From: PPlace8587-AT-aol.com
Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 18:20:07 EDT
Subject: PUPT: Money



--part1_18e.d4f7212.2aa14997_boundary

I rarely have time to reply and post my 3 coppers worth, but these are my 
fees.  This is always an interesting subject and every performing artist I 
know, whether they're puppeteers, mimes, storytellers, etc., have the same 
dilema.

I'm a solo puppeteer and my fees haven't changed too much over the years.  
I'm also in Nebraska and it's hard to gauge the different organizations here 
since there's never too much happening in the arts with the exception of the 
Omaha Playhouse and various smaller theatre companies.  When I'm performing a 
puppet show - mine are about 1/2 hour long - I charge $125.00.  That's really 
about 2 hours work with setup and tear down included.  If I have to travel 
outside of Omaha, I tack on mileage.  If an organization wants more than 1 
performance, I simply multiply the $125 x however many shows.  I also do 
strolling booth performances and that I charge $100/hour for.  Less setup and 
no music, lights, etc. so it's a lower tech thing.  Workshops are about 
$50/hour.  So far this pricing seems to be in par with other solo performers 
in the area.  Some do charge less/some a bit more.  I guess it all boils down 
to your community and what people are used to paying for performers.  I 
remember the days working for Bil Baird at the Williamsburg, VA Busch 
Gardens.  I think I made about $250/week there.  10 shows a day, 5 days a 
week during the full season!  But it built character!  And boy, was Bil a 
CHARACTER!!!!  Learned a lot, had a bunch of fun.  Great company though.  So 
sometimes money, or a little money, with just the experience is well worth 
it.

I'm also on the Nebraska Arts Council's Artist in Schools/Communities program 
and for a 5 day residency, 4 hours a day, we get $750 unless we're traveling 
outstate, then there's a $250 per diem added to cover hotel expenses, etc.  
This is mostly doing puppetry workshops in the classrooms, not performances.  
Anyhoo, that's it from Omaha!!!!  Puppet on folks!!!!

Trish Place

--part1_18e.d4f7212.2aa14997_boundary

HTML VERSION: