Theater Workshops - How's the Pay?

[fbueller]

Theater Workshops - How's the Pay?#1

Posted: 11/11/10 at 4:41pm

I am curious. I know workshops are a big component to the startup of a new show. Are the payment rates for workshops regulated by the Equity union? Are actors and musicians are paid less for workshops? I am guessing that the rate is much lower and that actors participate in workshops in the hope that they can be competitive for parts. I am interested in any information you can provide about theater workshops.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Theater Workshops - How's the Pay?#2

Posted: 11/11/10 at 5:34pm

http://www.actorsequity.org/docs/rulebooks/Workshop_Overview.pdf

[dramamama611]

Theater Workshops - How's the Pay?#2

Posted: 11/11/10 at 7:47pm

Am I reading this correctly? If an actor is NOT offered to continue in the role, or not offered the actual job if/when it does go to full production, they get 4 weeks salary?

So even if you suck or aren't right for any revisions your part endures or you "age out" you are still guaranteed a month's salary? wow.

If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Theater Workshops - How's the Pay?#3

Posted: 11/11/10 at 8:05pm

Yep, Equity has made sure that the work an actor does under the workshop agreement is well-protected.

This is why you will often see the 29 hour reading used well in advance of an actual workshop, since the obligations to those actors when going forward are far less restrictive.

And of course the producer could always appeal the buyout if they feel there is an extenuating circumstance.