I worked a show this November (as an OP) with a small company with no "home," which rents theatre spaces for tech and performances - I worked with them as the tech from the theatre they were renting. I didn't know them before this, but they seemed to really like me and hinted that they'd like me to SM their next production. A couple of phone calls and emails were exchanged in which they repeatedly asked me to reserve the dates they'd need me, but that they still had to look over budget to see what they could offer me. They know I don't work for free both because I (politely) mentioned it when they started hinting at hiring me, and because they paid me to be their tech for this past show.
When I mentioned to one of my coworkers that they wanted me to work with them, she advised me not to become involved with them because they haven't been great about payments in the past.
I still have the dates open because I haven't found another gig for that timeframe, but the first day they want me is this Thursday (1/9). I emailed them on the second reminding them that they still haven't given me a number, and they again said they have to talk about it among themselves.
With 5 days to go, what do I do? Is it time for me to send an email with the number I want? Do I run away? Is there a way, if/when we agree on a number, to make sure they do pay me and do so on time? (I've never done this before, but do people ever ask for some or all of their stipend to be paid before work begins? Is there a way to classily do this?)
I'm not enamored of the project or of the company, but I don't have any gigs lined up for the next two months and would very much rather make some money than not. Then again, I definitely don't want to get cheated out of money or to have to fight anyone to get paid.