AEA Membership Meeting Guest Post by Darlene Hope

It's been a while since I posted. I know. I have a huge backlog of pics to add to this site for sure. That might be today's project later on. First, however, I wanted to pass along my very first guest blogger!  Darlene Hope (follow her on twitter) is a dear dear friend of mine and exceptionally talented. This past Friday was a membership meeting at AEA here on the East coast concerning Equity monitors and the state of Equity auditions.  I was unable to attend the meeting since I was in Connecticut at an audition (that I didn't book, le sigh). Darlene was there and was kind enough to write this up.  So here are the words of the amazing Darlene Hope.






"So FridayI attended the Actors Equity Membership Meeting to support our amazing volunteer EPA & ECC audition monitors. For those of you who are not aware, due to some unexplained legal snaffoo, the volunteer audition monitors that we have enjoyed must now be immediately replaced with paid staff. Equity made the decision to begin recruiting publicly for these positions...which pay a whopping $8.25 an hour. They did this without informing members of the change. What this means for members is that a new force of potentially non-union, non-industry, minimum wage workers will begin running all of our union auditions beginning in November. I was able to be one of many speakers on this subject yesterday at the meeting to hopefully show how devastating & poorly executed this decision was. My statement was not prepared, but it was heartfelt & honest. As an actor whose agent closed his doors during this recession, I have been almost entirely dependent on the EPA/ECC auditions to be seen by casting directors & theaters.  And although its not an ideal process, I've almost been cast in Broadway shows because of it. When you work it, this system works. But when you throw personnel into the mix who will potentially be the equivalent to fast food employees, and who potentially have no investment in the success of these calls, nor any knowledge of their value, then it could be devastating to actors like me, who are attempting to get jobs. I tried to relay how disappointed I was that our elected representatives did not communicate to members what was happening, nor did they aptly consider the ramifications of their hasty decisions on the members. Thankfully, my comments were heard, and questions were somewhat vaguely answered...which means a lot. But in going away, I still felt as if the elected Eastern Regional leadership still didn't "GET" how this change will effect the EPA/ECCs. And furthermore, I was not confident that the willingness was there to "GET" it at all. The atmosphere felt much more like that of a union/producer negotiation, than that of a union membership meeting. Aren't we all still supposed to be on the same side?? 

For those of you who were unable to attend, this membership meeting was the most largely attended in recent memory because of this issue. It matters! Sometime soon work will begin on a motion to update an Equity policy change so that our current volunteer member monitors will be able to continue in their role. As it is, most of them cannot because of a policy set in the 70s that "staff" may not audition for roles, serve on committees, etc, and they may not return to their positions should they book acting work. Thus, monitors must give up their careers as actors, and active union memberships in order to work. This is absurd!! This policy needs to change so that our current volunteer member monitors can continue the loyal stewardship that they love doing. As you hear about these upcoming petitions & policy changes, please pay attention & participate. Lets preserve the union audition process. Lets not increase the handicap that actors without representation face. Lets not change the "face" of our union to casting directors, producers, and theaters to some McMonitor who is non-union!!!"

I cannot thank Darlene enough for going to this meeting and for reporting back. It's an interesting state of affairs. I would also like to add that this decision not only effects we union members, but it effects all non-union who are the future of any union. These monitors who donate their time are also donating their knowledge. Many of which have been a part of the union and working within it for many many years. That's such an amazing resource for any actor. I know personally, when I was non-union, I annoyed the hell out of these monitors by asking so many questions. I'm sure I walked away with them thinking..."they let anybody into these things, don't they." In reality they were all too happy to help me out. And They have always been a positive boost before any audition offering encouragement and a smile.

One of our greatest resources before walking in that audition room is about to be taken away. 

Brantford Film Festival!

I cannot be more excited to share the news that 25 Cents for love has been accepted into another festival and was chosen as one of their Official Selections! This November 1st through the 3rd our little film will be screened in Brantford, Ontario! Now we're officially an international touring film. 

Congratulations to all who worked on this film and helped us get this far!

Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway

I've gotten my first email question!
Break out the bubbly, friends. This is cause for a celebration!

Patrick,

  Hello person I feel like I know because I keep up with your blog. First time writer, long time reader here.

