Fringe 2005 - How Not To Produce A Fringe Show - part 3: Whores

Even hookers know to get the money up front.

Now, of course, with the Fringe, we know this isn't possible. It's all dependent on the net box office receipts. The Fringe gets its cut. The artists get theirs. And its significant, as profit-sharing goes.

The Fringe lets the artists know in writing up front what the profit-sharing formula's going to be.

So work out your own with the artists that are working with you (and start thinking of them as working *with* you, not *for* you). Not just a verbal understanding. Get it in writing. That doesn't mean people don't trust one another. It's just common sense. If you leave it verbal, it's left to people's individual memories what the agreement was. Memory's a slippery thing and it's open to interpretation, and misinterpretation. If you put in it writing, simply, everyone has the same physical thing - ink on paper - to refer to. Fewer misunderstandings, less opportunities for unpleasant surprises and hurt feelings.

What you work out is up to you.

We're artists, we don't like thinking about money, or talking about it. It makes us uncomfortable. Like the art isn't pure if we sully it with discussions of money. Get over it.

There may be no money. But if there is, you should know what you're doing with it. You plan everything else about the production - casting, design, publicity, strike, etc. - you should plan this, too.

I used to go by the honor code. It only takes one time getting stiffed for royalties on something you worked very hard on, and you get practical.

First thing I did after I got stiffed for royalties the first time, I took a friend's advice. I joined the Dramatist's Guild. They take away some of the ick factor. It's not me all by myself asking for a contract, my union requires it. There are certain qualifications you need to have to join the Dramatists Guild. You meet them, and the dues payments, and to the Guild, you're a professional writer. They've got your back.

Whatever you have to do to prop yourself up (and believe me, I have just as many days as the next person feeling unworthy and weird talking about money), prop yourself up and get it in writing beforehand, do it.

It's just common sense.

Then you can go about the business of making the best art possible, and you don't have to worry about the other stuff. It's taken care of.

(For more of my writing - plays, past blog entries and more - visit www.matthewaeverett.com)