What's New for Fall 2006

After a complete review of the ups and downs of our last season, we have made a list of things we need to try to complete over the course of the next academic year. If you have anything to add to this list or to comment on, please, do not hesitate to email us at any time.

Suggestions? Comments?

Mission Statement

A complete and definitive mission statement should be devised for the sake of the organization. By having one, we can accomplish goals set each semester with an overall mantra which will guide and provide the public with a sense of understanding.

12 Days Manual

A manual for all current and future leaders of 12 Days should be created in order to ensure the smooth operation of the organization and realize effectively its potential longevity. This manual would include a clear outline of all positions and their duties as well as examples of past work for inspirational purposes.

Library

Each campus should be provided with a library of materials from which they are able to choose future projects from. These materials would be either purchased, donated, or photocopied (legally, this can be done for educational purposes) and its use should be exclusive for 12 Days members only.

Membership Cards

After a civilian decides to join the organization, they should be issued a membership card which is easy to make as well as affordable to reproduce. With this card they would be allowed to access the library and possibly, dependant on how successful future projects should be (i.e. the price raised) allowed a £1 discount on all events or a half-priced ticket for a friend.

Non-Profit Corporation

A non-profit corporation is a corporation that is formed without intent to make a profit for its investors. Instead, the purpose of the non-profit is to make income for a religious, charitable, educational, literary, or a scientific purpose. Upon application, the qualifying entity may be granted non-profit status and be then tax-exempt under both the state and federal systems. After having formed a not-for-profit organization, it becomes possible to apply for grants and to solicit legally for donations.

Strict Calendars

After having experienced several difficulties in scheduling, it is our belief that in coming semesters it will be necessary to adhere to an event calendar that cannot be altered in a`y way, except under extraordinary circumstances. This would require working with Student Affairs to assess all of the school’s events for the planned school year and cooperating with that schedule to the extent of publicizing each event from the moment of casting or after the first section of preparation is completed, with no exceptions.

Community Involvement

In order to increase revenue, enhance the school’s reputation, and forge a realization of the importance of 12 Days as a artistic entity within the university, it appears to be necessary to further integrate with the local community (both Kensington and Richmond Upon Thames). Advertising should be posted outside of the school along with the organization’s mission statement. Invitations should be made to locals to come see our shows. Alliances should be formed with local businesses and/or establishments, i.e. The Star and Garter.

Outside Advertising

There is no reason, after presenting ourselves as a proper organization for the betterment of the arts, that local business owners should not comply with an advertising scheme whereby after donating £5 to 12 Days their business cards are guaranteed to be placed in all event programs for the season (semester).

Inside Advertising

There must be an exact marketing schedule for each and every event presented by 12 Days. Directors must not be made responsible for the advertising of their production, however, it is expected of the director to consult with the person chosen for the marketing aspect of their show as to the details they would like the public to be party to. The creation of all marketing materials must be completed by the end of the first section of pre-production schedules. Additionally, flyers should not be relied upon to advertise an event. Brochures, handouts, price deals, etc. should also be considered.

Fundraising

At every school event (i.e. movie nights, comedy nights) a selection of three prize baskets should be raffled off. There should be room in the budget made to purchase small tokens to create these baskets and tickets would be sold on a £1 basis for three days prior to the event. These raffling opportunities would also be a chance for the members of the club to plug their projects and make the student community more aware.

Faculty Involvement

Immediately after the event schedule for the year is made, invitations must be sent out to the faculty and staff, inviting both them and a guest. Dependant on the event, tickets may be offered free or the guest ticket would be free. After having spoken to several members of the faculty, it appears that the main reason they wind up not attending productions is because they are unaware of the initial existence.

Club Alliances

Because of the newly formed musical theatre department, there should be an agreement made with the Richmond Choir whereby we are allowed to utilize both their piano and their pianist as a resource and in return all members who are participating in that years musical production must also participate in weekly choir meetings to receive vocal training and work on their songs. This would also be useful in being able to attempt to strike some sort of deal with The Star and Garter whereby they approve a script, allow us their stage, and we give their staff and members a free performance as well as invite the community for a charge. This deal would be best handled if the registration of 12 Days as a not-for-profit organization is completed so that we may avoid financial issues.

The Community Service Club should also be consulted in an effort to forge an alliance with 12 Days which would be especially helpful should a joint charity event be organized for the benefit of both parties, i.e. a fundraiser for AIDS where performances are made by 12 Days members and distribution of drinks, food, etc. provided by the Community Service Club.

More to follow

This updated was made on 19 April 2006