Show stress

I've spent a lot of time this last few weeks helping to get ready for the show we're putting on next week- The Mikado, University of York Central Hall, 26th-28th February, see our website for more info! Administration and organisation (booking rooms, completing the paperwork- there's soo much!), building the set, sewing the costumes, putting up posters, proofreading programmes, every aspect of what goes on. Not to mention rehearsals!

Those of us on the committee seem to most often be the ones putting in the most effort- unsurprisingly, in a way, because we're the ones who've shown ourselves most committed to the society. That's why we're on the committee. Others, often ex-committee members or new members (the committee members of the future, mwahaha) also put in a lot of effort. But there are also always a few people who seem to (without meaning to criticise them) put less in to making the show happen, who are quite willing to let others do the work, who can't turn up because they have work (paid or uni work) to do. And that's understandable. But some people manage to do all that, and take an active part in the show as well. I guess it's all down to priorities.

For some of us, the society is one of our main ways of socialising, the other members are close friends. For others it's a more casual relationship than a long-term commitment. And that's fine, the greater commitment isn't for everyone. But too many of that kind of people, and those of us who are always to be relied upon, the 'geeky' ones, end up with a lot of work.

Because as well as those who do their fair share, there are some who do far more than their fair share and yet still come back the next day, knowing that there's a job to be done if the show is to happen and that someone's got to do it, because the show must go on! I'm afraid that's usually me. But I'm starting to wonder if sometimes people rely on those of us like that too much, if they assume that they needn't turn up because we'll be there and it'll all be fine.

So I'd like to try and take a step back, to see what happens. Because if there are other people who will then step forward and take things on, they should have the chance to. And if there aren't- well that's another problem. But I know the trouble- if I see something that needs to be done not being done it'll either frustrate me- or I'll end up stepping forward to do it anyway.

The other thing that bugs me sometimes is that I end up doing a lot and putting a lot of effort into the show- but I'm not one of the people who gets a chance to really 'own' the show and put their creative influence on it. I'm in the chorus. I'm the ordinary member (read: general dogsbody and odd-job person) running around cleaning paintbrushes and remembering all the little jobs that everyone else is too busy to remember. Being that extra soprano that isn't really needed and I'm sure would not be missed (10 points if you spotted the quote!) And these are good, important things to do, I know. And I don't want for a second to say that the people who do direct, or are principals don't deserve to be, or that they're not much better at it than I would be, but sometimes I wish I had the chance to be something more. Doubt it'll happen though! Too many other good (and more obviously talented) candidates!

So, if you're in York or the surrounding area next week, some and see our show! It's going to be great, and (despite all my moaning!) worth the hard work!