What is a new procedure in filing Special contracts??
The “new” contract procedure (effective January 1, 2005) requires the
Member to retain the “Member” copy upon signing and submit the “SSDC Member
File” copy to SSDC. This new procedure will now give equal responsibility
of filing a contract to the Producer as well as to the Member. This will
also protect you in cases where the Producer has neglected to send in the
Special contract to document of your employment. Be sure that the copy you
send to SSDC is legible. Special contracts will not be accepted by SSDC if
received more than 90 days after the first rehearsal date.
I am an SSDC member and the Artistic Director of a small theatre.
Must I file a Special Contract?
Yes. Every SSDC member MUST file a contract. Being the Producer and
Director of a particular production does not exempt you from filing a
contract. This will assure that the work will remain your exclusive
property.
A friend of mine is a new Producer and wants me to direct. I have
agreed to do so without compensation. Do I still need to file a
contract?
Yes. It is possible to file a "zero" contract (no compensation). No
Pension or Health contributions would be required, but by filing, you
have secured: (1) Property Rights, (2) the Right of first refusal if the
show is licensed, co-produced or produced by the Employer again, (3)
Electronic Rights, which prohibits the employer from taping or
reproducing the production without a separate agreement, (4) Billing,
which requires that the SSDC emblem be in programs or houseboards.I'm choreographing a show at a small Theatre on the brink of bankruptcy.
They have asked if I would be willing to waive the health contribution
since I am already covered under another Employer's Health plan. Is this
possible?
No. Health contributions are required under the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act (ERISA), the primary law which governs the
provisions of benefits under the Fund. To waive such responsibilities is
against US law.
I've been hired to direct a show at a University. Due to state
policy, the University cannot contribute to outside pension and health
funds. Can I waive pension and health on this job?
No. Again - due to the ERISA law, P&H is required. If the University
cannot provide these payments because of state or school policy, a
special agreement between SSDC and U/RTA (University Resident Theatre
Association) has been developed specifically for this purpose. The U/RTA
contract is very much like the SSDC Special contract but avoids
administrative problems preventing you from being employed as a Guest
Artist. Please call the SSDC office to find out more about the U/RTA
contract.
A Producer would like to hire me to direct at his Theatre, but is
extremely “Union Phobic”. He fears that signing an SSDC contract would
tie his Theatre to the Union. Is this true?
No. The Theatre is not bound to any Union security provisions. The
Special contract does not in any way obligate the Theatre to hire SSDC
members on their future productions. It is to be used only when hiring
SSDC members on a per production basis.
I've been offered to direct a show in a foreign country. Do I need
to file a contract if I am working outside the United States?
No. SSDC is unable to enforce the Special contract for employment outside
the United States.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the new Special
contract, contact us:
For Regional Theatre Specials:
Evan Shoemake EShoemake@ssdc.org
Randy Anderson RAnderson@ssdc.org
For New York City Theatre Specials:
Evan Shoemake EShoemake@ssdc.org
Barbara Wolkoff Bwolkoff@ssdc.org
