SAM FOWLES for SSC Performing Arts Officer

[Sam Fowles]

Hey Sinners

My name is Sam Fowles and I’m running for SSC Performing Arts Officer (Mermaids President). Taking on this job would be a massive challenge, not only are you dealing with quite a sizeable budget, but you’re also responsible for the smooth running of one of the largest participation activities in St Andrews (not to mention the Christmas Ball!). However, it is most a definitely a challenge I would love to, and believe I can, rise to.
During my time at St Andrews I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in fourteen plays, and to had the opportunity to organise two charity events, the second of which was The Amateur Transplants in RAG Week. I have taken part in almost every aspect of theatre, form producing (A View From The Bridge, Saints), directing (Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, True Dare Kiss) and acting (As You Like It, Titus Andronicus, ‘Tis Pitty Shee’s A Whore). To rigging, building set, choreographing and working as a stage hand. I have also served both the SSC and SRC and been the Mermaids Publicity Officer for the past year. I firmly believe that this experience, along with a passion for all things performing arts, will equip me to be a competent, approachable, imaginative and understanding Performing Arts Officer

What I’ve done:

As Mermaids Publicity Officer:
Ran the Freshers’ week campaign which got more people involved in Mermaids than ever before.
Published the first Mermaids Guide with information on all first semester shows.
Helped build a new Mermaids website
Worked on posters and other publicity shows for any show that has asked.
Helped out shows in any other way I can.

On the SSC and SRC:

Been part of the successful campaign to abolish the graduate endowment (it was me leading the chanting on the news!)
Worked on the affordable accommodation campaign.
Worked on various sub committees, promoting student activities.
Always been available to chat and help those who have questions (I think my email address has been published about twenty times in different contexts!)

As SSC Performing Arts Officer I would like to:

Give 100% commitment to helping EVERYONE get as much out of Mermaids as possible. The President is there for Mermaids! I believe I have the experience to actually be able to do this, and have shown this year that I will always be willing to. This means giving directors, producers and production companies the support they need and, most importantly, encouragement, to achieve their vision.
2. Work towards a more open and ACCESSIBLE Mermaids. By improving the availability of information via the website and other means and by regular drop in socials. These don’t have to be massive formal occasions but opportunities to meet the committee and other people interested in performing arts in a relaxed environment like a pub or coffee shop.
3. Promote and support another awesome CHRISTMAS BALL. It’s an amazing event and we should continue to look at ways to refine and improve the ticket selling so that as may people as possible get the chance to go.
4. Continue to pursue opportunities for Mermaids to make better use of RESOURCES and venues such as the Byre and the Buchanan. I believe, with a new principle and a new rector, now is a great time to both improve our access to resources and our co operation with other groups in using them.
5. Build on Mermaids great reputation at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and through On The Rocks, to improve Mermaids’ LOCAL and NATIONAL PROFILE.
6. Most importantly: To ALWAYS REMAIN APPROACHABLE to other people’s thoughts, opinions and questions about Mermaids. At the end of the day, we’re all going to have a much better experience if we can help each other out. I believe the Performing Arts Officer should take the lead in facilitating this. It should mean we all have some fun too!

If all of the above sounds like the sort of thing you would like from the SSC Performing Arts Officer, please vote for Sam Fowles in the Union Elections on Friday the 20th of March.
Thanks
Sam

[Tortoise]

Overheard!

"Last semester I was in a show directed by Sam Fowles and a show directed by Melissa Tyler, I know why I'm voting Sam Fowles.

Looking good!

[toothpaste]

Sam-- I feel that improving town/gown relationships is one of the most important issues for the New Mermaids president. If we can improve our relationship with the Play Club and foster our relationship with the Byre youth group, it'll go a long way towards creating a better relationship with the Byre, which is crucial for Mermaids. Is this something that's important to you and how do you intend to do this?

[Sam Fowles]

Sam-- I feel that improving town/gown relationships is one of the most important issues for the New Mermaids president. If we can improve our relationship with the Play Club and foster our relationship with the Byre youth group, it'll go a long way towards creating a better relationship with the Byre, which is crucial for Mermaids. Is this something that's important to you and how do you intend to do this?

