How can you negotiate with unions and guilds to keep costs down for a theatrical production?

1 Know the rules

Before you start planning your production, you need to know the rules and regulations of the unions and guilds that apply to your project. Depending on the type, size, location, and budget of your production, you may have to deal with different agreements, codes, tiers, and waivers. For example, if you are producing a musical in New York, you may have to follow the Production Contract with Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the Broadway Agreement with the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC), the Minimum Basic Agreement with the Dramatists Guild of America (DGA), the Theatrical Motion Picture and Television Film Agreement with the American Federation of Musicians (AFM), and the Pink Contract with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). Each of these contracts has specific provisions for salaries, royalties, hours, breaks, overtime, health insurance, pension, hiring, firing, arbitration, and more. You can find most of these contracts online or request them from the union or guild offices. You should read them carefully and consult with a lawyer if you have any questions or doubts.

2 Plan ahead

Once you know the rules, you need to plan ahead and budget accordingly. You should estimate how much you will have to pay for union and guild fees, salaries, royalties, benefits, and other expenses. You should also factor in some contingency funds for unexpected changes, delays, or disputes. You should also consider how the union and guild rules will affect your artistic choices, such as the number and type of performers, the length and complexity of the script, the design and technical elements, the rehearsal and performance schedule, and the venue and audience size. You should try to balance your creative vision with your financial reality, and be prepared to make some compromises or adjustments if necessary.

4 Seek alternatives

Sometimes, you may find that the standard union or guild contract is too restrictive, expensive, or impractical for your production. In that case, you may seek alternatives that can offer you more flexibility, affordability, or creativity. For example, you may apply for a waiver, a special permission, or a modification of some terms of the contract, such as the minimum salary, the royalty rate, the number of performances, or the use of recorded music. You may also explore other agreements, codes, or tiers that are designed for different types of productions, such as developmental, experimental, educational, non-profit, or regional. You may also consider working with non-union or independent professionals, who may charge lower fees, accept deferred payments, or share in the profits. However, you should be aware of the risks and consequences of these alternatives, such as losing the support, protection, and reputation of the union or guild, facing legal action or penalties, or alienating potential collaborators or audiences.

5 Be fair and ethical

Finally, you should always be fair and ethical when negotiating with unions and guilds, and respect their role and value in the theatrical industry. You should not try to exploit, deceive, or undermine them or their members, or violate the terms of your contract. You should also not expect them to accept unreasonable or unfair demands, or to sacrifice their interests or standards for your benefit. You should recognize that they are not your enemies, but your partners, and that they share your passion and commitment for creating quality theatre. You should also appreciate the skills, talents, and contributions of the professionals they represent, and treat them with dignity, gratitude, and respect.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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