Blue Owl Brewing
Connect the Value
RECEIVED Mon., Nov. 2, 2015
Dear Editor,
I am disappointed to write about my experience with Texas' oldest theatre, our own Zach Scott. I am a trained, professional actor, and I recently auditioned for and was cast in the upcoming production of Tribes which is a six-person play. The rehearsal period involved a month of 36-40 hours a week availability and a month of six shows a week. When I received the offer along with the stipend of $200/week, I was startled and worked out these numbers to less than minimum wage. I asked instead for a minimum of $300/week, and was politely turned down. In order to maintain my artistic integrity, I turned down the role.
Three years ago, the Zach opened its $22 million building and has since increased its yearly budget to $7 million. Zach continues to collect money for the "Dave Steakley Dream Fund" and among the uses of this money is listed: "To provide stipends for visiting actors, directors, or designers from throughout the country whose presence will enhance Zach’s mainstage programming." While one of Zach's core values is listed as being "Uniquely Austin," nowhere in their efforts is the fiscal support of local, professional talent. Zach Scott Theatre is perpetuating the illusion that Austin artists are supported while raising money for out-of-state actors to come grace our stages. Austin actors are accepting pennies in order to be allowed to be a part of such organizations. We are exploiting our talent and requiring full-time “day jobs” for our professional actors unless they have expendable funds. This is shameful. [For more, see "Actors' Inequity," Arts & Culture, Jan. 23.]
What will it take for Austin to connect the value of artistry and entertainment with the value of time and money for its own hard-working artist citizens?
I am disappointed to write about my experience with Texas' oldest theatre, our own Zach Scott. I am a trained, professional actor, and I recently auditioned for and was cast in the upcoming production of Tribes which is a six-person play. The rehearsal period involved a month of 36-40 hours a week availability and a month of six shows a week. When I received the offer along with the stipend of $200/week, I was startled and worked out these numbers to less than minimum wage. I asked instead for a minimum of $300/week, and was politely turned down. In order to maintain my artistic integrity, I turned down the role.
Three years ago, the Zach opened its $22 million building and has since increased its yearly budget to $7 million. Zach continues to collect money for the "Dave Steakley Dream Fund" and among the uses of this money is listed: "To provide stipends for visiting actors, directors, or designers from throughout the country whose presence will enhance Zach’s mainstage programming." While one of Zach's core values is listed as being "Uniquely Austin," nowhere in their efforts is the fiscal support of local, professional talent. Zach Scott Theatre is perpetuating the illusion that Austin artists are supported while raising money for out-of-state actors to come grace our stages. Austin actors are accepting pennies in order to be allowed to be a part of such organizations. We are exploiting our talent and requiring full-time “day jobs” for our professional actors unless they have expendable funds. This is shameful. [For more, see "Actors' Inequity," Arts & Culture, Jan. 23.]
What will it take for Austin to connect the value of artistry and entertainment with the value of time and money for its own hard-working artist citizens?
Alexis Scott
