PantoSoc

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In the AGM (Annual General Meeting, normally mid Feb) we hold votes for each role to determine the next committee. There is then a handover period lasting from the AGM until the Easter holidays, where old and new committee members work together and pass on knowledge to have a smooth transition.

 

TO RUN: You get 1 or 2 minutes (depending on the role) to pitch yourself to the group, followed by a short question and answer session. You can run as a pair for any role, but keep in mind that for many positions it isn’t necessary. After your pitch you might be asked things like why you want this role, what commitments you have over the next year, skills you have relevant to the position, and any new ideas you have for it. It isn’t scary, everybody’s super friendly and wants to know you! The running order is as below, and if you don’t get one role you can still run for a different one that comes afterwards.

 

Here are the roles on our committee, including a brief summary of the role. Linked (where available) are the in-depth role guides on the specifics you’ll need to know as you start your post, if you’re interested. In your year you can ask for advice from your predecessor/ other committee members, there’s always people to help!

 

All committee members: are points of contact from society members with any questions, can respond to messages on our Facebook page, have admin access to our Facebook page, group and SU page, represent and uphold the society’s values.

 

PRESIDENT

Head honcho! As president you’re head of the society, including being the official liaison with other societies, the SU, and anyone outside the university. Your main job is to keep everything running smoothly, supporting the committee, production team and society members. This also includes chairing regular committee meetings (including proposals and AGM - as you chair and count the votes, you yourself do not get a vote in these elections), attending PAF (performing arts forum) meetings on behalf of Pantosoc, booking show slots, and sending out frequent email newsletters to the society.

 

It’s a big commitment, so would suit somebody who really freakin’ loves panto! Previous experience on committee is useful for knowing how everything works but not 100% necessary. Organisation is key to keep all the plates spinning, and definitely communication skills.

 

VICE PRESIDENT

Jack of all trades, master of none. You can be the unsung hero, as most of your work is ‘behind the scenes’. People often cite that VP is a role that’s largely there to support the president and the rest of the society, so you need to be the kind of person who’s willing to learn a variety of things in different areas. Depending on the sitch, you could be called to help out with any area- you could be helping with proposals one day and organising show slots the next, while pitching in on big decisions for the society.

 

Committee experience for this role is useful, simply because it is so varied. Never ever dull, this is a role for someone on the ball and who has got time to commit to panto and wants to be stuck in with everything. High levels of organisation and communication are a must, as the whole role is centred around working with others.

 

SECRETARY

You are our official scribe! In charge of all paperwork not covered by others, you take minutes of every meeting, and fill out our risk assessments and other finagles with the SU at the beginning of the year. 

 

You need commitment to attend every meeting and get stuck in (these do get scheduled around when people are free though). Fast typing is a plus (or handwriting if you’re old school), and being generally calm and organised enough to keep track in a busy meeting.

 

TREASURER

Moneypenny, you are our financial guru! In charge of keeping us in the positive bank balance, you are involved in setting budgets for shows, approving expenditure requests, and keeping the committee up to date with what’s going on in the bank.

 

General understanding of numbers appreciated, and the ability to say no if people ask for stuff outside our means. 

 

PUBLICITY OFFICER

Oh artistic and organisational legend, you run our social media presence and work with producers on leading show publicity campaigns! Whether it’s keeping our website looking sexy, publicising meetings, making posters, or filming trailers, you keep us relevant and make sure people know we’re here bein’ awesome!

 

This role is a big commitment, as you’re needed in the lead up to every show we do to come up with ideas and organise your team to publicise it. Artistic experience/ access to a camera /understanding of filming a trailer/ basic photo editing skills are all helpful, but as long as you can organise the team to do it not necessary.

 

SOCIAL SECRETARY

AKA super organised party animal! Think of a social idea, find a venue, advertise it (on Facebook, email), run it… and rinse and repeat! You organise general socials like scavenger hunts/nights out all year round and work with show producers on show-specific things like white t-shirt bar crawls and cast families. Before the summer, your biggest task of the year is working with the outgoing social secs to put together the legendary annual Pantoball. You keep spirits high and are very important on integration of new and old members. 

 

More commitment than you’d expect, you’ve got to always be on the ball with any events (both inside the society and outside things that could clash) and plan around them, and always be thinking about/ organising the next social. Be friendly, engaging, and organised!

 

STORES REP

Ruler of the room of requirement! Stores is where we keep all costumes, props, and other bits and bobs. Keep it usable and organised, and with your knowledge of what we have support the costumes/ props team for shows. You also get the say on when other societies/ people can use things from the stores and are in charge of keeping track of what has been lent out. 

 

Nothing too crazy commitment-wise, mainly needed in the lead-up to each show (~4x a year) and making sure everything goes back in place in the chaos afterwards. Organisational skills definitely welcomed!

 

FUNDRAISING OFFICER

Charities, raffles and fundraising oh my! Passionate for the causes you lead in choosing, you help producers with the charity raffle for each show, are our point of contact for external organisations and charities, and head up fundraising for our annual Edinburgh Fringe show.

 

Really, this role is what you make of it. Your main jobs are to organise show raffles in aid of charity and to co-ordinate year-round fundraising for Fringe.

 

INCLUSIVITY OFFICER

Equity is your middle name! Ensure everybody gets a fair chance and equal opportunity within the society, proof-read scripts after editing, and be the person individuals can come to in confidence if they have any concerns or problems. You also bring biscuits (or other snacks) to every committee meeting! 

 

This role is a great way to get involved in an amazing committee. You should have a great opportunity to help out with a lot of different projects across the society. Be friendly, able to see the big picture, and it’s great if you get any innovative ideas on how to make Panto an even better place to be for everyone.

 

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HONORARY MEMBERS

Up to 6 individuals who get a looksie at the inner workings of the society and can pitch in and come to meetings, but don’t have the responsibilities or powers of a full committee member.