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Messages - VSM

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511
The Hardline / Pros and Cons of Equity/unions
« on: Apr 29, 2005, 11:23 am »
I believe very much in my Union and feel it is essential to the working Actor and Stage Manager for the following reasons, which are merely a few reppresentative items...

1.  MINIMUM SALARY. The Union fought to make sure that there is a minimum under which producers cannot go.

2. ADDITIONAL DUTIES PAY.  More work? More money...

3. HEALTH INSURANCE.

4. PENSION plan. And a 401K plan. Do you have additional plans for your retirement?
 
5. You are covered under WORKERS' COMPENSATION INSURANCE if you should be hurt while on the job.

 6. The Producer pays into an UNEMPLOYMENT FUND. When your job ends, more often than not you can collect Unemployment.

7. We make sure that FILMING and TAPING have very strict rules and provisions for payment. Once again, more work? More money.

 8. WORK RULES.  We make sure that Producers can’t work you 24/7. We fight to make sure you get enough sleep.

9. SAFE AND SANITARY CONDITIONS.  We make sure you have them. Things like hot and cold running water, a half-way decent dressing room, restroom facilities that you don’t have to share with the audience. We make sure that you don’t spend your offstage time killing cockroaches, striking the set or sweeping the floors.

 10. BONDING.  All Producers must post a security bond with the Union. That way, if the Producer defaults or is unwilling or unable to pay you, if you have signed your contract and turned it into the Union office, we have arranged for you to receive two weeks minimum salary.

11. We are constantly creating NEW CONTRACTS that allow you different opportunities to work at home and on the road.

 12. WEBSITE…

512
The Hardline / New LORT contract
« on: Apr 15, 2005, 02:32 pm »
Thanks for your vote of confidence Heath, and speaking of vote...
I ask all AEA members for their vote in the current election of Council.

Okay, enough electioneering...

With regard to the new LORT contract, the Council of AEA must approve the newly negotiated document and then it goes to the membership for a final approval.

There are many areas of change that will provide for a better working arena, atmosphere and relationship between AEA and LORT. I look forward to a renewed contract and the opportunity to do what we all do best; Theatre.

513
The Hardline / Re: for us or against us...
« on: Apr 15, 2005, 02:22 pm »
Quote from: "scoot"
I'd much rather see our own union be a more powerful one before we jump ship.
I agree completely. And WE ARE THE UNION. Every member can take a very active role and make a difference.

There are many of us that do just that and I welcome and encourage all members to take a more active stance and let your voice and opinion be heard!

514
The Hardline / AEA vs IA
« on: Apr 08, 2005, 12:48 pm »
I think Stage Managers are better served as members of Actors Equity.
The SM and the Actors are there for a single purpose - to put on the very best show that they can. The relationship that a Stage Manager can build with his/her cast from day-one of rehearsals is invaluable and will reap rewards in the end that I'm not sure would be available were we members of IA ( we might simply be called into the process during tech...)

Actors Equity is made up of it's members, Actors and Stage Managers alike. The Union is run very strongly by the Committee process and every member, Actor and Stage Manager alike, is welcome and encouraged to join a committee and make a real difference. This ensures that one faction of the membership is not treated better or worse than another. Granted, there are always more Actors in a production than Stage Managers so the greater number of members affected are indeed Actors. This is a consequence and not an intended action (also not the case in every instance).

I urge every Union member to join a committee and make a difference.
A very real, personal difference. Without the hands-on knowledge of the actual working environment, AEA cannot know what it is like out in the field. They rely on every one of us, to speak up and let our voice be heard.

515
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Attention, please!
« on: Mar 23, 2005, 11:39 am »
A clear "Okay, we're back" is my first attempt. Then very quietly I find someone who is paying attention and ask silently for their help. Within a very short amount of time, everyone senses something "is up" and then they realize that we are waiting for them!

Works every time!

516
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Running Sheet Changes
« on: Feb 27, 2005, 10:23 am »
I have always met with the Crew Chief or Department Head before the tech rehearsal begins and simply ask how they would like to handle the onslaught of upcoming notes and changes. That way, I learn new ways of operating and everyone on the show feels respected and an integral part of the Team.

517
The Hardline / TYA Per Diem Rules
« on: Feb 10, 2005, 10:05 pm »
You did the right thing in calling your Business Rep.
It is now in the hands of our Union.

Any infraction of the rulebook will be dealt with by the AEA Rep and the Producer and is not your responsibility.

I'm sure it will all work out.

518
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / New Director
« on: Feb 01, 2005, 03:28 pm »
You are not alone.
I have experienced just exactly that a few times now.

The first was a World Premeire musical and the director was also the composer and co-playwright so we were in constant rehearsals and note sessions. He asked for my advice and opinion constantly though and that made the process a lot more fun.

The second was just recently and the director had such a specific image in his mind and was having such a good time coming back into the world of theatre directing that we had constant note sessions as well. Sometimes even during the actual running of the show! And when things would go wrong, as they invariabley do, having a director screaming at you while you are problem-solving and calling the show at the same time can be quite the experience !!!

519
The Hardline / Joining the Staff
« on: Jan 30, 2005, 03:55 pm »
First off Matt ~

CONGRATULATIONS!

It seems (as Art said) that you will be getting the best of both worlds.
And, if I remember correctly, this was a relatively new job for you...

BRAVO.

You seem to have gotten a couple of great tips and I hope they keep coming. I wish I had something to add but I have not been in a similar situation. Yet.

520
The Hardline / Reporting violations
« on: Jan 10, 2005, 08:18 pm »
First ~ Welcome to the site!

Second ~ I'm sorry that you are in this situation. I am sure that Equity will do everything in it's power to rectify it. Please keep me personally informed (via personal messages) with the outcome of this situation as I am a Councilor with the Union and know almost everyone you may be dealing with and could possibley lend a hand...

Third ~ Thank you for letting Equity know ALL about your adventures. Without first-hand knowledge, Equity can do very little to right the wrongs and affect positive growth and change.

521
Stage Management: Plays & Musicals / Shakespeare and scripts
« on: Dec 24, 2004, 01:28 pm »
You mentioned copying an internet version of the text into a word doc to easily make necessary cuts. While I know where to go for Shakespeare, I am unfamiliar with the site to get Death of a Salesman. Can you direct me there?

522
I give warnings when the spots have frame changes so they are ready when I give the Standby...

523
SMNetwork Archives / Last month: Building Networks.
« on: Nov 15, 2004, 05:37 am »
AMEN to that!
Be persistant not persnickety...

524
SMNetwork Archives / Last month: Building Networks.
« on: Nov 15, 2004, 05:11 am »
Every three months I send out an updated resume to the people I have worked with in the past and the people I am still courting to work with in the future. My resume has been in the exact right place at the exact right time twice in the past 2 years. Just closed GRAND HOTEL at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, CA. We were sold out 4 of the 5 weeks we played... Tons of great press... Lots of VIP'S... Lots of sadness on this one...

525
I would suggest that the actions involved be sufficient.
Snorting anything onstage could have all kinds of repercussions.

Kudos to Marcel...

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