Topics

1

The Hardline / Copyright laws

« on: Aug 19, 2006, 01:57 pm »

I'm working for a small profession summer stock.  On of the board members wanted to record a performance for archival, publicity, and most likely personal use.  The director was contacted and he said absolutely not.  This caused a lot of tension.  I've emailed MTI asking what their official position is, to which they replied no recording ever. 

Now, I have worked at number of theatres that make archival tapes for the vault and nobody else.  I was under the impression that you can make one archival recording for the company and you can record for promotional use as long as it is no more then 30 seconds at a time and not a complete scene or song. 

Does anybody know (for certain) what the copyright laws are in terms of video, who can prosecute, who can have a copy, etc.  And what about photocopies of the scripts.  I'm not asking about standard practice, but what the technical rules are.

2

SMNetwork Archives / No, really they said this..

« on: May 21, 2006, 11:26 am »

I thought I would share for the amusement/horror of all in theatre..

Overheard in the lobby after a production of "Menopause the Musical": "This was so much better then King Lear"

My soul just died a little.

3

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / SCENERY: Wig Hair is Slowing Me Down!

« on: May 21, 2006, 01:18 am »

I am working on a show that has two things that are not friends- Plastic wig hair and rolling chairs.  These would be your standard desk variety.  The hair is getting wrapped around the wheel barrings preventing them from rolling properly.  I can't get into the barrings and have tried a knife, tweezers, and 3-in-1 oil, all were slow and with few results.  Anybody have any suggestions for how to clear these wheels of hair?

4

Employment / Salary Negotiations

« on: May 19, 2006, 12:50 pm »

I'm just getting to the point in my career where I can start negotiating salaries.  I always feel a little intimidated when asking for stuff in my interviews.  I guess I've never been taught how to negotiate, but I need a living wage ($275 a week is less then a wal-mart cashier).  Anybody have any pointers?