Expert: FRANCIS LYNCH - 10/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi there,

Where and how can I access contract templates for the theatre, especially thoos related to design? I have tried Equity, TMA and ITC, but it seems you have to be a member. Please help, I have a project due and I can't find any templates!

Many thanks.

ANSWER: HELLO,

THE STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS FOR EQUITY AND THE MUSICIANS UNION ARE IN THE BACK PAGE APPENDICES OF THE UNION RULE BOOKS. I'M SURE YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO LOCATE THESE IN ANY PUBLIC LIBRARY. I HAVE MY STAGE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS BUT NO WAY OF SCANNING THEM IN FOR YOU... SORRY

TRY CONTACTING EQUITY DIRECT:


Head Office
Guild House
Upper St Martins Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Telephone: 020 7379 6000
Email: info@equity.org.uk
Fascimile: 020 7379 7001

OR TRY THE NORTHERN OFFICE:

Jamie Briers & Mary Hooley
Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester, M4 5DL
Tel: 0161 244 5995   Fax: 0161 244 5971
Email: info@manchester-equity.org.uk


GET BACK TO ME IF YOU HAVE NO FURTHER LUCK.

BEST


FRANCIS



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your quick reply Francis, I have emailed them right away.

Are there any other places I may be able to find some contracts examples? I am especially looking for thoose for designers.

Answer
DO YOU KNOW ANY COMPANY MANAGERS OR PRODUCTION MANAGERS?  THEY ARE OFTEN THE PEOPLE WHO SIGN CONTRACTS WITH STAGE MANAGEMENT AND DESIGNERS.

YOU MIGHT TRY THE COMPANY MANAGERS OF THE NATIONAL THEATRE OR THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY; (BASED IN STRATFORD) OR THE PRODUCTION MANAGERS OF THE BIG PRODUCTION COMPANIES, TRY CAMERON MACKINTOSH LTD., OR THE AMBASSADORS GROUP. THEY ARE UNLIKELY TO OFFER YOU AN ACTUAL CONTRACT BUT THEY MIGHT LET YOU HAVE A BLANK.

BEST

FRANCIS