It’s so funny how the solution to theaters problems is just hire artists and pay them a living wage and they’re just like “we hear you, we’ve just fired everybody and the senior staff is doing a diversity summit in the Hamptons”

Hot take on hot take: Safe workplace means physical safety AND emotional, psychological and professional safety.

Hot take:

Safe workplaces vs. living wages is a false choice.

Don't choose.

Demand both.

Dear American Theater:

'There'll be free food!'

Self appreciation post:

I’m on my period. So in addition to the ongoing agony in my abdomen, I have cried THRICE today.

I just did a 3 hour show in 2 corsets, a 15 pound dress & 3 inch heels. ON A HILL.

And I went to the gym today.
AND the DMV.

I’m a badass. #BrittneyTheGood

Hot take:

Failure to hire coverage for stage managers and actors is an inherently coercive act.

If a worker showing up sick, hurt, or otherwise unable to do their job is the only thing standing between the curtain going up or not, that's coercion.

Period.

Tim Hulsey FairWageOnStage What's weird is that I work as a corporate and events stage manager. I do dozens of fundraisers and galas for NFPs and I make a very healthy day rate. For some reason theatre companies think they are exempt from this concept while other charities pay their production team

yes and also those costs should be budgeted for and calculated into the non-tax deductible portion of the gala ticket price! bc attendees should not get an additional tax break for the creative labor they are enjoying.

FairWageOnStage You had me at Stage Managers and actors should be paid for their work.

We've said it before and we'll say it again:

Stage managers and actors should be paid for their work at theatrical employers' benefit galas.

And no, that doesn't mean giving them a free meal.

“You’re giving them 13 hours of your day, which is the time you’re awake.
And then you’re expected to sit on the toilet with your computer and your phone to get work done after waking up and before rushing to work.
You’re not an emergency room doctor.”
- My Wife

I spent 7 yrs producing theater that actively disrupted the tacit rules of engagement btwn audiences & performers. Jeremy is spot on here - we have to find new ways of being together or we can kiss Belonging and Inclusion goodbye.

Dear Theatrical Employers,

Believe your fucking workers.

If they say “That hurts”, believe them.

If they say “That feels unsafe”, believe them.

If they say “My body can’t do that”, believe them.

Nothing should be more important to you than the well-being of your workers.

cc: Theatrical Employers