Messages

136

The Hardline / Re: How did you get your card?

« on: Dec 01, 2013, 09:21 am »

My, oh my--I didn't answer this thread either, when it was new. I got my card at age 27, on a NYC Mini-Contract show, that we performed at one of the now torn down Theatre Row houses on W. 42nd St. It was called "From Brooks With Love," about the lives of the people who worked at Brooks Brothers. It was not a great show or a good experience, but I've been a proud AEA Member for 30 years!

137

Tools of the Trade / Re: Ergonomics and the Tech Table

« on: Nov 23, 2013, 06:30 pm »

Do you do do all your note/blocking taking, in the book, on the music stand?  I love this standing computer lift, but I need a way to lift both the book and the computer to a standing height, as I use both, interchangeably, during the day, and don't want to bend to use/write in, the book.  Any suggestions?

138

The Green Room / Re: Poll: Main Factor for Making it In This Business

« on: Nov 18, 2013, 10:04 am »

The real answer, is of course,a bit of all the choices. But there is something to be said for longevity!

139

The Hardline / Re: Employee-Handbook Required Preshow Calls (and more)

« on: Oct 14, 2013, 04:48 pm »

I am very curious as to what you mean by this, Kay. Can you quote a rule book that requires such calls, with a monetary penalty paid by the theatre, if the calls are not made? Or, how do you see OT coming into play, if the SM does not call 10 and 3?

Not trying to be ornery.  Really asking!

Regarding the call times, there's a few reasons I can think of why a 10 and 3 would be required.
<snip>
- Theatre has had to pay overtime before due to a prior SM who didn't make thorough calls.

.[/b] It couldn't hurt to reach out to a prior SM for this venue to see how they dealt with that particular rule.

140

Introductions / Re: Howdee from Pittsburgh

« on: Oct 14, 2013, 02:10 pm »

PM sent, re: coffee in the 'Burgh!

141

The Hardline / Re: Employee-Handbook Required Preshow Calls (and more)

« on: Oct 14, 2013, 10:18 am »

I'd love to hear the story about how the theatre's workplace policy has to be posted.  Short version is fine.

Yes, how about that "Make up the time rule," (which I was actually discussing yesterday, with another SM)...? Who is that late actor supposed to be rehearsing with, anyway, on his/her "make-up" time?" Other actors/stage managers? Sounds to me like the others would be in overtime, huh?

Why does the LORT contract not have a "monetary punishment for lateness?" I can only guess that either the management side has never asked for it, or labor side has simply never agreed to it, in negotiations.

And although theater's policy can help clarify work rules that are not under the LORT agreement (like for example, there are no LORT rules about drinking or drugs, but a theater can create a workplace policy that you need to follow - but it needs to be a posted policy - I have a good story about this one), they shouldn't be able to make rules that would affect contractual issue - and this would affect pay.  The LORT rule allows for an performer who is late to make up the time without overtime being paid.  (I will leave it up to the powers that be that could explain why LORT doesn't have a monetary punishment for lateness . . . while other contracts do.)

Would you have these rules ahead of time before signing the contract?

142

The Hardline / Re: Employee-Handbook Required Preshow Calls (and more)

« on: Oct 14, 2013, 12:27 am »

If you mean my original post, Matthew, and not one of the subsequent replies, YES! That's part of what I was getting at. The theatre's employee handbook states this fine, which is in conflict with the LORT agreement.

I think what is weird about this is this is the theater's handbook, not the AEA contract asking for the fine.

Is that's what is odd about this?

143

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Internships in Pittsburgh and surrounding area

« on: Oct 11, 2013, 03:40 pm »

I agree with Kevin. But the summer schedule at PCLO would not permit you to travel back and forth. You'd have to be at work far too early, after shows at night. You'd WANT to live in (or nearer to) town.

Kay and Ruth make some very good points, and I would add if you're looking for income to cover expenses an internship may not be the best place to start.  That said, if you're hell-bent on it, check out Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera.  I did a Stage Management internship there 10-ish years ago and found it to be a very valuable experience. <snip>

144

The Hardline / Re: Employee-Handbook Required Preshow Calls (and more)

« on: Oct 11, 2013, 03:36 pm »

Every Agreement is different. There is lateness language in NEAT (as below or above, depending how you are reading this....), and I believe TYA, also.  I'd love to hear what other contracts have lateness language!!

But in LORT?  Here's the answer from my Business Rep.:

"If an Actor is late to half hour call, the Theatre would be within its rights to send the Actor home, put on the understudy, and dock the Principal accordingly.  If the Principal is permitted to perform, the Theatre may not dock said Actor’s pay."

Seems fair to me.  Especially if the producer has not hired Understudies. As many producers don't...  So, it seems it is only professionalism, reputation, commitment, and conscience that keep our actors prompt, at least most of the time!

145

The Green Room / Re: Thread to vent about / Actors behaving badly / As haiku only

« on: Oct 11, 2013, 03:28 pm »

Guess that will teach you,
Huh? To dare to answer your
Phone, on your day off...

Actor needs to learn
Once he says "yes" to the job,
It's not about him...

146

Students and Novice Stage Managers / Re: Internships in Pittsburgh and surrounding area

« on: Oct 11, 2013, 12:03 pm »

You are most likely not going to find an internship in Pittsburgh that will cover your expenses, or be worth the 40+ minute drive. Most companies here hire interns for very little money, and as Kay said, expect hours of work that probably would be a problem for you during the school year.  But...I have sent you a PM, with a future opportunity, in the opposite geographic direction.

147

The Hardline / Employee-Handbook Required Preshow Calls (and more)

« on: Oct 10, 2013, 02:04 pm »

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

148

The Hardline / Re: SPT Previews

« on: Oct 05, 2013, 10:03 am »

It's more complicated than if the audience has paid or not.  Was the performance advertised publicly?? Then, it's a public performance. Even if it's free. Was everyone invited privately to a rehearsal? Then, it's a rehearsal. Money does not enter into it.

149

The Hardline / Re: SPT Previews

« on: Oct 03, 2013, 11:59 pm »

I read it exactly the same as Matthew does. There is NO language referring to Previews, but very clearly, in the Rehearsal Rule, there is a header entitled "Rehearsal Hours Before First Public Performance." "First Public Performance" is the germane phrase here. It is used again and again throughout the book, and clearly is a separate thing from a "rehearsal." Your producer is either trying to get around the rules or genuinely doesn't understand them. Please get in touch with your Business Rep. tomorrow!

150

The Hardline / Re: Theatres That Have Closed--Can You Say "Emergency?"

« on: Sep 13, 2013, 01:45 am »

Atlanta Theatre of the Stars. Gone.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Official-Atlantas-Theater-of-the-Stars-to-Close-Following-Financial-Troubles-20130912