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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 13:51:22 GMT
I agree, it is hardly the biggest disaster of our generation. At least it is a small theatre so less staff are effected. This happens more than you think in the West End for a few weeks. Once a show is announced (no doubt in the next couple of weeks) the box office at the theatre opens up again and staff slowly return. They will be fine.
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Aug 28, 2016 13:55:00 GMT
with it being dark. You forget they still have to pay box office, ushers, tech crew etc Is this true? Or are there just a handful of key permanent staff and most others casually employed as and when required? And can some of the permanent ones be temporarily redeployed to cover staff on leave at other Cam Mack theatres, which could be cheaper than employing additional cover there? I'm sure Theresa May will convene a COBRA meeting to discuss this crisis situation as a matter of urgency. I can't imagine the unions are happy either. That poor army of ushers, standing there night after night in the darkness with no customers to show to their seats, while the team of box office staff sit there twiddling their thumbs, longing for the sight of a customer. Still, this would count as a busy night at The Go Between so they should probably count their blessings. Panic over!
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Post by Hamilton Addict on Aug 28, 2016 14:25:03 GMT
Is this true? Or are there just a handful of key permanent staff and most others casually employed as and when required? And can some of the permanent ones be temporarily redeployed to cover staff on leave at other Cam Mack theatres, which could be cheaper than employing additional cover there? That poor army of ushers, standing there night after night in the darkness with no customers to show to their seats. I actually think that the ushers really want to show people their seats. At The Colour Purple on Broadway, we were making our way to our seats and the usher asked us to wait at for her. I'm sure we would've been able to find the seats by ourselves, but she was determined to help us LOL.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 14:29:02 GMT
The ushers, tech team etc will probably not go in every night but they still need to be payed as this is their job and it isn't their fault there is no show at that venue.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 14:31:56 GMT
The ushers, tech team etc will probably not go in every night but they still need to be payed as this is their job and it isn't their fault there is no show at that venue. I had a job interview for a theatre in the West End, some Ushers are given contracts to match the contracts of the show do they are not out of work, they were intended to leave anyway.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 14:36:11 GMT
The ushers, tech team etc will probably not go in every night but they still need to be payed as this is their job and it isn't their fault there is no show at that venue. I had a job interview for a theatre in the West End, some Ushers are given contracts to match the contracts of the show do they are not out of work, they were intended to leave anyway. But the majority of ushers work full time for the theatre company (ATG, CamMac etc) so they can be moved in and around of the theatres owned by the company. I was based at a theatre in London a few weeks ago for a week and the ushers were telling me all about their roles and most of them had been their for several months over several shows. You have loads of roles in theatre like stage door keeper, administrator, managers, ushers, box office, cellar, technical crew etc and all these people must be payed by the company but when they are dark, there is no money being made from ticket and merchandise sales to pay them thus they loose money
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 14:54:43 GMT
I had a job interview for a theatre in the West End, some Ushers are given contracts to match the contracts of the show do they are not out of work, they were intended to leave anyway. But the majority of ushers work full time for the theatre company (ATG, CamMac etc) so they can be moved in and around of the theatres owned by the company. I was based at a theatre in London a few weeks ago for a week and the ushers were telling me all about their roles and most of them had been their for several months over several shows. You have loads of roles in theatre like stage door keeper, administrator, managers, ushers, box office, cellar, technical crew etc and all these people must be payed by the company but when they are dark, there is no money being made from ticket and merchandise sales to pay them thus they loose money Obviously I am aware of all of this. You do realise the vast majority have to stay though right, even when a show is closed? I work in a well known UK theatre and have for 6 Months and we are in our month of no shows at the minute for refurb. The tech team have to stay to make the fixtures safe, the management stay to prep for the next show, clening and maintinance is done. Only the ushers/merch and bar staff, as well as maybe one or two people from each department leave, and they transfer to other ares. Some in London, some aorund the UK. It really is not as big a deal as being made out. Once the current show ends, if a new show is announced this week or next, it is just a holiday for most of the staff anyway.
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Post by broadwaylover99 on Aug 28, 2016 14:56:16 GMT
[quote author="@westendlover" source=[/quote] when they are dark, there is no money being made from ticket and merchandise sales to pay them thus they loose money [/quote]
Trust me, they aren't losing money by not having the theatre have a show in. CamMack is anything but strapped for cash so they will most definitely not be struggling for money
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 15:03:16 GMT
But the majority of ushers work full time for the theatre company (ATG, CamMac etc) so they can be moved in and around of the theatres owned by the company. I was based at a theatre in London a few weeks ago for a week and the ushers were telling me all about their roles and most of them had been their for several months over several shows. You have loads of roles in theatre like stage door keeper, administrator, managers, ushers, box office, cellar, technical crew etc and all these people must be payed by the company but when they are dark, there is no money being made from ticket and merchandise sales to pay them thus they loose money Obviously I am aware of all of this. You do realise the vast majority have to stay though right, even when a show is closed? I work in a well known UK theatre and have for 6 Months and we are in our month of no shows at the minute for refurb. The tech team have to stay to make the fixtures safe, the management stay to prep for the next show, clening and maintinance is done. Only the ushers/merch and bar staff, as well as maybe one or two people from each department leave, and they transfer to other ares. Some in London, some aorund the UK. It really is not as big a deal as being made out. Once the current show ends, if a new show is announced this week or next, it is just a holiday for most of the staff anyway. Of course I know this. Lots of theatres go dark in the west end for a couple of weeks in between shows but they almost always have a show in advance which is open to booking. To have one show close and not have another one announced is very unusual in London especially when there is so many shows looking for venues. They're not making money now, are they?
