Executive Board Meeting Notes 4/19/2015

This week's minutes: One Acts Checkouts

• DHD/Andy: It was great! The playwright liked it!
• Zoe: It went well. ("It was all good in the hood")
• Ali: Stressful. It was harder than last semester. Perhaps related to morale? Feels we need to get out of this "it's only One Acts" mindset. Good production regardless.
• Caitlin: TD keys returned. Show went up. Everything was beautiful. It happened. Thumbs up.
• Karen: We got 40 people on Friday, 30 people on Saturday - above average numbers for a non-Student Theater festival. If producing is taken seriously, good numbers will result? Good training opportunity.

Abi

• Went to a meeting this week with other theater groups and reps from SAO concerning spaces on campus for build, storage and performance. There will be a followup meeting. Will discuss in more detail with Eric.
• We have to reregister the group (Joe is working on it)

Eli

• BUSTies appears to be sorted out on all fronts.
• "It's never over"
• Rooms for summer show auditions have been reserved

Celia

• Lots of BUSTies things are happening. EventBrite will be up soon.
• Hosts are wonderful and are working their butts off.
• Roasts will be due soon! Should be sent to Ali!
• Nomination Committee will be taken care of tonight. Will contact directors and create the survey.
• BUSTies base painting happens after the GM next week.
• Ali will be reimbursed for trophy heads.
• New board will be doing superlatives for old board.

Joe

• Brittany and David have access to OrgSync. Reimbursements on the way.
• BUSTies EventBrite will be approved shortly, then tickets may be purchased. Should be up by Tuesday.
• Seussical rights are purchased.
• Summer show needs a producer.
• Rights will be purchased for summer show with Brittany.

Kyle

• BUSTies and Summer Show audition Facebook events are up.
• Having issues with making events via the official BU Stage Troupe Facebook Page. Investigating.
• bustagetroupe.com needs to be renewed by May 18th
• BUSTies EventBrite is actually now up. $5 for members, $7 for nonmembers

Camille

• Spring One Acts happened. Cart of pipe and drape is in The Space; will be moved back Wednesday.
• Laramie will give back the chalkboard this week.
• There were last minute OB and WM rentals.
• Shakespeare left lights hanging, WM took care of it. The latter are currently in the theater.
• Space Cleaning assignments are forthcoming.
• Alison and Camille had an incoming TA meeting. Will speak to Eric.
• Liquid Fun never paid for any rentals. Can we email them?
• Neither did Vagina Monologues or Willing Suspensions. Contact them?

Show Order

• Parents Weekend: Seussical the Musical (October 16th, 17th and 18th)
• Staged Reading: The Skriker (October 29th, 30th, and 31st)
• W;t (November 5th, 6th and 7th)
• Really Really (November 19th, 20th and 21st)

Karen

• Can we create a Troupe calendar with shared dates? (Show dates, GMs, space cleaning, special projects?) Yes. It'll be on the Troupe website, Karlie will manage it.
• Can Master Carpenters get an official "assistant?" The next TA will evaluate.
• Concerns about bias with the VPSP making a recommendation about the charity show. (Note: the VPSP currently makes a recommendation to the rest of the executive board; the board votes to approve or disapprove the show.)
• Concerns about the staged reading being selected by the eboard. In the future, the membership should vote on it.
• Concerns about executive board members representing themselves/the group on campus.

Ilana

• Can we do a survey on the membership? How do they feel about the group? What's working, what isn't?
• We do have data on how many members we have and how many shows they worked on.
• An open survey would be new, though.
• Consider using GoogleSurvey as a way to better handle aggregate data?

Executive Board Meeting Notes 4/12/15

This week's minutes: Private Lives

• Joe: The show happened. It was great. Thanks to everyone.
• There are some elements of show production/tech production that we've developed weaknesses in and need very specific people to do - having specific workshops for different things may be more effective than Techstravaganza. Set Design in particular needs help.
• Alison: Everything worked out.
• Karen: Keys returned. Show went up, some difficulties.
• Set designer should not be the ATD/TD for another group's show that goes up the same weekend.
• Thank you to everyone on the team. Special thanks to Abi for all her paint work.
• Shout out to Sam Kinde for being a wonderful ATD.
• We need to go back to the standard 4 x 8 flats. Taller flats aren't as safe and are harder to get up.
• Eli/Brittany: Went well. We had a bit of ticket struggles due to the OB show and hockey games. A little helpful doing the "how did you find out about the show," but most people just said "Friend."
• Not sure if the BUS Ads went up. We should talk to SAO. Do everything as early as possible.

Abi

• Nothing

Eli

• Nothing

Celia

• Trophy heads ordered, food needs to be discussed for BUSTies.

