Paying the Orchestra
Wed, 26 Dec 2007, 05:49 pmfunklizard88828 posts in thread
Paying the Orchestra
Wed, 26 Dec 2007, 05:49 pmJust wondering what opinions are out there in regard to the payment (or lack of) for orchestra/band members involved in semi-professional, amateur and community productions of works of music theatre?
In particular I am interested in whether others think there is cause for distinction to be made between different levels of instrumental ability (particularly within a single production - ie. student or 'formally untrained' musicians being paid differently [or not at all] in comparison to professional musicians brought in to 'boost ranks' or cover more difficult parts - as for example happens in school productions)?
And whether distinction can be made by instrument? (as in my experience finding reliable string, harp, oboe, bassoon and 'woodwind' [multi-instrumental] players is quite difficult without serious funding).
If one member of the orchestra is paid, do all the musicians deserve to be paid?
If the Music Director is paid, should the musicians also be paid?
All relevant thoughts, anecdotes, experiences, and opinions are welcome.
You've got to be joking!
Mon, 21 Jan 2008, 10:12 amHey guys!
Never in my life did I dream that Pro/Am or Profit Share shows from Amateur companies have anything at all to do with giving the Audience the shows that they 'demand'!
Didn't it all come about because the average joe wanna'd to be on stage & act. And then if they really think they're god they'll do some directing too! (yes, the godship issues that actors develop)
So in order for them to do all the shows in the world that they want to play in they organize theatre groups. And then realize that they need to pay venues, techs & musicians to do so. Venues gotta keep their doors open & musicians gotta eat. They must find it a little tiresome when Am companies want to use their services for sweet nothing when they can just keep themselves booked with Pro acts.
I suspect this forum can only be targeted at musicians coz the venues just don't offer lower prices. And the Am companies have to wear that or don't go on.
If actor/directors wanna get paid then they can just jolly well audition for Pro shows, TV dramas, Adverts & wearing stupid cartoon costumes like Brad Pitt did when he was starting out. If they don't 'get in' then that's a fair indication that they are not 'there' yet, and keep working with their local company if 'acting' is really their hearts desire. The sports & arts is not a skill-less industry. Employment within is not based upon sentimentality. ('I just want to sing father...') People who are not good enough simply wont get work - no matter how much they want to!
So pay all but the actors. I believe its currently this way in the industry because they ARE amateur. And if you can't do what 'mgasams' posted by organizing a pool of Am musicians ready to play your shows then you gotta pay people to play. Yes the Broadway shows were designed to be played by Pro musicians, but so were the actors parts too!
So maybe the am theatre companies should hook up with a concert band around town and make a small donation to them to play along in their shows.
But musicians, MD's, AD's, Choreographers, Lighting Techs etc generally bring necessary experience to a production so that it doesn't suck. Now what do the Theatre Companies really want to put on stage!
Craig the Great.