I am SMing an opera (my first opera as a PSM) for a brand new non-AGMA company, and I am wondering what the AGMA rules are for scheduling rehearsals and taking breaks. The only AGMA production I ever worked was very brief, and I was the 2nd ASM; also, our contract was VERY vague. I've tried to search this online, but as each AGMA contract is different, I'm having trouble. I know that it's 15 min after every 90 for breaks, but what about when you get into smaller increments. If you have an hour and 50min left in rehearsal, should you take a 10 in the middle because it's roughly 5 min every half hour?? Also, what the typical guide for AGMA rehearsal days? 6 hours of rehearsal with added time after for fittings or coachings? How much?
Also, my director keeps wanting to schedule the singers for 8-hour days (4hr session, 1 1/2 hr lunch, another 4 hr session), and they are starting to feel taken advantage of. Both the AD and I try to convince her to do 6hrs of rehearsal, but it hasn't worked so far. Any tips?
Just looking for some guidance...thanks for any feedback you might have!