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.

Minutes: 11th February 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 11th February 2013

The Elliot Library, GUU, University 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 were Dominic di Rollo and Daryl Green (writer/director/cast, General Horseplay)

Agenda

1. GH Post-Mortem
2. Taming
3. Monsters
4. InterUni
5. NW
6. Ven
7. Soc
8. Elections
9. Tech
10. AOB

1.  General Horseplay Post-Mortem

1. D. di Rollo and D. Green said that it was good to do the first STaG show submitted to NSDF and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.  Stereo again was a great venue as the space worked well, and the whole thing ran well on night.  There were a few points, however, for STaG to take on board about NSDF:
2. Venues - having talked to M. Godden about venues yesterday, they expressed concern about the new system.  They realised that the system is currently being changed and it is no easy task for M. Godden to do it all, but there were problems in getting venues for rehearsals, acquiring Stereo in the first place and getting to the venue for the show.  They sent the rehearsal dates three weeks in advance for booking as many as possible, but ended up in the rehearsal studio in the St Andrews Building, for example, and on the day before the performance were at a loss and rehearsed in an Adam Smith tutorial room.  
3. If the vague details on getting in and having no chairs for the performance was a decision on STaG, D. di Rollo and D. Green should have been alerted and made aware how to deal with it.  It was pointed out that this was a venue mistake, and had happened at STaG Nights; for GH the venue sent an email confirming the tech, P.A. and chairs, but an hour before the show we were told there were no chairs.  Should have thought that it could be the same again and taken precautions, but perhaps in our naïvety we did not expect this to happen twice.  Another issue was squeezing in the Tech/Dress rehearsals after clearing the stage and venue of rubble and rubbish, which they were not alerted to upon arrival.  Again it was mentioned that when you book a venue, nobody would expect to have to clear rubble off the stage, and that this was a fault on the side of the venue.  If not blacklisting Stereo, we at least need a team of people to arrive early and sort everything out, and tell the cast and crew what to expect.  Thanks were expressed to Z. Williams and A. McCallum for getting everything done and sorted before the show; that is primarily what the Board is here for and nothing ever seems to go smoothly, it is in the name of theatre.
4. These issues were not the same during STaG Nights, as they were the last to tech so everything had been sorted.  Although everything works out well in the end and you just have to keep going, this can brush away things that could have been avoided.  Having said that, there are always problems with venues: previously, every show was in the G12 and every studio slot in the studio.  Now sometimes we are in theatre venues, sometimes non-theatre, and although obviously you propose expecting a theatre, even if listening to what you are saying it is realistically not natural for a non-theatre venue to have everything ready.  We need to be specific when we ask, but they are not used to this when they are running nights; this is not a solution but at least an explanantion.
5. Is there a way to make rehearsals better?  Venues was changed because the places were getting anoyed: with seven shows on there were seven SMs with non-bookings and missed bookings all in the name of STaG.  We also have limited bookings in the QM, for example, and each show depended on a decent amount of time.  It seems to have created a whole host of problems and is a lot for M. Godden to do - would it not be possible for two people, splitting the workload in two?  This has been considered and it is a lot to do, and the shows need to support each other.  It is the middle of term and submitting rehearsals times quickly is great but if other shows don’t, everyone has to wait until all timetables are through so that it is equal.  We are aware that currently this is an issue, as we are developing the new system.  If one show is proactive, is it fair that they don’t get their rooms booked - should it not be survival of the fittest?  However GH did know their arrangements before other shows.