  I'm new to the city. I've recently moved here from L.A. where I'm sure you know it's a much different beast. After working in L.A. for a few years I've decided to make the reverse trek that everyone else apparently does. NY has a booming film industry as well as theater. I want to get back to my theater training a bit and stretch those muscles while also working with my agent to hopefully work my way into one of the many television shows filmed here.  My question to you, that I'm finding it hard to get answered is about Broadway and specifically Off-Broadway.  I'm pretty well versed in film. But when it comes to stage I'm at a bit of a loss. I've seen a lot of auditions for Broadway shows, but I've also seen a lot that say Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway. What is the distinction? And is there one that is beneficial over the other?

  Any help would be so very kind!

Justin

Justin!
GREAT QUESTION! And it's one that causes a lot of confusion and contention among theater artists.

Hello new friend!  I chose to answer this in a blog format as opposed to a direct email because, well...you're my first write in question!
Exciting...no? Imagine I've just thrown confetti at you and I'm apologizing for getting it right in your eye.

There are so many terms thrown around there every day that its hard to sift through and find out whats real and whats not. Basic rule of thumb is size of the house. How many seats. That basically defines what code it falls under. That's not all encompassing, but it's close.

We'll start off with the easy one:

OFF-OFF-BROADWAY.  
This really refers to any small theater. 99 seats or less. In reality there is no such thing as OffOff. It's just a designation for the smaller houses and non-union theater. Indie theater, Downtown theater, Independent Theater; these are better names for this type of theater. Small houses, many of which are in the 60-seat range. The majority of actors are non-union or AEA working under the AEA-Showcase code. (Basically allowing actors to work on non-union shows.) Doing a showcase will not garner you an equity card. It will not give you points. (If that's what you're looking for) But it is usually some of the most rewarding work. It's where we can be the most experimental. Imagine the work you did in college in your studio class, just now with an audience. Most actors out of school, or just moving from another region will find work here. It's how we grow and learn

BROADWAY
I think this is the second easiest.  You know when you're auditioning if this is going to be a in one of the big Broadway houses or not. In the breakdown it'll say who's producing it and what theater it's going to be in. Along with the type of call itself. Be it an audition for a principle or a chorus. The notice will say Longacre Theater, or Minskoff. Or it's an audition for a show currently running on Broadway and they're looking for replacements or understudies for down the line. The notice itself will say at the bottom what contract it falls under, LORT, LOA, LOA-NYC. These are just the different types of AEA agreements out there.  A break down of these contracts can be found on Equity's site, HERE.


Now for the 3rd kind.
OFF-BROADWAY
This one I feel is the source of most contention and issues. It seems like everyone claims their project to be "OFF-BROADWAY." I recently went to a seminar lead by Lisa Gold where an actor got up and was asking about how he could better market himself since moving (just like you) from L.A. to NYC. He said he's had some success booking roles but not as much as he would like. He said he had done some OFF-BROADWAY, but wanted to do bigger things and hopefully television. Lisa's first question was, "Are you Equity?" To which he replied, "No." "Then you didn't do anything OFF-BROADWAY."

If something is OFF-BROADWAY then it is a show covered under AEA. You'll sign a contract. It will have a specific length of time for it's run. And the house? Will have at least 100-499 seats. It's based on the seating capacity of the theater. Along with seating capacity, it's based on the specific play, musical, show..etc. It must adhere to the correct AEA agreement.

Now at one point the theater in question had to be within a certain proximity to the theater district. It has since been revised and includes almost any theater with a capacity of 100-499. Beyond 499 and it becomes a different agreement. One of the bigger contracts.  A list of OFF-BROADWAY theaters can be found HERE. If there is ever any doubt, here is the link to Equity's info on OFF-BROADWAY. This
breaks it down quite nicely.

And at the end of the day, if you're signing a contract it's either a BROADWAY or an OFF-BROADWAY production. If there is no contract then it's a non-union production, or a showcase with AEA actors in it.

One is not better than the other. But it's important to know what you're getting into. Most casting directors also know which shows are OB and which are not. So make sure your resume is accurate. You don't want to be called out on it, like the actor in Lisa Gold's seminar.

I hope this was helpful! And I hope other people find this equally useful. It's always a good idea to read everything and know exactly what you're getting into.

