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Topic: Volunteer Actors( Topic Closed) | |
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landon2006
Star Joined: 3/10/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 55 |
Topic: Volunteer Actors Posted: 3/20/08 at 2:40am |
I know this is probably a simple question, and I think I know the answer... but:
I just formed a new Community Theater here in Bloomington, In (pop. 80,000). Myself and my board of Directors are stuck on rather to "pay" our actors. On one hand, this is a community Theater, and actors as well as crew should be willing to volunteer to both help us bring entertainment to the community and to build there resume for future paying jobs... HOWEVER, several of the board members are concerned (including myself) that if not paid, a specific actor may not have much reason to appear at all rehearsals and performances. This could create a problem if the Actor is the lead. I'm sure it does not happen often, but has anyone here ever had to deal with a no-show actor on opening night (or any other night of performance)? If so, how do you handle such a problem? Thanks, Landon Executive Director, The Broadway Entertainment Company Inc. |
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jayzehr
Celebrity Joined: 8/11/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 537 |
Posted: 3/20/08 at 8:09am |
Never had a problem with an actor not showing up for a performance--rehearsals are another matter but most people are very conscientious. As everyone on this board could tell you there are no doubt thousands of plays done every year in community theaters where everyone shows up and works hard without getting paid. Just out of curiousity, as a new group what kind of financing do you have that would put you in a position to pay actors?
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B-M-D
Celebrity Joined: 11/03/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 346 |
Posted: 3/20/08 at 10:05am |
No actors get paid at any of the ct's in my area. The nature of ct actors and theatre in general, that it feeds our need for an inordinate amount of attention and adoration is usually enough to keep us coming to rehearsals.
Directors, music directors, choreographers are more likely to be paid because quality skills in those positions are exponentially harder to come by than actors.
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BD
"Dying is easy, comedy is hard." |
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pdavis69
Celebrity Joined: 3/26/06 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 437 |
Posted: 3/20/08 at 12:59pm |
In our section of NW Ohio, it is very rare for any of the actors in the Community Theatres to be paid. I may be reading too much into your posting but it souds as if you are you worried about a specific person (not just anyone cast in the future) might hold you up for pay or no show for a volunteer part. If we had a person who was prone to that kind of behavior we would be hesitant to cast them at all.
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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse |
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landon2006
Star Joined: 3/10/08 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 55 |
Posted: 3/20/08 at 4:02pm |
Well,
It's not that we could pay people upfront... But if needed, they could receive a box office back-end share. Since most all of the production money for our shows will come from sponsors, that leaves the box office money to either A) put in the sponsors to make the next production even better or b) distribute said funds in a % share agreement with actors and crew. I was actually considering eventually stepping down from using sponsors and just use box office funds to do the next production (saves a lot of headache). Keep in mind, the budget for most of our shows (with advertising) will be in the range of $30,000.00 with a possible box office take of $50,000 per show over a 6-10 show run. One thing is for sure though, since I'm quiting my full-time job and taking over the Executive Director and Stage Director position full time, I will be allowing myself either a) a salary eventually (no more than $28,000 a year (or b) substantial box office share since this will be my only source of income. I would keep my full-time job, but since we plan on mounting 3-4 large musicals a year, my time will be all filled up. Landon |
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bbpchick
Star Joined: 7/17/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 86 |
Posted: 3/20/08 at 4:02pm |
No one in our theater gets paid. We do occasionally have a problem with actors showing up, but that is usually dependant upon the director. My first show, I had a problem with one person not showing up, but I learned from a very wise and more expereinced director, that if you put out the expectation from the very beginning of what is required, actors and crew do what you ask. I did that for my second show when people walked into auditions by having a calendar of rehearsals for each person and I stated that I expected to see everyone at the theater no later than 5 minutes before rehearsal started so we can start on time. My second show, no one missed rehearsal unless they called me ahead of time to make arrangements with me, and they were all on time, again unless they called me and let me know what was going on. So I don't think you will have a problem with not paying your actors if you give them your expectations upfront.
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jayzehr
Celebrity Joined: 8/11/05 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 537 |
Posted: 3/20/08 at 4:33pm |
Hi Landon:
Once again, I would be careful about your projections on box office when you are just starting out. I don't think it's a good idea to offer deferred compensation to the actors or anybody else based on the box office expectations before you get an idea of what the box office is really going to be for your productions. There might not actually be enough money to distribute and you could generate a lot of ill will if people decide that they're getting stiffed. Jay |
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JoeMc
Celebrity Joined: 3/13/06 Location: Australia Online Status: Offline Posts: 832 |
Posted: 3/21/08 at 1:28am |
As suggested Box Office & bumsonseats are a 'pie in the sky' affair!
You never know what can happen? - the 'Titanic' could sink again on Opening Night?
Your group is new & an unkown quantity, you could have the best show in town, yet the most 'MT' seats, no matter how you promote & push 'it up hill with your nose!
I feel your expectations will bring on a forced market situation - I hope not & it is a run away blockbuster!
Only offer the chance of performing, they will come out of the woodwork, put a year of show seasons in the bank, before a divident is decided on, if that's the way to go?
But in reality unless you have a pile of brass to fall back on - Keep your day job mate!
It may be hard but at least your secure & still be able to realise your dreams & enjoy the product!
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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
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whitebat
Celebrity Joined: 8/05/07 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 137 |
Posted: 3/29/08 at 11:21pm |
We never pay anyone. In HS, actors who did no-shows got cut (our shows were double cast). I unofficially understudied a no-show actor, which was a pain! He fumbled through his lines when he was there, which included both performances. My brother replaced a no-show actor in middle school (Jr. high); which has given him a very negative attitude towards acting since.
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sethnic
Walk-On Joined: 8/23/07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
Posted: 4/06/08 at 5:10pm |
I'm trying to do the same thing in my group. We called it profit sharing, but I like the dividend term better. Some staff members do expect to be paid, incl. the MD, director, choreographer and musicians.
What I'm thinking in their case is to offer a very basic amount - not approaching a salary - and then fill in with dividend if the production is successful. I am budgeting for 67% to be around breakeven, where there would be no dividends since that will cover the costs (including the guaranteed minimum), and everything above that to be shared on a tiered basis. How does this sound? Is 2/3 capacity a reasonable projection? |
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Creating a new company!
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