6. Being the first for NSDF, that has potentially played a massive role - it feels like experiment for STaG with a major emphasis on being for NSDF judges, with a slight failure to realise this was a show in own right people which paid for.  Only on the second night when judges were there did we use chairs and programmes.  However it would have been impossible to get chairs on the first night, and the programme was mandated by NSDF.  If this was scheduled into the STaG year with someone in charge from earlier on, someone could have been there to liaise with Stereo. 
7. Communication breakdown and dates - they were led to believe that the show would be on the 14^th January, then were told that it was not confirmed and was instead in February.  It was difficult going into the production not knowing when the show was going to be, with everything up in the air and the different dates being confusing.  They were told at end of last semester that they were going, then only after the New Year did dribs and drabs of information about what they were doing come through.  In answer to what information was required, it was expressed that little was known about the process, responsibilities, the date, if someone needed to liaise - they would have been hapy to do that if they had known.  When things went wrong at the end and at the start, some things must have been avoidable if they had started a week or two earlier in planning.
8. Publicity - they were fortunate with the audience in end, although they felt that publicity was very limited, perhaps systematic of the NSDF experiment.  The publicity budget was the same, and there were problems with the printers so the posters were not up as early as usual, as well as there being a delay in getting the poster image.  It was probably mostly word of mouth.  The situation did create a marketing conundrum: if the show has already been on, should it be NSDF excitement and ‘catch the show again’ or publicising it as a new show?
9. Mostly for personal peace of mind, it would also have been good to have had a Production Meeting.  Every show should have that meeting; instead they got sporadic email replies.  S. Gow was SM so it probably would have helped if someone else had been Board Rep; A. Rutherford was also Production Manager.  However it felt very detached - although maybe this was taking for granted that S. Gow was on their team.
10. The point is to give a play the opportunity and STaG the opportunity to go to NSDF.  If it is something to continue in future, how should we decide which play is chosen?  If a STaG Nights play it may become too much like a competition, which would take away a good thing about the festival.  Perhaps every show that happens should be made aware of the possibility.  
11. Because of the timing of the judges, if it is too much of a nightmare because so much going on, is it actually worth doing?  Is the STaG calendar just too saturated?  They did enjoy it and preparing for an external judge; we don’t know what NSDF would be like, but like the Fringe it is good to aim for.  But perhaps we should be more realistic about the resources avaialble, especially regarding rehearsal spaces.  Having shows which are all polished and ready to go - perhaps better than producing a few more but which are rushed?  It shall be fed into the calendar next year.
12. The judge asked why they put themselves forward?  They didn’t even know idea it was a possibility.  If there is a desire for Glasgow shows to go, why not do it external from STaG?  It was incredibly expensive.  Perhaps if people are interested in going, STaG could facilitate it but the production is left to do its own thing, and knows it.
13. Once again D. di Rollo and D. Green said thank you for the opportunity - fingers crossed for Monday.  The statistics are 12 out of 140 shows (8.5%) are accepted.  
14. It was decided to hold off further discussion on the process until we know what the verdict is [ACTION: agenda].