Hey
Yes, for sure. Firstly, it's important because we all live in a small town and are interested in the same things (performing arts). Secondly, because, if we are able to develop a closer relationship with "town" organisations like the play club and the Byre we can both benefit, either by sharing talent, resources or even attracting audiences.
I'm a firm believer in making the first move, so I would like to set up meetings with the organisers of the play club and other organisations and the manager of the Byre. I feel that this year is the perfect time to do this because we have a new Principle and a new Rector, both of whom are interested in helping performing arts. Now is the time to get all these parties together and make a long term plan to further co operation and benefit from each other.

I am fortunate enough to be in a good position to do this as I know several play club members and have an excellent relationship with the Byre Youth Theatre, having used a number of their members in "Macbeth" last semester. As part of the RAG Week organising team and a member of the SSC and SRC, I have also had the benefit of others' experience in furthering town/gown relations outside the field of Performing Arts. I would be incredibly keen to continue to learn from those who know more about this field than me and to put their experience into practice.
Improving town gown relations is definitely important and now is the perfect time to act on it.
Thanks for the post!
Sam

[Sam Fowles]

Overheard!

"Last semester I was in a show directed by Sam Fowles and a show directed by Melissa Tyler, I know why I'm voting Sam Fowles.

Looking good!

Nice to have had that effect!Also great to have that sort of expectation, I will be working 100 percent to live up to it.
Thanks
Sam

[The Chameleon]

Ran the Freshers’ week campaign which got more people involved in Mermaids than ever before.

I feel that a great deal of effort went into the running of the Freshers' Week campaign and think it unfair that you seem to take all the credit for this. Many members of the Mermaids committee worked together to produce information for Freshers and took part in spreading the word of Mermaids to any new faces. I think you should clarify this statement to what it really was- a team effort which Mermaids is proud of, even if you were part of that team.

Last semester I was in a show directed by Sam Fowles and a show directed by Melissa Tyler, I know why I'm voting Sam Fowles.

Could you elaborate on this? I realise this was overheard, so probably not, but this election tries to give all candidates a fair chance, and without any elaboration here it seems you may just be a friend supporting Sam, and giving unjustified reasons not to support Melissa, which is not the atmosphere anyone should be establishing. Both Sam and Melissa are going for a very difficult and important position that has little to do with how they direct shows, because they will be working on committees and not creating performances that are subjective to all.

[toothpaste]

My mistake. Sorry. Please see Sam's later post.

I am, in fact, a friend of Sam's. I used a covert name because I wanted to be able to ask Sam a question without him feeling like he needed to make a personal response. He didn't know this was me until I discovered the mistake. Town/gown relations, and specifically Mermaids' relationship with the play club, is something I genuinely care about.

Very sorry for the confusion-- this was in no way Sam's fault and it would be wrong for it to reflect badly on his campaign.

[ZBear]

Sam, you created a second identity to ask yourself a question, and then responded with your full name in an official capacity.

And then you responded to someone's post under the fake identity.

At least, that's what I can gather from that.

Not strong.

[The Chameleon]

Maybe I should clarify and say I organised the campaign in freshers' week.

I'm not sure there's much of a difference between you saying that and saying you ran the campaign.

And despite that being a compliment, it was still not something that should have been posted online, as, in the election rules, it is stated that "negative campaigning has the potential to bring everyone involved into disrepute (including you)" and is not allowed.
(check point 13 of the election rulebook)
Although I do recognise that it was not you that posted it, however since it has been revealed that 'toothpaste' is you, how can we know 'tortoise' is not also you?

[Sam Fowles]

Hey all

Seems to have been a bit of confusion here.

Toothpaste is not me, it belongs to a friend. I borrowed her laptop to respond to posts and didn't log her out. This was a genuine mistake, due largely to our combined inexperience in using this site. I can only apologise and re submit the post I made on under computer under my own name. I will also ask her to delete the mistaken one.

As for tortoise, not me either. I'm not a fan of using covert names, if I say something, I want you to know it's me who said it! However, the posting was relevant as it seems to refer to a direct and legitimate comparison between myself and my opponent from someone who was in a position to make it.

These both seem to be fairly small issues. It would be a shame if this campaign was bogged down in what is basically mud slinging. I have put up some commitments and detailed the experience I have to back them up. Let's talk about that. We're all better than this.

Thanks
Sam

[Sam Fowles]

The Chameleon wrote:

Ran the Freshers’ week campaign which got more people involved in Mermaids than ever before.



I feel that a great deal of effort went into the running of the Freshers' Week campaign and think it unfair that you seem to take all the credit for this. Many members of the Mermaids committee worked together to produce information for Freshers and took part in spreading the word of Mermaids to any new faces. I think you should clarify this statement to what it really was- a team effort which Mermaids is proud of, even if you were part of that team.


