Topics

1

Employment / Season Contract?

« on: Sep 12, 2012, 06:27 pm »

I recently signed a contract with a non-equity theatre company that covers my employment as stage manager for the three shows their season contains. It is part time (evening rehearsals, etc). I regret signing the contract for all three shows instead of show-by-show, because the more I've been involved in this first production, the more I realize this is not a good company. I don't mean they're bad, but they are not professional, they pay their actors next to nothing, and have very amateur methods of doing things. They even have little confidence in themselves as a company (ie, they considered moving opening night one day later because they don't think they'll have enough audience to fill that other show!!).
I am obviously committed to this first show, and the director they hired is great. But, thoughts? Is there any way I can get untied from this mess?

2

Employment / Payment in advance?

« on: Apr 29, 2012, 06:31 pm »

I am going to be stage managing a show in a few weeks for a small community theatre (that will be using a Special Appearance AEA contract).
I will not have my contract until a week before rehearsals.
However, I have heard from people who have worked with this director before that he is unreliable and I probably will not get paid the stipend that will be in my contract. (Just a note, since this theatre group is so small, the "director" actually has many other hats.)
Is it a viable option to ask for my stipend in advance?

3

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Firing Actors

« on: Sep 28, 2011, 03:10 pm »

Last summer I was hired as a wardrobe assistant at a local summer stock theatre (partial equity). After tech week and the first performance weekend, one of the ASMs and one of the supporting actors were both fired. They were each given formal letters and their week's pay, but no explanation as to why they were being let go. I was offered the ASM job.
Here's my question: Is it professional to fire actors/crew without explanation? Everyone could guess why the ASM was fired; she was irresponsible, rude, and missed several cues during tech because she was screwing around with an actor backstage (and this was NOT the actor that got fired!!). However, because the actor was fired for what seemed to be no reason, the remainder of the season actors/crew developed at least four different explanations of their own (gossip) -- all of which were destructive to his reputation.
The only ones who knew the real reason were the director, producer, and stage manager.
Also, I was close friends with the actor who was fired and can speak for his professionalism. He performed his role well, was friendly with the rest of the cast, and respectful of the crew.