2.  Taming of the Shrew

1. Rehearsals are going well, currently with a lot of workshops and character work.  
2. Budget - details are to be forwarded to L. Gasson [ACTION: Rob].  
3. The main issue is still venues - M. Godden spoke to Scottish Youth Theatre, and it seems in all we have three options - we'll see how the situation is at the end of the week.  The Pavilion and Old Fruitmarket are too expensive.  The Citz has a break in their Mainstage, and we are waiting for the woman to get back.  The studio is also free for a week, as is Partick Burgh Hall; Maryburgh Hall is full.  Scottish Youth Theatre is viable as their show is in the third week of March; the studio room has a capacity of 80 and is also free for all of March.  Details have been passed on; there is the Blue Room - audience of 60 - and a few similar others.  Recital Room at City Halls is doable but has an awkard timetable - it would be a day-in-day-out thing.  St Andrews in the Square costs £700 per day.  Overall there are about four viable options.  Glad Cafe is still to be looked at.  L. Gasson has been emailed with the latest.
4. Fundraiser - D. May is involved in a production of 'A Midsummer's Night Dream' this week, so is rather busy; W. Foote will email her later [ACTION: Will].  The date is to be the 7th March [EVENT: Taming fundraiser].

3.  Monsters

1. Auditions - today, and tomorrow until 5pm.
2. Production Meeting - probably to be postponed, possibly at some point this week [ACTION: Debs, Aidan, Zoë, Adam, Mabs, Sinead...]. 

4.  InterUni

Very little idea of what’s happening - tickets have been acquired, haven't heard anything over the weekend but hopefully there might be an email when home tonight.  J. May is back on Friday, after which we need a budget meeting [ACTION: Rob, Aidan].

5.  New Works

1. The get-in has gone suspiciously well for two shows, everyone is happy and The S.P.A.C.E. is fantastic.  There is little to no time to rig; we are there again tomorrow.  
2. The potential flat is no longer available for the afterparty, although there has been some interest from someone who however is not involved in NW.  A request should be posted on the NW Facebook page [ACTION: Catherine].
3. C. Goldstone has a meeting with the SRC tomorrow but will come back for the Dress, which should start bang on 4pm.  Programmes are all done and are going to be printed off before every performance [ACTION: Catherine?].  F. Surgeon Shea has not emailed with a replacement judge; if no email arrives tomorrow, there will only be four judges - hopefully one won’t just turn up, although this wouldn't cause too many problems.  G. McNair has said yes but not replied to confirm, although from experience he seems a man of few words; C. Goldstone will give him a call [ACTION: Catherine].
4. The Board was reminded to book tickets [ACTION: All].  Sales are going quite badly - there are still a few left on the door every night.
5. Doors - a rota is needed [ACTION: Nogs].

6.  Venues

1. Clean-Up - to be scheduled as soon after NW as possible [ACTION: All].
2. Cecilians - this morning for the Get-In we found the NW set covered in paint, footprints everywhere, the bathroom full of paint, the sofa ruined and half-eaten takeaways and rubbish everywhere.  The cleaner had to clear out all of the stuff, and was very amiable about it.  A Cecilian came down as we were leaving - they knew our get-in was today, and even so, paint can't be easily shifted.  We are aware that their show was this week.  M. Godden will send an angry email, sending a draft to the Board first [ACTION: Mabs].  Having mentioned many times that this is unacceptable, it has now affected a show.  A 'three strikes' idea was suggested.  It is up to the next Board to decide if the Cecilians are allowed to use the room next year; as their show is now over and they have the summer, it is realistic for them to find another space if needbe. 
3. Booking Sheets - M. Godden explained that since taking down the sheet, it has been much easier to keep track.  However, asking J. Cameron and W. Foote in respect to those having shows at the moment, it is harder for them to keep track of whether they got that room and at what time, resulting in a slight communication breakdown.  A vote secured keeping the current situation, however it was agreed that there has to be a visual timetable, perhaps on the website.  It is useful even for cast/crew in a free hour to know if you can pick stuff up, for example, without walking into a rehearsal.
4. A. Rutherford will look at how to put something into the website [ACTION: Aidan].
5. M. Godden agrees with this suggestion, provided she is shown how to use it.

7.  Socials

1. Newsletter - something should be added about the social on the 27^th February.  Snacks may need to be stocked up; this shall be double checked [ACTION: Will & Aidan].
2. Ball - N. Donald is to get back to the band [ACTION: Nogs].  There has been no formal confirmation received for the Debates Chamber, although it has been booked.  M. Godden will talk to the GUU person tomorrow; we also need to book the bar [ACTION: Mabs].  
3. Ball budget?  There will be a meeting after NW, although based on previous years the band budget was £250.

8.  Elections

1. Elections - already a few people are starting to ask when the elections are.  This is usually 3 weeks after the end of the Easter holidays, which would mean Sunday 5^th May - or perhaps Saturday 4th - this will be confirmed when the exam timetable is out [EVENT: provisional elections date, 5th May].  A barbecue beforehand was also suggested, as is tradition.  
2. AGM - this should take place at least 14 days before the elections - the decided date is 20th April [EVENT: AGM].

