He who has no job… Chris on sitting in the Open Seat

Chris is in his fourth year studying MBChB Medicine in his fifth year at the University of Leeds, and is the Backstage Open Seat 17/18.

“Open Seat is 100% a role which you have to mould for yourself and find where you fit within the committee”

Now a washed up former President, I’ve been Open Seat (who?) for the past year – a role which no one, including me, really knows what they do. However, I’ll try and clear it up…

I would say Open Seat is 100% a role which you have to mould for yourself and find where you fit within the committee, which as you get to know each other becomes clearer, as you all pick up on all your strengths and weaknesses.

“Occasionally I get to be a bit more serious if other members of committee are particularly busy and in that case I sometimes pick up some of their responsibilities”

As someone who has been on committees previously, as well as working in LUU – one of my roles has been offering a perspective on what has been done in the past, or being able to share a lil’ bit of knowledge from the past 5 years which may help come to a decision (although often not needed!). Compared to being President last year, Open Seat is way more fun too (cue Erinna getting annoyed at me), but occasionally I get to be a bit more serious if other members of committee are particularly busy and in that case I sometimes pick up some of their responsibilities, whether that be checking the society emails, updating the website or attending meetings with societies or LUU if someone can’t make it!

“Being on committee won’t stop you from being able to still work on shows and juggle time with your studies”

It’s also important to stress, whilst being on committee is a commitment (surprise, surprise), it won’t stop you from being able to still work on shows and juggle time with your studies – I’ve managed to work on 4 shows this year, including Sister Act and Exposé. I’d argue it helps you to make the most of your time by being busy and manage it even better!

Being Open Seat for the past year and committee in total for two has been a fantastic experience, allowing me to grow in confidence, pick up new skills and most importantly make the best of friends! So, please do it and run.

By Chris Morris

Posted on 8th March 2018