I've been doing some research lately on the pros and cons of working in a non-union tour as opposed to a union one. I've been asked to come in for a final audition for a lead in a non-union tour that runs for 8 months. I'm trying to find out from those who have "Been there, Done that...got the T-Shirt" and can spill the beans on how high the highs are and how low the lows get!! Also, production quality differences.

Don,

Unless I'm misunderstanding your question, the decision may be easier than you realize. If you're an Equity member, you cannot do a non-union tour. If you're not an Equity member, you cannot do a union tour.

Have I missed something?

Sorry for leaving a confusion in my questions. Nope, I'm not AEA, I was near elegible 35 years ago....but life happens and I spent 30 years keeping the wheels of industry rolling...(at least I'm not waiting tables between gigs now.) but no.

So the tour is a non-union tour. Have I got the part yet, no. But I've been through 3 auditions and now I've been asked to come to NY for a final audition with the powers that be. They could use the video they took, but hey...nothing like seeing it live vs memorex!

Before I take that step, on less than a weeks notice, (you can only imagine the airfare/hotel investment involved w/o advance booking) I'm trying to find out as much info about the touring companies, actor benefits, scheduling and etc... from anyone who may have been on the tour before.
Thanks for the fast response.

Hi again, Don --

My only experiences with touring have been with full-scale, Equity tours of Broadway shows. They were terrific experiences (chronicled in my book, "Letters from Backstage"). In fact, I miss the road.

But I do know that non-union tours can be a bit like the wild west. If you're offered the job, and if you choose to accept, be careful when negotiating, and take nothing for granted. If you have an agent, have him negotiate for you.

In particular, be sure they're obligated to get you home whenever the tour closes. I've heard of non-union tours shutting down suddenly and stranding their casts wherever they happen to be.

Also, if this is a tour of a current or recent Broadway show, you should be aware that there is a bit of controversy about that particular kind of production. Many (myself included) believe that it's false advertising to send out a Broadway tour with a non-union cast. I won't try to make that case here, but you should know going in that some people may object if that's the kind of tour you're doing.

On the other hand, I've had friends who did totally legit non-union tours and had great adventures, if not great income.

I'm hoping some others will weigh in. Anyone have any experience in this area?

quote:

Originally posted by Don_Quixote:
Sorry for leaving a confusion in my questions. Nope, I'm not AEA, I was near elegible 35 years ago....but life happens and I spent 30 years keeping the wheels of industry rolling...(at least I'm not waiting tables between gigs now.) but no.

So the tour is a non-union tour. Have I got the part yet, no. But I've been through 3 auditions and now I've been asked to come to NY for a final audition with the powers that be. They could use the video they took, but hey...nothing like seeing it live vs memorex!

Before I take that step, on less than a weeks notice, (you can only imagine the airfare/hotel investment involved w/o advance booking) I'm trying to find out as much info about the touring companies, actor benefits, scheduling and etc... from anyone who may have been on the tour before.
Thanks for the fast response.

Wait a minute, they want you to fly to NY on the possibility of a job and YOU have to pay for the trip?

Something's fishy in the State of Denmark. Unless you were planning a visit to the Big Apple anyway, get them to pay for the trip or pass it up.

I have to disagree, Nick.

Even at the Broadway level, we often have to fly ourselves in for auditions. Once, on a second call-back, my agent did get the producers to fly me in, but he had to tell them they had to.

I'm sure that at the non-Equity level, it's less likely they'll fly an actor in for a call-back. Still, you can ask.

Actually, from everything I've seen so far this has all the makings of a first rate company and I believe it will be a terrific production.

The casting company (Dave Clemmons, my auditions/call backs were with him) was probably the most pleasurable experience I've ever had dealing with a CD. He was very thorough and honestly interested in getting me to give him the best I had to offer. Most impressive!

It's just been many years since I toured a show and I'm not familiar with who's who and the new rules of the game...soooooo...I'm researching it and that's what this board is all about.

I really appreciate the feedback of everyone.

Don_Q
Try asking on the PARF board.

(Delphi Forums - Professional Actors Resource Forum)

michael -

is there really that much controversy over non-union tours? its almost insulting to think it's "false advertising" just because the actors or the production are non union. that seems kind of silly to me to assume it would be of lesser quality considering there are plenty of incredibly talented people (including one of my friends who just got off the Rent national tour) who just havent been able to join equity for one reason or another.

do people really think that way? i had assumed a lot of major national tours were non-union.

jenalicious --

This can be a sensitive area, but I'll do my best to explain the controversy gently.

It isn't that non-union actors are less talented--not at all. But it is true that union membership represents a certain status in the profession, and reflects a certain level of accomplishment. Generally speaking (and this isn't always the case by any means), the overall level of training and accomplishment will be higher among Equity actors than among those who have yet to qualify to join the union. GENERALLY.

When audience members buy tickets to a First National Tour of a Broadway show, one that was directed, choreographed and designed by people at the top tier of their professions, their expectation is that they're seeing the top level of performing talent as well, not just very talented non-union actors.

Also, when a show is advertised as a "Broadway" tour, people assume they're seeing union actors because everyone on Broadway is in the union. So, SOME audience members who learn that they're seeing non-union casts feel duped. Some say that it's false advertising to call that a Broadway show.

In answer to your question, it is only very recently that Broadway tours have started going out non-union. As you can imagine, it was very controversial among actors who had previously made their livings doing National Tours. It used to be that you had to earn your union card before you could perform in such top level theatre jobs.

Now, I know that every time I address this subject, someone gets insulted, and that's not my intent. But it's worth thinking about the history, the audience expectation, and the frustration of actors who have worked to achieve union status, only to learn that their cards barred them from doing some Broadway tours.

Just to be clear: There are plenty of non-union tours that are not claiming to be Broadway tours. Those are perfectly fine, honest, endeavors, and many are of a top-notch quality. Nothing wrong with doing those.