Stage Crew Society: Welfare Officer

Hi everyone! I’m Gabi.

I’ve gained a lot from stage crew – confidence, new skills, friends, and more. I’d love to maintain this same experience for everyone in the society. When I was Company Stage Manager on my first show this year (yay), I got a lot out of checking in with the crew to see how they were doing. I found it meaningful, so I’m applying for welfare officer!

If elected, I will continue to work on the increasingly positive (round of applause all around) relationship between Stage Crew and other ArtsUCL societies – I’ve experienced first-hand the night-and-day difference a healthy dynamic can make.

I’d be confident representing stage crew as a whole when larger-scale welfare problems arise, as well as being a familiar face around for weekly welfare check-ins which could look like different things – walks, café sessions, drop-ins throughout campus and popping in to shows to chat. 

I am passionate about inclusion, equity, and diversity, and want to create chances to have conversations around these topics, especially tied to heritage/cultural/identity-related checkpoints throughout the year to support and cherish people from across UCL in stage crew.

I will also host specific check-ins/debriefs during and after shows with leads, who might be more expected to self-manage welfare-wise. I will place weight on externals as these high-pressure short-time frame shows can be difficult too.

I also love to bake so vote for me if homemade cakes as welfare snacks is of interest to you!

After being so involved with Stage Crew, its members and the prod/band/cast we work with over the last two years as well as CSMing for two of the largest shows, I know exactly what each person goes through and how to cater towards individuals' needs leading up to and during show week. From external shows to lead crew, I understand too much how stressful it can feel to work on shows at any capacity, and now how best to support the process. 

While working on shows, I always strive to be as supportive as possible to everyone in every department but by being Welfare Officer next year, I will be able to focus on this as my top priority! 

As welfare I would: 

• Continue to be as warm and welcoming a presence as I can both in and out of the theatre.
• Continue the current welfare drop-ins, and coordinate these with the study sessions and coffee mornings started this year. 
• Facilitate more mentoring and conversation between new and old members to make the lead up to shows a less stressful and confusing time, working with the VP to create more training sessions. 
• Be an available presence and buffer during initial or difficult prod meetings if support is needed to maintain an amicable relationship.

Being Social Sec has also meant I have been lucky enough to meet so many of you, and I would love to continue conducting more FUN next year.

This society is THE most enjoyable and friendly environment and I want to be a part in ensuring it never moves away from the amazing experience I have had!

Hi, my name is Leah! I have enjoyed being a member of committee this year as Publicity Officer, and would love if I could be your Welfare Officer!

I know that sometimes it can feel like there is a lot of pressure on you, especially during and leading up to show weeks. Having been on many different shows in the last two years, I have also seen how important communication and welfare is for our members. In this role, I would make sure that our members feel comfortable and supported in their roles, no matter if it’s a lead role or a smaller one, and hope to ensure that Stage Crew is always a welcoming space for people.

As Welfare Officer, I would continue running the weekly welfare drop-in sessions and would work with the rest of committee to ensure that everyone is included in our events and shows. I would also be sure to pop into the green room and be present in the theatre during show weeks as a friendly face and to offer support when it’s needed. Communicating with other societies that we work with and setting boundaries is something I’d like to do as well, so that conflicts can be avoided. I would like to make sure that I am present for smaller shows too, such as externals, to ensure that everyone feels comfortable in their roles and can raise any questions or concerns they may have.

Thank you for considering me for this role!! :)