Question on contracts, paychecks, and closings.

[mike_xtreme91]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 7:30pm

Take this scenario: Say that a performer signs a contract to have a 6 month tenure in a show, but the show closes before the contract expires.
Does the actor or actress get paid a 6 months salary because of the contract, or are they only paid for the amount of time they actually performed.
I'm sure this falls under an Equity guideline, and I'm sure it is being experienced quite often on Broadway as of late.
I am just curious of how this type of situation is handled.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 7:36pm

Common sense...

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 7:37pm

They usually get two weeks pay following Closing (unless otherwise negotiated/noted)

[theatreguy]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 7:44pm

Sometimes big stars will have a contract which says they get paid for the entire time they've committed to the production, even if it closes early. But for most people, no.

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 8:09pm

"But for most people, no."

For more people, it is 2 weeks pay (IF they've agreed to a standard equity contract)

[winston89]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 8:13pm

Correct me if I am wrong, but I am under the impression that the producers either have to give the cast a two weeks notice of closure. But, if the producers decide to close the show prior to a two week period of alerting the cast, then the cast gets paid the two weeks.

[MusicSnob1]

Posted: 1/11/10 at 8:17pm

Winston - Thanks for clarifying on behalf of me. That's essentially what I meant, although it's not THAT simple.