Author Topic: Firing Actors  (Read 3865 times)

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Bendiebec

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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.

MatthewShiner

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Re: Firing Actors
« Reply #1 on: Sep 28, 2011, 06:00 pm »
The question is did the actor or ASM know the reason why - they need to be notified of that - for a wide variety of reason, especially if they are AEA.

Now, if other people need to know why they were let go, that's another story.

Say, you are letting go an actor because they were caught stealing money, or doing drugs, or something else . . . you are letting them go, but don't want to be spreading gossip about their departure.  I have been privy to letting an actor go, and the only official reason I can give is "artistic differences".

Read playbill and see all of those official PR announcements about cast replacements where they say scheduling issues, film commitments, etc, etc - they never say "fired because they are a total diva" or "fired because they sleep with the chorus girls and make life backstage a living hell."  Often, the entire departure is entirely orchestrated in such a way that the producers get what they want, and the actor gets to leave under their own story.  This is not the case, but remember, there are a LOT of HR laws people have to deal with.
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Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

KMC

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Re: Firing Actors
« Reply #2 on: Sep 28, 2011, 08:59 pm »
In the vast majority of cases in any industry it really is not appropriate to discuss reasons for terminating an employee (or any other HR issue for that matter).  There are myriad reasons why this is bad idea including potential lawsuits, disruptions in the workplace, effect on morale, etc...  If the employee is part of a labor union that adds additional factors that must be considered when discussing any kind of HR issue.  Most times this is best left to management and the affected parties.  The reality is it's nobody else's business, regardless of how close and social the theatrical workplace is. 

Besides, as you've insinuated below, you can "guess" why the ASM was terminated.  If it gets to the point where someone is let go, chances are everyone essentially understands the reason (whether they agree with it or not) well before the actual event.  If the reason is not known, that's fine too; think: if you were let go, would you want the entire company knowing every messy detail?  Best to move on, embrace those in the new roles and continue to contribute to the production as best you can.
Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

Bendiebec

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Re: Firing Actors
« Reply #3 on: Sep 28, 2011, 09:38 pm »
Neither the ASM nor the actor were union. Neither of them were told why they were fired. And I'm not asking for help in figuring out why the actor was fired. That's something that will go down as an unsolved mystery in the annals of that theatre's history, ha.

Anyway: So basically it is good to let the person being let go know the reason, but only that person. Those in charge were wrong in not providing their grounds for termination.

If they had been AEA, how would this situation have been differently affected?

nick_tochelli

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Re: Firing Actors
« Reply #4 on: Sep 28, 2011, 10:15 pm »
It's good business to tell people why they are being let go but not necessary. When it comes to HR decisions, some non-AEA companies reserve the right to let you go for no rhyme or reason at the drop of a hat. What this company did is neither right nor wrong...it all depends on how their contracts are worded.

I'd honestly be more shocked if you knew for certain the reasons those two were fired.

As Matthew said, the only real difference between what happened in your situation vs. an Equity situation is parties under AEA must be given two weeks notice of their firing, and must be a "just cause." If there is no such just cause, the terminated party can file a grievance with Equity to pursue monetary damages for wrongful termination. I think that's the only real difference. 

MatthewShiner

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Re: Firing Actors
« Reply #5 on: Sep 28, 2011, 10:51 pm »
Just to be clear, AEA members do not need to be given any notice - depending on the reason - and can be let go immediately, just paid out.  "Just Cause" can be a variety of reasons  (lateness, not abiding by drug and alcohol policy, missed rehearsals, shows, breach of contract) - but often it's general management making the decision, but you can be just let go for no reason, and paid out as well - simply, we don't like you, here's is your contractual out, have a nice day.

I am not sure they "were wrong" in not giving the reason, maybe not cool, but right and wrong is in the eye of the beholder - I think it has a lot to do with that letter said and what the reason is.  I find it hard to believe that these two people were doing great and then they were just let go.  Obviously, the ASM there was some sort of reason.  The actor, who knows.  And the gossip seems to take care and make it bigger then it. 

What was wrong is that management didn't chose to take the opportunity and discuss the issue with the remaining company - when you fire an actor, there is always some sort of backlash - so it's best for management to discuss.

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nick_tochelli

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Re: Firing Actors
« Reply #6 on: Sep 29, 2011, 01:31 am »
Pardon the insertion of my words in your mouth, good sir. I don't have much experience with people being fired on my productions...I wasn't really aware of the buy out. I thought it had to be two weeks notice though now that I think on that.....it makes so very little sense to not have an escape clause for the Company.

Now quitting productions....that I'm very familiar with! I've had loads of people quit!