An email received via my old show company website today: (I posted my full reply after this status)
"Good day
Please advise if you are still doing these road shows and if you have any shows relating to the 'My body" theme? We are a preschool group. Also, are your shows free?
With kind regards,
School-Principal-in-Durban-that-doesn't -like-to-pay-for-anything"
My actual reply email to the School that asked if our Durban road shows were "Free" (I posted the email in the status before this one)
My actor and director friends: your work has value. Your time has value.
"Ok, This.
This is why I no longer do these shows.
I'd like you to please step into the shoes of a rapidly dying industry.
Can you imagine:
As the owner/Director of a show company, I must conceptualise and research this theme, create age appropriate content, write a full length show, write and record music and choreograph action dances, design and create props for educational games, dress design and sew costumes, build props, have sound available - Mic, speakers, amp, lighting, hire paid actors (in 2010 I paid up to R200 for one show to each of the actors for transport costs and the numerous hours of rehearsals it takes for a seamless show) train them up if they need help with kids theatre, rehearse, transport them (petrol), set up for 40 minutes before hand, perform for an hour straight and then reverse order back home... Schools would complain when asked for R800.
I understand that you may think I have funding of some sort? Not sure.
Unfortunately I was told too often upon application, that I was the "wrong colour" (actual words used) and so I have moved on.
I genuinely ask you a kindhearted favour: The next time you have any group of smiling (actually tired, hot and hard working) show teams come through.
Double their pay.
They need it.
Have a good day."
"Good day
Please advise if you are still doing these road shows and if you have any shows relating to the 'My body" theme? We are a preschool group. Also, are your shows free?
With kind regards,
School-Principal-in-Durban-that-doesn't -like-to-pay-for-anything"
My actual reply email to the School that asked if our Durban road shows were "Free" (I posted the email in the status before this one)
My actor and director friends: your work has value. Your time has value.
"Ok, This.
This is why I no longer do these shows.
I'd like you to please step into the shoes of a rapidly dying industry.
Can you imagine:
As the owner/Director of a show company, I must conceptualise and research this theme, create age appropriate content, write a full length show, write and record music and choreograph action dances, design and create props for educational games, dress design and sew costumes, build props, have sound available - Mic, speakers, amp, lighting, hire paid actors (in 2010 I paid up to R200 for one show to each of the actors for transport costs and the numerous hours of rehearsals it takes for a seamless show) train them up if they need help with kids theatre, rehearse, transport them (petrol), set up for 40 minutes before hand, perform for an hour straight and then reverse order back home... Schools would complain when asked for R800.
I understand that you may think I have funding of some sort? Not sure.
Unfortunately I was told too often upon application, that I was the "wrong colour" (actual words used) and so I have moved on.
I genuinely ask you a kindhearted favour: The next time you have any group of smiling (actually tired, hot and hard working) show teams come through.
Double their pay.
They need it.
Have a good day."
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