Messages

496

The Hardline / SM vs PA...

« on: Mar 21, 2006, 12:45 am »

This topic is being discussed more and more around the country. In many cases, producers hire PA's to do the exact same work as stage managers thereby admitting that the work needs to be done yet being unwilling to hire Equity stage managers to do it.

Sometimes, the line between being a PA and a stage manager is such a tricky one that it can be interpretted in a few different ways. Working in the Box Office is clearly not the same and Running Crew is simply that but being Head Crew Chief or anything similar is pushing the envelope in my opinion.

The EMC program is not offered in all theatres; there is a criteria for using it and the Business Reps in each Equity office should be able to get that info to anyone who asks.

497

The Hardline / To join or not to join

« on: Feb 02, 2006, 09:10 pm »

I think the correct abbreviation for that last remark Matthew, is
LOL!!!

498

SMNetwork Archives / Fake Cigs for Underage Kids!?!

« on: Jan 15, 2006, 12:11 pm »

I've seen these fake cigs at a magic and joke shop. BEWARE.
The effect of smoke is caused by blowing out - not in - as you wouldn't want to inhale the powdery substance that is supposed to resemble the smoke.

Can you get away with simply not lighting actual cigarettes?
Why are underage children required to appear to be smoking anyway?
Is it essential to the story line? Plot? Moral implications?

499

The Hardline / EMC weeks?

« on: Oct 16, 2005, 11:50 am »

Heath ~

I speak with all due respect - if anyone feels the rulebook language is difficult to understand or interpret or simply confusing as hell, they can make a difference! The contract committees at the Union are made up of members just like you and me and are always looking for ways to improve the books.

Join a committee and let your voice be heard! Or if you choose otherwise, email me your recommendations and I will make sure they are given to the appropriate committee ( I sit on almost every one anyway).

As I said, WE ARE THE UNION.
God Bless us, every one...

500

The Hardline / 401K plan

« on: Oct 16, 2005, 11:42 am »

It is my understanding that the Production Contract is the only contract that contributes any funds to the individual Actor's accounts. This was negotiated into the contract and other things were given up in order to get it (as is the case in all negotiations).

The other contracts that allow 401K Actor contributions only, LORT, WCLO and also Casino (I think), simply have arranged for the program to be in existence. The Actor chooses to contribute or not while the Producers simply provide the opportunity.

501

The Hardline / LORT / TYA overlap

« on: Oct 15, 2005, 01:00 pm »

Good News!
Joe Garber, in the LA Equity office, handles both the LORT and the TYA contracts. One quick phone call to him and all your questions will be answered! 323-634-1750

If only everything else were this easy...

502

The Hardline / 401K plan

« on: Oct 15, 2005, 12:56 pm »

Well said, Scoot.
Long term investments are, in my opinion, the way to go.
I max out my IRA every year just to be safe.

503

The Hardline / HAVE I EVER READ THE RULE BOOK?

« on: Oct 12, 2005, 01:48 am »

I know somebody who knows somebody that can get you chicken suits at a great price...

Of course, this offer is only good on the West Coast...

504

The Hardline / All Those Duck Costumes?

« on: Oct 09, 2005, 02:40 pm »

Well, you could throw a huge DISCO DANCE and we could all be...

Nah, too easy

505

The Hardline / A Straight Seven

« on: Oct 08, 2005, 12:42 pm »

Great discussion!
Please do let us know what the Equity Rep tells you.

Since you created the staggered schedule that did allow for 4 - 20 minute breaks, it seems that neither you nor your ASM was unduly taken advantage of. And unless there was a rehearsal taking place with no SM present, then you were covered. Technically however, you were in violation of the rehearsal rules which do not allow for any rehearsal longer than 6 consecutive hours (the Straight Six needs a prior vote and only costume or photo calls can be added to the 5 hour slot).

That said, we do what we have to do to get the show up.

Technically, I believe the ASM may be due OT as he/she did not create the schedule, just adhered to it.

506

The Hardline / HAVE I EVER READ THE RULE BOOK?

« on: Oct 08, 2005, 12:31 pm »

It's been my experience when doing straight sixes that we take a 20 minute break about halfway through rehearsal or when someone's eyes start glazing over from low-blood sugar. I always recommend that everyone bring food as opposed to going out for it as there simply isn't enough time.

If I'm in a chicken suit, where do I hang my mag?

507

The Hardline / WCLO Contract

« on: Oct 03, 2005, 04:10 pm »

Actually, WCLO stands for "Western Community Light Opera"
A common misconception.

Vernon Willet (VSM)
Chairman
WCLO Committee
Actors Equity Association

508

The Hardline / SM's PA?

« on: Oct 02, 2005, 11:54 am »

I would tend to agree.

For this or any other Equity question, contact your local Equity office and ask your question directly.
Better to be safe than sorry!

509

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Where do you draw the line? (Producer rant)

« on: Sep 26, 2005, 05:49 pm »

All good advice. Except I would get  some kind of assurance that I would be reimbursed if you have to go out and purchase any kind of communication device or system. My recommendation is let the producer buy it himself and go with him if you can to ensure a proper purchase. I know this particular producer, he was a member of the ensemble in a large cast musical I did a few years ago!

And remember the 99 Seat code states specifically that any person can quit at any time for any reason. How can he not understand the need for proper communication!?!

Your boots are made for walkin'...

510

Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Explanation

« on: Aug 18, 2005, 12:44 pm »

Thanks so much for the info - sounds fascinating!