Author Topic: LOA?  (Read 2874 times)

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sammy

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LOA?
« on: Mar 31, 2007, 03:47 am »
What is it? Does a "contract" follow? I'm soo confused :)

ReyYaySM

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Re: LOA?
« Reply #1 on: Mar 31, 2007, 08:49 am »
Since many theatres hire staff way in advance (I was offered a show in July '06 that doesn't start rehearsal until October '07), they often issue an LOA after an offer has been made, negotiated, and accepted.  The LOA basically serves as an assurance to you that you have a job at the theatre and an assurance to the theatre that they have an SM.  The AEA contract is then sent out later, about a month or two out from the beginning of rehearsals.  Equity tells theatres how many contracts that they are allowed to have open at one time based on the amount of their bond and the cast sizes for the season. 

However, if you are referring to an LOA for a non-union job, then that is likely your contract with the theatre.  You should contact the Company/Production Manager to confirm (contact info will likely be on the cover letter sent with your LOA).   

ljh007

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Re: LOA?
« Reply #2 on: Mar 31, 2007, 09:27 am »
LOA stands for Letter of Agreement.

Usually, for non-union engagements, this is the "contract" and it's the only official piece of paper you'll receive confirming the terms of your employment. All the basics are usually covered: fee, payment schedule, dates of engagement, dates of performance, general job duties (sometimes), indemnification and jurisdition clauses (to keep the lawyers happy). Sometimes you'll see things like supervisory titles, dates of design submittals (for designers), travel/housing, per diem, pension/retirement contributions, equipment/studio fees, or any other negotiated terms. Because a LOA is not really a standard document, they can range from one page to several pages long. The LOA is usually signed by the Artistic Director or General Director/Manager of the theatre, though it is probably processed by an administrator in your supervisory department (Production/Tech/Artistic/whatever).

A LOA does not follow any union regulations, so if you are taking a union job, a standard contract will probably follow, as dramachic explained.

Usually when a document is issued ahead of time confirming negotiated dates/rates it is called a Letter of Intent (LOI). This is an even stranger duck, as it is not really binding at all, but a nice confirmation that you will be offered employment. However, if the show is cancelled or something, this letter doesn't really offer support. If all goes well, a LOI is followed by a proper contract, be it a LOA or standard union contrat.

 

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