Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Wondering about Theatre...

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Expert: - 4/7/2009


Question
I want to audition for a premiere play at a local theatre (Who does professional shows) that pays the actors a minimum of 750/week. They're holding auditions locally (Where I'll audition) and in New York City, and I was wondering a couple things:

#1: Do actors get paid during rehearsals or only during the show?
#2: It's a show asking for Equity actors but they're also having a seperate open call audition and it's not a play in New York, so I was wondering if I can I get my Equity card if I do get cast?
#3: Do you have any idea around when do you think the rehearsals would be?
#4: If you're on the poster for the show, would you get money for that too or would you just get paid for the acting?

Thank you so much!!!!

Hopefully to be cast in a show soon,
Stephen

Answer
Hi Stephen,

I have SOME knowledge on the subject, but there can be special circumstances that may affect the answers. You should be paid for rehearsals, but sometimes there are some shows that skirt that if they are small or off-broadway, etc.

I am not up on Equity rules, but you can dig into their website on eligibility guidelines. You should be able to qualify if it's an Equity play. It would seem silly to ask for Equity actors if not.
Also, I believe they HAVE TO audition Equity first if it's an Equity production.

Rehearsals start at different times depending on the complexity of a show. 6 weeks to two months would be average if it's a musical or something that's not a simple drama.
The poster thing would probably be covered by the contract under promotional addendums. Reasonable efforts to promote the show, including TV spots, interviews and advertising. Now, if you are a big star, that could be changed in contract negotiations. If it were filmed, rights and payment would not be covered for rebroadcast/dvd/internet/film. (like "Jesus Christ SuperStar" or "Cats").

Hope this helps..

Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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Taylor Sheppard

Expertise

I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.

Experience

I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.

Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).

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Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.

Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).

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