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'You are the most organised person I have ever met, but you fall apart when it comes to Google Maps'. This is a direct statement from Barnaby St Giles, a member of the cast of Lonesome Tonight, who gave me this back-handed compliment as I tried to navigate our way through the hectic streets of Edinburgh over the Summer. I am the first to admit that my directional capacity is sub-par but, when it comes to admin and organisation, I thrive.

Having been a producer for a Fringe show earlier this year, I know how much work goes into getting a show up there, from budget to transport, to dietary requirements! I also know that this would never have been possible without the hard work of Ben Greenwood, our diligent open seat for the previous year. Before the prod teams had been decided, we had accommodation, a venue, a time slot and a budget. This budget, and the way it was split so evenly across the teams, was a saving grace.

I am aware that other societies expect a lot, financially, from their members when it comes to taking a Fringe show up but the opportunities made available by TG are something I am forever grateful for. I would love to be able to continue this trend through the next year and take two more teams of budding theatre kids up to Edinburgh to experience the sheer chaos of the festival (controlled chaos with lots of support, of course).

Something else I would like to integrate into the role of Open Seat is to work alongside the writers and directors, from the moment we receive the go-ahead for their shows, to begin the enormous task of finding reviewers. The producers for the shows last year took this role on head first but it really is a task where getting in early can make all the difference. This would not be to say that the producers would be excluded from this role, they would just be given a bit of a head start!

In terms of skill set, I am handy with Excel budgets (with a lot of thanks to Eddie and James), an avid checker of emails and I made some good connections whilst at the festival this year. I would be happy to offer advice, tips and tricks to new writers and production teams, and will ensure they do not have any added stress by organising transport, accommodation and venues as early as possible.

Overall, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity TG gave me when they asked me to produce Lonesome Tonight, and I want nothing more than to open that opportunity up to other passionate and excited writers and prod teams.

Thank you for taking the time to read this statement!

Edie Mist