9.  Tech

1. 48 rolls of tape are to be bought to stock up [ACTION: Rob & Zoë].
2. Other Tech - it would also be useful to get more poles for hanging lights on - if some venues don’t have these, lights must be strung up in a rather precarious fashion.  Hopefully these can be bought before Monsters.  Conversion leads for silver lights are also required as these currently cannot be used.  A. McCallum will make a list and find a budget figure [ACTION: Adam & Zoë], as will Z. Williams to sort out a couple of items such as sandpaper.  A broom and dustpan are also needed [ACTION: Aidan].  Especially before MS2, we should make sure to stock up backstage and for tech.

10.  AOB

1. A. Cameron is directing the Vagina Monologues for the SRC, which involves 3 workshops.  Everyone has a script and the production requires 20-something girls to read, in the QM.  Please come and spread the word; the auditions are tomorrow in the John MacIntyre building [ACTION: all].
2. The wall outside of the STaG Room is broken; not by us, but it needs to be fixed and we should probably buy some polyfiller [ACTION: Zoë].  The Cecilians have fitted a lock on the bathroom door, and did paint a smiley face next to the hole in the wall to apologise.  A GUSA person filed a request form for the bathroom lock when it was broken in November, and nothing was done by Estates and Buildings.

The date of the next meeting/last meeting of the semester is Monday 18th January at 5.30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 4th February 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 4th February 2013
The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue, 5:30-7.30pm

In attendance were 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
Apologies from H. Allan
Also present were Katalina Watt, Chris Colebrook, Abraham Parkerclare, Charlotte Anderson and Darren Hardie for individual interviews about their proposals for NMS3.



Agenda

1. NMS3
2. TOTS
3.  Inv
4. NW
5. Inter-Uni
6. NSDF
7. Pub
8. Ven
9. Fin
10. GUST
11. AOB

1.  MS3 Proposals
1.  K. Watt - 'Lonely Saxophone'
[EDIT: pending]

2.  C. Colebrook - 'One Way Path'
[EDIT: pending]



3.  A. Parkerclare - 'Monsters'
The plot involves an anti-sentimentalised human portrayal, with characters written in a way that is not specific individually to them, but the scenario could have happened before, or happen again.  More investigating individuals within society and not themselves, the play is not meant to be an attack but present a generalised sense of youth; it gives details and facts, discussing rather than condemning. 
Questions from the Board:

• The Old Hairdressers was mentioned - any other venue? 
  An abandoned school (such as the one in Dennistoun) would be an incredible location - something old, rustic and bare is ideal.  A functioning school would also work provided that the treatment of sensitive issues are understood.  
• Specific layout? 
  Very bare, in order to focus on actors.  The audience sit around the walls and merge with actors, to create an ethos of affinity - the audience is in exactly same position as the actors.  
• The characters are not specific genders?
  The best auditions will get cast, although ideally 2 boys and 2 girls.  The form is a series of interviews with the boys, and then those around them.  There is no characterisation exactly - those on stage tell story together instead of taking on individual roles.  
• As director, what process might you create? 
  A sense of equality, highlighting the actors’ relationships with one another through stepping into each others’ roles - not to be deadpan but create general togetherness in the group.  
• Length?
  The entirety of the script is used, with a total length of 1 hour 20 mins.  
• The length may mean a shortage of rehearsal time - can this cast relationship be achieved? 
  The way it’s written and the way people can use it, without sensationalisation of one character, should mean that a group can pick up the thread easily.  Especially if the script is approached immediately.
• Experience?
  Directed a play called M.A.D. by an east-end playwright, and has had experience at National Theatre Connections and Battersea Arts Centre.  He has adapted Shakespeare & Brecht,  assistant directed at the Fringe and went to Sweden with a Strindberg play.

4.  C. Anderson - 'From Among The Reeds'
A girl wants to drown herself and meets Narcissus.  The story originated as a Inuit/canadian legend which stopped children going to into cracks in the ice, as an evil women live there.  Robert Munch wrote a childrens' book on it where the girl is trapped and wits her way out of it.