Headshots and Pictures and Make me look good please!

It's time for new headshots.  They look like me and I still get a lot of compliments on them from industry, but I need some that are more 3/4.  For those of you outside the loop, 3/4 means something close to a waist and up shot.  Just showing more of you as a person and not just your smiling mug.

So whenever that time comes around for new headshots* I always go back to the people I've worked with before. Because I liked working with them and the shots look good. Hell, they look like me. And that's what you want.  So I reached out to past photographers and set up a few appointments.  The reason for this blog though is a bit of a rant and a warning to people looking for shots.

Make sure your photographer will give you ALL the shots taken during the shoot.  ALL of them.  One of my former photographers now works with a company called Colorworks.  Well, not really "works" with them, but more like collaborates with them. He takes the shots, sends them to Colorworks who will then retouch the ones you like for a modest $50!!!!! fee and then bam yours.  And the other ones you took? The un-retouched ones?  You can have those too for yet another fee.  Clearly he's getting a kickback from this place for sending his clients there. But this is just bad business karma. No no no. I pay you to take my picture. You take my picture and give me a disc, a link, anything with ALL my shots on it. So I can have them for forever.  Why?

It's important to look at good and bad shots always.  You learn what to do and what not to do. And some of those bad ones could very well fit a potential character you might play. Or who knows, you paid for them, they are yours.  So everyone out there.  Make sure they will give you all your shots.

Thankfully I know several talented photographers and am working with them.  One of whom was my very first photographer and the one I continue to go back to.  We took them on the hottest day of the year...at the time...7/21 around Central Park, but I'm hoping they're not completely saturated with sweat and we got some good shots.  I'm also setting up another session with a photographer who did some more character type shots.  For now we just cross our fingers and hope for the best.  Out of all the ones I took I'm sure there are a lot of usable ones.  I'm hopeful.  And both amazing people that I'll happily work with on a regular basis.

I just cannot stress this enough. Do not settle for anything less than what you want.  Too many people try to take advantage of actors. It's sad, but it's always been that way.  I for one am tired of people thinking actors will do anything/pay anything for things we need.  Which is why I started designing websites cheaply for actors. And why I will not give someone my money for doing 1/2 a job...ie..not giving me my disc full of images from our shoot.


What a great welcome back to my blog after a slight hiatus because of just too much stuff going on!

*when will spell check finally accept "headshot" as a word?

Photo A Day 120 - 200

Sometimes the simplest solutions elude us.  So thank you Lira for suggesting I start to compile these into one longer post.  I think I liked the idea of multiple posts for some reason. But I'm pretty sure that clogs up people's readers....as it does mine.  So let's try a few of these in one post...woohoo!


120. The New Amsterdam room underneath the New Amsterdam theater.  It's amazing down there.  People think Since Disney is there now that all the gilt is from them.  No, this is all restored from the original theater built in 1903!

121. R2-D2. The popcorn holder.  Obviously I have a slight affinity for this tough little droid. Or people just keep buying me random R2 things.  My parents went down to Disney for their opening of the new Star Tours and other StarWars fun time things and I guess that weekend you could buy an R2 popcorn...holder?  So this little guy showed up on my doorstep.

122. Actor's Equity Association Day!!!  Been a long time coming. And you know when you feel like you're ready for something? yeah. That's me. now. I'm sure I'll devote a whole post to this soon. And the other unions. But after discussing with my wonderful Manager Jenn how this is a much anticipated goal...woohoo! I marched down to AEA and threw down some cash.  Just like that too.

123. So this is a bit random. Love me some cappuccino and I just...finally...polished my silver mug.  2 great tastes.  Warning..hot coffee in a metal tankard = burnt hand.

124. This is just ridiculous. Clean...washed...crumpled...Disney fast passes.

125. Headed to Philly for the weekend. This is the view from the Union League where we were staying, of City Hall. 

126.  My cousin's wedding in Philly!  Really, all that matters to me is the deserts...thank you thank you.  I think the whole day can be summed up in desserts.

 

127.  After a late night of drinking what better way to wake up at 7 a.m. than to the Broad Street Run right out front of the League.