One Acts

• Zoe: My actors are off book. Coming together, looks hilarious. Aryeh helped stage a small bit of stage fighting.
• DHD: Not much that could be done this week due to Dirty Rotten. Tech week is tomorrow. Off-book date is tomorrow.
• Ali: Our show is going great. On Friday we had Ilana come in and guest direct, made "all the difference." Actors are off-book. Can't wait for tech week.
• Caitlin (TD): Keys to the space acquired. Tech week is tomorrow, we have rooms. Department heads emailed checkins, everyone is on top of things. Our SMs are missing/problematic communication, but working on it.
• Karen (Producer): Contacted all directors, made a FB event, made a cover photo, a vertically-oriented poster is on the way. Wish she had assistants.

Joe

• Got Celia's order for trophy heads. Going to pay for them tomorrow. Rights for Seussical being paid for this week, Zoe's script payment was submitted.
• Brittany Kamson will assist in securing rights for next semester.
• Producers for Hail Satan and Private Lives will get OrgSync access so they can handle reimbursements.

Kyle

• Reminder to producers that the secretary is responsible for creating Facebook event.
• As soon as One Acts producers can provide a vertically-oriented image, it will go up on the site widget

Camille

• Shakespeare society is in the theater, they have rentals.
• Wandering Minds and OB are in the space. We know who will open when.
• Wandering Minds needs to be trained.
• TA App is up, due Friday April 17. Will meet with Alison.
• Summer show tech will happen as soon as it's selected.
• Space Cleaning is on Saturday, April 25th.
• Theater door was fixed but is now stuck locked again.

Spring 2015 One Acts & Monologues Cast List

The casts for 2015's One Acts & Monologues Festival:

The Last Man on Earth, dir. Ali Edwards

Lana - Cara Dwyer

Trevor - Evan Creedon

Carlton - Jeremy Oshins

Playwrighting 101, dir. Zoe Enscoe

Jumper - Eli Saracino

Good Samaritan - Taylor Tessitore

Teacher - Eli Brenna

Time Game, dir. Andy Moeller & Danielle Hope Diamond

Boy - Joe Gambino

Woman - Abi Oshins

Doctor - Aryeh Harris-Shapiro

Executive Board Meeting Notes 3/22/15

This week's minutes: Angels in America

• Happy with the experiment of the staged reading. Would recommend to a friend.
• TDs are valuable commodities - sapphires, or something - what I'm saying is it might be a good idea to train up a first-time TD through the staged reading.
• Show went well. Tech week was stressful, more so than anticipated. There needs to be clarification on what the staged reading actually is. Sydney ended up taking on more work than she anticipated.
• DHD is sick. Joe got her keys.
• DHD had a concern about not having a budget.

Hail Satan!

• Move-in happened. Worried about complex technical maneuvers. Actors are in a good place.
• Celia received keys from Eli.
• Pseudo paper tech with sound and lights, helpful and went smoothly.
• Not worried about scheduling things yet. Show is fairly short - 2 hours with intermission.
• JamJo's check-in bonanza pow-wow: no snags at move-in. Set is up. Lots of lights went up. Desks exist. Costumes exist. Some props missing, but will be there.
• Digital media is done today. Should be going out. Put the link to the EventBrite in the description
• Share the event. Invite people.
• Shirts are on their way. Will be here eventually.
• LNK is this week. Please sign up.
• Zoe received keys from David.
• Zach King going into tech week - magical to see something realized on stage. Everyone was wonderful. Positivity. Launches into solo musical belting.

Private Lives

• Things are going really well. Actors are almost entirely knowing lines except when they don't. It'll be fixed. Full runs this week + scene work.
• Karen was not present to give a check-in. A tech meeting happened this week, seemed productive. Things are good.
• Dream Team still flying high. T-shirts are ordered. Photo shoot happened. BUS Ads will be in this week. Poster being worked on.

Executive Board Meeting Notes: March 15th, 2015

This week's minutes: Angels in America

• All the promo things are out! People have been printing things! Paulina Ke is serving as an assistant to DHD, hooray! Sarah Kimball may help out? If you're interested, contact DHD!
• Move-in happened! Actors have their lines and costumes! One Acts is happening but is potentially problematic! We'll work on it!

Hail Satan!

• People got their lines for now! We're worried if they'll still have their lines tomorrow!
• We can't have Idine Wednesday, uh oh!
• Worried about moving One Acts auditions!
• Aryeh is coming to guest direct Saturday.
• It's been hard to find a car to pick up furniture and other large items for the show.
• Troupe should consider having a ZipCar account?
• We are building this week.
• Tech for producing will happen (talked to Emily)
• Camille will give Jamie space keys shortly.
• T-shirts are ordered! Should be here by Thursday of show week.
• Currently trying to work out photo shoot situation. This is challenging because Angels is happening and actors have conflicting schedules.
• BUS ads are in - we need to clarify when they go up.

