Some interesting issues raised Mark. Firstly the idea of what is professional? I think being a professional does not necessarily mean letting people take advantage of you. Was this something written in your contract that it should last 20mins? If so, then I think you should mention that it has been over running. Sticky situation though. Of ourse you want to look good to the company and not seem difficult but when you have a show to prepare for it does seem like they are taking advantage a bit. It takes me back to my inquiry blog where I touched on the fact that dancers (or performers) often do not have a voice. We are excellent at listening and taking instructions from directors or choreographers but rarely do we get the chance or are too scared to speak out. I often feel on contracts that companies use us to their advantage. When I danced in 'Le Grande Cirque' we had to do photos before the show in costume- making the company lots of money, but we didnt get paid any extra as it was part of our contract. Sometimes we would be let out late allowing us just enough time to change into opening costume and jump on stage. The stage manager would be shouting at us to hurry up for curtain up as well. It was so annoying and bad for us as we had little time to warm up. Then your point about things going bad was interesting as well. I would often complain about sound or lighting issues at the Theme Park but rarely told them what a great job they did when things went well. I think that is important to tell people they are doing a good job as like you said they can have a big impact on how you as a performer come across. As I said before we are not robots. You will never have the same show twice, but thats why I love performing as you never know what might happen i.e. your sword breaking! Bet that was funny! There is nothing like live shows. Reflecting-in-action when things go wrong can be a great challenge. It puts us on the spot but I live for those moments!
Some interesting issues raised Mark. Firstly the idea of what is professional? I think being a professional does not necessarily mean letting people take advantage of you. Was this something written in your contract that it should last 20mins? If so, then I think you should mention that it has been over running. Sticky situation though. Of ourse you want to look good to the company and not seem difficult but when you have a show to prepare for it does seem like they are taking advantage a bit. It takes me back to my inquiry blog where I touched on the fact that dancers (or performers) often do not have a voice. We are excellent at listening and taking instructions from directors or choreographers but rarely do we get the chance or are too scared to speak out. I often feel on contracts that companies use us to their advantage. When I danced in 'Le Grande Cirque' we had to do photos before the show in costume- making the company lots of money, but we didnt get paid any extra as it was part of our contract. Sometimes we would be let out late allowing us just enough time to change into opening costume and jump on stage. The stage manager would be shouting at us to hurry up for curtain up as well. It was so annoying and bad for us as we had little time to warm up.
ReplyDeleteThen your point about things going bad was interesting as well. I would often complain about sound or lighting issues at the Theme Park but rarely told them what a great job they did when things went well. I think that is important to tell people they are doing a good job as like you said they can have a big impact on how you as a performer come across. As I said before we are not robots. You will never have the same show twice, but thats why I love performing as you never know what might happen i.e. your sword breaking! Bet that was funny! There is nothing like live shows. Reflecting-in-action when things go wrong can be a great challenge. It puts us on the spot but I live for those moments!