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Nomads Theatre Company
Constitution
I. Description
Nomads Theatre Company is a non-profit student organization dedicated to
providing acting, directing, designing, stage management and playwriting
opportunities to students in the Greater San Diego area, especially those of UCSD.
There are two very important requirements for membership: 1. An exceptional
work ethic that becomes even more exceptional under pressure. 2. The desire to
create and become art.
Much of what we produce will be done with limited time. We want to see what a
group of students can pull together, given a script that has been written beforehand,
in at most 5 days. The number of performances per show will vary. There will be
1-2 main projects, probably full length, collaborative pieces, per year that will be
given more focus and attention.
Before acting, directing, designing, stage managing or playwriting a show, any
newcomer to the company must first act as an assistant to the current show in the
position they would like to hold. How a candidate handles the pressure as an
assistant will give the company an idea of their work ethic and desire to create art,
and the main staff will decide by democratic vote whether the candidate will be
able to work on the next project or if they need to re-apply and become an assistant
a second time around.
To claim membership in this organization, a person must work on one show per
quarter, preferably more.
The founding members of the company will hold office for the first two quarters.
However, as new members filter in, the company will hold a democratic election of
each office at the end of every term—a term will last two quarters to provide for
more continuity in the company’s artistic vision. Anyone planning to run for
Artistic Director must shadow the current Artistic Director for the last production
of his/her term. Anyone planning to run for any other position must serve as that
role in at least two productions in the term prior his/her running. For example, one
planning to run for Actor’s Representative must act in at least 2 shows prior to
running.
Meetings will be held every other week on Sunday nights at 9pm- all board
members are required to attend and all general members are invited.
Again, democratic vote will decide the company’s Artistic Director and different
representatives at the end of every 2-quarter term. Any one person may serve
unlimited terms. One person may hold up to two positions, but no more.
II. History
1. Nomads Theatre Company was conceived by Carol Cabrera.
Theatre is spelled with an “re” because Carol also spells “color” “colour.”
2. Nomads Theatre Company was founded by Carol Cabrera and Janny Li.
3. The founding members of the organization included:
Artistic Director/Playwright Representative: Carol Cabrera
Production Representative: Edward Delos Reyes
Director Representative: Janny Li
Actor Representative: Ray Dequina
Design Representative: Jessie Margolis
Stage Management Representative: Kirsten Turkle
4. The first show Nomads Theatre Company put on was Symbiosis by Carol
Cabrera. It went up on Thursday, September 10th which is Nomads’ official
birthdate.
5. The official mascot of Nomads Theatre Company is Scabies’ Bear, who became
our mascot after Spring 2010’s “Evening of Comedy.”
III. Goals
This company’s motivation is to give a voice to local playwrights and performance
artists, especially those at UCSD. Although it is already possible to produce works
in San Diego, our company is dedicated to helping artists throughout the entire
process; from beginning to end. We offer constructive criticism, staged readings
and assistance to works in progress. We provide an open forum for new and
experienced artists to develop their craft. We encourage students of all
backgrounds to step outside of their normal circle and cultivate any interest they
may have related to theater arts.
We hope to reach out to students from all fields of interest as well as the greater
San Diego community and “bring theater back to the people” as our founder Carol
Cabrera has stated. We aim to empower young artists and provide a safe space for
them to express themselves.
We aspire to always be on the move just as the original Nomads once were and
thus to always try new things and take risks in order to create great art. In addition
we lead workshops and hold organized board meetings in hopes of also developing
leadership skills that will carry over into all aspects of life.
Our main goals for this year are to continue branching out as a Student
Organization, to continue working with other groups in order to promote
collaboration and to continue getting our voices heard through public relations.
IV. Funding
Nomads Theatre Company will request funding from A.S per quarter as well as
participate in some on-campus fundraisers, depending on how many plays are lined
up to be produced. At a maximum of 10 short productions (15-30 minutes in
length), we will request a maximum of $500 with $50 devoted to each short piece.
Again as with time, Nomads Theatre wants to push the extent of imagination and
limit money as well. Great art can come out of a limited time to create. Great
imagination must be used if there is a limited amount of money to create with. We
want to push costume designers to find creative ways to make costumes and set
designers creative ways to make sets.
All art we produce will be free admission—created by and for the students.
All funding will be managed by the Production Representative who will decide
how much each production actually needs, with $50 at maximum per production.
V. Shows/Workshops
This is a list of the main productions and workshops that we put on during each
year:
Productions
1. Variations- 3-6 plays ranging from 10-15 minutes in length all produced in
one weeks time each with a common theme, prop and line of dialogue
2. 24 Hr Play Festival- 3-6 plays ranging from 10-15 minutes in length all
produced in 24 hours each with a common theme, prop and line of dialoge
3. Evening of One Acts- Multiple plays put on over a course of 4-6 weeks
Workshops
1. Directing
2. Playwriting
3. Acting
4. Stage Combat
5. Stage Management
VI. Positions - (Descriptions and Responsibilities):
This is a list of the positions available in the company:
Artistic Director
Production Manager
Executive Producer
Playwright Representative
Director Representative
Actor Representative
Design Representative
Movement Representative
Technical Director
Web and Publicity Representative
The Artistic Director is in charge of the overall functions of the Company. S/he
should aim to increase outreach by finding new members, new venues, and
discovering opportunities outside of UCSD to spread the good news of Nomads.
