Picking jobs

[sealyons]

So I am in a dilemma. I absolutely hate the idea of backing out of a job but this is a difficult choice. Currently I'm an intern for an open run Off-Broadway show. They now want to hire me for their stage management track permanently so I would start out as props master/ASM sub with chance of moving up or moving to another show within the company maybe. Though here comes the problem, I committed to being ASM for another show at an OffOffBroadway Equity Showcase house. Now I would love to somehow do both, and the one show said they could cover part of the run but not all of the other show or it would be extremely difficult. I know the Off-Broadway show is a better job, long-term and paying while the other is a higher position but only a SMALL stipend for a month. How bad would it be to back out of the one show? I don't want to be "blacklisted" but this opportunity is just so good and again, paying.

[kateaclysm]

I think that any reputable small paying group would understand if you backed out for better pay, offer to help find a replacement.

[BLee]

Agreed. If you have any SM friends who might like the opportunity then recommend them as replacement, but I believe it is pretty understandable throughout the industry that higher paying job offers are a sort of "out" from smaller showcase style gigs. You will likely not be blacklisted unless A) you choose to go out in a non-professional manner (avoid phrases like "see ya suckers") or B) the showcase people have bad attitudes with no concept of the challenges of finding work in live theatre (highly unlikely and would you really want to work for those people anyways?).

In the end, you have to do what is best for your career and financial stability and in NYC that will likely never be any kind of showcase. You are being given a great opportunity and I wouldn't risk regretting not taking it.

[KMC]

So your choices are:

A) Full time, open-ended work with the possibility of advancement.

B) Short show, small stipend.

Am I missing something?  Sounds like an easy choice to me. 

Be professional, courteous and recommend a replacement and you should be good.  They should understand, and if they don't understand - probably not the company you'd want to be working or anyway.

[kateaclysm]

Funny story,
Not sure why I didn't notice this afternoon, but I'm the PSM of the show in question.  You for sure did the right thing, and as far as I can tell you handled it very well.  We should get coffee sometime.

[NomieRae]

Definitely the right choice to step down graciously for the better paying job.

Glad to see you on here, feels like just yesterday we were sweeping sand and glitter together.

[MarcieA]

Funny story,
Not sure why I didn't notice this afternoon, but I'm the PSM of the show in question.  You for sure did the right thing, and as far as I can tell you handled it very well.  We should get coffee sometime.

Small world. My roommate is directing their next show.

[sealyons]

Wow, what a small world. Thanks for the advice everyone!