Private Lives

• Joe is actually here to provide his checkin.
• Things are fantastic. The world is bright and beautiful.
• Lots of rehearsals this week. We'll see how lines work.
• Tip of the hat goes to producers for arranging the poster work with Abi.
• Schedule is set for the rest of the rehearsal period.
• Spring Break. People love getting harassed by Karen over spring break.
• Home Depot run this week?
• T-shirts are sent out. Bios are happening. Warren poster won't be happening because it's full. Photo shoot will be happening Wednesday.
• Force GSU Link signups by including it in the bio and t-shirt form?

Abi

• Coffee with Evan Creedon! These are going well!

Eli

• Depending on what happens with One Acts, may need to get new rooms for auditions.
• BUSTies venue needs to be discussed ASAP.

Celia

• One Acts were selected. Audition thing will be worked on.
• Lot of BUSTies work needs to be done. Will get on it this week.
• Reading committee for two shows is happening today. Other two will happen next Saturday (some aren't back in town just yet).

Joe

• Stuck on a bus. Got the rights for Zoe's show!
• EventBrite is *messed up!*
• Angels discount codes are sent up and will be sent to DHD.
• The search for One Acts producers begins!

Kyle

• Figured out you can post events from BU Stage Troupe's Facebook pages!
• You get a lot of great event diagnostics information from doing this versus having the secretary make it on his/her personal account!
• Widget is updated for Angels. Facebook event is also up.
• Worried about sheer volume of Facebook events over the next two weeks. Hail Satan, Angels, One Acts Auditions, and two GMs.

Camille

• Nothing to report!

Eric

• Nothing to report!

One Acts Auditions Dilemma

• Directors want to push it to next week.
• This makes some sense.
• Why don't we do auditions in CGS so it's easier for people to move between that and Hail Satan?
• Auditions will be pushed back one week (so now during Hail Satan! tech week).

Spring 2015 One Acts Selections and Auditions

Hello Troupies! I hope you've been enjoying your spring break. Here are the selections for Spring 2015's One Acts Festival: The Last Man on Earth, by Eitan Loewenstein, directed by Ali Edwards Time Game, by Ellen Lee, directed by Danielle Hope Diamond & Andy Moeller Playwriting 101: The Rooftop Lesson, by Rich Orloff, directed by Zoe Enscoe

Auditions will take place this coming Monday and Tuesday, March 16th and 17th, from 5-10 PM in PSY/SOC B63. (A reminder to bring your own audition sheets - one for each show you will be auditioning for).

If you cannot make it to auditions for any reason, including participation in Angels in America: please speak to the directors you would like to audition for, and they will do their best to accommodate you.

We will also be accepting auditions for monologues. Please bring a copy of your monologue and be prepared to discuss and/or perform it (unmemorized).

A reminder that this year's One Acts & Monologues Festival takes place on April 17th and 18th.

Executive Board Meeting Notes: March 1st, 2015

This week's minutes: The Laramie Project

• It went up. We raised a lot of money. Somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,500 going to BAGLY.
• Happy with how the show went and attendance.
• The 4-Week Process: It *happened.* Touch and go at the end. Made it happen.
• For future first-slot shows, emphasize the time restraint and logistics of putting up a show in four weeks.
• Without Evan and the absurdly dedicated cast, this wouldn't have gone up.
• Snow days didn't affect us too much due to aforementioned dedication.
• Biggest issues are getting off book - you need a certain amount of time to get reliably off-book so real "directing" can happen.
• For future boards: do not recommend this level of difficulty on a future director. Consider doing a staged reading first; no requirement that charity show has to be first. This option can be excised next year (Spring 2016).
• Evan: thinks the show is a fantastic learning and growing experience as a director. Thought he knew how to deal with a time crunch before - was "kind of right," but this was still *different.* Feel confident in being able to handle anything Mother Nature tries to throw at us.
• Eternally grateful to Aryeh for opportunity. Consider taking assistants to train up in the future.
• Big virtue of "the assistant director:" gives you an idea of what being a director "is like." Time, scheduling, trials of getting off-book. One Acts is a great entry point -- but it's a major jump to a main stage.
• Directors looking for assistant directors: be careful in choosing your assistant. Make sure it's the right person. Be absolutely confident.
• Things we learned: An AD is not an SM. Marisa had a fantastic time despite the short process. Maybe consider assigning an SM or ASM that aren't on tech show. (Major conflict.) Channels of communication: the SM needs to be kept in the loop.
• Keys: who should the stage manager give the keys to if they are unavailable to open the theater? // Ultimately, up to the discretion of the SM. Director, ASM, AD, whoever you trust.
• Marissa returned keys to Eli.
• Establishing roles (heads of production, specifically). Everyone works differently, every team works differently - set clear expectations on how you want things to go. Worked well for Laramie.
• Floating keys can be problematic -- getting contacted by third parties to open spaces. We need a better system to protect people holding keys. (Generally, only eboard members with keys should be being contacted.)
• Strike notes sent to Camille.
• We should be communicating with the charitable organization before the show goes up - we shouldn't just send them a check unannounced. We can establish a partnership and fill seats.
• People can be generous when it comes to charity shows.
• Cilicia had a wonderful experience. Chalk board is still in the theater - needs to be returned to owner.
• Keys returned to Camille.
• Producing went well despite short process. Final ticket sales were $1,182. $100 in donation box. Sold out Saturday, near sold out Friday.
• Having a local charity is nice because you can reach out to them and establish partnerships. Locals more likely to care.
• We need a new vacuum desperately - it barely works.
• The cabinet display case outside is frozen shut.
• OOShirts is an unreliable vendor. Don't use them again.
• Major issues with speakers during tech week. Eli has contacted people to try and fix them. The amps are going to need to be replaced. The amp is ours - we would have to replace it ourselves.
• Debra will mercifully and gratefully take the lead on this.

