New York Actors: anyone done a Theaterworks Tour?

[shermanslave]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 7:45pm

I had a callback for one of the children theater tours and I am am wondering if anyone has any pros or cons about the job. Driving in a van for 3-6 months certainly cannot be easy. I would love to hear your advice.

Thanks.

darron

[shermanslave]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 9:57pm

No one? Bummer.

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 10:17pm

I personally have never done one, but all my roommates have and I know several folks who have as well. Overall, it is a positive experience. Its a great way to earn your equity card, and you can have a lot of fun. It is a lot of work, and a lot of early mornings. By all accounts, try and do a fall tour rather than the spring tour. The fall tours are only 4 months, versus 6 months with the spring.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 10:19pm

So much depends on the chemistry with the cast. It is definitely not easy, but, corny as it may sound, it can be very rewarding when you see the kids really getting into the show. You do have a lot of wake up, drive to the theatre or school, do the show, drive to another city days, but you do get an occasional two or more day sit down, and you'll always have at least one day off a week.

It's not glamorous by any means but it can definitely be a lot of fun and you'll get to see a good mix of the country from the bigger cities to some of the small towns that you didn't even know existed, but can sometimes be just as fun as the big cities. My cast and I had a blast last fall in Traverse City, MI, for example.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 10:21pm

The other thing to remember is that you are by no means locked into your contract for the full duration. You are always free to give your two weeks notice in accordance with the conditions set forth by Equity, and very rarely is judgement passed from the office when you do. They know that it can be a tough schedule and that the only way to really find out if you are up to it is to do it. Getting replacements on the road is not uncommon for them.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 10:25pm

Pro: It can help you get your Equity card.

Con:

It's not considered a real credit and you'll need to get it off your resume as soon as possible (i.e. it won't open any doors at a Broadway audition.) It's probably better to get into a regional theater production or training program.

When you are a famous actor opening in a new Broadway show, the media will publish pictures of you in short pants playing Rumpelstiltskin for Theaterworks.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 11:28pm

I already have my Equity card. I am considering doing it to gain my weeks for insurance. And it is good to know I could always out in my two weeks notice. Thank you for the info.

[singtopher]

Posted: 8/25/09 at 11:32pm

Insurance weeks are a biggie. It's better than no work at all, you just have to be game to put up the set, do three shows, and tear it down. Some actors have issue with that, and feel above the "all hands on deck" approach that TheatreWorks utilizes.

[shermanslave]

Posted: 8/26/09 at 12:34am

Right. Better than no work at all...other than waiting tables I mean...

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/26/09 at 1:07am

And corny as it may sound, it actually can be very rewarding to know that for some of these kids you are their first exposure to theatre.

And as for the "stigma" just look at the cast and production team of Click, Clack, Moo currently at the Lortel. That's a lot of Broadway talent working for a company with a "stigma."

[shermanslave]

Posted: 8/26/09 at 1:09am

That is the show I was called back for. Amazing people involved with it. I think they have gone "a different direction" with casting since I have not heard yet, but I am still hoping.

[gypsy4]

Posted: 8/26/09 at 1:21am

I've never seen a Theatre works production but ATAFY seems very pleasing.