January 4, 2008
by: Luigi
Anonymous Guest Writer
Ever wonder what the major motivation is for an actor accepting a part? There are lots of factors of course and we may discuss others of them at a later date but for now lets look at two major motivators: the role and the pay.
Which of these is number one priority probably depends on the actor and his/her circumstances at the time. For one who has been out of work for a while or has obligations to take care of, the pay scale may be the most important factor. For one who has been type-cast or has been relegated to walk-ons for too long, the role may be the carrot that can’t be resisted.
In initial discussions an actor may ask for a specific part in a show. “This is the role I have always wanted to do.” Getting the requested part could be the deciding factor for the actor accepting or rejecting the job. If the desired role is not the one offered, an actor just might turn down the offer – regardless of the pay scale. But, dangle that juicy role or the one that actor has been wishing for and pay negotiations may get easier.
Pay scales are determined to a certain extent by the theatre’s contract with Equity. That is, equity minimum is set in the contract. The producer can certainly offer more than minimum if the budget will allow it and if the actor in question is worth more in terms of talent or draw. The theatre is required to pay all equity actors at least the contract minimum but is not required to pay all actors the same and, non-equity actors often take the hit as there is no minimum required for non-equity actors.
Looks like there is no definitive answer to which of the two major considerations ($$ and role) is the deciding factor. Makes the casting an interesting and sometimes very complex activity.
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