With each new Thespian board comes a new style of doing things, and a new tone for the department. I my three years as a Theatre Major I have noted that the biggest changes seem to come in the Treasury department. I have also seen the steady decline of enforcement from the top of each year to the bottom. It seems that most Thespian treasurers have trouble maintaining the guidelines that they set out at the beginning of the year. 


As the 2010-2011 Treasurer for Troupe 5869, I will be setting out clear and simple rules for payments and the like. I will then enforce them with steady vigor throughout the year. 


My rules are simple: every deadline will be firm, and published in print and online before the first meeting. If you, for any reason, miss a deadline, there will be a secondary date (probably around a week later) that you can turn your payments or forms in by, and still be allowing to participate in the activity. However, this tardiness will not go unpunished. If you turn in something after the original due date (but still before the cutoff date) you will be charged a nominal late fee. The amount of each of these late fees will also be well publicized. 


I would hate telling people that they cannot join us at convention, or as a member of the troupe, but I will not hesitate to do so if they cannot make payments.


Of course, payment plans and scholarships are always an option. However, unlike previous years when payment plans have been loosely set out, I will present someone who wants to be on one with a clear set of options, regarding when installments MUST be made. If someone is unable to meet these guidelines, we will discuss it further.


As a past recipient of scholarship money, both from DSA and from the EdTA, I know that it can be very difficult to ask for financial assistance. That's why I will always be understanding about that sort of thing, whether you chose to come to me or speak directly to Ms. Hann. Whatever the case is, we want as many people as possible to be able to share the amazing experiences that being a Thespian can provide.


Finally, I want to express my tremendous excitement for this upcoming year. I know that our department is facing a plethora of changes, and I am confident that we are strong enough to face the head-on. We will all make it through the year as better, more capable, and wiser Thespians and people.


Hail Thespis! 


G. Austin Allen

Office of the Treasurer


IN MY NEXT ENTRY....

I'll talk about the hectic week we spent under the Nebraskan sun, and how sweet success can taste when the flame of Thespis lights up your soul!