Running Your Theater: Dodged a Bullet?

Dodged a Bullet?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4730
Printed Date: 11/22/24 at 3:58pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Dodged a Bullet?

Posted By: GracieGarland
Subject: Dodged a Bullet?
Date Posted: 7/29/10 at 12:23am

Whew, I don't know if I just dodged a bullet or what? I'm attempting to work with someone who has connectionws to an expensive show specific set. Yet, she doesnt want me to know who or where the sets are coming from or where they will be stored. basically holding the sets hostage until I signed the contract she wanted....I am calling her bluff. I refused to move forward until I get the information, (for Tax and insurance reasons, but I didnt tell her that as I don't think I need to). I want to be fair and still will be but I think it is completely reasonable to ask for this information since our theater name is involved. I decided to put my foot down now as if I don't I fear I will have lost control. Have you experienced such behavior from a director/choregrapher/set designer? I thought I should let her know clearly what is expected up front and in no uncertain terms (as I have from the start). Thanks for letting me vent:)

Replies:

Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 7/29/10 at 1:37am

Maybe I'm not understanding .....

You have someone who, because of their contacts, can get you an expensive set. In order to secure it she wants a contract/agreement signed. She won't tell you where it is or how to access it until a contract is signed. Is that right?

If so, how is that holding you hostage? If I were her, I wouldn't tell you either. It sounds like you're trying to circumvent her and cut her out.

Lay out the contract with all your requirements and outputs. Negotiate the contract with her. Both parties sign the contract. Then both parties are responsible for meeting the terms of the contract.

If you don't like the contract that's being negotiated, then go somewhere else. If you don't think you can, then that's what is called having you, "over a barrel".

You said, "I thought I should let her know clearly what is expected up front and in no uncertain terms". Very true. It's called a contract and it goes both ways.

You say, "I fear I will have lost control". I disagree. You have total control of choosing to sign the contract or not. You have control to go elsewhere and negotiate contracts until you negotiate one that you like.

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KEB

Posted By: GracieGarland
Date Posted: 7/29/10 at 1:51am

she needs a non-profit to obtain the sets. I want a contract and will give full use of the sets for as long as she is with our company. she is for profit. she wants to obtain the sets in our name but not tell us where or who are involved. The state (I contacted) said we need the information as the sets are worth approx. 20k and for insurance reasons I need to know the who/what and whereabouts of the sets. I don't think Im unreasonable. Now I find out she cant rent a venue in this area because of her reputation. A little wary--you bet!

Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 8/03/10 at 5:21pm

So, the sets aren't for you. The sets are for her and she needs you to rent them. Then she needs to do whatever to make you happy. In that case, you are doing exactly right in asking for a contract with full disclosure.

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KEB