[Usittne] getting angry

[Crystal Tiala]

 Dear members,

    The only people who have inquired about helping with USITT  (refering to my request for chair and vice-chair nominations a few weeks ago) are two people who are already doing so much. Ron Dallas offered help more with the BBQ - he is currently secretary/treasurer.  Rafael Jaen is one of the Design Chairs at KCACTF and, speaking from personal experience, chairing both organizations is being gluton for punishment. 
    Many of you are perfectly willing to come to the annual BBQ at my house and the section meeting at the national conference and eat the free food and hang out with friends, but when it comes to asking you to do something, you disappear.  
    Lets face it. We are all busy at work. That is the nature of the theater business.  After last year's meeting at the national conference I was under the impression that many of you wanted this section to continue.  If actions speak louder than words, you lied to me.   I am tired of this behavior.  If you want this regional section to be healthy, it means you have to participate.  I have done my share and have chaired this section for the past 13 years.  We have had many great conversations about theater, added awards for college students, helped form and support the job expo in Boston and sponsored some great trips and workshops.  However, it appears my leadership has some serious flaws because participation has only decreased in recent years and it is time to get more of you on board or let it die.  
    So now I have resorted to threats and still no one comes forward.   All I can assume is that the membership really does not care.  
    I cannot tell you how sad it makes me to know that I have spent so many years on something no one sees the value in.  
     I can tell you that being chair of USITT New England has connected me to people all over the region and US.  I took on the job fresh out of grad school with no experience.   I made the job my own because there wasn't a template to follow and it gave me a reason to meet a lot of amazing people.  The title of chair was also a very significant credential that helped me get my academic position at Boston College and 6 years later - tenure.  So I caution you to think twice if you have any thoughts that you are not experienced enough to do the job or if you think it won't help you in your career. 
    Below is the list of activities I currently do each year and lists those people who regualarly help me.  So, if anyone decides to step-up, you can see what the current work load involves.  Of course, delegating the work or changing any of these items will be up to the new chair.  The annual report is the only absolute necessity.

    Please send me your nominations for chair and vice-chair by March 1st. Nominate yourself or someone else -- with their permission, of course. 
 
Typical annual activities of the current chair
 
January:   Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival – region 1
-----Prepares awards certificates for Tech Olympics and Technology/Craftsmanship award – at the festival
-----Solicits prizes from Barbizon for Tech Olympics  (Thank you Brenda Shepard)
February:  Regional Educational and Administrative Job Expo (REPA)
-----Helps with set up and strike
-----Attends to hand out information on USITT NE
March:   Chairs the regional section meeting at the national conference
-----Orders food in advance
-----Also attends the Section Officers meetings at the conference
August:  
------Hosts a BBQ for the members at my house  - Attendance is typically about 12 people
September:
------Write the annual report and request funding from national
         -----Typically pretty easy because the events are so regular now there is little to change from one year to the next. 
All times:
------Try to get people to commit to activities such as updating the website or other items 
------Must be a national and regional member  ($15.00 for regional membership)
 
Additional regular support from other members:  
 
Ron Dallas (Secretary/Treasurer)  - since the beginning of time
---Maintains the budget
---Pays bills
----Has information on website                                                                                                                   
Mike Katz
---Maintains the USITT NE listserve
---Helps annually with the REPA Job Expo

Keith Cornelius
---helps set up the BBQ

Crystal Tiala
tiala at mindspring.com
EarthLink Revolves Around You.
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