Apocalypse Perth

Well...not quite that much. But yes, I can name that tune... Spontaneous Insanity's 'This Is Your Life (Sort Of)' was a pretty good money spinner for us. (It was actually last year, but within 12 months). Four of us in the cast plus a tech, and my share was a bit over $1500. We had covered our costs, which was a little bit of T-shirt printing, a box of cheap props, and some very efficient marketing. Of course, the reason we made money was because there was NO rehearsal. Being an improv show, we might have spent half an hour in nutting out the format, tops. No rehearsal meant no petrol spent, no parking fees, no lines to learn so nothing stopping us from getting other work. And it helped that we had many audience members return to see the show 2 or 3 times, so we totally filled every night of the season in the main theatre. No personal outlay meant it was a net profit. Unfortunately, you are correct to imply that most shows would never manage this. Earlier last year in 'The Mozart Faction', I made substantially less. The fact that the show had bigger overheads and a crew of about 13 meant that there wasn't a big return to any individual, even though that show, too, sold out most of its performances and added shows. When I factor in my time spent rehearsing, my travel costs, the opportunity cost (turning down other weekend jobs because I had rehearsals and lines to learn), I most probably lost money. Which is okay, because I didn't do either of those shows to become rich. I did them to become famous! They were bloody good shows which were well acclaimed and totally worth doing even if it cost me to participate. As is this one. The bit I don't quite get in this thread are those with the underlying presumption that Apocalypse Perth is raking in the money, and somehow owes everybody else on this website part of those takings? On what grounds? The reality is: everyone who's intellectual property was used signed a contract and got standard recompense. (In my opinion, the Rice's may have been too generous in some instances; but it's clear that they value intellectual property and have strong principles.) They have also guaranteed the cast a payment up front, which is also rather generous. They will end up bearing all of the risk. We're in the smaller venue, so even if we do sell out, there's not a big margin for any profit. Cast of four, tech operator, lighting designer, musician, set painter, marketing and overheads all dip their hand in and thin out anything they are likely to split between them. The rest of us, with this payment in hand, then deduct the usual amounts for time spent rehearsing (I've taken time off other work, which I'll have to make up), travel and parking, and extra expenses like having to eat out a lot (I haven't been free to do any grocery shopping for a few weeks!). To the people (or more likely the person who keeps posting under different names) ...who maybe feels miffed that their contribution wasn't used...and keeps insisting that we split the proceeds with them, I give you this offer: You can share with me, equally, any net takings I am likely to make from this show. Of course as I estimate I am already in the red, and as far as this production is concerned, will probably remain so...that means you already owe me - at least a couple of meals. Cheers, Craig ~<8>-/====\---------