Performing During an On-Going Pandemic
Let’s talk about performing during a pandemic. First off, does anyone actually remember what it was like to perform pre-pandemic!? I can hardly remember walking into rehearsals not wearing a mask, being out of breath from a simple 3 point turn in a dance call, and staying socially distanced at open calls. Gone are the days that we were all sweating on top of each other in a crowded dance call!
Whether or not you have already had that nasty Covid monster, one thing is for certain. We are all ready to get back to work, and what a BLESSING it is that our industry is back, that we can attend auditions again, and be considered for work during this trying time. With that though, comes knowing your boundaries when it comes to work and contracts. It is so tempting to say yes to any work that comes our way right now because well, it’s been so long since the work has been there and we know how easy it would be for another shutdown to happen where work won’t be there for another long period of time.
However, knowing what makes you feel safe with is key! Everyone’s comfort levels with this pandemic are different. Your health and well-being are at risk, and you want to be sure you’re working for a company that is going to put safety above selling tickets. (Especially in the Non-Equity world)
Let’s talk about taking up space and how to speak out when something doesn’t feel right, especially when it comes to your health and safety. No show is worth the risk of getting very ill. A recent contract I had went from 0 to 100 mph very quickly when it came to Covid concerns. Our contract started in the fall before Omnicron took over, so the first month or so there were no cases. Fast forward to the last few weeks of our contract, and at least 2 members from every cast (We had 14 different shows going on) had tested positive, with some casts having to end their contract early because of it. No-one wants to get sick, and we definitely don’t want to lose out on a paycheck because of something that’s out of our control. If you feel that your safety isn’t being considered, speak up! When we felt our health was at risk, we went from performing full 20 minute shows to doing stand-and-sings 6 feet apart, double masked, and cutting a few songs from our show so that we weren’t on-stage singing for any more then the allotted 15 minutes of exposure time.
How can I remain safe in a contract where safety may not be the top priority?
Below is a list of precautions you can take while on contract:
Being fully vaccinated (and boosted) and getting tested on the regular will help.
Purchase some at-home tests to take with you to a contract if a theatre doesn’t provide them.
Wash your hands, mask up, and regularly clean your area.
Request your own room.
Decide what your comfort level is on giving people rides if you are a driver, and if you would prefer them to mask up in your car.
Decide your comfort levels on going out on the town and whom with.
Stock up on supplements like zinc, natural herbs, airborne, and vitamin c tablets.
Check with your local CVS and Walgreens to see if free testing appointments are available in your area.
Eat a healthy diet so that your body can do it’s job to fight off any illnesses!
Don’t be afraid to speak up when something doesn’t feel right, whether that be to a stage manager, a director, or someone in a position that can make a change for the better. Discuss with your cast how they are feeling safety-wise. You may feel alone in taking your precautions, but I can almost guarantee that you are not the only one feeling this way. There is power in numbers.
Ultimately, the decision to work and accept a contract during this pandemic is yours. Don’t be afraid to ask the hard questions to the company before ever accepting the contract. Ask what their protocols are, if they are requiring regular testing and/or vaccination to be employed, if the housing will be socially distanced, what happens if you have to quarantine, if you still get paid regularly if you test positive and have to miss work, what is provided in the green room (sanitation wise) if you have to share a green room with a good number of other people, etc.
Remember, this is not being difficult to work with, this is so you can consider your safety and whether or not it is worth the risk of taking the contract.
I wish you all health, safety, and a year filled with fulfilling work!
Alyssa
No Sweat Rep Founder