows that they're currently in, but also wanting to be in - although people tend to audition for everything, depending on where they get accepted.  If directors are made aware of this issue in their pack, they can bring it up of their own volition during auditions; at least after casting, every director should ask about which other shows their actors are in.*R. Tildesley enters.
   M. Godden added that it was more the cast members not alerting her or the SM of their pending absence.  It was pointed out that surely trying to get more people in shows is good, and there are lots of good actors to go round.  However the best actors are the ones that get cast, for obvious reasons; this is a question of absence and not show-capping - if the actor knows what they need to do and is not a bother, everything is fine.  People will always miss rehearsals.  But if capped, other groups would happily take the actors, and if they are in 3^rd/4^th year they could be juggling university or work anyway.  The truth of auditions is that you do not get everything you go for.  If actors then had to choose between shows, then directors fight and might have to re-cast, which also is not fair.  Regarding this semester, the productions did not actually suffer; there were rehearsal problems but the finished shows were given the full attention of the cast.  It may also apply particularly to first years who do not realise that there are so many shows simultaneously.  The actors currently hear the two shows recommendation from the directors auditions; with overlaps this time there was also good liaison between directors and a Doodle page.  In conclusion, a vote secured keeping the recommendation only - which is the directors’ responsibility to reiterate.  It is a good idea however to try adding a form detailing any other involvements.
3. Venues - was it hard being VenMan and liaising with oneself?  Should Found Spaces go ahead as a concept?  Certainly, it is one of most interesting things STaG does and there were problems but there are always problems.  NSDF conflict meant that we could not afford the space originally wanted, but the space influenced what it was and it made part of the final product.  Every show is effectively found spaces, so FS accentuates the possibilities positively, and proposals might come up with new, interesting places.
4. Board Rep - the cast/crew feedback showed that most did not even know they had one.  It was agreed that although attending one rehearsal a week doesn't kill you, if a whole lot of work lands on you and you cannot do it, the role should be reassigned.
5. M. Godden was congratulated on a great show.

2.  Taming of the Shrew

1. W. Foote has not seen much due to his own show commitments this week but attended the budget meeting.  Rehearsals and budget are going fine; still the only issue is the venue.  Rehearsals are going on as if they have an early slot.  
2. Venues - the main theatre at SYT is only available when the whole cast is not; the Pink Room is available for two blocks of two days at £250 each.  We will try to get St Andrews in the Square down to £500 from £700 a night - the dates look suitable.  A hall in Cathcart is a no-go being £3500.  The Citz is not calling back; £500 per night is probably possible, or at least if reduced to a three-night run which would be very heavy but doable - the Tech/Dress and a show all on the first day.
3. The Theatre Studies 2 performance date is the 19^th March.  Word has also gone around that the 4^th March was the possible Taming date - there is not even a poster yet, and this would not be feasible!  If a performance date includes a weekend, this will create problems for A. McCallum regarding his work.  L. Gasson shall be asked about preferred dates [ACTION: Will, Mabs].
4. A last option is Platform in Easterhouse, which has a 180 capacity and is reachable by train.    It was decided to go for whichever option has the better specifications; hopefully we should finally manage to get a venue shortly!
5. Fundraiser - L. Gasson is concerned about not being able to have the planned fundraiser, especially if the 4^th March is the actual performance date - but, as noted above, this is not an issue.  There is a venue booked for the fundraiser on 7^th March, so there is no reason for it not to go ahead - W. Foote will communicate [ACTION: Will]. 
6. Grant - this budget should be saved for the Fringe, as we will receive more money this way anyway.  
7. Now we are pressed for time, it is all hands on deck: i.e. if we need help with chairs or publicity, for example, please chip in!  [ACTION: All]

3.  InterUni

A budget meeting is needed [ACTION: Rob].

4.  NSDF

Sadly we were unsuccessful with our application.

5.  Monsters

1. This has been cast and it is all sounding good.  First rehearsal is on Wednesday at the QM; schedules still need to be returned, but there is also hope to have one on Thursday.  A. Parkerclare asked about photocopying scripts.  The Old Hairdressers' has been emailed, but again Taming takes priority with venue planning.

6.  NW

1. The email is in C. Goldstone's inbox; she will post the result on the Board Facebook page after emailing the directors.  The announcement night set-up last year just caused some awkwardness.  The judges said they were so impressed with all four plays, which were of a wonderfully consistent quality, the festival had a nice atmosphere and both STaG and C. Goldstone should be very proud.  
2. Grant - has been awarded.  C. Goldstone must be reimbursed [ACTION: Rob].  A. Rutherford will send out feedback forms in advance of the Post-Mortem next week [ACTION: Aidan].
3. Fringe - C. Goldstone would like to handle publicity instead of the usual VP role of Project Manager; it should not be too difficult to find a PM.  Last year there was an application system for the publicity officer - should this not be applied for again?  The group advertised for the particular roles they did not have; in the past D. Hahn just applied for her role and directors applied for the shows; PM’s main job is to find the venue, which must be done this week - C. Goldstone will not duck out of this.  However there needs to be a PM to facilitate venues, etc. and work in a BoardRep capacity.  Deadlines for venues are coming up in the middle of next week.  We will hold off the Fringe discussion until a PM is found, to give them time to think.  Budgets need to be sorted too.  M. Godden has an acquaintance at Bedlam [ACTION: Mabs]; C. Goldstone's choice would be Udderbelly, Zoo or Bedlam.  N. Donald will go through last year’s discussion for next week [ACTION: Nogs].  Fringe arrangements will be planned once the winner is announced.

7.  Venues

1. The email to the Cecilians is pending [ACTION: Mabs]. 
2. Bulbs are to be bought [ACTION: Zoë, Mabs or Adam].

8. Booking System

Tickets - A. Rutherford has found an online booking system which sounds like a good idea; there is a 50p booking fee either absorbed by the ticket price or charged if you’re booking online.  People are more likely to turn up and we'll have a better idea of how many to expect.  This would be implemented as soon as possible for upcoming shows and the Ball.  If people book a ticket and cannot come, we are able to implement our own policy and can decide how/when they get the money back.  We can also arrange festival passes and discounts - we will likely experience teething errors but we should try it out.  [ACTION: Aidan]

9.  Soc

1. Bands - W. Foote needs to ask N. Donald (and H. Macleod/A. McCallum?) about band arrangements so far [ACTION: Will].  
2. For the social next week, W. Foote volunteered to do a food shop [ACTION: Will].

10.  "Grammarowls"

A reminder that everything public should be put past N. Donald, H. Allan and/or Z. Williams for proof-reading - particularly programmes, posters, not so much external emails [ACTION: All].

11.  AOB

1. In directing an SRC play, A. Cameron had to book rehearsals in the SRC where there appear to be lots of rooms, and as long as you are affiliated with a society you can book them.  The Williams Room in particular is massive.  
2. D. Hahn works for a project for people with learning difficulties, who need an actor to speak about earning money in this trade; they would need to be free on a Thursday afternoon.  It was suggested she talk to I. McArthur or E. O'Neill [ACTION: Debs].
3. Next on snacks are J. Cameron and S. Gow [ACTION: Jack & Soph].

The date of the next meeting is Monday 25th January at 5.30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.