Is it normal to be charged a bond in amateur musicals?

I've heard of a lot of amateur companies who ask for about $20 from both cast and crew - as a way of paying for the production itself. Like paying for membership to the group. But I've never heard of, or would expect, people to pay $200. That's just over the top, and I would be more concerned that the admin of the group don't know whether they're going to sell tickets or not. I can understand the sentiment of not wanting people to drop out, but the fact is they can't control things like that, especially in an amateur group. $200 bonds will just make people avoid participating, not encourage them. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/