Poll: Join the Board of Directors, or no?

[Jzero]

I have been working with a local community theater group for about a year now, and I was recently invited to take a 2-year position on the board of directors. It's a 2-year appointment, unpaid, but I get to "steer" the group. They are looking for young blood with fresh ideas.

I'm not sure what to do.

Pros:
Every night after rehearsal that I spend saying "Why do they operate this way?!" I could now try to affect some change.
I think I have some good ideas about how to grow the organization.
It's a good chance to network with some more theatre people, which could help me score parts down the road.

Cons:
I've always tried to stay away from the seedy political underbelly of a theater organization. A "free agent" actor who has no allegiance to this or that org, but just goes where he is needed and does whatever is needed.
It involves one sunday a month. Not that big a deal, but I could find myself grumbling about how I have to go to the board meeting when I want to just sit around.
I will probably become disillusioned when my "fresh" ideas turn out to be fruitless.

So what would you do?

 

[godmare]

Looks like a classic internal debate of pressing for your ideals versus resigning to cynicism.
I think no great thinker was a resigned cynic... I'd go for it.
Is there a permanent position possible following your 2 year stint?

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: godmare
Looks like a classic internal debate of pressing for your ideals versus resigning to cynicism.
I think no great thinker was a resigned cynic... I'd go for it.
Is there a permanent position possible following your 2 year stint?

I guess I could be reappointed but I don't think there's anything permanent.

 

[conjur]

Go for it...affect some changes!

 

[godmare]

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: godmare
Looks like a classic internal debate of pressing for your ideals versus resigning to cynicism.
I think no great thinker was a resigned cynic... I'd go for it.
Is there a permanent position possible following your 2 year stint?

I guess I could be reappointed but I don't think there's anything permanent.

I mean is there a 'paying' position available after your initial appointment?

 

[fatalbert]

yes, I am currently the producer of my college theatre group. Its amazing how much you can affect changes with changes in admistration. also its fun assuming you like the people.

 

[kranky]

Your list of "cons" are, frankly, pretty weak. I recommend you give it a go.

 

[Orsorum]

I would do it in a heartbeat. Anything of that nature looks excellent on resumes and is bound to be a good experience.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: godmare

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: godmare
Looks like a classic internal debate of pressing for your ideals versus resigning to cynicism.
I think no great thinker was a resigned cynic... I'd go for it.
Is there a permanent position possible following your 2 year stint?

I guess I could be reappointed but I don't think there's anything permanent.

I mean is there a 'paying' position available after your initial appointment?

I don't think there are any paying positions, although I supposed it could eventually help me get connected to paying semi-pro theatres....
So far the "ayes" have it, and after talking it over with my girlfriend, I'm probably going to go for it.