When I arrived at BU, I discovered that one of my primary functions was to be responsible for the two student spaces at the theatre: the studio space and the Light Lab. While this sounds like a simple task (everything has a place and people put away tools, etc) is it NOT. and it has taken until NOW for me to get the hang of how to police these spaces accurately. I have discovered that the following (and ONLY the following) technique works.
Assess the space. What is in the space that shouldn't be? What is NOT in the space that should be? The large chalkboard on the wall is EXTREMELY handy for this!
In the case of the former, begin to annoyingly and persistently ask everyone you meet if the item is theirs and if so can they please remove it now. do not take "later" for an answer. In the case of unclaimed items that are clearly not useful to anyone make a big show of throwing it away in front of someone else so that they know you mean business. In the case of something belonging to HTC take extra care to show up in the office, with a concerned story and an incredible sense of urgency. How else do you think I managed to get 10 large tables to disappear in half an hour?
In the case of the latter, begin to constantly ask students "have you seen this?" the only way to find out where something is is to find out from someone else who used it last (the person who actually used it last will never tell you) and then to email and call and stop them in the halls until it is returned. keep in mind the disposition of the person and their schedule--the best is to catch them personally when they are clearly not in a rush and to demand that the item be returned "that day" for a project of some sort.
If these rules are followed, i have a 50/50 chance of being able to put the light lab back in order in about an hour. of course, when i come in the NEXT day it is completely in shambles again....people cant seem to pick up and respect all the equipment but then what did i expect? the worst is the gel, and the focus, and the cable, and the board being left on... sigh :)
at least I know where everything goes! :P
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So I visited the spring musical today at 10pm while picking up my brother -- who has a lead role....whoah we're old. And Mr. Owen was saying the same thing to the actors....pick up your stuff!!!!! I guess students never change....or human nature....
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