Hi! I am a non-union actor who is taking on their first summer contract. Very exciting but it's also my first time reading and understanding a contract. Though it's pretty cut and dry, the only thing raising some flags is there's a Fine System put in place that is very thorough. A few examples of fines are as follows:
Breaking character, or causing another Performer to break character: $5
Failure to reset prop to its appropriate location: Warning, $5
Leaving trash in Rehearsal Space or Dressing Room: $1 per article
Damage or loss of costume pieces: Labor & replacement costs.
There are other types of fines about the cast housing, costumes, and others that actually are legitmate (missing a show, smoking in costume, etc.) Again, first timer so is this kind of fining system normal or should I be concerned at all???
Thank you and any advice for a first contract is appreciate:)
As far as I know that sort of system is not normal. While you can incur fines on a contract for reasons like breaking the contract early, that is my is an ENORMOUS red flag. I'd advise you to not take the contract, and if you feel comfortable name the theatre here so other folks will know about this too.
Objective breakage/damage of costumes, housing, set pieces, etc. makes sense & I have seen that clause in contracts. "Breaking character" and "failing to reset props"? Absolutely not and I would refuse to pay for that silliness. Are you toddlers or are you young adults who should be treated as the professionals you now are? I would be willing to bet they just put that language in there to scare people & don't literally enforce it; but it still says a lot about the character of whoever wrote it...