Is it appropriate or inappropriate for performers to bring their own contracts for producers of shows, big or little, to sign that include information such as pay, photo and video rights and release, call times, ect. It seems like small town shows are som

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Your question is cut off after "smalltown shows are som..."

The annoying answer to this is, it depends.

The majority of smaller shows that take place in bars aren't going be remotely interested in contracts.

If you don't want to be filmed or have your picture taken, or have specific requests about such, you should by no means be expected to violate your limits.

It can be a challenge to work with a show that has been operating as it is for several years and bring a contract that asks them to change their standards for one performer--although there is certainly nothing wrong with making suggestions or voicing opinions, or with sticking by what you need to have or do in order to feel that you are being treated correctly (which often means not taking the gig).

I believe it's important for performers to tell shows when they feel their policies are unfair or exploitative. However, it gets tough when other performers in the show are satisfied and don't feel exploited and you are the only one with an objection.

What is unfair in every way is to talk smack about a show without telling the producers how you feel, and to get paranoid about imaginary gatekeepers who produce the shows. They are usually just overworked and not thinking when they're being rude or unfair. Most show producers want to hear from you, even if they may not enjoy it and may seem resistant at the time. If they don't want to hear from you, you don't want work with them anyway!

Follow the link below for some interesting points about negotiation:
http://www.womensmedia.com/lead/188-listening-to-women-new-perspectives-on-negotiation.html

Ask me anything about Burlesque!

Comments

Sabina said…
Good point--about sometimes just not taking a gig if the situation feels sleazy. But I think it's also important for performers to not spring their terms on people at the last minute. Because sometimes the person there at the club may not be authorized to sign something or just not comfortable being put on the spot but will feel like they have to sign it because they don't want the performer to run off.
May 29, 2011 at 10:27 PM
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