One of the best changes I made was to elect in the fall, instead of the spring. I found seniors in particular change their attitude too much over the summer. I meet with the students for the next year in May to discuss requirements and give them the summer to think or campaign or whatever they want to do. In the fall, we start with a presentation on the expectations for each positions and my personal requirements, and then do a traditional secret ballot vote. We still have the occasional popularity contest - like this year - but I've had much higher engagement. I also make it clear that leaders are the ones who take action, and not just elected positions, and that I will work with the people who want to work, and reward them regardless of their title.
I also require that officers are in a theater class, in good standing with myself and the school, and we wrote a clause that officers who are not attending meetings or their duties can be replaced. I've only ever had to do it once, but I make sure to structure the roles as work positions for the year, so they know it's a serious obligation.
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Richard Fairchild
Arcadia High School
AZ
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-18-2022 09:38
From: Charles Yarmey
Subject: Troupe Student Board Guideline Question
I tried to find an answer by search but couldn't come up with what I'm looking for.
I, along with I'm sure many of you, have had a rough past year with students performing their expected duties. But board members, and regular participants in shows.
We are coming up on "nominations of officers" in May. Is there anything in the ITS rules regarding the structure of a student board? And how they are elected/appointed? Most of the students running are current officers who did not perform as needed and as many people have stated, it's a popularity contest.
I'm just looking to see what HAS to be done based on being a thespian troupe and what rules must be followed.
To be honest, I'd love to just eliminate the entire election process this year and have everyone apply for an appointed position. But I can't find what's allowed.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
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Chuck Yarmey
Advisor/Technical Director
Wyoming Area Drama Club
Thespian Troupe 4795
Exeter PA
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