128.Such a gloomy day backgrounding the steeple of this church taken from under the BQE near the Brick in Brooklyn

129. This awesomely 80's dance club on 39th street. Just randomly walking down the street literally humming video killed the radio star and bam..Culture Club.

130. Just an amazing view of a section of my city that you can see thanks to construction and a parking lot. (Of which there aren't many) This is a view of Midtown West from 37th & 9th.

131. Going through and making sure I didn't make any mistakes...I missed a day. So here are some empty Champagne glasses from Brunch!

132. Alice and the rest of the Capulet women mid-scene.

133. Need I say more...

 
134. A fire truck outside in it's makeshift garage. I can only assume they're doing work on the truck or the fire house. Either way...I've never seen a portable garage before.

135. I've walked past this tree hundreds of times. It's along the East river. And yet tonight was the first time I noticed the heart tacked to it, the other heart carved into it, and the stars all over it.

Heart Tree

136. This was obviously more impressive in person. But such a clear night and the lights of the city were playing on the water.

137. Swords. And poles. But mainly swords.

138. Whatever it takes to block out the light. Some of these performance spaces are old...and ghetto

139. This.. I mean. Who makes this. Why? And I still don't know where it fell from.

140. Not quite as clear as it looked on my phone. Yes yes..my phone. But the Empire State Building is Green!

141. Near the street where I live. Good lighting designer...

142.   There is nothing like the city in a rainstorm. Or right after one. Washington Sq, Park and the Arch by the same name.

143. Astoria Park during sunset. Everything about this just looked and felt so ethereal.

144. Just another nice clear shot of the city from Queensboro plaza

145. A view of part of the city at sunset from across the East River in Astoria.

146. Time's Square shrouded in mist from the rain! 

147. Here we go from JFK off to a quick little vacation to somewhere a tab beachier than NYC.

148. The Citrus Tower.  It will forever be a symbol to me to my fallen mentor. The storied he used to tell about climbing it. And the fact that you can see it from pretty far away pointing you to Sulfer Springs. We miss you Jeff.

149. I don't think this needs any description. Just imaging that hissing sound when you pop the top off.

150. And like that I'm back.  I told you it was quick!

151. This I just don't get. It was nestled in the midst of my sushi. A little round glowing ball that slowly changed colors. Club Sushi?

152.  I just love my city. Sometimes I'm just in awe of the buildings and everything around me.

153. Nothing like a few days sight seeing in Central Park. Belvedere Castle!

154.  Romeo and Juliet Statue outside the Delacorte.

155.  Big fan of the Plaza. Why? It's symbol is my initials...

156. The inside of the NY Public Library. I have no idea what took me so long to get my Library card. But now I have yet another card to carry around with me.

157.  So i'm a geek.  I admit it. And a total Whovian.  As evidenced by my doodle during a particularly pointless seminar...

158. Just a closer shot of the top of the old stage shoe shop. You can see the statues inset in the wall of famous actors.  Above it, is the inscription about beauty in footwear.

159.  Ah hello sun through my subway car window...

160. I'm not excited really about the new Sipder-Man. I don't see the point.  But...you can't argue that he's not NYC's greatest superhero from the comics.

161. SQUIRREL!...that is all

162.Some days it's just so freakin' clear out and you can honestly see for miles.  Other days there is a haze. This is not one of those days...

163.  Progress on my Tardis model. And for the life of me I can't remember what I was watching...

164. I love getting up out of the subway and seeing St. Pauls Chapel on my way to rehearsal...

165. Working down at the South Street Seaport, I'm surrounded by old buildings. Some being renovated, some sadly being torn down. But there is so much history here. I don't even know what this building is, but the detail on top is amazing.

166.  We're rehearsing and talking about the Brooklyn Bridge. So we all look over at it and..There are people walking all along the top of the towers and the cables.  How do you get that job??

167. Not our boat. But an impressive vessel just docked there. It's always there. I think it's a museum boat. I could have also made that up and am too lazy to ask.

168.  Here is a shot from the deck of our boat looking up into the rigging of the masts.  I don't really get sea-sick. But when I look up there, I kinda lose it a little.

169. Just adventuring around Central Park. Here is the great lawn looking...South?  I don't remember.  It was HOT!

170.  Some days this is all that can sum it up...

171.  Like I said...Geek. Anyone ever notice that the doors on the front of Yankee stores are the same look and color as the doors of the Tardis? No? Just me?

