Messages

16

The Hardline / Re: AEA ASM & EMC

« on: Apr 18, 2014, 12:48 pm »

I experienced the exact same situation with EMC and LORT. The theatre I worked at has two stages--one is LORT C and the other is LORT D, so neither one require an Equity ASM. After looking through the LORT rulebook and calling Equity, it was confirmed for me that the ruling is that if there is NOT an Equity ASM on contract for the production, NO EMC points can be earned.

I understand that (now), but the thing that is confusing me is, as far as I know, there were no AEA-ASMs on the other two shows I worked on. So either Equity has the wrong information, or I'm missing something.

17

The Hardline / Re: AEA ASM & EMC

« on: Apr 18, 2014, 12:25 pm »

I believe this theatre is a LORT B, but they have two spaces (a larger 850 seat proscenium theatre and a smaller 250-400 seat flexible space). I work in the smaller space, and I don't know if they use a different LORT contract for it. I just know there is one AEA-PSM, a non-AEA PA, and an SM intern. There has never been an AEA-ASM as far as I know, unless maybe one of the actors was given that title? The show my weeks were rejected on had three actors, only one of which was AEA.

As far as this floor manager position, this theatre has been doing it this way for years. The bigger space has a PSM and SM, and during tech the SM is backstage with the floor manager. But once the show opens, the SM learns to call the show so that they can switch off with the PSM. In the smaller space, I guess they used to have an ASM and the same system was in place. But I overheard the PSM say something about there was no funding and that position was cut. It is a very weird position, and I still have a hard time explaining to people what it is. I am deck manager, but I also in a way become a non-AEA ASM.

[Mods: Sorry if this is drifting away from the original topic]

18

The Hardline / Re: AEA ASM & EMC

« on: Apr 18, 2014, 11:21 am »

I'm simply a young-ish SM thinking about the future. I am part of the EMC program, although that has proved to have it's own challenges.

Also remember - there is a lot of good non-union work out there (Vegas, Cirque-style shows, Corporate work, etc.).  This isn't even remotely intended as a slight to AEA or what the union and its sisters have accomplished, but be sure to consider many paths when thinking about the future.

At the risk of sounding curmudgeonly - "When I was your age..."  my plan was so wildly different than what's actually played out in my career.  Not even remotely close.  I wouldn't change any of it, but keep an open mind.  Now get off my lawn. 

hahaha *Backs away slowly* Thank you KMC! Yes, I agree. Joining AEA is down the road. For now, I'm focusing on non-union work.

Such as...?

<snip>

I'm simply a young-ish SM thinking about the future. I am part of the EMC program, although that has proved to have it's own challenges.

As an SM intern, getting my weeks was easy and not a problem. My current position is one made up by the theatre I work at. I am a Floor Manager in one of their spaces, and I join each production the last week in the rehearsal room. In the space I work in, there is an AEA-PSM, a PA, and usually an SM Intern. There is no AEA-ASM. The PA's last day is the last day in the rehearsal room, so essentially I overlap with them for a week and then take over. During tech, previews, shows, etc I oversee everything backstage.
Anyways, back in September I went to a EMC info meeting sponsored by AEA. I asked the membership person if she thought I could get EMC weeks for my position, and she said she would check with the business rep. I got the ok and have since submitted my forms for three different productions. The other day I got a letter in the mail saying my EMC credit for the most recent show cannot be given due to LORT Rule 39(C)(6)--there was no ASM on contract for that production. I emailed her for clarification and she said the other shows listed an AEA-ASM on contract, this specific one which I got a letter about did not.

19

The Hardline / Re: How to join AEA

« on: Apr 17, 2014, 12:11 pm »

Thank you both for the quick response and clarification!

I had a feeling that first one was incorrect...I feel silly now for listing it 

Anyways, I don't have a specific example. I'm simply a young-ish SM thinking about the future. I am part of the EMC program, although that has proved to have it's own challenges.

20

The Hardline / How to join AEA

« on: Apr 16, 2014, 12:22 pm »

Forgive me if this has be discussed before, I know there is a thread where folks talk about how they got their card.
Recently, my parents have been asking me about joining AEA, and I've had a hard time explaining to my parents how one joins AEA.
I have seen the offical AEA ways at http://www.actorsequity.org/membership/howtojoin.asp
but I wanted some clarification.
Here are the different scenarios I am aware of (please correct me if I'm wrong):

-One can simply join whenever, although they have to start paying dues, etc <----- this feels incorrect, but I felt I would list it
-One can be working in a sister union, and then join AEA
-One can partake in the EMC program, and once they hit 50 weeks, they can join AEA
-One can be a non-union intern/PA/ASM etc and be asked by management/producer to take a union position

Do these ways seem correct? What other ways can one join AEA?

21

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Is My Degree Even Worth It?

« on: Oct 28, 2013, 12:06 am »

When I was in my sophomore year, I really disliked my program and the people. I figured I would apply to a different school and see what happened [Because of their credit system, I would have had to pretty much start all over]. By the time spring semester rolled around, things were much better, between the program and the people. I'm glad I didn't end up transferring in the end. I have other friends who also went through the "sophomore slump" but stuck it out in the end. If stage management is something you are truly passionate about, it will be worth it to stay. Just know that getting into the theatre world is not about money. If you are losing interest in stage management, then maybe it's time to consider a different major, which might mean a different school. While I did not go to school in Seattle, I grew up there. You do have some really good theatres to possibly intern/work at: Seattle Rep, Seattle Children's Theatre, 5th Ave, Taproot, etc. Maybe see if you can check those out, that might help you get away a tiny bit from your school. I hope that this is helpful! 