• Dream space, underwater? 
  A lot of lighting: each level she passes represents a level of the ocean.  The sunlight level is like swimming in a lake, green and yellow.  The midnight level is darker blue with little light, glow-in-the-dark or phosphorescent paint on the costumes, perhaps with glow sticks.  
• The soundscape?
  Heavy, every level having different sounds - birdsong, trickling water at first, then orcas and dolphins, then humpback whales & their song in the deep sea.  
• Would you create the sound yourself?
  If anyone is interested in sound-designing that would be great, but she could do it herself.
• What kind of venue? 
  The proposal was written with Stereo in mind, but after more thought - especially with the opportunity in FS - it could be set in the Round, or the Flying Duck.  Something smaller and intimate, with good lighting capabilities.  Especially in General Horseplay, the lighting worked very well.  Stereo also has double entrances.  
• Bathtub and tinsel...? 
  She hasn’t tried it, but even using tinsel in cardboard boxes it reflects light on to faces like water.
• Directing experience?  She is doing a directing course now, and her experience is mostly in high school.  She was ASM for Richard the Third with a cast of 27.  The director also played Richard, so SMs did a lot of directorial work.  She had a backstage role, mostly looking after 5 kids and a live horse. 
• C. Anderson also mentioned how much she admired STaG and would love to contribute.

5.  D. Hardie - 'Quelques Fleurs'
A Liz Lochhead story to be put on in the STaG Room.  He has always wanted to put it on; it is a short piece (50-60 mins) written in the 80s and includes many Scottish references, yet is relevant to a larger audience.  The main character Verena is named after a saint, a poor woman who came into good fortune but realised that this does not bring eternal happiness, and this is taken for the theme of the play.  It is a 'talking heads' piece; although at the start she seems ignorant and haughty, it develops to illustrate that she is really lonely and all she wants is to have a child, which is not possible with her husband.  The STaG Room inclave would be used for the husband Derek sitting on the train throughout the whole piece, surrounded by lighting to indicate monologues and clearly acting as an extension of Verena.  Derek only talks about relationships to her and her sister Joy, with whom he was previously in love.  Verena has lost who she was and her place would be on one of the rosters, always doing her hair up, really being much of a consumer, although it becomes apparent that she doesn’t enjoy it.  This lonely existence, constantly dressing, would continue throughout, whereas when Verena is speaking, Derek instead would be frozen.

• You've obviously thought a lot about it - directing monolgues is hard. Techniques for pace/flow?
  Especially regarding Derek's character, a lot of the play uses comedy relevant to the 80s which the audience might not fully understand.  A feature would be made of his becoming less drunk as the play's timeline is backwards, with Derek's train journey going from the end to the start.  Utilising his drunken nature would illustrate how tragic the character is.  Facial expressions would be important, in such a restricted space; both characters are unhappy and restricted also by each other.  Verena would use much more of the space around her, putting on the dresses, trying to find happiness in what she’s doing.  The audience would be standing and can move about.
• Period - '80s? 
  Yes, 80s Scotland.  The heart of the piece reaches out to people up to their early 20s, although it traps 'Scottishisms' and older poeple can relate.  Pride is taken in things we don’t care about any more, temporary things which nobody has a clue about why they're important.
• Experience? 
  Some experience from school.  This is a good piece to start with, as he has spent lots of time looking at it, the piece isn’t new to him and with just two people there is scope for a lot of character work and would be able to get to a point where the production is really strong.

