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:
Top Priority:
- Term Shows
- Recruitment
- Room Reservations
- Finances
- Event Registrations
- Director Interviews
Other Administrative:
- Ensemble History
- Mailing Lists
- Membership Requirements
Other Procedural:
- Retreat
- Small Shows
- Large Ensemble Events (ex. Picnic)
- Community Events (ex. CAST)
- Classes
- Play Choice
- Office Cleans
- Special Projects (ex. Sonnets)
Meetings
Officer Meetings
- At the beginning of each semester, choose a time for weekly officer meetings. Keep in mind that most of the officers will have rehearsals. In the past, 5pm has worked reasonably well.
- Budget an hour for the meetings. If meetings are consistently running too long, try handling simple administrative reminders via email. Alternatively, schedule meetings when everyone has two hours free.
- Make sure to send a reminder to the ensemble at least a day before the meeting. Include a rough agenda. You may also want to encourage a specific member to attend if the business pertains to them (ex. producer).
- It is occasionally reasonable to reschedule or cancel these meetings around tech week or holidays or if there is very little business to discuss. Try to avoid cancelling two meetings in a row.
BOT, Retreat, EOT
Elaborate. Carefully Consider Assigning Term Jobs. Ensemble Philosophy.
Advice
Be pragmatic. Invite non-officers (events coordinator, show producer, class coordinator, etc.)
Emails
Keep the group updated.
Term Shows
Finding Producers
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.
Finding Production Staff
Whipping
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.
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.
Whipping
Advice.
MISC
Recruitment: Emphasize undergraduate, outside directors.
MIT Events Calendar.