Last semester I was in a show directed by Sam Fowles and a show directed by Melissa Tyler, I know why I'm voting Sam Fowles.



Could you elaborate on this? I realise this was overheard, so probably not, but this election tries to give all candidates a fair chance, and without any elaboration here it seems you may just be a friend supporting Sam, and giving unjustified reasons not to support Melissa, which is not the atmosphere anyone should be establishing. Both Sam and Melissa are going for a very difficult and important position that has little to do with how they direct shows, because they will be working on committees and not creating performances that are subjective to all.



Hey, first, thanks for asking me directly.
Of course it was a massive team effort on the part of everyone on the Mermaids Committee, but, as a publicity officer, it was my responsibility to organise this. Everything in performing arts is a team effort but the campaign in freshers' week included some ideas which had not been tried before and I spent a considerable amount of time planning these and then putting them into practice in freshers' week. Maybe I should clarify and say I organised the campaign in freshers' week. It's certainly something I'm proud of and I would be very surprised if anyone involved in the campaign had a serious problem with that.
That said, it was only used as one example from a long list of experiences and future commitments I posted. Even if you discount it I hope you can read the rest and consider me a strong candidate.

As far as the quote goes,
I do know who said it - someone told me today - and yes, I would consider them a friend as I spent a lot of time with them in rehearsal with them last semester. But they are not on my campaign team.
However, I was not there when it was said. That said, I am pleased it was made public as I took it as a comment on our respective communication and organisational skills, both of which will be essential for the Performing Arts officer, by someone with direct experience of both. If anything else was meant by it then it was clearly not the compliment I took it for, although I don't think anyone would have bothered posting it if that was the case!

[The Chameleon]

These both seem to be fairly small issues. It would be a shame if this campaign was bogged down in what is basically mud slinging. I have put up some commitments and detailed the experience I have to back them up. Let's talk about that. We're all better than this.

I agree. And so should Thomas Schratwieser.
Best of luck to you Sam.

[pandora-incarnate]

Hi Sam,

I saw both you and Mellisa last night at the Hecklings and you both made some really strong points. It seems that Mellisa is basing her campaign on her past experiences, but you both have fairly similar policies on many things - for someone who is very much still on the fence, what would you say to make me vote you Performing Arts Officer instead of her?

[Sam Fowles]

Hi Sam,

I saw both you and Mellisa last night at the Hecklings and you both made some really strong points. It seems that Mellisa is basing her campaign on her past experiences, but you both have fairly similar policies on many things - for someone who is very much still on the fence, what would you say to make me vote you Performing Arts Officer instead of her?

Hey
Well first, thanks for coming to hecklings. I'm fairly loath to comment on Melissa, I'd rather focus on my own strengths rather than my opponent's flaws.

What I think marks me out as a candidate is the breadth of my experience. During the course of the shows I have been involved in I have been able to gain experience and, more importantly, understanding, of what every aspect of performing arts in St Andrews does. I believe this is vital, as it is only by understanding evey aspect of the subcommittee that I will have to run, that I can help effectively facilitate its activities. This includes all of the affiliated societies. I have had the pleasure of working with most of them and I have certainly seen the shows put on by the others. For example, I am currently working on a project in conjunction with Rogue, for whom I have presented and acted in several pieces. Several members of Inklight are involved in "Saints", a sit com, developed by Helen Dwork and myself in association with STAR, which encourages student writing. I am currently working with members of the Just So society on music for "Much Ado About Nothing" in "On The Rocks". During this production we have been able to bring together members of the more music orientated affiliated societies, including G and S, and hopefully this will set a precedent for future close co operation. I was also able to work with the talent of dance soc during "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe". It is this breadth of personal experience and understanding that I have based my policies on. I think the best way to ensure the future development of the affiliated is effective communication and accessibiity in the part of the performing arts officer, not imposing ideas on them top down.
My work with other subcommittees and particularly in facilitating co operation between sub committees (for example, the Amateur Transplants gig for RAG Week which was put on with funding from Mermaids, Soul Food Cafe from the music side, Charities and outside sponsorship) means I have the experience and awareness to further the performing arts communities' co operation with other groups which, I think, is in all of our interests.

