Overview
Responsibilities
In general, the chair is responsible for running meetings and keeping an eye on everything happening in the ensemble. It is good to either be familiar with most ensemble processes or know someone who is. Making sure everyone is doing their job can be tricky at times. Ultimately, you will develop your own style. There is also some advice on this page.
Oversight
There are a lot of processes you will want to be familiar with and keep an eye on:
Administrative
#Ensemble History
#Room Reservations
#Mailing Lists
#Event Registration
#Finances
#Membership Requirements
Procedural
#Term Shows
#Small Shows
#Large Ensemble Events (Laser Tag, Bowling, Karaoke, Picnic)
#Large Community Events (Movie on the Lawn, CAST)
#Classes
#Director Interviews, Play Choice
#Ensemble Office
Running Meetings
Be pragmatic. Invite non-officers (events coordinator, show producer, class coordinator, etc.)
Projects
Encouraging Projects
Keeping a list of running projects is important. Some projects may sound fun, but will be difficult to in practice. Keep an eye out for these. Make sure people understand how much work they are getting themselves into.
Running Projects
Make sure people in charge of projects keep you up to date. Check in with them frequently. If things seem to be out of control, decrease the size and scope of the project.
Space Reservations
Regular Reservations
http://web.mit.edu/registrar/www/schedules/not.html
Reservations Priority
IAP Show
Small Shows
Recruitment
Recruiting new members is arguably the most important thing you will do as Chair. You must be a model member of the group. When talking to prospective members, I like to emphasize that we are an entirely undergraduate group and that we hire outside directors that bring a wide spectrum of theater knowledge.
Advertising
Advertising for events can generally fall through the cracks. One thing to always keep in mind is the MIT Events Calendar.
Assigning Jobs
Production Positions
It is imperative that you select your Producer and SM carefully: they will set the attitude for the show. While it is difficult to be Chair and Producer simultaneously, it is worth considering.
Term Jobs
When you assign term jobs, class and events coordinators are arguably the most important. Small show, video, and webmaster are also quite important.
Ensemble Philosophy
If you so desire, it is your prerogative to set a direction and attitude for the ensemble.