Omnibus Antes the Ups
Sat, 9 Oct 1999, 05:41 amBrooke Forward5 posts in thread
Omnibus Antes the Ups
Sat, 9 Oct 1999, 05:41 amThis is the first time I've really checked this out, but perhaps
pre-maturely, I am going to defend Omnibus productions for the cost in
tickets.First and foremost, I am a cast member, and no, actors are not paid.
Musicians, and crew are though. Please keep in mind that "The Secret
Garden" is only running for three days, putting on five shows. I dont
know if anybody here has put on a show at the Regal, but hiring the
venue for nine days is not a cheap venture.Quite frankly I think it's great to see Omnibus move on from their
productions at the Fremantle Town Hall. I have done several shows for
Omnibus, which were earlier on, and by far this is the most
proffesional show they have done. The leads are superb, and the show
has an all round strong cast. I dont believe I have seen a cast so good
since Playlovers did their production of "Chess" in 1996. Everybody
should do themselves a favour, and try and come along to see the show.
You might all get a nice surprise.Brooke Forward.
pre-maturely, I am going to defend Omnibus productions for the cost in
tickets.First and foremost, I am a cast member, and no, actors are not paid.
Musicians, and crew are though. Please keep in mind that "The Secret
Garden" is only running for three days, putting on five shows. I dont
know if anybody here has put on a show at the Regal, but hiring the
venue for nine days is not a cheap venture.Quite frankly I think it's great to see Omnibus move on from their
productions at the Fremantle Town Hall. I have done several shows for
Omnibus, which were earlier on, and by far this is the most
proffesional show they have done. The leads are superb, and the show
has an all round strong cast. I dont believe I have seen a cast so good
since Playlovers did their production of "Chess" in 1996. Everybody
should do themselves a favour, and try and come along to see the show.
You might all get a nice surprise.Brooke Forward.
Re: Omnibus Antes the Ups
Mon, 11 Oct 1999, 09:34 pmHi James> The crew members that got paid were the stage manager, assistant
> stage manager and also the regal crew. Why does it matter that the
> actors dont get paid anyway?What does it matter if the muso's don't get paid? The director doesn't get paid? The theatre doesn't get paid? The light bill doesn't get paid? The phone bill doesn't get paid?Hey, why pay anyone? Why pay for a ticket?I hoped i'd made this point clear in my original post. There are far too few opportunities for actors to earn a living at their craft in this town. In my view, this production is another example of a private company standing to make a tidy sum on the backs of unpaid performers; some of whom are probably very deserving of an honest wage for their efforts.To rephrase your question: Why does it matter that the "business partners" don't get paid?> They know that full well when they sign
> up to do the show. They do it because they like to perform.That's it, isn't it? Because someone likes to act, because they enjoy doing "it", it's not real work?You'd better make sure those muso's aren't having a good time, and while you're at it, tell the crew to stop smiling.As long as people think they can replace an actor hoping to earn a crust with one desparate to do it for fun, they'll kid themselves there's no difference between a paid and non-paid performer.> Even still,
> Omnibus has already lost a lot of money to do with the show going
> on, then not going on, and change of dates.Have you seen the accounts?> So what if the tickets
> are too overly priced for you.I occasionally pay far more than this for tickets. I've also paid a hell of a lot less to see unfunded, professional shows that pay the whole cast and crew.> I just think that you have missed out
> on this one, as their have been numerous commetns by people who have
> seen both the Melbourne and Perth production and have said that the
> perth produiction is much better.I'm sure it is a very good show. Maybe i did miss out on something special - this time.I'm also thinking ahead. I want to look forward to being able to see more and better shows. I'm saving my money to invest in shows that provide incentives to western australian actors to live and work in this town.> I don't understand what gives you the right to judge omninbus
> just becasue of what they do with their financial records and how
> much they charge for ticketsErm... the same authority that gives you the right to support them?I think Omnibus is doing some great work - not earth shattering stuff, but they have worked hard to build an audience and they are regularly attracting people to live entertainment. The few shows i've seen were of a good standard. They are also providing some excellent opportunities for, particularly, younger performers to gain valuable experience. So does the rest of community and amateur theatre.Four years ago at $20-odd per ticket Omnibus claimed to be looking forward to paying at least some actors. Four years later and double the price i'm waiting to see it happen.Cheers
Grant
> stage manager and also the regal crew. Why does it matter that the
> actors dont get paid anyway?What does it matter if the muso's don't get paid? The director doesn't get paid? The theatre doesn't get paid? The light bill doesn't get paid? The phone bill doesn't get paid?Hey, why pay anyone? Why pay for a ticket?I hoped i'd made this point clear in my original post. There are far too few opportunities for actors to earn a living at their craft in this town. In my view, this production is another example of a private company standing to make a tidy sum on the backs of unpaid performers; some of whom are probably very deserving of an honest wage for their efforts.To rephrase your question: Why does it matter that the "business partners" don't get paid?> They know that full well when they sign
> up to do the show. They do it because they like to perform.That's it, isn't it? Because someone likes to act, because they enjoy doing "it", it's not real work?You'd better make sure those muso's aren't having a good time, and while you're at it, tell the crew to stop smiling.As long as people think they can replace an actor hoping to earn a crust with one desparate to do it for fun, they'll kid themselves there's no difference between a paid and non-paid performer.> Even still,
> Omnibus has already lost a lot of money to do with the show going
> on, then not going on, and change of dates.Have you seen the accounts?> So what if the tickets
> are too overly priced for you.I occasionally pay far more than this for tickets. I've also paid a hell of a lot less to see unfunded, professional shows that pay the whole cast and crew.> I just think that you have missed out
> on this one, as their have been numerous commetns by people who have
> seen both the Melbourne and Perth production and have said that the
> perth produiction is much better.I'm sure it is a very good show. Maybe i did miss out on something special - this time.I'm also thinking ahead. I want to look forward to being able to see more and better shows. I'm saving my money to invest in shows that provide incentives to western australian actors to live and work in this town.> I don't understand what gives you the right to judge omninbus
> just becasue of what they do with their financial records and how
> much they charge for ticketsErm... the same authority that gives you the right to support them?I think Omnibus is doing some great work - not earth shattering stuff, but they have worked hard to build an audience and they are regularly attracting people to live entertainment. The few shows i've seen were of a good standard. They are also providing some excellent opportunities for, particularly, younger performers to gain valuable experience. So does the rest of community and amateur theatre.Four years ago at $20-odd per ticket Omnibus claimed to be looking forward to paying at least some actors. Four years later and double the price i'm waiting to see it happen.Cheers
Grant