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Post by Honoured Guest on Aug 28, 2016 15:07:12 GMT
They're not making money now, are they? Presumably they were making a bigger weekly loss while their last show was running, which is why they closed it a month early?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 15:09:42 GMT
They're not making money now, are they? Presumably they were making a bigger weekly loss while their last show was running, which is why they closed it a month early? Impossible was always only ever on until the 27th August anyway?? And I doubt they wouldn't closed it early if nothing else was lined up for the theatre?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 15:17:54 GMT
So... Day 1 of what seems like the Noel Coward's eternal darkness...
If there were no rumors for Half A Sixpence, I would suggest Groundhog Day gets in there as soon as it finishes at the Old Vic in 3 weeks - and put the Broadway transfer on hold for a year or so!
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Aug 28, 2016 15:17:56 GMT
Of course I know this. Lots of theatres go dark in the west end for a couple of weeks in between shows but they almost always have a show in advance which is open to booking. To have one show close and not have another one announced is very unusual in London especially when there is so many shows looking for venues. They're not making money now, are they? Does it really matter?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 15:21:34 GMT
Obviously I am aware of all of this. You do realise the vast majority have to stay though right, even when a show is closed? I work in a well known UK theatre and have for 6 Months and we are in our month of no shows at the minute for refurb. The tech team have to stay to make the fixtures safe, the management stay to prep for the next show, clening and maintinance is done. Only the ushers/merch and bar staff, as well as maybe one or two people from each department leave, and they transfer to other ares. Some in London, some aorund the UK. It really is not as big a deal as being made out. Once the current show ends, if a new show is announced this week or next, it is just a holiday for most of the staff anyway. Of course I know this. Lots of theatres go dark in the west end for a couple of weeks in between shows but they almost always have a show in advance which is open to booking. To have one show close and not have another one announced is very unusual in London especially when there is so many shows looking for venues. They're not making money now, are they? Thats showbiz honey. If you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen. sh*t happens, those who work at the theatre know that.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Aug 28, 2016 15:24:00 GMT
Perhaps the ushers and the box office staff could jump on the stage and put on a show, if they're really there every moment of the day with absolutely nothing to do.
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Post by theatremadness on Aug 28, 2016 15:24:52 GMT
Is this now a competition to see who knows the most about dark theatres?? Do we hope that the Noel Coward loses £3 million a week just so someone is proved correct?
It's an epidemic! But obviously we all already know this.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 15:30:19 GMT
Is this now a competition to see who knows the most about dark theatres?? Do we hope that the Noel Coward loses £3 million a week just so someone is proved correct? It's an epidemic! But obviously we all already know this. I agree, my comments were trying to calm the fact it was being made out to be the the biggest disaster since the Titanic sinking in 1912. ... that being said, Titanic should transfer to the Noel Coward.
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Post by theatremadness on Aug 28, 2016 15:35:28 GMT
Is this now a competition to see who knows the most about dark theatres?? Do we hope that the Noel Coward loses £3 million a week just so someone is proved correct? It's an epidemic! But obviously we all already know this. I agree, my comments were trying to calm the fact it was being made out to be the the biggest disaster since the Titanic sinking in 1912. ... that being said, Titanic should transfer to the Noel Coward. That'd be a good fit actually!! Or maybe they're demolishing the theatre and turning it into a block of flats?
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 15:40:57 GMT
I agree, my comments were trying to calm the fact it was being made out to be the the biggest disaster since the Titanic sinking in 1912. ... that being said, Titanic should transfer to the Noel Coward. That'd be a good fit actually!! Or maybe they're demolishing the theatre and turning it into a block of flats? Yeah, lets get Titanic in! May need some names to sell it though, I wonder if Sheridan is free...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 16:44:14 GMT
Perhaps the ushers and the box office staff could jump on the stage and put on a show, if they're really there every moment of the day with absolutely nothing to do. I never said they were there every day when it's dark. They're either going to be at home or will be at another CamMac theatre. Even if they're at home though they still get paid I think
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 16:46:46 GMT
Of course I know this. Lots of theatres go dark in the west end for a couple of weeks in between shows but they almost always have a show in advance which is open to booking. To have one show close and not have another one announced is very unusual in London especially when there is so many shows looking for venues. They're not making money now, are they? Thats showbiz honey. If you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen. sh*t happens, those who work at the theatre know that. Just because you work in a theatre doesn't mean you know more than people who don't? I had a course in London a few weeks back and I was at a theatre in London for 3 days working with the people who work there so I know quite a bit of day to day life in a WE theatre All I said in the first place was that I was surprised nothing has been confirmed yet as its unusual to close a show with nothing else lined up.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 16:48:16 GMT
Perhaps the ushers and the box office staff could jump on the stage and put on a show, if they're really there every moment of the day with absolutely nothing to do. I never said they were there every day when it's dark. They're either going to be at home or will be at another CamMac theatre. Even if there at home though they still get payed I think Dependant on their contract type. Some will get holiday pay, some will move theatres, some will leave the job. Also, "they are" and "paid". Haha.