The Artistic Director must be able to handle high stress situations, and maintain
calm in even the most dire of circumstances. S/he is the foremost representative of
the Company, and is encouraged to be in contact with other organizations in the
effort to collaborate.
1. Executive Meetings: the Artistic Director is responsible for organizing the
itinerary for every meeting. In the event difficult decisions must be made,
the Artistic Director must be able to maintain neutral ground, arguing
passionately about both sides and facilitate the Company into the best
possible decisions.
1. Opportunity: the Artistic Director should believe whole-heartedly in the
power of art, and push to provide as many opportunities for expression in the
community, without overwhelming company leadership and resources. The
Artistic Director should hold a vision for the Company going forward
through the season, but hold true to that vision without being exclusive.
1. Experience: Ideally the Artistic Director is well versed in many aspects of
theatre, acting as a resource for every Executive Board member. (ie. A
director, with acting experience and the logistical skills to manage
producing). S/he would have ideally spent at least one year with the
Company in a position of leadership.
The Production Manager, formerly the Stage Management Representative, works
closely with the Executive Producer and Artistic Director to make sure all
logistical needs are met within the Company. S/he is responsible for:
1. Documentation: Company paperwork from executive meetings, general
auditions, and productions are the responsibility of the Production Manager.
They work with the Technical Director as experts in handling AS Policy.
1. Budget and Venues: works closely with the Executive Producer on the
quarterly budget for productions. S/he contributes to the decision-making in
seeing what is logistically possible from the Company. S/he ensures that a
location is found for all productions, and is able to delegate that power to
another Board member in the event s/he cannot do it.
1. Stage Management: s/he is the liason between SMs and the Company and is
the head Stage Manager in all events. S/he is responsible for outreach and
maintenance of a SM community, and is a resource both before and after
productions for designated SMs.
The Executive Producer, formerly the Production Representative, works closely
with the Artistic Director and Production Manager to make sure all roles are filled
within each show, and is a master delegator. S/he is responsible for:
1. Producers: s/he acts as a liason between Producers and the Company. S/he is
responsible for outreach and maintenance of the Producers, and is a resource
for them before, during, and after productions.
1. Budget: s/he works closely with the Production Manager to ensure all
budgetary needs are met, and logistical limitations are known well before
productions go up.
1. Publicity: if the role of Marketing Director is not filled, the Executive
Producer is the head of Publicity. S/he both initiates new means of spreading
the word of Nomads events, as well as maintaining those ways that have
worked in the past. (ie. Facebook, emails, word of mouth, classes, etc.)
The Actor Representative acts as a liason between the company actors and the
Executive Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for:
1. Planning General Auditions: ensures that there are opportunities for actors to
come in and showcase their talents in a time block of 2-3 hours a day over
the course of 2-3 days. These auditions are often at the beginning of each
school quarter, and must have room space signed out at least one week
beforehand.
1. Outreach events: plans for events that involve actors for both formal and
informal events. These events can involve workshops, picnics, or casual
hangouts.
1. Compiling and Managing the Actor Database: manages the pre-existing
Actor database (on Google Docs) to document both past and present actors,
providing easy research into contact info for upcoming events.
The Playwright Representative acts as a liason between company playwrights
and the Executive Board of Directors. S/he is responsible for:
1. Script submissions: reads all submissions emailed to Nomads, sending
replies with constructive feedback. They will be the beacon of information
for the Executive Board when there is a new script, and shall evaluate
production potential of each play submitted.
1. Workshops and Staged Readings: in addition to reading each script, the
Playwright Representative is responsible for initiating development of
scripts through writing workshops, as well as staged readings for the writers
to observe.
1. Outreach: they will be the resource when it comes to encouragement of new
script submissions, contacting TDPW TA’s to invite new voices and helping
to foster a community of writers within the company.
1. Script Database: they will manage the collection of past scripts for future
use.
The Technical Director is responsible for managing the tech aspects of each
production, making sure designers, sets, and props are all accounted for. They
work closely with the Production Manager, Producer, and Artistic Director to
ensure all productions run smoothly tech-wise. They are responsible for:
1. Designers: s/he is the primary liason between designers and the Company,
reaching out and finding new designers to help with each production while
also maintaining the current designer community. These include lighting,
costume, set, and sound designers. S/he manages the Company designer
database.
1. TAP: ensuring that all TAP forms are filled out correctly, especially in
respect to the needs of tech support. Should be well versed in being able to
educate members about the nuances of borrowed equipment, safety, and
working with AS.
1. Productions: s/he should be present at production meetings that discuss the
budget and technical needs of each so. If that is not possible, s/he should be
accountable for that interaction via email or recap from an involved party.
The Webmaster:
 Provides maintenance of Nomads website
 Ensures visiting users can find:
o (1) an overview of Nomads and staff
o (2) how to get involved
o (3) next events
o (4) past events and shows including pictures
o (5) a way to contact Nomads.
 Any other internet properties can also fall under the webmaster's
maintenance, including Youtube, Facebook and Blogspot,
 Ensures Nomads events are advertised on the internet
 Manages the Nomads email, alerting the Board of any notable occurences
This is a list of the current holders of these positions, as of the 20132014 School Year
Playwright Representative- Karanina Ashbeck
Executive Producer- Alicia Powers
Actor Representative- Ben Campion
Production Manager- Madeline Hamaguchi
Publicity – Joyce Lai
Director of Internal Affairs- Jordan Fergusen
Director of External Affairs – Maddy Gillete
Artistic Director – Susannah Snowden-Ifft