TAFF Minutes – Trinity Term 2011, Meeting 2 (8am Cafe Nero)
July 23, 2011
In Attendance: Matt, James, Tom, Anna, Jocasta, Sarah, Shivani
Preliminary Agenda:
Oxford Revue
Senior Member
Cuppers
TAFF/OUDS Freshers Drinks
Freshers Fair
Workshop
Gel Collection
The meeting was opened.
1 – Oxford Revue: Matt and Tom had both had to work on the Revue yesterday, not really planned forMatt noted the fact that the original PM on the Oxford Revue bid had dropped out, and he hadn’t been replaced, leading to the situation encountered in 6th week. He had emailed the Drama Officer, who was unaware of this fact. Sarah G asked if the PM problem was specific to the Revue, or could be a more general problem. Matt noted that the Revue frequently have this problem particularly, and he would like to get the Drama Officer potentially more involved in preventing reoccurrence. Tom asked what power the UDO has in such situations. Generally, the hope is to ensure that people like the Revue who aren’t always a part of the drama scene are kept aware of the requirements to successfully run a Playhouse show. James suggested contacting the head of the Revue direct, possibly much earlier in the year.
2 – Senior Member: It was noted that Mark Roberts was still going to be leaving after Trinity, and a new Senior Member had yet to be found. Could we find someone with theatrical connections? Seems unlikely. An amenable form-signing staff member is really all that’s needed. Sarah G suggested she might be able to contact a potential senior member who was reliable for the Jewish Society, for the purposes of form signing. Agreed Sarah should pursue this and report back.
3 – Cuppers: Anna is producing – will act as a TAFF/OUDS bridge. Cuppers is to be in 5th week of Michaelmas. Matt will PM. No LD as yet – several people Matt had had in mind will be away. James noted he had forwarded several pieces of requisite paperwork to Matt for the completion of Cuppers forms. Sarah G wondered if anything had gone wrong last year that needed to be avoided? The committee reminisced about the Cuppers/Streetcar clash of MT10. But this issue has been resolved, and neither Dorian or Greek Play will clash.
4 – TAFF/OUDS Drinks: James and Shivani think that the potential for joint drinks is a good idea. TAFF and OUDS may be two societies, but should form one ‘drama’ community. Sarah G said she felt a joint event would be more fun for everyone. Matt expressed concern about TAFF’s smaller numbers. Tom and Matt expressed concern that there might be inevitable separation off of a ‘techie’s corner’. Potential for two events – joint and TAFF only? Then what’s the point of the joint drinks – or vice versa? Anna says that OUDS drinks felt like more of an ‘event’ and that more people more peripherally inclined in drama were likelier to attend casually. Jocasta noted that she and others might have found a large event of that sort offputting. Jocasta suggested simply having a joint social with OUDS in Michaelmas, but Freshers Drinks as a separate affair. Again, OUDS greater numbers provided concern.
James wanted clarity on our options – 1 Separate Drinks. 2 Merged Drinks. 3 Merged Drinks, followed by TAFF-only Freshers Event. Overall does joint event with OUDS make casual attendance more likely? Perhaps yes. There was general approval of the idea of a ‘Theater Freshers Drinks’ event as a name which would attract people. Tom and Matt continued to express reservations, Matt suggested taking a vote on the issue was the best way to resolve things. Sarah G and James stated that it seemed best just to give it a try – especially as Sarah Perry had offered the option; and Anna noted that the OUDS drinks location in the Mitre was nicer and more accessible to Freshers than a potentially hard-to-find college room. Matt called for the proposed vote – Would the Committee support Joint drinks with OUDS, potentially under the name of ‘Oxford Theatre Freshers’ Drinks’? The Committee voted unanimously in favour of joint drinks with OUDS.
5 – Freshers’ Fair: Would TAFF and OUDS stalls be next to each other? If they were booked separately, could it be guaranteed that they would not end up in different rooms? Tom explained that Barney Norris, ex-UDO, had done the registration for last years Freshers’ Fair as UDO and TAFF had shared a stall; all Tom had done was organise a rota and bring the banner. James suggested Tom should write a book detailing his invaluable experience. Shivani suggested we just ask Freshers Fair to ensure we’re in the same room, and if such a guarantee is possible. How many passes would we receive for a joint stall with OUDS/UDO in event of sharing? Jocasta should email OUSU’s Fair rep with these questions.
6 – Workshop: Matt is going to set up a workshop in the O’Reilly next term. This term he thought no one would show up, due to exams. Tom asked what this workshop would entail. A hands-on workshop, demonstrating use of lights, sound, potentially flies etc. during an extended session on a day when the O’Reilly is suitably free.
7- Gel Collection: Jacob had researched filing cabinets, found one costing £90. This seemed expensive. Shivani suggested freecycle. Matt recalled that Jocasta’s father had invented the filing cabinet. Jocasta corrected this misconception, but noted that he does indeed possess many. It was agreed she should see if one could be obtained from whatever source for cheaper than £90.
Other Business:
8 – Stash: Shivani will pursue this relentlessly next term.
9 – Website/TAFFList/OUDS Literature: Jocasta had written a passage on TAFF for OUDS Freshers’ literature. Jacob had recommended inclusion of a section on use of list, for directors/producers/non-techies who might need TAFF help regardless. Jocasta felt this would extend the length of the paragraph too much, this was agreed. But she suggested such a thing might be helpful on the website. This too was agreed.
10 – Freshers Fair Bonus Round: Anna wondered if we might have some free stuff to give out at freshers fair, which always helps win converts? Jocasta might potentially look into asking the Madding Crowd for some kind of freshers week discount for TAFF members? Sarah Grabiner pledged that she will personally “write Freshers Drinks invitations onto gel in sharpie” for handouts. A Freshers Drinks gobo was postulated – especially if combined with a demonstration lamp. Matt contemplated stealing the Union’s shot glasses and writing TAFF on them in magic marker.
Everyone wanted breakfast, the Meeting was Closed.
Action Points:
Matt will contact UDO/Revue President about Revue situation.
Sarah G will investigate the potential Senior Member lead.
Matt will contact Sarah Perry about joint TAFF/OUDS Freshers Drinks.
Jocasta will begin Freshers’ Fair prep by contacting OUSU.
Jocasta will investigate her father’s filing cabinets.
Geoff will add a page of ‘list use advice’ to the new website when it comes.
Jocasta will investigate potential for Madding freshers incentive.
Sarah G will source a lot of gel and sharpie, and get writing!