Angels in America

• Lots of progress in the room.
• We open in 2 weeks (HAHAHAHA). Think we're in an okay place.
• Actors are great on lines.
• Ryan Chernin will be guest directing Monday of tech week.
• Will need to figure out when to move-in.
• Light meeting sent up for next Wednesday. Volunteers happy to help. Ilana will be doing sound (yay!) (That sounds nice!)
• For future staged reading: many people did not know what they were signing up for. Some confusion over that amongst the actors.
• Expectations and commitments need to be made clear to auditioning actors at the time of the next staged reading.
• Shirts are made - deadline extended a little. Poster photos are hopefully being taken Tuesday, barring objections from OB, who has the theater.
• No producing budgets - imploring help from people with high print quotas.
• Head shots are happening.
• Reaching out to similar groups that Kimball reached out to for Laramie - similar themes and interest areas.
• DHD will be getting emails from Laramie and reaching out to them for promotion.

Hail Satan!

• Line issues with some cast members. Hard off book was close but wasn't quite there.
• Some people during soft off book period had scripts in-hand.
• Need the EventBrite link to complete our BUS ad submission. Consider using a QR code?
• Show is in a good place.
• Absolutely zero excuses after Spring Break.
• Mandatory meetings with SMs?
• Use rehearsal time for mandatory line learning?
• Things are coming together! Getting desks tomorrow, Home Depot Thursday.
• All other departments are moving along. Only thing that is concerning is the blood sacrifice on top of Idine.
• Need to practice with the knife.
• Carpet is happening! Backup plan if it doesn't come fireproofed.
• Spring break is being a demon, people assume they have more time than they do.
• T-shirt design is finalized.
• Photo shoot happened today.
• One-sheet programs are happening.
• Programs were not dismissed lightly. Producing budgets did not allow for both that and advertising.
• Katy Taylor as Head Set Dec: Do we want a board for the theater - a changeable directory. Needs about $50 more.

Private Lives

• Blocked Act 1 and 2. Soft off book. Hard off book this week, along with blocking Act 3.
• Actors need to be talking to Alison when they will be late or have conflicts.
• Department meetings are done! PO deadline is set. Production photo days set. Frustration exists - so much stuff.
• We have a shirt design in the works - nearly done. Tentative production shot date. One page programs are looking likely due to money.
• Eli had a great idea for the posters, just need an artist.
• Warren posters are still available. Eli wants one for Private Lives.

Abi

• Has been sick. Feel better!

Eli

• Fun primer in theater maintenance. Speaker problems happened. They technically work right now. For future reference: call 617-353-HELP for these sort of problems.
• OR NOT. We need to buy new speakers, basically.
• The current setup is unnecessarily complicated. The volume is perpetually set way too high. Cause of the hissing noise.
• We need an official eboard policy on the theater sound system. Debra can help. Praise Debra. Hail Debra.
• Received link tables for Hail Satan!, Angels, and Private Lives.
• The theater was too hot. Facilities fixed it the second time Eli called.
• Keep in mind no rooms can be booked before 7 PM on Saturday makeup class days.
• New policy may need to be instated about "due dates" for room requests. Stay tuned.

Celia

• All pitches are picked up! 4 main stage pitches (reading committee emails going out tonight), 1 parents weekend pitch, quite a few one act pitches!
• When are we doing One Acts auditions? During Angels tech week so that One Acts can have as much time as possible.
• Eli and Celia need to have a meeting about BUSTies stuff - specifically event location.
• BUSTies host pitches tonight!
• When is reading committee? March 15th (one week before GM).

Joe

• Sarah returns keys to Joe
• Raised over $4000 for The Laramie Project; BAGLY is surprised we're donating stuff to them?
• Only went to SAO once -- filled out PO for Hail Satan! wood
• Karen will be restocking part of the makeup kit!
• Brushes came in, reimbursement will be distributed once Joe gets receipt
• One Acts Producers will happen eventually!

