To: puptcrit-driftline.org-AT-lists.driftline.org
From: Stephen Kaplin <skactw-AT-tiac.net>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] UNIONS - Puppeteers
Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2004 23:15:22 -0500


>A question:
>
>Are there any puppeteers on this list who are doing live theatrical
>work and are union members? Would puppeteers fall under Actor's Equity
>or another union?
>
>What are Union minimums for live performing?
>
>MM


Actor's Equity is the Union you should join for live theatrical
performance. But you can perform with AFTRA or SAG cards too under certain
conditions. I got my AE card for a run of a Julie Taymor show at Lincoln
Center. It hasn't done me much good since, though I still keep paying my
dues (hope springs eternal I guess.) In one production I was involved in
the producers would not give the puppeteers Equity contracts because they
claimed that since we didn't actually appear on stage, we couldn't be
considered "actors."

But while puppeteers in a union hous need an Equity card, the puppets
themselves are under the care of another union (USA props or costumes,
depending on whether you wear them or hold them.) If you have some reason
to fix your puppet during the run of a show, you need to negotiate with
Wardrobe or with the propmaster. It gets really sticky in the case of
shadow puppets when you've got to deal with the electricians as well.

Union minimum wages vary depending on the size of your role, the size of
the house and the kind of deal the producers arrange with the union.
There's a lot of angst now because some producers are sending out touring
productions cast with non-union actors.

So, there you go. Take it away.

Stephen


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