“Someone please call a retirement home” – Sian on her time as Open Seat

What is an Open Seat, I hear you cry? If you find out, please let me know.

In my time as Backstage’s Open Seat, I realised that the role really can be whatever you want it to be. While everyone else on committee has fixed jobs and goals, I have been floating around picking up odd jobs, doing the things that don’t apply to one particular committee role, and helping out other committee members if their workload is too heavy. For example, there have been times this year where I have planned socials and taken over answering society emails for a brief period.

Sian enjoys picking up odd jobs, such as carrying home a 6ft light-up cross…

Being on committee in general is one of the best things I decided to do in my time at university. It’s definitely a commitment (obviously) but you can get so much out of it, and you get to give back to the society that you love so much!

It’s about seeing the strengths and weaknesses within committee and working out where you can make yourself useful. In this regard, the role of the Open Seat is definitely one that requires flexibility as it can change so often.

Open Seat is one of the roles you can have a bit more fun with than the others — you still have to put in the time and commitment like everybody else, but instead of doing the same job all year, you get to do a bit of everything!

Having been on committee as Events Officer in the past and a member of Backstage for four years (someone please call a retirement home), I have found it really useful this year to utilise my past experiences and offer guidance to committee when needed. You don’t need to be an expert in every department, but having enough experience or knowledge to offer input is definitely helpful.

Being on committee in general is one of the best things I decided to do in my time at university. It’s definitely a commitment (obviously) but you can get so much out of it, and you get to give back to the society that you love so much!

As a committee member, you will pick up new skills and develop ones you already have. It also allows you to be a friendly face for new members, meaning that you can pass on your stagey wisdom to the next generation of Backstagers.

Whilst being on committee is a dedication, it doesn’t stop you from being able to crew shows, so don’t let that put you off! However, developing a good sense of time management is highly encouraged.

I have loved working as Open Seat this year, so please do apply for it if it sounds like the role for you! We all put so much time and effort into this society, and being on committee is so rewarding.

By Sian Holland

Posted on 24th March 2019