Crediting in Programs

[04sdwall]

So I'm sure there is no real official policy on this. However, I was surprised to see a mid sized professional theatre (that must have at least had a equity guest artist contract because there was one equity actor) that didn't credit any technicians.  While there was a set designer, lighting designer, and costume designers- it seemed like it was too big of a project for a single person to put together.  Now the set was fairly elaborate with multiple moving pieces and fairly advanced lighting.  However there was no sound or light board operator listed or even a stage manager.  Just curious if anyone has run across this but it struck me as odd.  Also the designers didn't have bios in the program, which I have noticed is a growing trend in programs, to only have actors' bios included.  Any thoughts on this? 

[avkid]

If I have been hired as an outside contractor I prefer not to be listed in a program and create a false association.

[thehayworth]

As long as I am not the only person left off a program, I just care if I get paid and how much. 

A program/playbill is part of the product package being sold to the audience/customer.  It is more than an acknowledgment or thanks.  There are mnay considerations and factors as to what what goes into them.  On the other hand, producers are CRAZY.  So keep that in mind.  If you try applying logic, you will make yourself crazy.  or crazier.  And that is not recommended.

[Jessie_K]

If I am PSM, I want credit. If I am ASM or crew, I don't necessarily need one.

But one thing that will definitely bother me is if my name is misspelled. 

[J]

Now, maybe I'm crazy, but I think credit should always be noted where credit is due.  I recently worked on a show that had an insert for the season's program.  This show was an added show late in the season and most of the staff was in different positions than the had been over the main portion of the season.  So, the props assistant was now the props designer, the TD was now the lighting designer, etc. etc.

A few weeks after opening, I was made aware that only myself, the actors, and the creative staff (lighting design, scenic, costumes, sound and director) were noted in the insert that accompanied the (null and void) season program.  So the entire technical staff, including the TD and paint charge--both of whom did AMAZING work, were not credited whatsoever for the production. 

I know I was credited, so I should have been happy. But I was upset for these people.  I was told that it was the standard way inserts were made, but I brought up the fact that when they were usually made, it was during the main part of the season where all the technical staff was included in the main program.

Long story short, they didn't do a re-write (though it would have been easy since it was a paper insert).  I always want to be credited, and credited properly. You never know who is in the audience and who may be looking for a TD or an ASM, or whatever you happen to be.  I deserve credit for my work, and I want it in the program.

Incidentally, it shoudl be mentioned that when many theatre professionals, including production managers and artistic directors see shows, they'll often keep the programs for reference in the future.  It COULD be harmful to not be credited when you deserve that credit.

That's just my opinion. I think it's important to be credited---and if we stay "soft" on this issue, what will be next?  Maybe we, as technicans and production staff, won't even get the invite for the opening night party!  Maybe we'll stop being able to have comps.  The people behind the scenes are JUST as important as those on the stage.  We all have our roles to play.