Musician's Union and Stage Managers

[DeeCap]

Does anyone know where I can find specific rules regarding the Musician's Union? I've been on their website, and it gives a broad overview of the union.
Or has anyone worked with the Musician's Union? How was the experience?

Thanks!

[MatthewShiner]

You should contact your local union, as I am pretty sure that there are just enough differences between unions that could snag you up.  Even better, speak to your contractor (if this a show specific issue), as he will know everything.

I have worked with union musicians on many occasions, and every time it was a different situation, different rules, different parameters.  What I did like about union gigs was that effortlessness of subs and how that was handled. 

[NomieRae]

I've only briefly worked with them in an opera setting (I was wardrobe, but lusting after an ASM position), and about the only thing I remember is they are serious about taking their breaks on time. Their breaks wait for no one. I watched a tech rehearsal come to a grinding halt because they wanted to run a sequence a few times in a row to get it right (including a quick change) but the conductor had called a break for the orchestra.

Just means careful planning and time management and all should be fine

[cprted]

Each orchestra/ensemble has their own collective agreement with the union, so each one will be a little different.  As far as SM's go, I think the biggest difference is that an orchestra SM is non-union and thus jobs that are verboten by Equity (like payroll), become the SM's responsibility. 

[SMrose]

Ditto on the breaks rule.  Also, end of rehearsal rule applies.  I've finished tech rehearsals with the accompanist only when time ran out for the orchestra.
Make sure to meet and discuss specifics w/ your orchestra manager.  as w/ any union (and non-union), I like to provide some simple refreshments, water, coffee tea--makes everyone feel appreciated.

[centaura]

If you're asking if SMs are covered by the musicians union - I don't think so.  Our local symphony is union, but I don't deal directly with them.  I deal with the symphony operations manager who is the union contact for them - but what he has to deal with is different than say what I deal with with the local IA.  What rules are you looking for specifically?  Have you checked with the specific local's contract?  That's going to be your best bet.  Find out who the contact is for your local chapter and ask them your questions, you'll get more specific answers.

-Centaura