ASPIRATIONS: ASM for AEA vs. SM for NON-AEA

[rgkelle]

Trying to decide between two positions: which is viewed as better?

ASM for an AEA production or SM for a NON-AEA Production?

Edit added tag to subject line-Rebbe

[MatthewShiner]

depends on the shows, the theaters, career goals

[thankyou5]

I would go for the Equity Theatre, but am completely biased when it comes to those two theatres as I'm friends with the SM that usually works with the Equity company as well as the Artistic Director.

Besides that, what are you looking to get out of the opportunity? 

In general Asming will give you a chance to learn from an SM and perhaps gleam new ideas to incorporate into your SM style.  While SMing will give you a chance  to put your own ideas/style into action and see where you succeed and where you may need to improve. 

When I was new to Chicago several years ago, I ASMed for quite a bit just to meet SM's for networking purposes.  Then I started to get offers to SM sent my way by SM's I had worked under who couldn't take the job. I'm doing the same thing now that I've moved to New York and it seems to be working.

MODERATOR'S NOTE:  theater names have been removed from this post.-Rebbe

[MatthewShiner]

The other question, since this seems to be your first AEA contract, do you feel like you will be able to make a living only as AEA in the future....

[dewitt]

To AEA or not is a big career question. There seems to be more non equity work available from looking at the job boards.
Also what is the pay difference? That can be a deal breaker right now for lots of people. Both of those look to be solid opportunities
lucky you!

[MatthewShiner]

It's really a supply and demand issue.  Do you live in a AEA Market that can support you and the lifestyle that you wish to live as an AEA Stage Manager?  Remember, although turning AEA can open up higher pay jobs - it also may put you in a larger group of people competing for those jobs.  And there is no "early-career" AEA card, once you get your card you are competing with every other SM who has an AEA Card . . . the only thing that might separate those applying for specific jobs is pay level - you won't find a lot of Broadway PSMs applying for AEA Showcase or a low paying SPT contracts, but you never know . . . you might find that AEA contracts you maybe taking may pay less the some non-AEA contracts - but you are going to be winding up for bigger contracts down the line.  (For example, at the theatre I work at currently, the hourly PA's make more then about most SPT contracts in town.)

You also have to look at some other the other AEA benefits . . . healthcare, pension, workplace protection, workplace rules . . . etc.

The job of SM and ASM are very different, and you may find you are more suited towards one or the other, which may sway your decision. 

Only you will really know if you are ready, willing and able to take your card.  Many people have full and exciting theatrical careers without ever turning AEA and some people fast track their career by turning AEA early.  Just remember, once you turn AEA, there are very few exceptions in which case you can work non-AEA.

[Rebbe]

If you will be going back to school after whichever gig you choose, you should also look into how being Equity would effect your ability to participate in school shows.  I think you would need permission from equity to act or SM in college productions, because they would be non-equity. 

There isn’t a clear cut answer to which option is better, they are just different, and either one could be a good choice.  I tend to think that if you haven’t already decided Equity is a career goal for you, it may be better not to rush down that path just because you can.  Also, with your interest in lighting design, it might be beneficial to be able to work a wider variety of gigs as a non-eq so you can network with more lighting people and producers if you want to go down that rode. 

[juliz1106]

I agree with the "make sure you're ready for your card" sentiment, but I'd also say, do not work at the Non-Equity theater.  They have a reputation in Chicago for abusing their cast and crew (SM's especially), and NEVER paying. 

It was one of the first places I applied to in Chicago, and I quickly learned of its incredibly awful reputation.  I don't like the idea of blacklisting, but out of the hundreds of theatres in Chicago, this is the only one that has trailed with it countless (and unanimous) horror stories.  I haven't met a single person who worked at the Non-Equity Theater who didn't wish they were warned beforehand and able to avoid it.

MODERATOR'S NOTE:  theater name has been removed from this post.-Rebbe

[rvhead]

In Chicago, having the non-equity theater on your resume will not help you at all. They are not well-regarded in terms of just about anything. And don't expect your check to clear! (Again, as above, this is not an attempt to badmouth anyone -- just a fair warning -- their bad reputation is fairly well known around this city and you would be hard pressed to find a technician or stage manager who has a positive story about them.)
The equity theater, on the other hand, though recently re-formed as a company, is quite well-respected and a good group of people to know.
Whether you're ready for your Equity card -- that's always a tough call! Weigh all the pros and cons and let us know what you decide!

MODERATOR'S NOTE:  theater names have been removed from this post.-Rebbe

[PSMKay]

I would agree about the reputation of the Non-AEA theater in question here.  I have PMed some links of interest to the original poster, including a link to the Cook County Clerk of Court's website listing all 17 of the breach of contract suits that name the company as a defendant going back to 1994. 

A search of the name of the former Artistic Director of the Non-AEA company shows another handful of lawsuits.  Interestingly, I see that the Equity company in question here filed suit against him back in 1989.

It should also be noted that the Non-AEA company has also done Equity level shows.  I see that the Equity Pension fund has also sued them.