172. Garbage on the track. It's not pretty people. But then at the same time....This was for my L.A. friend Mary.

173.  Getting Headshots taken in the Park on the hottest day of the year to date.  This is a good idea, right? Just had to stop at the Dakota and say hi to John before I met my photographer though.

174. OK this wont look like much to anyone. But this is a piece from an old roomate's and still close friend's desk from college.  I don't recall how I ended up with just part of the desk. He went to London to study for a while, I stayed back, new friends moved in, we all moved on. Some how this top piece was the perfect place for me to keep headshots and discs and mailing supplies and my router for so long. but it just doesn't fit anymore. It served its purpose with honor and sadly I had to let it go. I think my last piece of college furniture. It was a good desk, Matt.  A good desk.

175.  I'm sure I've got pictures of Shakes. in here already. But it's hard not to walk by and not say thank you for all he's done for me. you know?

176.  Wafels & Dinges. This truck showed up in the winter. Ice cream and toppings on a Belgium waffle? IN the winter? Hell yeah! But funny thing, I don't crave it in this heat like I did in the winter.  But don't get me wrong..I still crave it.

177. FIREWORKS! Every year, a week or so before the 4th of July, the city does a small display for Astoria. And I guess anyone else in the north part of Manhattan. We like to claim it's strictly for us. There is a big party in the park, musical acts, the works.  And then fire in the sky!

178.  RAIN! Something we need more of this summer.

179.  More Tardis Updates!!!!

180. And here is something you don't see everyday...a truck driving along the river. Almost..

181.  This is the L.L.Bean-Mobile.  I didn't know there was such a thing. This almost ran me over on the way to rehearsal. How do you miss a giant driving shoe?

182.  I'm making a lot more progress so that's why I'm sharing.  But here is the top dome light of the mini-tardis.

183.  We might be complaining about the heat. And it has been pretty damn disgusting out there.  So on the beautiful clear days, I can't help but rejoice a bit.  Not too much, just a bit.

184.  MORE ALCOHOL!  There is nothing like a cold beer in a frosty mug...it was frosty..trust me.  it's hot out!

185.  The main kiosk for my home for the past few weeks and remaining month or so...The Clipper City!

186.  Happy 4th Of July.  I zoomed in. We were across the water. But all the building are decked out in their finest patriotic colors...

187.  Missed this one, but that's ok. This is a picture of where we decided to hang a painting a dear friend of mine did. This is her interpretation of the Beatle's 'Across the Universe.' And if you're Reading, D, everyone who sees it get's it.

188.  Some of my fellow Pirates and Time travellars (I told you we not only sail on the tides, but we travel through time, right?).

189.Beautiful downtown Manhattan around sunset/dusk-ish from the East River.

190.  So precariously balanced together. Test fitting pieces.

191.  On the stern of the boat, looking towards the bow at the Brooklyn Bridge.  Look at me using my nautical terms. You see that soup called the sky? Yeah. We perform in this.

192.  NY just has everything. Like...a trapeze, um..studio? course? rig? Right in lower Manhattan.  Someday I'll take a class or two.

193.  I know you've all been curious. Tonight was our first preview. So here is a taste of me, the Pirate!

194.  This might be one of the greatest Lego sets ever. I just wish Legos weren't stupidly expensive. Were they this expensive when we were kids? Huh?

195.  Possibly the greatest and most disturbing bar in Brooklyn. Red Hook Bait & Tackle.

196.  FIRE! That's right folks. Fire on Pier 17. Literally at the bow of our boat. We came close to abandoning ship I think. If not for the bravery of captain and crew.

197. Victorian Gardens! This great little "amusement" park for kids in Central Park. It covers up Wohlman Rink during the summer. Sadly you have to have a kid to get in and play. Oh well. I can just look on in wonder...

198. There be Light!

199. I honestly had nothing from this day, so here is the Lovely Alice posing with her new friend at the Red Hook Bait & Tackle.

200. It's about to break, it's getting darker and darker. We're supposed to have a show tonight, but if it comes down as heavy as it looks it will, and last for as long as they say it will...I don't think we're going anywhere. Yarr....