22

Self-Promotion / Re: Disney's Jungle Book

« on: Jul 08, 2013, 11:57 am »

I was one of the stage management interns on it here in Chicago. I'm super excited for you! And jealous as well...my internship ended at opening, I wish I could go to Boston. I'm very curious to see what changes.
Anyways, great cast and SM team. I wish you the best of luck with the show!

23

Introductions / Re: Noob to this Network

« on: Jun 11, 2013, 10:29 pm »

Hi Tyler! Welcome!
I currently live in Chicago, I've been here for a year now (I graduated last May). There is a TON of theatre here, and they all have different schedules. There will for sure be shows in December & January. When I moved here, I didn't know anyone either. But I've made many connections, the theatre community here is very close and supportive. Check out http://offstagejobs.com/jobs.php?region=chicago for job postings. I've also done two (paid!) SM internships with The Goodman Theatre, they have new interns on each show (vs. season long): http://www.goodmantheatre.org/Engage-Learn/internships/Apply-for-an-Internship/
There are many other internships at other theatres as well.
Feel free to PM me if you have more questions about Chicago.

24

Introductions / Re: Newbie in Chicago

« on: May 31, 2013, 08:55 pm »

Hi There! I've been in Chicago now for a year, stage managing for various theater companies.
Chicago is known for it's small, store front theatres. They typically rehearse at night and weekends because everyone has day jobs. I know some of the bigger theatres that operate under the Equity CAT contracts are limited to rehearsing at night for the same reason.
I've interned at the Goodman, and something to keep in mind with the larger companies is they typically rehearse Tuesday-Sunday (Monday is the Equity day off), and in the range of 10am-6pm. There is not enough time for a second job/school.
http://www.leagueofchicagotheatres.org/ is a good place to look for job postings.
Feel free to PM me.

Shane

25

The Hardline / Re: EMC program Pros. vs. Cons

« on: Jan 28, 2013, 02:07 pm »

Thanks everyone for the help!
As an EMC member, would I be allowed to, say attend meetings/workshops offered by Equity?
What benefits are given to EMC members?

26

The Hardline / EMC program Pros. vs. Cons

« on: Jan 27, 2013, 04:30 pm »

I've been out of college since May (2012) and have moved to Chicago. I just started a stage management internship at a major AEA theatre here (not sure if I'm allowed to mention it...). Anyways, they have given me the option to sign up for the EMC program and earn points. I started pre-production on this show last Tuesday (1/22), 1st rehearsal is 1/29, show opens mid-March. I'm only involved with the production through opening night, so it looks like a total of 8 or 9 weeks.

I looked around the forums for information regarding the EMC program, and did not quite find what I was looking for.
I would like to be an AEA stage manager at some point. However, being in Chicago, there is a lot of theatre to be involved with that is not AEA. I don't want to limit my options yet. Do you think having EMC listed on my resume would scare away some of the smaller places I might apply to in the future?

I like the idea of joining the EMC program to be able to participate in meetings and other member only activities here in Chicago. But I'm not sure if it's worth the $100 fee right now.

What are some suggestions as well as pros/cons you can think of for a young stage manager?
Thanks for your help! 

27

The Green Room / Re: Tax Season!

« on: Jan 22, 2013, 06:24 pm »

Thank you so much! Good advice from both of you. I think I'll hold off from worrying about deductions this time around. I only had two 1099 positions this past year, and stupidly did not save most of my receipts. I will now though!

28

The Green Room / Re: Tax Season!

« on: Jan 21, 2013, 11:24 pm »

Do you have any specific questions?

I think the thing I'm most curious about is withholding. For example, this summer I took the bus to/from my internship (which was one of the 1099s). Can I consider my expenses for my transit card as something I can withhold?

A friend of mine suggested that as an independent contractor, I should write off everything. But I don't exactly want to piss off the government...

29

The Green Room / Re: Tax Season!

« on: Jan 21, 2013, 05:07 pm »

I've been looking around the site for tax info, but some things I found were from 2005 (!), and this thread has not been active since 2011. Anyways, I graduated back in May. Since then I've worked two different postions where I was an independent contractor, so I have the 1099-MISC forms. I've found a lot of helpful info between this thread and several others. But any advice for someone who is dealing with 1099's for the first time? Luckily, my taxes are still fairly simple (minus doing them for three different states--WA, IL, NY), and TurboTax is super helpful.

I did not keep most old receipts or track of expenses, but now I will.

(Side note; I also worked two other positions that have sent me W2s.)

30

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Summer in Chicago

« on: Jan 05, 2013, 04:30 pm »

Hey Sasha,
A good place to start is the League of Chicago Theatre website: http://www.leagueofchicagotheatres.org/component/industryjob/?view=industryjoblist

Also check out the Chicago section of backstagejobs.com : http://backstagejobs.com/jobs.php?region=chicago

Keep checking back at both websites, summer postings will pop up closer to spring.

I moved to Chicago this past August, and to be honest many theatre companies have internships, but they are not paid (or provide housing). So just a heads up.