Kyle

• Tweets and Instagrams went well. Get photos as soon as possible, even if they aren't official production photos.
• Members -- keep favoriting and retweeting, it gets the attention of major BU tweets.

Camille

• Lights are back in The Space!
• Need to send that email to Liquid Fun (if it didn't already go out? Huh?)

Eric

• Schedule for 2015-16 is in and "done."
• Apologies for the heat in the meeting space.
• Meeting with Joe tomorrow about Parents Weekend budget.
• When are we meeting again - March 15th, Sunday after Spring Break.

Executive Board Meeting Notes: February 22nd, 2015

This week's minutes: The Laramie Project

• We are moved in. Doing a run tonight.
• The show now begins at 7 PM thanks to the tireless efforts of Joe Gambino (thank you).
• Directors should be consulted on when they would prefer their show to start.
  • Deadlines should be set in the future for these types of major decisions.
• Lights are set today, cues are being done as well.
• Move-in was a thing. We technically have a chalkboard being picked up tomorrow - 3 options depending on director preference.
• No major issues to report - just tweaks.
• The decision to move things up to 7 PM without full consultation of the creative team - better communication is necessary.
• We will be painting the floor for Laramie.
• Cover photo and profile pictures are out and distributed. A lot of groups have been emailed.
• Shirts arriving tomorrow, allegedly.
• Lobby is being worked on.
• Theater Keys given to Sarah Kimball.

Angels in America

• Show is blocked
• Black stools as set pieces/seats
• There is a prop list that Cara is working on with tech volunteers
• Actors will be in all black
• There are a lot of conflicts with various actors - main challenge going forward
• Shirts are done
• Remember to strongly consider putting "BU Stage Troupe" on shirts - we are a name and brand and should wear it proudly.
• Ideas for posters are forming. Trying to do it next week due to tough schedules this week.
• Shirt deadline is Wednesday.
• Sent emails to classes studying Angels at BU.

Hail Satan!

• Rehearsals are going well. Soft off book happened, hard off book this week.
• Very concerned about the budgets...... not enough for advertising due to rising costs for printing.
• Scheduling for us is tricky due to labs and night classes. Working around it.
• Concerns about certain tech departments finishing their stuff in time for photo shoots. (We need 2 weeks to submit BUS ads).
• Set design and cut list is done.
• Are we doing a carpet or not? Would cost about $150 or so to get the carpet plus fireproofing materials.
• Installation of carpet is difficult. Should we put time and energy somewhere else? Jamie is considering. Abi will discuss options with her later.
• T-shirts are almost done
• Poster design is nearly finalized, need tech to be able to actually do the shoot
• PO's are complicated with OrgSync. Only Joe, Eli, Abi, and Kyle can actually submit them. For now, go to Joe about PO's, he'll teach the other relevant people soon.
• Conversation about how we're allocating our producing budgets. Will continue in more depth soon.

Private Lives

• "Smooth sailing." We've blocked half our show. Cast bonding on Friday. Group viewing of Laramie on Saturday.
• Had to miss some rehearsals (Alison, SM) - ASMs are wonderful and managing in her absence. Soft off book was this week. Mostly going well.
• Department meetings happened this week. Everyone seems on the ball.
• Budget! Distributed to people! Meeting with Joe! Went well! Ideas!
• Bus ads? Maybe? Yay!

Abi

• Coffee with the president set up for this week!

Eli

• Going forward -- we should set the show time when a show is selected based on length.
• Thinks Angels should start at 7.
• Eric presents concerns about confusing people on show start times -- as well as actors struggling to get to call times after Thursday/Friday classes.
• Everyone has given Eli room reservations until the end of their shows. Angels still going weekly.
• Major issue is the two "makeup" Saturdays - they aren't allowing us to book rooms now, maybe ever.
• Refusal to file rehearsals as "events" on OrgSync.
• We can get CAS 522 on Friday and Saturday (17th-18th). Can't get it during the week - but that isn't necessarily a problem.
• Colloquium Room not available on the last day of classes. Faculty dining room?
• How much do they cost? I don't know? We'll see!

Celia

• BUSTies pitching will now occur NEXT Sunday. Notice will be posted in the Facebook group.

Joe

• Learned OrgSync. Claims he is a great star.
• Don't be blindsided by stuff for Laramie ever again.
• No membership codes for Laramie. Sarah has comp codes for tech crew.
• 40 sales already for Laramie.
• Assigned budgets to Hail Satan! and Private Lives. Helpful to consult with directors and TDs.
• Sound got no budget. Never uses it.
• Stage managers got a small budget for supplies.
• Money moved around.
• Troupe shirts will be ordered eventually. Color will be changed.
• EventBrite should allow sales until show time.
• Can we put out a basket for donations for Laramie?

Kyle

• I updated the widget.
• Beginning Twitter/Instagram campaigns for Laramie this week.

