Replacement Rules

[IslandBoy27]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 8:35pm

I was wondering if anybody knew what the rules were about replacements on Broadway.

Is there a certain amount of time that producers have before they must replace an actor who has left?

For example, and I apologize for using this example, how long can the swings/understudies for Jefferson/Lafayette in Hamilton alternate in the role before the production is forced to give a replacement contract?

And is it the same for Off-Broadway shows? 

I couldn't find a thread on this, or an answer on the internets...

thanks. 

 

Updated On: 8/23/16 at 08:35 PM

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 9:53pm

According to the Production Contract a replacement (whether an internal promotion or someone new to the production) must be contracted and begin performances no later than two weeks after an actor leaves. 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 10:05pm

Does it matter when the contract begins? Because it's been over two week without a full time Lafayette/Jefferson. I'm thinking the person already has a contract, but just hasn't begun performances yet.

[IslandBoy27]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 11:27pm

AEA AGMA SM said: "According to the Production Contract a replacement (whether an internal promotion or someone new to the production) must be contracted and begin performances no later than two weeks after an actor leaves. 

 

"

Two week? Or two months? Two months seems more appropriate. Are you stating that as fact? Is there a link to share on that info? I'd like to read it if possible. 

 

And can can two people share the same contract? Two understudies perhaps?

[nightnic001]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 11:32pm

Maybe Hamilton was contracting each understudy for only 1 week at time. Just constantly signing 1 week contracts for each actor?

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 8/23/16 at 11:58pm

I am just wondering, could they possible bump up two actors and have one be contracted as an alternate? For example, I know for a fact that Seth Stewart has played Jefferson/Lafayette in some performances with someone else (who's name is escaping me right now) doing others. 

[asmith0307]

Posted: 8/24/16 at 12:38am

I believe this is the rule to which AEA AGMA SM is referring (found on pg. 157 of the production rulebook)

 

"(J) If a Principal Actor's employment is terminated, a contract for replacement must be negotiated and signed between the Producer and the Understudy or other replacement no later than two weeks after the Principal's last performance in the production."

 

http://www.actorsequity.org/docs/rulebooks/Production_Rulebook_League_11-15.pdf

Updated On: 8/24/16 at 12:38 AM

[AHLiebross]

Posted: 8/24/16 at 8:01pm

Speaking as a retired attorney, the language quoted, " If a Principal Actor's employment is terminated," may mean terminated by management. "Terminated" in contracts does not always mean "ended for any reason, by any party."

Audrey

 

[nycgogetter]

Posted: 8/26/16 at 2:37am

They can also give someone the contract for set amount of time . . . until someone else comes in.  

[asmith0307]

Posted: 9/28/16 at 8:28pm

Did anyone else catch this tweet? Am I reading it correctly that Seth is now Laf/Jeff for the next three months or so?

 

https://twitter.com/HamiltonMusical/status/781279819237654528