GET A CUP OF TEA, A NICE BISCUIT (OR THE WHOLE PACKET) AND HAVE A READ...
Greetings to all,
I've just been informed (by our lovely new SU President) that the Fresher Packs are arriving on the 13th of September so we can pop in on the 14th to help pack our stuff into the actual bags. So, we got what we want design-wise sorted and updated? Liana, you got that 'DRAMA Wants You' template from Joe M/Steve, yeah?
In other news, I've let Eddie from Bui Bolg know of our Gorey sojourn but he hasn't got back to me yet. I'm gonna follow up with an e-mail once I've finished this one. I'd also like to add how AMAZING you guys did in Ashbourne collecting all that money. Superb. We're well on our way now. In the words of The Smiths, 'Sheila, Take A Bow'...(Sheila can just be my pet-name for the whole committee)
Merchandise...*sighs*. Well, here we go- I have some cool plans for some new DRAMA gear that I'm about to get priced next week. I've always had the idea of a white polo shirt- DRAMA crest on the breast and 'C-R-E-W' in bold black emblazoned across the back. It can be for actual crew members of shows but still, for ordinary members, they can be part of the 'DRAMA crew'. Geddit? Anyway, we also need tee-shirts, an issue that needs a bit of clarification,
i.e. do we want new tee-shirts? A new design? A new message on it? Ideas anyone?
Also, and yes I realise this will draw gasps from the audience/Sheila/committee, I had an idea for a white version of our hoodie. Yes white I say! Why? Well, they look fucking cool...The reason why we didn't go with white last year was because it gets dirty too easily...however, that's not DRAMA's problem once we've sold them to someone! Once again, it's entirely up to you lot. I just think they'll look kinda deadly. All this talk of new merchandise comes in the wake of our promise to sponsors (mainly AIB at this stage) that we'll have their logo on our gear...
All this is going to cost but I'm hoping to stick with one particular company and almost 'buy in bulk' for a discount. Tracking down a place that will do some top quality tees, hoodies and polo shirts is gonna be hard but we'll no doubt find someone. I want to hear feedback from you guys on all 3 ideas for merchandise first though- if you're in favour of certain items/not in favour of others/ ideas for design/look, etc. Get back to me.
With regard to miscellaneous items that have cropped up- firstly, the trip to see Wicked. Eh, I'm against it mainly because the SPC will probably laugh at us if we have a grant app that includes the West End and Broadway in it. Last year, DRAMA were awarded the most SPC money out of all the societies and we ended up 8, 000 euro in debt. This year, we have to be very careful with what we ask for and particularly the way we go about doing it. Broadway is our priority and they (SPC) might even be a litle sceptical awarding us money for that as they'll look to last year as a reference point. We agreed on 2 theatre trips per semester but last year, these ranged from going to the Gaiety to St. Pat's take on The Witches. Although it sounds great, Wicked in the West End is a tad luxurious and, to the naked (and cynical) eye, a bit clique-ish.
All things musical...firstly, the choice of shows for the proposed Broadway sequel. The Wedding Singer and Les Mis sound good- like John I'm slightly wary of Avenue Q, coincidently for the same reasons as Mr Cannon. I've heard from others that it doesn't have the same 'feel' as other Broadway shows and, especially for someone who has never been to (a) Broadway or (b) the West End and is going over for the big, musical splash, they might be disappointed. Just saw Les Mis in the West End and it was terrific, although slightly overlong at 3 hours. It's also a bit 'heavy' and EVERYTHING is sung in it- the only real negatives I can find for possible musical virgins who may be with us over there.
DCU DRAMA's musical- I aired my views on this to Steve, John and Conor at that infamous meeting in DCU (complete with Joey and Conor pissing in the bushes) about this- maybe it's just me but I'm not convinced by the shortlist of shows that are under consideration. Last year, yes, we only had 3 when it came to the crunch but I thought that all three were good choices in their own right. Calamity Jane is being done by another drama group (forget the name) in November and I know that Baldonnell and Chanel were doing Guys and Dolls at the same time as us but, in reality, we were never competing with them for patrons. This year we're in The Helix and we will have to be competing to the same degree as other drama groups. To be honest, I don't think Batboy, and I have listened to what I could get my hands on, is a winner and they'd be my favourites of the 4 detailed options. Is there any chance of getting a list of what's available and what's not? Just for the committee's perusal?
That's everything for now- and I'm beginning to feel like Elaine Bannon (or Bob) after typing this. But it's making up for not being in Ashbourne...maybe.
From what I'm hearing from work, chances of me getting to Gorey for the bagpack are slim as they want me to work Friday AND Saturday. If I can't be there, I'll send my apologies to John aswell as the stuff I'd like raised for discussion- which includes...*gasps* ideas for shows...
I realise this has been a long one...
Over and out,
And well done again in Ashbourne,