backstage.com:In early October, certain members of the Actors’ Equity Association were surprised to find job listings on Playbill.com and other employment sites seeking audition monitors in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago to manage the union’s principal auditions and chorus calls.
These part-time employees, who will be paid $8.25 per hour, are expected to work no more than 15–20 hours per week and “manage lists of those auditioning for Equity shows both at Equity offices and other sites, collect and distribute audition-related materials, work with producers and casting directors for the smooth flow of auditions, and ensure that all rules governing audition procedures are followed,” according to the job description.
1 comment:
I can definitely see both the advantages and disadvantages of doing this. One clear advantage is that it's creating jobs. One major disadvantage that I see, though, is the fact that it's taking an opportunity for current, active unions members to give back to their union and to their fellow union members. Audition monitors in the past have obviously been dedicated and passionate about helping out, or else they would not have volunteered. I think it is totally legitimate for union members to be worried about whether or not the new, paid staff monitors will approach the task with the same amount of care and understanding. I truly hope that the union will come to a compromise and hear its members out. If they make this change as it is currently outlined, it is likely that they will use some great assistance from its own members who are passionate and want to help make the union a great place- that, and they will just upset the people who are quitting as monitors so that they can continue to be on the boards, which will surely create some backlash somewhere down the road. I understand where Equity is coming from, but I think they should seriously consider how this will affect the auditioning and volunteering behaviors of all of its members.
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