Open Forum

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

I've never paid for a guest artist, but there are a few factors to consider. What is their pedigree (training, education, credentials, certification, etc)? How far are they traveling? Are they distributing any materials to the students, or purchasing any supplies that their fee would cover the cost of? Depending on the answers to these questions, I could justify that cost - but I can also view it as overcharging. With 100 kids, $17.50 per person for a master class in Shakespeare doesn't seem too bad.

------------------------------
Josh Kauffman
Teacher
Winfield AL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2019 10:55
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

Original Message------

I've never paid for a guest artist, but there are a few factors to consider. What is their pedigree (training, education, credentials, certification, etc)? How far are they traveling? Are they distributing any materials to the students, or purchasing any supplies that their fee would cover the cost of? Depending on the answers to these questions, I could justify that cost - but I can also view it as overcharging. With 100 kids, $17.50 per person for a master class in Shakespeare doesn't seem too bad.

------------------------------
Josh Kauffman
Teacher
Winfield AL
------------------------------

Hi Charles,
You may want to see if one of the universities within driving distance (UMass at Falmouth? Providence?) would send an instructor as a recruiting opportunity. I had CSU Fullerton reach out to me in September and it was great. You also have the Provincetown Playhouse within range. But for perspective, I had guests artists working on a production as actors with my students (for five weeks) and it ran $3K for rehearsals and performances at Equity rates. It may be less expensive to rent a bus and turn it into a university theater department field trip and master class, and get the kids out for the day. Plenty of universities won't charge to go to them.
Regards,
Joe

------------------------------
Joseph D'Aquino
Newport Harbor High School
Theater Department Program Director
Newport Beach, CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2019 10:55
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

Original Message------

Hi Charles,
You may want to see if one of the universities within driving distance (UMass at Falmouth? Providence?) would send an instructor as a recruiting opportunity. I had CSU Fullerton reach out to me in September and it was great. You also have the Provincetown Playhouse within range. But for perspective, I had guests artists working on a production as actors with my students (for five weeks) and it ran $3K for rehearsals and performances at Equity rates. It may be less expensive to rent a bus and turn it into a university theater department field trip and master class, and get the kids out for the day. Plenty of universities won't charge to go to them.
Regards,
Joe

------------------------------
Joseph D'Aquino
Newport Harbor High School
Theater Department Program Director
Newport Beach, CA
------------------------------

I've had a guest artist (local professional film and stage actor) come in recently from 3 hours away. He charged $500 for a half-day, catering to 44 students.

------------------------------
Maralie Medlin
Director of Fine Arts
Gaston Christian School
Gastonia, NC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2019 10:55
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

100 kids is a large group for 90 mins.  You're essentially having an in-school field trip; the show is coming to the kids rather than the kids to the show. The size of the audience is always a factor in pricing for guest artists.  For a program as you describe, the price seems fair.

Before you commit, be sure to talk with other teachers with whom this grouped has worked.  Testimonials are a very practical way to determine the value of guest artists.  

When I quote costs for the master classes I teach, an option I often give is to bring an extra teaching artist and spread out the workshops.  For example: We would do a 45 minute performance with three actors and then each actor would take a groups of students to lead smaller, interactive workshops.  It's the same money as two performers, but the workshops are much more manageable.

Perhaps you could investigate such options.

------------------------------
Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Fine Arts Head
Northwest Whitfield HS (dba, The Northwest Theatre Co.)
Tunnel Hill, GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2019 10:55
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

Thank you all for the input. We too call this kind of session an "in-school field trip." 

I actually have negotiated with the teaching artists and they are willing to come down to a figure more within our means and still meet our needs. Thank you for your 
thoughts..

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-28-2019 14:59
From: Josh Ruben
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

100 kids is a large group for 90 mins.  You're essentially having an in-school field trip; the show is coming to the kids rather than the kids to the show. The size of the audience is always a factor in pricing for guest artists.  For a program as you describe, the price seems fair.

Before you commit, be sure to talk with other teachers with whom this grouped has worked.  Testimonials are a very practical way to determine the value of guest artists.

When I quote costs for the master classes I teach, an option I often give is to bring an extra teaching artist and spread out the workshops.  For example: We would do a 45 minute performance with three actors and then each actor would take a groups of students to lead smaller, interactive workshops.  It's the same money as two performers, but the workshops are much more manageable.

Perhaps you could investigate such options.

------------------------------
Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Fine Arts Head
Northwest Whitfield HS (dba, The Northwest Theatre Co.)
Tunnel Hill, GA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2019 10:55
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------

I've been told that I undercharge, but my fee has always been $500 + Lodging for a stand-alone workshop, and $300 when booked along with a full performance. 

Tim

------------------------------
Tim Mooney
www.timmooneyrep.com
www.moliere-in-english.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2019 12:16
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

Thank you all for the input. We too call this kind of session an "in-school field trip."

I actually have negotiated with the teaching artists and they are willing to come down to a figure more within our means and still meet our needs. Thank you for your
thoughts..

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-28-2019 14:59
From: Josh Ruben
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

100 kids is a large group for 90 mins.  You're essentially having an in-school field trip; the show is coming to the kids rather than the kids to the show. The size of the audience is always a factor in pricing for guest artists.  For a program as you describe, the price seems fair.

Before you commit, be sure to talk with other teachers with whom this grouped has worked.  Testimonials are a very practical way to determine the value of guest artists.

When I quote costs for the master classes I teach, an option I often give is to bring an extra teaching artist and spread out the workshops.  For example: We would do a 45 minute performance with three actors and then each actor would take a groups of students to lead smaller, interactive workshops.  It's the same money as two performers, but the workshops are much more manageable.

Perhaps you could investigate such options.

------------------------------
Josh Ruben, M. Ed.
Fine Arts Head
Northwest Whitfield HS (dba, The Northwest Theatre Co.)
Tunnel Hill, GA

Original Message:
Sent: 09-25-2019 10:55
From: Charles Clute
Subject: Cost for Guest Artists

I am trying to put together a proposal for 2 guest artists to come in to do a 90 minute master class in Shakespeare, which will consist mostly of the two of them performing scenes from plays in the curriculum plus working with students a bit. This will be a large classroom setting for 4 classes (about 100 kids). It is in no way a school assembly.

I have been quoted $1,750 for the cost of this gig, which seems wildly excessive. Thoughts ? Does anyone feel comfortable sharing what they've paid in the recent past for similar sessions ?

------------------------------
Charles Clute
retired
Chatham MA
------------------------------