He Who Guards The BSS Bank: Chris On Being Treasurer

Chris is in his second year studying BA Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Leeds, and is the Backstage Treasurer 17/18.

“THE BANK IS CLOSED.”

As was previously said by my predecessor Treasurer Grinnerz, we have no money. THE BANK IS CLOSED.

This past year has been a long year and a year filled with many personal positives in terms of LUU Backstage. I PM’d my first show with Dance Competition, which was the first sell out show in the new Riley, you may have heard. More recently I lighting designed my first musical with MT’s Rent. You may have seen quotes from myself saying, “musicals are boring”, but I can assure you that that was not the case this time and I thoroughly enjoyed working with MT prod team to bring their vision to life.

“It is this challenge that makes the role so rewarding at the end of the day”

Moving on to the point of this blog post, life as BSS Treasurer, it is a role with both its good and not so good points. The amount of oversight you have making sure the numerous shows are in budget and everyone who needs paying back is paid can often be challenging but it is this challenge that makes the role so rewarding at the end of the day. The Treasurer’s Google account is filled with numerous emails from all corners of LUU and beyond and the Drive contains a lot of useful but sometimes confusing and contradictory information. The most important document being the show budget spreadsheet. This contains a breakdown of the year’s budget and is the document that takes up a lot of my time keeping on top of. Also important is keeping on top of payments to our good friends over at Zig Zag Lighting and 3D and ensuring they get paid.

“The most important document is the show budget spreadsheet. This contains a breakdown of the year’s budget and is the document that takes up a lot of my time keeping on top of.”

Being Treasurer of Backstage is not just about the money, even though we have none, but also being part of the Exec. The role this group plays in the society is often not noticed with myself, Erinna and Katie often meeting with numerous societies and members of LUU staff, especially; Facilities, Venues and Activities, to ensure the smooth running of the society. So, if you are thinking of running for an Exec position, remember you’re the ones LUU go to so keep on top of your emails and messages.

“This year saw the implementation of radio microphone contracts in order to ensure their safe use and so any costs can be recuperated in case of any damage.”

My time as Treasurer has seen the consolidation and updating of Backstage policies and procedures started by the previous committee and mainly due to the LUU upgrade (is it done yet?) and previous investments. This is mainly behind the scenes things that you as members will often not encounter and the next set of committee members will need to continue this constant updating of the documents in order to ensure that new members have the correct and up to date information needed. This year saw the implementation of radio microphone contracts in order to ensure their safe use and so any costs can be recuperated in case of any damage. As always these will need constant review to ensure that they are fit for purpose, especially when hiring the equipment to external companies.

“I have loved my time at Leeds this year being your Treasurer”

As the AGM comes ever closer and my time as Treasurer draws to an end, I would like to say I have loved my time at Leeds this year being your Treasurer. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with myself via Facebook message or email, treasurer@luubackstage.com

By Chris Mee

Posted on 3rd March 2018