Quote:
Originally Posted by Capi
I would agree with Porkchop. You should get paid in relation to the amount you do. And I think I've found a new goal in life after I graduate. Move to NYC, work my butt off for a long time, become a dept head, and finally make some good cash.  |
Yeah, but then what ?. You still are not in it for the money, which isn't that great.
One of the hightest paid stagehand positions in the US is a dept. head on Broadway, NYC. The base rate is (Or was - don't know 'bout the new contract, but it ain't a whole lot more) $1,650 per week. IF you work 52 weeks that's $85,800. About $42 hr. Seems like a lot, except.....
You cannot be the sole breadwinner in a household within commuting distance of Broadway on that salary.
Granted that there is add'l work during the week that add's OT and probably brings the salary up over $100,000, but that STILL ain't enough to support a family around these parts. Your SO better be working as well if you want a nice
house and want dental insurance that includes the kids.
I have 3 friends on B'dway. A few others at the Met Opera and a few at the TV studios. I would describe all of them as surviving and that's about it.
So no, Stagehands are most certainly not overpaid.
Oh and BTW. Your chances of becoming a Dept. Head anywhere is slim. There will be 20-30 stagehands as equally talented as you lined up before you waiting for that slot. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it's an extraordinarily competitive market and you need a ton of talent, a very good reputation (don't EVER show up somewhere late for a call) and mostly a lot of luck as well as good timing to be in the right place.....
Steve Bailey
Brooklyn College