Camille

• Sam has Laramie lights keys. Cilicia already had her keys.
• The Space lights are still not fixed. It's dark. Sad.
• The theater lights are now messed up. We don't know why.
• The master presets are just wonky. Not doing what they should?
• Facilities are not being helpful, uncommunicative
• VagMo rented pipe and drape. All returned. Money should be going to Joe soon.
• Will post tech list. Sorry.

Eric

• Nothing pressing to report.

Executive Board Meeting Notes: February 8th, 2015

This week's executive board minutes: The Laramie Project

• Rehearsals have been happening. They're good. First tech meeting - one department unavailable (Costumes).
• Producers Meeting went well! T-Shirt design exists!
• Backup date for the photoshoot set. February 14th.
• Formal request to de-Troupe the lobby; request granted by Eli.
• Formal congratulations for TA event funds.
• More integrated tech meetings with acting rehearsals.
• "Set ensemble" instead of MC. Not a lot of building.
• Giant tech email incoming.
• We do not have a chalkboard.
• Maybe talk to facilities - can we rent a chalkboard? If not them, Emerson?
• Shirts are sent out.
• Marisa Kristy (stage manager) was not present.

Angels in America

• Two rehearsals, more scheduled.
• People contacted Camille about tech, which is great!
• Some actors are already memorizing!?!?
• Danielle Hope Diamond emailed in a checkin: been in contact with Cara about vision for the show.

Hail Satan!

• Blocked the show.
• Please be flexible in dealing with schedules.
• We have a full schedule. Assistants are wonderful.
• We set soft and hard off book dates.
• We have a crew, had a meeting, went well! Confident everything will go well.
• Since we want BU BUS ads, costuming & hair/makeup will need to be ready for a photo shoot at least 2 weeks out.

Private Lives

• Joe McLaughlin was at work. Did not provide a checkin.
• Alison Parker (Stage Manager): We have soft and hard off book dates set. Cast is soft memorizing pages at a time.
• First tech meeting happened, department meetings this week.
• Try to keep in mind other tech meetings when scheduling rehearsals, directors.
• Soft producing dates are set!

Abi

• Helped with Tech Show.

Eli

• Laramie link tables were reserved but apparently aren't being used.
• Yay thank you for submitting rooms in advance!
• Pitches are due February 25th. GM info needs to be disseminated.

Celia

• TA Event: Raised $1,236.29! What a haul!
• Aryeh & Idine owe $33. Joe McLaughlin owes $20.
• BUSTies pitches are next week!
• One Acts pitches are also happening.
• TA Event was stressful due to how soon it was in the semester (we lost a week off the schedule). Event itself ran well, if a little long. Ultimately successful.

Joe

• Went to SAO. Laramie is not in the calendar. It's in now.
• EventBrite will go up 2 weeks in advance. All tickets $6. No membership code (it's for charity, guys). Comp codes available to those who worked on the show.
• Meeting with people to finalize budgets this week.
• SAO is being weird about paying Mac Rogers.
• Make sure Laramie's t-shirt orders are in by the end of this week.
• One Acts Pitches/Summer Show Pitches -- how much are rights for the show?

Kyle

• No real checkin.

Camille

• Tech crews happened!
• Safety trained head TDs and OB MCs/TDs. Also Wandering Minds TA and one of their TDs.
• Still need to do Troupe ATDs and MCs.
• TA event was beautiful and amazing.
• Tech show is in good shape! Moved in, full run, blocked, etc.
• TDs are confused about how to handle budgets.

Eric was not available to attend the meeting due to the weather.

Spring 2015 Cast List

If you got cast - congratulations. Check your emails, expect something from your directing team immediately - given the lost time they'll want to get started as soon as possible. If you didn't get cast - understand that you are very talented, and sometimes there just aren't enough parts to fill. Please consider auditioning for us again - we'll be having auditions for One Acts & Monologues Festival later this semester.

Additionally, if you have any interest in teching or producing, we'll be having our Spring 2015 Tech Meeting TOMORROW at 11 AM in "The Space" (near Cane's Chicken). No experience is necessary, and attending doesn't signify commitment - just come here about the amazing opportunities our season can offer you. It's a great way to learn and add something awesome to your resume or portfolio.

Phew. Alright, here we go, guys.

---

The Laramie Project

Moises Kaufman: Cory Azmon

Greg Pierotti: Jeremy Oshins

Amanda Gronich: Emily Zisko

Leigh Fondakowski: Ilana Berman

Stephen Belber: Eli Saracino

Barbara Pitts: Paulina Ke

Andy Paris: Simon Kienitz Kincade

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Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

Roy M. Cohn: Benjamin Moll

Joseph Pitt: Dan Koski

Harper Pitt: Ali Edwards

Louis Ironson: Nathan Wilgeroth

Prior Walter: Cody Sloan

Hannah Porter Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg: Emily Prescott

Belize / Mr. Lies: Ayush Kumar

The Angel / Emily / Sister Ella Chapter: Zoe Enscoe

Henry / Martin Heller: Andy Moeller

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Hail Satan!

