Hello guys, gals and every nonbinary bubble in the SSOAP community! I hope this manifesto finds you well despite this horrible pandemic.

My name is Samuel Laughton, a second year Creative Writing/ Drama, Theatre and Performance student. 

I am running for the role of President within this society.

Being a part of SSOAP these last two years have opened a lot of doors for me, so I wish to give back to the community that made my university experience all that wonderful. You may remember me from such things this past year as Finn Hemmingway from Redwater, and almost as many drunken drama’s under the sun as I could (Mr Smithers - Simpsons One Way Wonder to Wansworth, Roeki - Assvengers, Bryn - Gavin and Stacy, and Bee Jock 2 - RoeBee Movebee). 

Some skills I possess that make me a great candidate for this role include excellent organisation skills, with experience with sound management, stage management and working as a producer. I have become increasingly more confident in my leadership skills, and I owe a large majority of that to SSOAP. To have been a part of haunted houses and mazes, to play's and drunk dramas, to now campaign this year from last year when I went for Vice President; I am dedicated to give back to this amazing society. This is why I am campaigning to become SSOAP's next president, to bring the attributes that have built up my confidence and skill set.
Therefore, as president I will bring:

• An organised calendar to keep everyone on track with current and running projects.

• A welcoming, humbling and energetic personality to match the society.

• A rational and unbiased approach with professional conflict resolution skills .

• A positive representation of the organisation and a commitment to organisation recruitment and retention.

I believe SSOAP exists to open doors and create opportunities for all students.

During my two years thus far at Roehampton and being a part of SSOAP, I have involved myself with a student film project (Adam and Steve) which was showcased at the 'Weihnachtsfilmfestival' (Berlin's 4th International Festival of Unconventional Christmas Films). SSOAP afforded me the opportunity to work with the theatre company 'Gays and Space' as a sound technician, showcased at the Serbian FIST festival (Festival of International Student Theatre), as well as an actor in their recent production; which was set to perform at the Brighton Fringe Festival.

Throughout my time at SSOAP, I have learned the value of tradition and how it keeps organisations alive. Some of the traditions I will work to maintain include:

• 2 plays per academic year.

• 3 drunken drama’s per term.

• Bop pres and social gatherings.

• Charity events.

• And many more.

As President, I plan to increase transparency for individuals who may have ideas to bring to the society. Using our relationships with other societies, we can create work to share with the entire Roehampton community that will retain SSOAP as a force to be reckoned with.

I hope to also work and get involved with everyone to continue making this society the best it can be.

Thank you all for reading my manifesto. Whatever the outcome of this election may be, I still plan to bring as much enthusiasm to this community as I can.

Much love,

Samuel Laughton.