When would you consider working for nothing? Personally, up until now, the only type of unpaid work I’ve done was volunteering. For example, I used to contribute to the annual Vacation Bible School, handling drama activities at my local church. This was the only period when I would undertake unpaid theater-related work.
Yet, recently, unpaid theater roles have popped back into my life. Less than a week of unemployment after my tour finished and I bagged a decent part-time job. This provided me enough to scrape by during the summer, while sticking to, or even exceeding, when I fancied, my $500 budget.
But the job is set to finish by the end of June. While on the interview, they hinted at the possibility of an extension till July or even longer. The initial shows were sold out, but last week it wasn’t the case.
Due to its unique, experimental nature, our Off-Broadway show has a Facebook page, managed quite often by our active director/producer. With last weekend’s less-than-stellar ticket sales, which were primarily due to a fault of our online ticketing company, panic has set in. The solution offered? Two shows per night, with no extra pay.
My first reaction was a vehement ‘no’. In my career as a stage manager, I’ve been successful largely due to my strategy of avoiding chaotic projects, unless I’m involved in prop preparation – which only reinforces my unwillingness to manage such shows. Generally, I have a minimum rate that I strictly adhere to.
Then, I paused and considered the proposition. The show is directed by a significant name in experimental theater. Right now, the performance is experiencing a downturn, but lending a hand might eventually lead to a stable position and increased income.
Furthermore, due to our seating arrangement, this project is a unique opportunity to engage with several Equity actors – another first for me.
To top it, I’m based on 42nd Street, next to Aladdin and across from On the Town! Walking into the theater each day, I can’t help but feel I’m making progress.
However, despite these potential networking opportunities, the financial implications win out – as the second show each night wouldn’t pay. My journey would jump from $17 to $50 due to tolls, petrol, and parking, as the second show would finish after the last train back home to New Jersey has left.
Volunteering a fixed amount of time is one thing, but to continue indefinitely as unpaid labor doesn’t sit well with me.
I understand that for a director or a producer, a performance is their passion project – they’ll go to any lengths for it. The same goes for this website – in my eyes, it has potential and it’s my passion project. But I would never expect others to work for me without compensation.
Most often than not, one person’s passion project is just another person’s daily grind. It’s crucial to remember that.
Would there be any circumstances when you’d consider working for free?