Date: Thu, 30 May 1996 00:42:25 -0400
From: randelmc-AT-kingsnet.com
Subject: Re: To charge or not to charge....


A rousing AMEN! to what Ax has said here. It applies to schools, libraries,
and non-profit groups as well. I often offer a discount when I feel so
inspired, but I don't perform for free. It's out of respect for my art and
the work of other artists who are also trying to make a living.

Randel McGee ( Web site http://www.LiveWireMedia.com/groark.html.  )

>Rick - Without knowing anymore than what's in your note here are my
>thoughts....You still have legitimate expenses in running a ministry.  No
>appology needed.  I am concerned that they are not offering to pay you after
>your performance.  Either they cannot afford to, or they do not appreciate
>your ministy enough to donate to it.  If they cannot afford it and you are
>really minstering to them, then you have to determine if you can continue
>and can find support from another source.  If it's that they don't
>appreciate it, after you haul the sets, set up sound, feed all the kids,
>perform, tear it down etc...then somethings wrong.
>
>I assume you are putting on a high quality presentation and that you are
>being well received.  If not, improve your performance and don't charge
>until you do, but if you get good feedback, applause and repeated bookings
>by all means set a minimum charge for a quality show.  Raise that minimum
>over time as you increase your expenses and gain popularity.  You will be
>spending more on equipment and traveling - no doubt about it. 
>
>The way you approach them is to tell them you have made quite an investment
>in a quality show and you have to charge a minimum charge for it, and (if
>you need to justify it) that the money it goes to support the youth puppet
>team budget.  Have a brouchure made up that shows your sets and puppet team
>at work, with comments taken from places you've performed for.    
>
>They will understand the charges and it will even set you up a notch more
>professional in their minds.  And you will probably start getting more mouth
>to mouth referrals and requests, and much more respect for doing a
>professional job.  
>
>
>Ax
Randel McGee
McGee Puppet Productions
1397 Beulah St.  Hanford,CA 93230
(209) 582-5307

"Ye must not perform anything..save in the first place ye shall pray unto
the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy
performance..."  Nephi Bar- Lehi



  --- Personal replies to: randelmc-AT-kingsnet.com
  --- List replies to:     puptcrit-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu
  --- Admin commands to:   majordomo-AT-lists.village.virginia.edu