Tuesday, November 29, 2016
UCSD Lays Off Entire Theatrical Production Staff
Playbill: The University of California San Diego’s Department of Theatre and Dance has laid off its entire production staff, 21 employees, and instructed them to re-apply for positions that, for some, will reduce their annual income by as much as 45 percent. All of the staff affected are “joint-staff,” who have worked on productions for UCSD, where they are employed, and for La Jolla Playhouse.
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2 comments:
So, I understand why this is happening and I understand the motivation behind wanting to create separate staffs. If both organizations have grown and are continuing to grow, it makes sense, however painful, to want to divide their staff and end their joint contract. I also understand the staff being angry about losing a huge portion of their income. I would be angry, too. Frankly, it sucks. And I don’t know about La Jolla, but I wonder why the University of California system wouldn’t just fork out the money to keep their salaries even. It can’t possibly more than the UC can handle.
What I don’t understand is why these people, especially those who have been there for many years, are being asked to reapply. I mean, doesn’t that seem like putting salt in a wound? I know the joint contract has to end, but why not just issue a new contract. It’s hard for me not to feel like the reapplication requirement is a way to “not invite” some people back.
I think we are certainly living in a post corporate loyalty world and theatre is certainly not exempt. The model worker used to be someone hired to a company who stayed for many years and was slowly promoted until they reached their level of incompetence where they were left until they required. Usually getting small but regular raises. Today the market demands that you essentially skirt the line of job hopping to keep getting promotions. On the plus side this keeps things fresh and often leads to opportunity for early leadership, something which companies are also looking to encourage. The talents of people in their 20’s and 30’s for leading teams of young people full of energy are being harnessed all over, spearheaded by Silicon Valley. The unfortunate side is like in this case, expecting one company to be your final career for 20-30 years is becoming less and less certain.
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