It’s your SMA …. get on board SMA is running out of board members (‘directors’). We have five and we need more.
The role is voluntary but not arduous. It takes some commitment and gives a chance to shape the SMA’s future and also learn new skills and gain experience in running an organisation.
It is a rewarding and interesting opportunity to set the direction and help to prioritise the activities that SMA is involved in.
For members who do not have board or committee experience, and to inform those who do, here is what our board members do.
SMA Directors
• meet as frequently as necessary to discuss budget and financial matters and advise on priorities and the company policy. • review applications for membership
• visit vocational courses to speak about job opportunities and benefits of membership of the SMA
• support SMA presence at ABTT Theatre Show, PLASA and similar events
• decide on awards format and organise the judges to decide our ‘winners’ • give guidance to staff on issues raised by members when required
• need to keep informed how the SMA is running and decide on strategy and policy and the overall direction of the association ;
• are guided by our ‘articles of association’ and rules, and do have legal responsibilities but they are not difficult to understand and mainly involve keeping up to date with matters which affect SMA and it’s members and keeping us on track with our core aims and work.
• bring to the table a broad range of experience in theatre production and other skills you may have (such as IT, chairing or speaking at meetings, keeping notes (minutes)
SMA should ideally hold a board meeting most months. Most directors attend meetings remotely and they are held at times when directors can take an hour or so away from work. New recruits must be prepared to attend all meetings, typically via zoom. ‘l am working’ is no excuse for not attending. Stage Managers are the most organised link in production chains - surely they can find an hour once a month. Decisions are made by those that turn up.
Main Board directors should be working stage managers SMA members with recent experience at any level, from ASM to CSM, PM. There are also opportunities to ‘co-opt’ other people with skills needed to run SMA (HR, finance, IT skills, social media and marketing skills, experience in training) who do not need to be members.
We need to get the director roster into double figures. Higher numbers bring strength to the board, broadness of experience and cover should directors be unavailable. If you would like more guidance on board membership you can contact SMA Board. or the SMA HQ