Expert: Kenneth D. Plonkey - 5/14/2009

Question
My daughter is graduating high school and has the opportunity to work as an assistant stage manager for a local dinner theater this summer. In addition to a small salary she will also earn 13 weeks worth of equity points.  Do this points count toward her actors equity card or do you have to earn those points by performing only?

Answer
Hi Laurie, Well, first you say "she will also earn 13 weeks  worth of equity points," and then you ask if they count.  Well, they should count if she earns them, the thing you had better be clear about with  the dinner theatre is if she will get them.  She should have that stipulated on her contract in writing.  Earning points is fine, but earning them as an asm is different than earning them as an actor. Different in the sense of someone looking at her resume to see if she is an experienced actor. However, at this point, right out of high school, the points and the job itself are quite a coup. Best wishes, Doc