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.
"Hidden staff costs"...
Fri, 18 Jan 2008, 09:05 pm"Hidden staff costs"... would you care to define that?
As for the "strange fact that employees.." etc, I think you'll find that to work as a full-time tech, $20 p/hour is a decent wage, given that it equals roughly the same amount paid to a full-time chorus member on an operatic performance.
"Nice work if you can get it" - that's the point. It's not that easy to find steady, paying work, even if you are a tech.
I'm not sure what experiences you've had in the industry, but it's clear you've not had good ones when it's come to profit-share.
I have had experiences both good and bad - I've worked on a show that did go into profit, and was paid my fair share; I've worked on a profit-share show that lost money, and got paid anyway; and I've worked on shows that didn't make money and didn't get paid.
If you ever think there are issues doing a profit-share show, when you're not confident that the production can either make a profit, or pay off the costs of producing it, then don't do it.
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