6.  Discussion

• After some initial discussion, the shortlist was brought down to 'Monsters' and 'Quelques Fleurs'. 
• 'One Way Path' seemed too sensitive a subject, the accents would be hard to achieve and the depiction of war would be very difficult.  The way certain scenes had been thought out however was very specific and detailed, and the idea of a co-director was good but the time constraint conflicted with the time required to get someone on board, and the description of the story was too vague.  
• 'From Among the Reeds' presented too many Tech difficulties, especially with water effects.  Although very imaginative and fascinating regarding the Canadian folklore, the script did not seem strong or accessible enough.  
• Likewise, 'Lonely Saxophone' presented a great story but did not seem best suited to the stage and was a lot of work for a small slot, especially after a season of so many hefty, intense productions.  The timeless aspect was also very good, however the use of screens and shadows should always be very carefully worked as this has proved very difficult in the past.  There was also a concern that the director would not be quite strong enough for a solo job yet, and has done a show very recently.  However the proposal was well articulated, and it was strongly suggested that this original play should be presented to GUST or Cut, as well as further proposals to NW/SN next year.
• A good use of the slot is to give a new director some experience, and this proposal was very feasible.  A good start has already been made and the director knows the play well; this would be a chance to direct with STaG and put on something good.  It was noticeable how confident D. Hardie was, especially in comparison to interviews previously in the year, however again there was concern that ultimately he did not quite have enough experience yet to direct solo.  Although eager to give him the opportunity, the experience and proposal strength demonstrated by A. Parkerclare was too much to overlook.  D. Hardie was exceptionally well-articulated and discerning, with a strong presentation, great use of the STaG Room and strong ideas.  More experience as AD was highly recommended and continued proposals.
• 'Monsters' has also obviously been planned for a long time, and the proposal was interesting and very well thought-out.  The director has a lot of impressive experience and this would be the perfect play to go with what has been a very strong season.  As he has not done anything with STaG, it would also be very good to encourage new ideas and talents.  He seemed very open to ideas, putting lots of time and effort into the production but always remaining flexible.  He has already made four venue suggestions, and is very good with handling rehearsals, which he makes comfortable and fun but also always productive, professional and direct, although an issue in the past to be wary of has been friction between strong-minded directors and the STaG Board set-up.  Although a sensitive issue, this had clearly been thought about and it would not be presented in a vulgar way.  A final vote secured 'Monsters' as the winning entry.

7.  Board Rep - D. Hahn volunteered [ACTION: Debs].
8.  Feedback - C. Colebrook and K. Watt shall be contacted by J. Cameron; C. Anderson and D. Hardie by N. Donald; the successful entry will not receive feedback as such but A. Rutherford shall make contact [ACTION: Jack, Nogs & Aidan].
9.  Email addresses shall be forwarded to the Board and the proposers shall be emailed tonight [ACTION: both Aidan].  Feedback is to be sent from tomorrow morning.  D. Hahn's new email address should be used.
10.  There is no fixed date as yet due to the venue issues regarding MS2 (this was communicated to all proposing directors in their interviews).


2.  Taming of the Shrew

1. At last night's run-through everything seemed to be going well; actors are still on the script but everyone was there and it looked pretty good.  
2. Design meeting - to be held during the week, and the costume team have measured all the actors.
3. Fundraising meeting - D. May booked the Debates Chamber for the Fundraiser but it is now in M. Godden's name.  There are only 30 mins to set up; however contact is being made with The Stand about a sketch, and the Art School, and even fire/juggling was mentioned.  About 200 people are expected, and we could also sell tickets to people in the GUU that night.  R. Tildesley is to meet with D. May (fundraising manager) to discuss further [ACTION: Rob].
4. L. Gasson is willing to put the show on in The Round if that’s all there is, despite the smaller stage and space.  
5. J. Earl has dropped out, however F. Bird has stepped in as Hortensio and seems to be fitting in well.

3.  Investigations

1. All going well; starts on Wednesday.  8-10pm rehearsal tonight, and have got a tech schedule.  
2. A glitch with the film has thankfully been sorted.  The cast is looking very good and recordings were done last night, causing tears at one stage!  Minor actor issues, but all is now well.  
3. A Facebook event is required [ACTION: Sinead].  Please push the show!  Numbers are not looking bad, but more publicity would still be appreciated.  A door rota needs to be finalised [ACTION: Nogs] and instructions given [ACTION: Mabs].