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Post by Jon on Aug 28, 2016 16:55:32 GMT
It's possible the theatre having a small refurb before the next show is coming in, it's not unusual and the West End isn't in crisis
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Post by danb on Aug 28, 2016 16:55:57 GMT
Thats showbiz honey. If you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen. sh*t happens, those who work at the theatre know that. Just because you work in a theatre doesn't mean you know more than people who don't? I had a course in London a few weeks back and I was at a theatre in London for 3 days working with the people who work there so I know quite a bit of day to day life in a WE theatre All I said in the first place was that I was surprised nothing has been confirmed yet as its unusual to close a show with nothing else lined up. Unusual, but not unheard of George. Depending how large the production is, and how deep the Producers pockets are, they could just give a weeks notice if it was the difference between going under or saving some of their investment. (And also the perameters of the original contract with the theatre, crew and cast). Please don't lapse into know-it-all mode again; it is most unnappealing and does you and your enthusiasm a disservice. 👍
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 17:05:07 GMT
Thats showbiz honey. If you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen. sh*t happens, those who work at the theatre know that. Just because you work in a theatre doesn't mean you know more than people who don't? I had a course in London a few weeks back and I was at a theatre in London for 3 days working with the people who work there so I know quite a bit of day to day life in a WE theatre All I said in the first place was that I was surprised nothing has been confirmed yet as its unusual to close a show with nothing else lined up. I didn't say I know more than anyone else just because I work in a theatre. It is common knowlage that theatre is a game of Russian Roulette. Anything can flop. Both actors and people who work in the theatre know that and know what they are getting into when they sign up for a show. And your comment kind of makes no sense that you imply I am trying to be a know it all but then you say you know know quite a bit...
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 17:06:31 GMT
Ushers don't get paid when they don't work. You get paid per shift. In-House tech teams get paid for the duration, but this really isn't as dramatic as everyone is making out.
Half A Sixpence is about to announce. They're waiting for it to close in Chichester first.
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Post by Hamilton Addict on Aug 28, 2016 17:07:25 GMT
Just because you work in a theatre doesn't mean you know more than people who don't? I had a course in London a few weeks back and I was at a theatre in London for 3 days working with the people who work there so I know quite a bit of day to day life in a WE theatre All I said in the first place was that I was surprised nothing has been confirmed yet as its unusual to close a show with nothing else lined up. And your comment kind of makes no sense that you imply I am trying to be a know it all but then you say you know know quite a bit...
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Post by theatremadness on Aug 28, 2016 17:14:21 GMT
Lovely George, people are not trying to get into a competition with you. This is not a "who knows most about the West End wins" type situation. People are just giving you context as to how they know what they know - exactly as you are entitled to do, but getting so defensive is just going to rattle people's cages.
I think the main thing, above people getting paid and losing money etc, is that what people are trying to get through is that it's really not necessarily all that "remarkable how nothing has been confirmed" and that it's not a "terrible situation". As others have said, the West End is not in crisis and mrmusicals, who I find a very reliable poster, has just assured everyone that an announcement will come.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2016 17:28:19 GMT
Just because you work in a theatre doesn't mean you know more than people who don't? I had a course in London a few weeks back and I was at a theatre in London for 3 days working with the people who work there so I know quite a bit of day to day life in a WE theatre All I said in the first place was that I was surprised nothing has been confirmed yet as its unusual to close a show with nothing else lined up. Unusual, but not unheard of George. Depending how large the production is, and how deep the Producers pockets are, they could just give a weeks notice if it was the difference between going under or saving some of their investment. (And also the perameters of the original contract with the theatre, crew and cast). Please don't lapse into know-it-all mode again; it is most unnappealing and does you and your enthusiasm a disservice. 👍 Yeah I'm really, really sorry to everyone. I read my posts again and I realised I was abit of an idiot. I think I just get quite fed up of some people (not necessarily all on here) thinking that I don't know much at all about the theatre world because of my age when actually I love to research and follow it all. That might be me just being stupid but I sometimes feel like that with occasional people, that I'm almost inexperienced. Sorry again if I got to defensive...
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Post by barricadegirl86 on Aug 28, 2016 17:30:19 GMT
Half A Sixpence is about to announce. They're waiting for it to close in Chichester first. Woo Hoo! A comment resembling a rumour! At last. This thread went straight from being "I wish/think" to "who gets paid what when the theatre's dark".
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