How Much Should I Get Paid?

Hi,
I work as a technical director at a small, non-profit theater. I'm still a teenager, but I'm still expected to do all the technical work with no real help or oversight. I do all the sound and light design, installation and control for all the shows and other events that we run in the space, and right now I get paid about $125 for a 2 week show, including 2 tech weeks. For what often comes out to be 110+ hours of work, I think that just a little bit over 10% of minimum wage is a little bit low, but because of some restructuring in the organization, my pay is expected to drop to less then $100. Although I love the work I do, I still think it's reasonable to request compensation. Do you guys have an opinion? How much should I be paid, or should I be paid at all?

Thanks!

Asher

That's a tough question. It might be good to know how big the theater is, who else is getting paid and at what rate. Basic rule is never give away your skills for nothing. Base rate here in town is about $10 - $12 per hour for low level labor and it ranges up to $85 an hour for skilled leaders . You can always ask for a flat fee for design . Anywhere from $150 - $1500 is what you can get where I am depending on what you do and can offer. You really have to look at the company and see what they are willing to pay and ore importantly capable of paying. Start with a show pay. Years ago I got $25 a show to run tech on a cabaret in a bar. I trained for free and did 3 show a week. Look at your expenses., do you incur any expenses getting to work and back? That's an easy one to ask for compensation on meals, gas, and equipment. Maybe you should just go up to them and let them know you are feeling unappreciated and underpaid. If you don't let them know how you are feeling, they will never pay you more. Asking for a little more compensation could be a sign of maturity in there eyes as well.

It really depends on what you're providing for that fee. If you are getting paid $125 for your expertise, that being running sound and designing the lights in a theater that is already outfitted with equipment, then that is pretty much what you're going to be paid by a non-profit theater group. However, if you are providing gear or a crew, then you need to be paid more. Don't undersell yourself.

Last show I did was at a middle school. I got paid $750 for a 1 week show BUT that was for both my designs, and ALL the lights and infrastructure, and before paying my partner. Had to load in and rig multiple pipes and 25+ lights. That is where you're going to make your money. It really depends on who is paying, and what you're providing.

In my opinion, you're being underpaid. Is any of the equipment yours? If so, that is an easy way for you to get more money. Charge a rental fee or at least threaten to

Oh, another thing. Like Robert said, it depends alot on what they can pay. Recently I did a 1 day 2 show gig with a really small ballet company. I did lights and sound and provided all equipment, charged $200. They were reluctant, as they hardly made any money at all from that show, but they had no other choice. I kind of felt bad but, I had to make sure I didn't undersell myself.

Good luck and hang in there man.

Something it took me a long time to learn was how to break the feeling of loyalty to places that had given me great opportunity yet continually took advantage of me. It's like being in any type of abusive relationship. Weigh the pros and cons and make your own choice. I just feel that there are too many groups out there taking advantage of the passionate/desperate.

The teenage years are the perfect time to gain experience for little pay, but don't sacrifice the rest of your life for one place.

I think you have to consider the fact that it's a non-profit community theater. They depend on volunteers. Even key people are paid pretty much enough to cover their expenses and that's about it because that's all they can afford. If you believe you now have the experience to move to a more professional level, it may be time to look at what else is around. Just my two cents from being in that position.

Certainly look at who is being compensated and at what level. Non profits must disclose their financials so that the government can ensure that they are not a tax scam. You should be able to determine if the organization can afford to pay you more and that you are being compensated similarly to others with your level of skill and responsibility. I'm not sure how labor laws (including minimum wage) work with non profits, but I imagine that they might consider some of your work to be volunteer and other work you do to be compensated; you should find out what they think they are compensating you for and what they think you are doing as a volunteer. Of course your status as a minor also is a factor as there are additional labor laws for minors. If the organization can't afford more AND you are being compensated fairly compared to others who are compensated for work in the organization, then it's just up to you how much you can afford to volunteer with the organization. If the organization can afford more OR (and especially if) you are not being delt with fairly as compared to others, let them know that you feel underappreciated/underpaid and consider ending your relationship with the organization if they do not rectify the situation.

Thanks for all of the feedback, it really helps! Just to answer a few questions: I do have some travel expenses, but no more than a few dollars a week at most. As for personal gear, I have a lot of stuff that stays in the theater (My laptop and monitor for light control, a few mic, and quite a few cables) during shows. Our staff isn't paid much, maybe $10-$15 an hour average, but even then I only make about 10% of that. Also I have access to the building via both key and keypad, and manage the entire lighting/sound inventory unpaid, two details I left out originally. I get treated like full time staff, not just someone who gets contracted out, and I do a lot of work (Concerts and some shows) free. My name sits on the staff contact list, and I am expected to train others in both lights and sound. I think that about covers any information not in the original post, and again, thank you all so much for the feedback!