Tom: Idine Mousavi

Angie: Kaitlyn Jones

Charlie: Kyle Mitchell

Kristen: Jessie Torrance

Marcus: Eli Brenna

Natalie: Cameron Barney

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Private Lives

Elyot: Ryan Chernin

Amanda: Brittany Martin

Victor: Nick Palodmi

Sybil: Sarah Sosland

Louise, the Maid: Rachel Skalka

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Spring 2015 Callbacks

CTRL-F your name. Or don't. Whatever. If you are called back for one or more shows: congratulations! Callbacks will take place from 1-6 PM in B36 TOMORROW, Saturday 1/31. 

Keep an eye on your inboxes - most directors email those called back for his or her show.

If you were not called back - know that we had an especially small season with a multitude of extremely talented actors. It doesn't mean we didn't want you. In fact, we still do - if you're interested in tech, we will be having our tech meeting this Sunday (February 1st) in "The Space." No experience required! If you only want to act, keep an eye out for audition postings for our One Acts & Monologues Festival in the coming months.

Thank you everyone, and good luck. May the odds be ever in your favor!

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The Laramie Project

Males

Cory Azmon

Eli Brenna

Ryan Chernin

Simon Kienitz Kincade

Dan Koski

Ayush Kumar

Jeremy Oshins

Eli Saracino

Female

Cameron Barney

Ilana Berman

Danielle Hope Diamond

Hanna Eichen

Paulina Ke

Abi Oshins

Emily Prescott

Sarah Sosland

Taylor Tessitore

Jessie Torrance

Emily Zisko

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 Angels in America - Millennium Approaches

Males

Eli Brenna

Joe Gambino

Simon Kienitz Kincade

Dan Koski

Ayush Kumar

Andy Moeller

Benjamin Moll

Jeremy Oshins

Nicholas Palombi

Eli Saracino

Cody Sloan

Nathan Wilgeroth

Females

Sydney Charvat

Ali Edwards

Zoe Enscoe

Kaitlyn Jones

Brittany Kamson

Brittany Martin

Abi Oshins

Emily Prescott

Jessie Torrance

Emily Zisko

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 Hail Satan!

Males

Eli Brenna

Ryan Chernin

Simon Kienitz Kincade

Kyle Mitchell

Benjamin Moll

Idine Mousavi

Nicholas Palombi

Nathan Wilgeroth

Females

Cameron Barney

Sydney Charvat

Danielle Hope Diamond

Kaitlyn Jones

Emily Prescott

Rachel Skalka

Taylor Tessitore

Jessie Torrance

Emily Zisko

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 Private Lives

Males

Cory Azmon

Scott Backman

Eli Brenna

Ryan Chernin

Robby Finan

Idine Mousavi

Jeremy Oshins

Nicholas Palombi

Nathan Wilgeroth

Females

Ilana Berman

Sydney Charvat

Kelly Duffy

Zoe Enscoe

Kaitlyn Jones

Paulina Ke

Brittany Martin

Emily Prescott

Rachel Skalka

Taylor Tessitore

Jessie Torrance

Executive Board Meeting Notes: January 19th, 2015

This week's executive board minutes: Abi

• Eboard will be sending an email to people who auditioned but did not get cast last semester. Will happen this week. Abi already combed through the list.
• How should we boost tech?

Eli

• General Meeting is this Sunday -- tentatively booked for COM101.
  • Problem: BU shuffle in securing the payment for the room. "Faculty Service Request" -- what is that?
  • Will go to SAO and speak to a human to resolve the problem tomorrow (Tuesday, 1/20).
• Unable to log into OrgSync. Will address with SAO tomorrow as well.
• Requested audition rooms at the end of last semester, unconfirmed due to inability to access OrgSync.
• Drafted the Painting the Stage memo.

Celia

• Assassins signups will continue this Sunday, end Monday of auditions, clips distributed (and games begin) Wednesday of auditions.
• Eboard date to see BUSTies host pitches: will be pushed at GM #1 and GM #2. February 15th
• Push will also happen for Event Manager positions for BUSTies.
• Are we doing a coco social this semester -- and if so, when? Apparently, during the Tech Meeting (1/30/15)
• Kickball will tentatively happen during reading period -- will discuss with Chris from OB
• Will plug the TA Event in GM #1 (hosting and performing duties).

