Those of us who work as freelancers, move around to different organizations quite frequently. Every different organization has its own rules and guidelines for administrative/full time production employees, and most now publish an employee handbook, so everyone has seen the rules, in writing, and will abide by the policies of the company. Some even include sections for Union artists (AEA, SDC, USA.)
I was quite surprised, earlier today, when I ran across this rule in an Equity theatre's employee handbook: "Calls for places will be given at the following times: 30, 15, 10, 5, and 3."
So, has any SM here ever been required by a theatre's policy to give specific pre-show calls?
Has any SM here ever given all the above calls?
What kind of situation can you think of that would necessitate all the above calls, at every performance?
And, please note "Places," is not on the list.
Would LOVE to hear some discussion of this!
There's also this statement-"Any Equity actor who is late to the 1/2 hour call of a scheduled performance, or a prior fight call shall be fined $25 and the said amount shall be deducted from the Actor's next paycheck."
Legal, or not? Discuss