Hi, I'm new, but I've been lurking here for awhile. I'd like to mine the many years of wisdom here for opinions on an ethical question:
Background: I'm currently the PSM for a small not-for-profit musical theatre company. I've worked with them from their first production, and I have the position "for as long as I want it." This is a part-time gig for me (as it is for the rest of the company); I also have a full-time day job, but I'd like to make stage management my career.
Dilemma: I've been offered a position on the Board of Directors. I would really like to take it and feel that I could make meaningful contributions to the company as a Board member. I've declined to take it so far, because I am concerned about the appearance of a conflict of interest of being the cast's advocate as SM, while also being a part of the body that employs them. Not that any actual conflict would necessarily arise, but I want my casts to be able to trust me and come to me with issues without fear of anything getting back to the board.
Now, the theatre community in this town is small, and most people in it wear many hats, so I may be making a mountain out of a you-know-what. Any thoughts on whether it is possible to wear both of these hats and still be an effective SM? Thanks!