Joe

• Laramie Project & Private Lives rights are secured!
• Angels in America's rights are secured
• Hail Satan! rights are secured, payment still needs to happen
• Producer for Laramie Project: Sarah Kimball
• T-Shirt design is completed.
• All reimbursements from last semester completed
• GM in COM101 paid for
• All events are up on OrgSync and approved
• Mandatory OrgSync training from January 24th or 25th to 1-3:30
• Budget discussions with directors are going to happen this week.
• EventBrite for Spring dues should be
• Courtney Bayruns wants an expensive request for lights; need her here to discuss
• Karen Loewy requested makeup supplies; reimbursement incoming
• Head producers for other shows need to be done soon, will happen after auditions
• One flat price for Laramie tickets; no membership price
• Other events getting EventBrite this week.

Kyle

• Directors - send me synopses for the Troupe site
• Facebook events will go up tonight
• First Troupe email will be going out this week

Camille

• Tech show (Camille giggles). Camille will be meeting with TD/ATD to discuss.
• Safety training for all TDs/ATDs/MCs/TAs will happen in early February.
• Reminder to all TDs and MCs about three strike policy for Space Usage for other groups. ("Loving the Space.")
• TDs are assigned! Tech form submissions now open.
• Tech meeting on the 30th, 7pm at The Space

Eric

• Super Bowl Sunday needs to be addressed -- should we move the eboard meeting so people can watch the game? 1 PM on 2/1/15!
• Pitches will be due February 25th, 2015. (This includes main stages, Parents Weekend, and Summer Show.)
• Reading committee will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of March.
• Need to sit down with Joe to discuss Parents Weekend budget.

Tech Discussions

• Getting entrenched techies to reach out to new members auditioning to try to get people to sign up for tech.
• Tech forms should be available at auditions.
• Camille & Jamie made a survey - send it out to last season's techies? Will be sent out.

GM #1

• What needs to be addressed?
  • Abi will welcome everyone
  • Eli will introduce directors of shows & discuss audition process
  • Celia will talk discuss Assassins, TA event, Coco Social, & BUSTies
  • Joe will discuss dues, t-shirts & producing
  • Kyle will review our social media tools & ways to stay in contact
  • Camille will promote tech forms/meeting and the tech show
  • Eric will say nothing
• Powerpoint to be produced at the next eboard meeting!

Spring 2015 Season & Pitches for Staged Reading

Hello membership! For those of you who missed the voting period or news about our 3rd General Meeting (and shame on you), here is our Spring 2015 Season:

The Laramie Project (Charity Show), by Moises Kaufman, directed by Aryeh Harris-Shapiro Private Lives, by Noel Coward, directed by Joseph McLaughlin Hail Satan!, by Mac Rogers, directed by Kyle Tague

(Note: the above season order is not final.)

However! Our season is not yet complete. In addition to three mainstages, the executive board is restarting an old Stage Troupe tradition: the staged or semi-staged reading, which will go up in the Student Theater. For those unaware, a staged/semi-staged reading refers to a performance of a play without advanced technical elements. This means the production will have a directing team, a cast, a producing team, and a stage management team - but nothing else. It will be up to the directing team if there will be blocking or simple-to-acquire props, hence "semi-staged." The show will also not be memorized and will be performed with scripts in-hand, hence "reading."

There are many advantages to reintroducing the staged reading. It will provide expanded acting opportunities without putting additional stress on our current technical resources - it is in essence a "fourth show" without a crew. By not including technical elements, we have the special opportunity to put on a play that would not otherwise be possible in our Student Theater space (something to keep in mind when selecting a play to pitch). Does your favorite show require a three-story set or expansive fire effects? This may be a great opportunity to see it performed! In addition, by distilling the performance down to exclusively acting and performance, this show will have a unique opportunity to forge an intense, focused director-actor relationship and deep exploration of the chosen text.

Interested in pitching? Great! Download the "Staged Reading Pitch Form" (which will be available under "Forms & Resources" shortly), fill it out, and email the completed form along with a .pdf copy of the script to our president, Abi Oshins, at aoshins@bu.edu. The pitch deadline is December 3rd at 5 PM. Following that deadline, pitches and directing teams will be announced on this blog. On December 7th, following the 4th General Meeting and Space Cleaning, we will have a "town hall meeting" in which directing teams will briefly describe their show and vision and how it would work as a staged reading. Interested members may offer their thoughts and concerns. Following this meeting, the executive board will collectively make a selection to be posted later that evening.

Keep in mind the executive board is looking for a show that will translate well to a staged reading. In addition, we look favorably upon shows that have robust cast sizes and  reasonable gender ratios. (Keep in mind we currently only have an 18-actor season for our mainstages). Finally, consider pitching a show that is well-established and has good public awareness: a staged reading can be a hard sell, and we want people to see and enjoy our work. A more established work will more likely draw an audience.

Interested in acting in this staged reading? Auditions will be held one week following main stage auditions next semester. Actors cast in a main stage are asked to not audition in order to give the rest of our acting base additional opportunities.

That's about it. Have questions, comments, concerns? Feel free to email stage@bu.edu or raise them at any open executive board meeting (Sundays at 6 PM). Have great weeks!