Author Topic: Equity SPT - Weekly Hours Question  (Read 5156 times)

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bandersen124

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Equity SPT - Weekly Hours Question
« on: Apr 26, 2013, 05:15 pm »
Hi all,

Long time since I've posted on here last, but I'm having trouble finding a piece of information in the Equity SPT rulebook, and I'm hoping someone on here will have had a similar experience in the past and know the answer:

Later this summer, I'll be working as the PSM for a small regional theatre on SPT contract. The theatre is running two shows (one musical, one play) in repertory, with Equity Principals and non-equity ensemble. Looking toward putting together the production calendar, I'm trying to determine whether the weekly rehearsal hours stipulated in 47(H)(2) apply to both shows, or applies to each show individually.

Put differently, if the company is a Category 3, then the weekly limit is 30 hours of rehearsal for the Equity actors. Is there any way that's 30 hours per show, or is that 30 hours total (in which case, I'm limited to calling the Principals for 5 hours a day)? While we're at it, if the cast votes to allow the 7/8 weekday rehearsal -- 47(H)(1)(a) -- does that open up those hours to 42 (e.g. 7 / day), or am I still constrained by the 30 hours?

As I'm writing this, is it possible this is something determined by whether the actors signed one contract for both shows, or two contracts (one per show)?

Any guidance would be very helpful!!

Thanks,
Ben

loebtmc

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Re: Equity SPT - Weekly Hours Question
« Reply #1 on: Apr 26, 2013, 08:50 pm »
ASK your AEA rep.

But - on SPT-3, with 30 hrs of rehearsal, that's 30 hrs per actor per week, no matter how you slice up the span of day. So assuming they are not leads in both pieces, you will want to try to have, for example, six 5-hr days with the actors working on each show over 3 days (or, 2.5 hrs on each show in one day). The trick is making sure the actor gets their proper breaks, since their brains might explode otherwise....yours as well. You, on the other hand, may well be going into OT if you are working both shows and in need of a proper union ASM (are they rehearsing simultaneously or separately?).

The company may have negotiated a compromise deal for the actors and SMs who are doing both shows in rep, so again, call your rep.



Scott (formerly Digga)

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Re: Equity SPT - Weekly Hours Question
« Reply #2 on: Apr 26, 2013, 08:56 pm »
If they're on 1 contract for both shows, then they should be limited to the 30 hours total.  If they have a separate contract (and therefore 2 separate paychecks) then in theory the 30 hours applies to both shows.  Just remember, you're in the same boat as them.  If you're on 1 contract, you're limited as well. 

That being said, if they're on 1 contract for both shows, they (and you) fall under the Overlap increment.  They don't gain any extra available hours, but you do.

When I was working with an actor that was on Overlap under SPT, both his rehearsal and performance hours went towards the 1 total.

When in doubt though, call your AEA Rep.  It's possible this theater has a specific item covering this.

loebtmc

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Re: Equity SPT - Weekly Hours Question
« Reply #3 on: Apr 26, 2013, 09:42 pm »
(Thanks Scott - I forgot abt the overlap increment) - but yes, call your rep first.

bandersen124

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Re: Equity SPT - Weekly Hours Question
« Reply #4 on: Apr 26, 2013, 11:35 pm »
Thank you both. It was more of a precautionary question anyway -- I haven't really discussed a lot of this with the producer or AEA yet. Just something that occurred this afternoon, and I figured I'd like to sort of have some insight when I actually have those conversations!

Again, many thanks for your help!