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  • 1.  Working with an Assistant or Co -Director due to an Emergency

    Posted 09-28-2017 17:59

    Good Afternoon,

     

    My father is in hospice and I am finding it necessary to bring in support to help me.  I have a wonderful co-worker who is willing to help me (she is also costuming for me) who has loads of experience as a projectionist, producer, costumer, and director.  But, I don't know how to pay her and how to use her.  I think that it is better to have her attend some rehearsals from the beginning so that she is able to step in if I have to leave suddenly, but the goal is not to GIVE her the show. I am hoping that the consistency of rehearsals and work will help me once my dad passes, so I plan to step back in or share upon return. 

     

    It's a tough situation, because it is impossible to plan for this.

     

    What is a good stipend to start with for the planning time/research time?  What should she be paid once she needs to actually run rehearsals for me?

     

    Has anyone ever been in this situation?

     

    Thanks,

    Ginny

     

    Ginny Schreiber

    Middle School Drama

    Forest Ridge School

    425-679-0143 | www.forestridge.org

    image001.png@01D3200D.7B116E80

     



  • 2.  RE: Working with an Assistant or Co -Director due to an Emergency

    Posted 09-29-2017 08:36
    Ginny,

    I think it might be very useful to give up more of this show than you have planned, and make your co-worker a co-director.  Sit down with her and spell out your vision of the play, and allow her to give her insights as well.  Have her attend every rehearsal, and allow her to direct a few scenes.  Allowing her creative input may very well improve the show, as well.  For the students' sake, if you were suddenly called away, she would have the authority and the vision to continue the show to the very end, if necessary.  For YOUR sake, you would not need to add the worry of the fate of your show during the stressful time with your father.  There will be other shows in the future.  You only have one ending with your dad.

    As far as payment, she could be paid well, but not as much as you.  Maybe you could arrange to pay her more if she had to take over completely.  In any case, this should be clearly set up before she began.

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    Mark Phillips
    Springboro OH
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Working with an Assistant or Co -Director due to an Emergency

    Posted 09-29-2017 10:17
    How timely this topic should come up, as it applies to me as well--and has led me to a lot of introspection.  Just his Monday, I was escorted from my 3rd hour as I had a stroke in class.  I have "medically" fully recovered without any permanent damage, but I'm hardly running on all cylinders--and of course need to reduce my stress level and activity level.  I've only returned to teaching part time at this point.

    We were in the final stages of blocking A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.  Thankfully, I have an incredibly proficient senior as my student director.  I made the tough decision, with her, to hand the rest of the actor-side of the show over to her.  I will still supervise and guide my techies, and I have other teachers that are playing "babysitter" so we have appropriate adult supervision.  In your case, I would really recommend you do the same, and bring your co-teacher on as a full co-director.  On a schedule that works for you, lay out your initial vision, character concepts, and a rehearsal plan.....but then let her take over.  It may not result in the same product as you would initially envision, but you are doing your students an immense educational service by teaching them 1)that different directors have different visions and styles and 2) one sometime must make very difficult decisions about priorities in their lives.

    As far as payment, I can't speak to that as in my school I have no authority to adjust or address compensation--but don't be afraid to split this role 50/50.  As arts teachers, we often feel so dedicated to our work and our kids that we feel we are abandoning them--but we must always care to ourselves and our families first.  If we've done the rest of our job, our kids will be just fine.  :-)

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    Jason Coats
    Junior Thespian Troupe 89009
    Westridge Middle School
    Overland Park, KS
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Working with an Assistant or Co -Director due to an Emergency

    Posted 09-29-2017 10:27
    It is so hard, but take care of yourself first!
    Consider bringing on this person as a Guest Director.  Allow them to Direct and you fill the role of producer. I did this for the first time last year and it was an amazing experience.  That way you can still be present as much as you want but know when you cannot be there it is fully covered.  I agree with Jason - it can be a great educational experience.
    Mark is also right - you only get one closing show with your Dad.   Invest your energy there and let others support you with their talents and abilities.  Your kiddos will rise to the challenge.
    Goodness Jason - take care of yourself!

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    Amy Learn
    Ballwin MO
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Working with an Assistant or Co -Director due to an Emergency

    Posted 09-30-2017 07:10
    Ginny, the question I have to ask myself in these situations is, ten years from now, what will I wish I had done?  What will be more important to me then?   Remember, as you step back from this while loving your kids, you will also be teaching how to address priorities in their lives as they watch you.  I would pay your assistant the percentage amount of what she has ends up doing for you.  If she takes over 70%, then pay her 70%.  That becomes a financial situation too because now you have also given up your income.  Again, in 10 years, what will matter to you more, the time spent with your Dad or the money that you made for this show?  If you decide to step back, remember your director will never be able to have your complete vision.  You will have to let go of your vision for the show as well and that is, for an artist, equally as hard.    I'm sorry you find yourself in this situation.  Praying for you this morning.

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    Valerie Scott
    Drama Teacher/Director
    Perimeter School
    Johns Creek, Ga
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Working with an Assistant or Co -Director due to an Emergency

    Posted 09-30-2017 09:37
    Hi, 

    First, let me offer my empathy for the situation you are experiencing. I was in this situation with my dad last year, before he passed. My heart is with you. 

    I reached out to a colleague & friend and had her do much more than I initially desired to give over and it was the best choice I could have made. It enhanced our professional relationship and collaboration. Choose someone you can feel confident - if needed - to give over the process/production to fully. By doing this, you might take the "responsibility" load off of yourself.

    I thoroughly second Mark's comment. Shape the answer so that you will have no regrets. And know that you will likely need to have this individual do more than you want at this moment. Give yourself the space to give over as much of the show as you need to, so that you can be with your Dad and fully present during this time of transition.

    I arranged an hourly rate with my colleague that was in the median for our area. This was a scenario that worked for us. Perhaps is it knowing a fair stipend rate in your area and then estimating the percentage of the job they will likely cover for you. 

    Also - reach out to your theatre community and let them know you are going through this. Sometimes, wonderful people will come forward (and work for slightly less) because they are paying forward help they received in similar situations. 

    Wishing you a peaceful and gentle outcome, 
    Dylan

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    Dylan Russell
    Chair VPA & Drama Director
    Jewish Community High School of the Bay
    San Francisco CA
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    Original Message


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