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.
Profit Share
Fri, 18 Jan 2008, 04:23 pmWalter Plinge
When have you seen Profit being Shared. In all the so called Profit Share Projects I have been involved with over many years the box office always equals the costs, in most cases because the exorbitant cost of venues, the hidden staff costs of venues and the strange fact that employees in a theatre venue get paid normal time between 8am & 5pm and penalty rates after 5pmm in an industry that works at night and at weekends. On top of that you have to employ the staff the venue gives you whether you want to not, plus you have to pay minimum number of hours.
An example of this is being forced to pay a program seller for 4 hours works for 30 minutes work each night of performance, for a 6 performance week, at $100 per night or $600 per week for 3 hours work equals $200 per hour for selling programs, nice work if you can get it. In my opinion the cost of venues and associated hidden costs are crippling theatre in this state(WA).