Juggling Acts

[MatthewShiner]

So, as you all know, I am now a free lancer, and I know have some pretty high class problems right . . . in that my show is closing off Broadway, and I have done my due diligence in getting my name out there. 

I have networked my ass off there, and for months really haven't got much response, until this week, I now I have about six shows talking to me, some overlap, some do not.

How much do you tell people during the interview/discussion process about other jobs that you are in the works for.  Right now none of these are interviews - one is "well, it's your resume and one other in front of the director", and "there is one slot open on the team, you are up for it, we will know on wednesday" and "Well, everyone wants you as PSM, we are just waiting for funding" . . .

Like, I am beginning to feel, until I get firm offer with money and dates told to me, and signed contract ready for me . . . no ones needs to know about the other person, until I want to pressure the other one to either come up with the another offer . . .or I make a decision I want the offer in front of me, I call up everyone else and let them off of the hook . . . and wait until the call me, and tell them I have taken another offer. 

I never have been in this situation (i know all of these things could fall through the cracks, and I still could be looking at unemployment from March on . . . but I am hoping for the best, that at least ONE of these offers pans out).

How do the freelances out there handle it?

[ChaCha]

Like, I am beginning to feel, until I get firm offer with money and dates told to me, and signed contract ready for me . . . no ones needs to know about the other person, until I want to pressure the other one to either come up with the another offer . . .or I make a decision I want the offer in front of me, I call up everyone else and let them off of the hook . . . and wait until the call me, and tell them I have taken another offer. 

Personally I think this is all absolutely correct. Until someone stumps up the contract you have no obligation to tell them of any other conversations. I suppose I wouldn't let someone think I was totally and irrevocably committed to their project if they were still looking for funding (and in this instance I would imagine that they would be amply aware that you could become available - just that people in grip of enthusiastic belief in a project might assume that you too are committed to the cause...), but if they are just in the 'well I want you, but its really up to the Director' stage then definitely no need for them to know of other conversations you are having unless you think that extra pressure might get them over the line. Basically, if they are actively hiring then it is for them to realise that until they make a firm offer of course you are going to be pursuing other options. You have to eat after all.
Regards
ChaCha

[Maribeth]

I agree- I wouldn't usually tell someone considering hiring me about other potential offers unless I thought it might hurry things along.

If two companies said they definitely wanted to hire me, but we had not yet worked out what show in their season I would do, I might bring up the other company and potential dates of employment, so that we could work it out that they didn't overlap. (Since I work in regional theatre, this is often the case- they will be hiring a season's worth of SMs at one time and the possibility of "shuffling" who does which show is sometimes an option).

If I made the decision that I wanted the job in front of me, I would either wait for the others to call me, and tell them I had taken another offer-  if I was far enough along in the process I might call and let the others know.

There might be a point in the interview process, if the interviewer asked about my availability, that I might say that I was talking with other companies, but hadn't committed to anything. I don't think I would bring it up if I wasn't asked.

[Rebbe]

I don’t think any of shows would be expecting you to be “dating exclusively” at this point in the process; they most likely assume you’ll continue to look and might take another offer if theirs does not firm up.  You need to look out for yourself, and not give them information that would move you further down the pile.  And remember they do have a pile, so it’s not like the show will go without a PSM if you take something else.  If multiple offers come to fruition at the same time, then you can try to use that to negotiate.  If time passes and you haven’t heard from anyone, I might ask what their time line is for their decision, because you are considering other offers.  You can also remember that if you don’t get some of these opportunities, but you made the short list, you can ask about future productions.     

[loebtmc]

First of all, congrats and how wonderful on manifesting so much potential work in this challenging economy, and in a city where you are somewhat newly established.

The only additional note would be if you really really want one particular project/director/production, you might want to find a tactful phrase that relays that. Otherwise, especially as no one wants to burn bridges for future employment, until contracts are signed.... and once they are a graceful way of "wish we could'a" for the others

[MatthewShiner]

It seems like I am on the right path . . .

There is one job I want due to money, fun, resume weight . . . and oddly it's the long shot, but the one I have the most weight with the GM . . . with him I laid out my cards with the other job offers to sort of speed up the choice.

What I have found out is to be more vocal about about the time line for the decision and the dates for the job (if those are chosen, but as I am learning with some commercial shows . . . these may not be set.)

So, hopefully next week I will either have one offer or the other, or have to make a choice, or have to start all over . . . we shall see. 

But, it finally feels like I am getting a little traction here.