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.

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.

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

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

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.