At the other end of the scale, my experience on the SSC and SRC will enable me to effectively plot the longer term strategic course of Performing Arts in Mermaids. Just as I can roll up my sleeves and help build a set, I can comfortably sit in a meeting and defend and advance the interest of performing arts. This experience of negociation is what enables me to make larger promises regarding greater accessibility, resources and the local and national profile of performing arts. I have also fleshed out a little about how I will achieve these aims, as stated in my original post.

To sum all that up. The reason I feel comfortable asking you to vote for me for performing arts officer, is that I have the breadth of experience to see my policies through. I hope to combine my experience of working on the SRC and SSC to achieve strategic goals, with my personal understanding of pretty much all aspects of the performing arts, to facilitate a performing arts community that everyone in it can get the most out of.

I realise that's rather long, thanks for getting to the bottom of it. I hope it has given you enough information to consider but please don't hesitate to ask me more questions. If you're interested I would be delighted to go into more specifics. Let me know!
Thanks
Sam

[Lukey2]

Sam, you created a second identity to ask yourself a question, and then responded with your full name in an official capacity.

And then you responded to someone's post under the fake identity.

At least, that's what I can gather from that.

Not strong.

I heard the rumour same through a friend. If Sam is actually pitching himself questions through alternate names, it is unacceptable and he should stop.

[pandora-incarnate]

Thanks for the answer - very comprehensive but useful all the same!

[Fawksie]

If Sam is actually pitching himself questions through alternate names, it is unacceptable and he should stop.

The accounts are registered to different e-mail addresses.

[Sam Fowles]

If Sam is actually pitching himself questions through alternate names, it is unacceptable and he should stop.

The accounts are registered to different e-mail addresses.

Yeh, thanks.
I really thought we cleared this up. It's actually slightly insulting that anyone would think I would do that, particularly as I explained the mistake in an earlier post. The only thing that this petty campaigning is damaging is the reputation of Mermaids, so let's stick to the positive in this campaign future.

Cheers Fawksie
Sam

[The Chameleon]

Sam,

Whilst it is impressive that you seem to have a lot of experience in many areas, I worry that being involved in so many things does not necessarily allow you to fully throw yourself into any particular aspect and to be central figure in each of these. The Performing Arts Officer needs to preside over a huge community, and needs to know the intricate details about not only the physical execution of each event but also every step that leads to that occurrence.

Are you sure that you are the right person to be in the position to supervise all Mermaids matters and be the leader for crucial decisions, rather than continuing your tendency to take a supporting role in each event and show in order to demonstrate your experience?

[Sam Fowles]

Sam,

Whilst it is impressive that you seem to have a lot of experience in many areas, I worry that being involved in so many things does not necessarily allow you to fully throw yourself into any particular aspect and to be central figure in each of these. The Performing Arts Officer needs to preside over a huge community, and needs to know the intricate details about not only the physical execution of each event but also every step that leads to that occurrence.

Are you sure that you are the right person to be in the position to supervise all Mermaids matters and be the leader for crucial decisions, rather than continuing your tendency to take a supporting role in each event and show in order to demonstrate your experience?

Hey, valid question. The answer is unequivicably yes!
Although I would disagree slightly that I take a supporting role in shows and events. Indeed, this year, I have had the opportunity to take a lead role on many projects. This academic year I have directed three shows, produced two (including the Amateur Transplants which, although a collaborative effort, it was me who proposed the idea and negociated their attendence) and created and produced a sit com. With all of these I was working in collaboration with other people but, I hope you will agree, all required me to show very strong leadership qualities. In addition, two years ago I attended the Global Young Leaders Conference in New York, this taught me incredible amounts about leadership, but not just being a figurehead, it taught me the value of trusting and communicating with others in order to lead large groups and communities effectively. I was recently named as a distinguished alumnus of the conference.

In addition I think my willingness to play a supporting role when necessary shows that I can co operate effectively with others and am not too full of myself to simply do what is most helpful. I think this is an equally important quality in a Performing Arts Officer.

In all, I know what it is to lead, but I hope the breadth of my experience has taught me be an effective and accessible leader; "including, not alienating, co operating, not imposing and facilitating rather than forcing": Some of the best advice I've ever been given and certainly a mantra I would lead by if elected on Friday.

Also, as I said at my hecklings, I will, of course, cut down on all other activities, in order to give performing arts the attention and 100 percent commitment it deserves.

I hope that answers your question. Get back to me if you need any more!

Thanks
Sam