4.  New Works

1. Fiona Surgeon Shea has an ill family member and is unable to do weekends; therefore it is not fair if she misses out on the Saturday play, after which it is often usual for the judges to discuss choices.  She has however offered to find an alternative.  Nevertheless, only four judges should not cause a problem - this is the same as the last few years anyway - although it would be good to see who the alternative may be.
2. Facebook event required for Chinese New Year fundraiser [ACTION: Sinead/Catherine].  C. Goldstone will read up on the theme and go into the Chinese supermarket in Cowcaddens for provisions, while J. Cameron and W. Foote will buy snacks on Saturday [ACTION: Catherine, Jack & Will].
3. The writer/director J. May has gone to America, so a new person is now overseeing his play.
4. Tech and Dress rehearsal schedules should be organised as soon as possible.  C. Goldstone has got a draft of these but must leave one for a grants meeting.  
5. M. Godden needs publicity materials [ACTION: Sinead].
6. A door rota is required [ACTION: Nogs].
7. Fundraiser went very well.

5.   InterUni
Nothing new to report as J. May is away.  A budget meeting will be held upon his return, and tickets have been bought.

6.  NSDF

1. The performances went well, with the representatives saying that it was "interesting".  Feedback will be given on or around the 15th February.   
2. Next Monday there shall be a post-mortem, and the plan of action if successful can be discussed [ACTION: Agenda]. 

7.  Publicity

1. 100 posters were put up today.  Keep plugging the Investigations!  As it involves German and verbatim theatre, hopefully this will encourage an influx of students [ACTION: All].
2. Meeting soon with TOTS poster designers, although they have no concrete deadline yet due to venues.  Everything should be more or less done though by the end of February.  
3. S. Linsley will meet with A. Parkerclare to discuss his wishes [ACTION: Sinead].

8.  Venues

1. Cecilians - the STaG Room has not been in a good state recently; things have not been cleaned up, the wall is kicked in, posters knocked down, things moved, and an actor fell with their hand on some pins left around.  M. Godden has been in contact with K. Stonier (Cecilians Tech Manager) but no difference seems to have been made.  Too much time is being booked, considering how busy this time of year is, and STaG shows are being kicked out despite booking amendments.  M. Godden does not encourage this, but is not being contacted in the event of this happening.  The original agreement was that they follow the booking procedures as laid down by STaG, which is now to call M. Godden to check if the room is free beforehand.  After correspondence to no avail, it was discussed what action should follow - however considering that their show is next week, for now the issue will be left, however in the near future it was agreed to invite them into a board meeting [ACTION: Aidan].  A note should also be taken that at the start of the year, the new Boards of the two societies should discuss agreements.  
2. Bookings - it must be made sure that bookings online are written in on the paper sheet.  As the room is so busy with so many shows and the current rule of booking through Venues is not being followed, a vote decided to take the sheet off the wall.  This is a temporary arrangement as it is still a good idea to have a visual timetable - however just the next fortnight are too busy.  In future it was suggested that the timetable should maybe be visible on the website.

9. Finance

1. Venue - money for a broom was requested.
2. SRC - receipts need sorting out, although those for the venue and rights are missing.  A. Rutherford and M. Godden shall forward them to R. Tildesley, who will then go to the SRC with N. Donald [ACTION: Aidan, Mabs, Rob & Nogs].
3. Grants - none are being applied for in regards to TOTS, and the NW form has been submitted.
4. Cheques - the form has come in, however a few problems need to be resolved.

10.  GUST
Agreed to be left until the week after NW.  After the newsletter message, six people expressed interest.  W. Foote will talk to T. Troes after NW [ACTION: Will].

