Free Gigs. Are they helping or hurting?

erinlamont | Oct 19, 2009 | 0

Free Gigs. Are they helping or hurting?

For the past 7 years of my L.A. life, I can't even count how many gigs I have done for free. Whether choreographing to "boost my reel" when I first started out, or even dancing in numerous free shows in Hollywood and around the city.

That being said, on a high note, a few of those free jobs connected me with some amazing friends and dancers in the industry. On a low note, some jobs I didn't even get footage from (which really grinds my gears, as that is the whole reason that one does the job... footage, and thinking that it would eventually lead to something lucrative). Then there were those jobs that were downright stashed in the "Oh my god I hope no one ever sees this this is so embarrassing" section of my dance career/resume... :)

In any case, I rarely do free jobs now because I am at the point where I am consistently working for a check. Yeah! But as I scour my daily L.A. Castings and Craigslists to hustle, I notice how many jobs are not paying at all. And when people say, "Well, it's the economy," I think that excuse is just crap. Sorry! People are still making money and spending money in this industry, (studios, L.A., NYC, dance companies, industriala, etc..). I think that answer is a scapegoat, and people are just blurting out economy.....economy.... like that answer should just be the end all be all.

"If you only see what is then there will only be what is" in my opinion (thank you, Law of Attraction).

But no, seriously. There are more free gig postings than paying gig postings, which makes it hard for hustlers around this city. And isn't it just plain hard enough? What preempted me to write this blog: My burlesque group, The Lalas (shameless plug: The Lalas, burlesque with a twist! http://www.thelalas.com) work and get paid to work and perform. The more jobs I inquire about for my girls, the more replies I get over the phone, via email, and in person: "Really? We don't have enough money and what you are asking for we don't have" in a very snooty who the heck are you retort.

Meanwhile these venues are cash cows. It's ridiculous. If someone or some place has 10gs to spend on ice sculptures and then scoff at a quarter of that for dancers...

I'm barely even asking for dancers alliance rates. www.dancersalliance.org

My question is finally this: is it really worth it to do free jobs anymore, for anyone? Doesn't a dancer, choreographer, whatever deserve at least gas money? I think the more gigs that people do for free, and this is today, 2009, the more the person in the position of writing the check will keep taking advantage.

My last example: I met with this director, whom will definitely remain anonymous. He/She was asking me for three full-on weeks of my time and full day rehearsals... For $800. I know that I'm not a household name yet, but breaking down at least 120 hours of work for $800? $6.67 an hour... really? I made that at the coffee beanery at the mall in 1994 when I had long hair and a perm.

I think people need to buck up, especially here in L.A. I mean, it is just plain stupid. I obviously love what I do, dancing and choreographing, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to make tons of money. The term 'starving artist' is just ridiculous and does not pertain to me. Owning a house isn't cheap in L.A, you know? :)

And my final note: Being a Libra, yes it is all about balance, especially when a dancer/choreographer is starting out here in L.A., but a line needs to be drawn.

Erin

http://www.erinlamont.com

http://www.thelalas.com

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Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Broadway, Ballroom, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Competitions & Conventions, Performance, Summer Study, choreography, dance, dancers alliance, free gigs, los angeles (all tags)