11.  AOB

1. R. Tildesley will talk to M. Godden about theatre times [ACTION: Rob & Mabs].
2. The venue system s to be put on the website/sent in a round-robin [ACTION: Mabs & Aidan].
3. A. Rutherford requires the email addresses of NW Directors and SMs [ACTION: Catherine].
4. C. Goldstone lost her iPod (Classic version) on Wednesday.  This shall be put in the newsletter and the Cecilians shall be asked, otherwise please keep a look out for it [ACTION: Harriet, Aidan, All].
5. Bands - N. Donald will ask H. Allan about her request for a band [ACTION: Nogs].  
   A band has also been approached for the STaG Ball and details need to be finalised 
   [ACTION: Nogs].
6. Onsies - if as many onesies as possible could be brought along to the next meeting, it would be much appreciated [ACTION: All].

The date of the next meeting is Monday the 11th of February at 5:30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes: 28th January 2013

Minutes of STaG Board Meeting, 28th January 2013

The STaG Room, 62 Oakfield Avenue, 5:30pm

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

Apologies from  N. Donald, Z. Williams

Agenda

1. TOTS
2. NW
3. Inv
4. NSDF
5. Inter-Uni
6. Pub
7. NMS3
8. GUST
9. Soc
10. Mem
11. AOB

1.  Taming of the Shrew

1. W. Foote attended the workshop, and the Production Team and actors are getting on well, making good progress.  After the read-through, the development of the play was discussed.
2. Fundraising - ideas are underway.  W. Foote will forward details to R. Tildesley, who will attend the next meeting [ACTION: Will & Rob].
3. Venue - still none confirmed, although availability is continually being checked.  L. Gasson is interested in the Citizens' Theatre Studio space, but M. Godden warned about capacity.

2.  New Works

1. C. Goldstone has been to a rehearsal; J. May's cast is quite busy up until the show, which he is concerned about.  However all seem to be having fun.
2. Fundraiser - tonight, room is to be cleared.  An amp is to be brought along.
3. Grant Application - has been sent.
4. Posters - this has been done and all are pleased with it.  It is to be sent to the judges and the venue [ACTION: Sinead].
5. Running Order - as follows: 'Res Judicata', 'Death and All His Friends', 'My Swan, George' and 'Love in the Past Participle'.
6. Production Week - Tech and Dress rehearsal are to be on Monday (Love in morning, Swan in afternoon) and Tuesday (Res in morning, Death in afternoon).
7. Venues - rooms are still being booked not by M. Godden and this must stop.  C. Goldstone will reiterate this again to the cast and crew [ACTION: Catherine].

3.  Investigation

Going well.  The filming was very successful, is being edited and will be put on three discs, with  more recording to take place on Thursday.  The first half has been blocked.

4.  NSDF

1. Everything also going well; the show opens tomorrow.
2. Doors - A. Ciupka and J. Cameron (Tuesday), S. Linsley and M. Godden (Wednesday) [ACTION: Alex, Jack, Sinead & Mabs].
3. Filming - the production needs to be filmed either at the dress rehearsal or on Tuesday night.  Jassy Earl shall be approached [ACTION: Sinead].

5.   InterUni

1. Budget Meeting - must be arranged as soon as possible.
2. Rehearsals - not started yet.
3. Publicity - ideas to be drafted.

6.  Publicity

1. Inv posters were not ready when required, and are to go out tomorrow.
2. Please share the Facebook event as much as possible [ACTION: All].
3. NW posters are to arrive tomorrow, and the TOTS poster is in the works.

7.  NMS3

A proposal meeting is to be held on Monday, with hopefully four people coming in.

8.  GUST

The outline of the film has been written, and a plan is to be made by W. Foote and T. Troes.

9.  Socials

1. Feb Social - 27th February [EVENT].
2. Due to lack of interest in the theatre trip, this is to be abandoned.

10.  Membership

1. Further memberising of STaG participants this semester will be done [ACTION: Harriet].

11.  AOB

M. Godden is to send a blurb about Inv to Anselm Heinrich [ACTION: Mabs].

The date of the next meeting is Monday the 4th of February at 5:30pm in the STaG Room.

Meeting adjourned.