Artist FAQs2020-08-10T17:05:34+00:00
Will I be called every night to rehearsal?2021-04-06T17:23:06+00:00

No. Brown Box only calls the actors being used on the night. We provide weekly schedules (2 weeks in advance) and a daily breakdown so that you can schedule work and other commitments accordingly.

When is payment distributed?2021-04-06T16:56:01+00:00

All artists can request split payment upon signing their contract. If requested:

  • Designers, Actors, and Stage Managers will be paid at the end of tech and at the end of the Maryland tour.
  • Touring Technicians will be paid at the end of the Massachusetts tour and at the end of the Maryland tour.
What is the provided housing like on tour?2021-04-06T17:33:39+00:00
  • All housing is dorm style living!
  • In Indiana: Each team member will be staying at 1 of 2 rented Airbnbs. Each location will have a kitchen, a full bathroom, and laundry available. The cast & crew will be split up between each location.
  • In MD: We will be staying on a farm located in Berlin, MD which has several different building used for housing.
  • Each member of the team will have 1-5 roommates. Each group of roommates has their own full bathroom and there are two shared kitchen spaces.
    • Kitchen Pro-tip: Find someone to share groceries with, to allow for less money spent and less space taken up in the shared kitchen spaces! And bring your own tupperware! 
What is the performance schedule?2020-01-03T18:15:11+00:00

Brown Box performs 4-7 shows per week Tuesday – Sunday

  • We mostly perform in evenings
  • We do school matinees only out of state
What is involved in setup and breakdown?2021-04-06T17:22:39+00:00

Each member of the cast and crew is assigned a role on one of the following teams:

  • Scenic
  • Lighting
  • Sound

Before each show, the touring cast and crew arrive, unload the trailer, and then proceed to their assigned job which was taught to them on the tech teaching days and throughout technical rehearsals. Together we put up and level our stage, assemble all scenic elements, place and set up trusses, hang all lighting instruments, cable all lights, set up speakers, and cable our sound system. Props are preset and Font of House is set up. Then all actors proceed to their allotted break prior to getting into costume.

Upon completion of the show, actors receive 20 minutes to get out of costume and pause before returning to the set for a complete breakdown.

What is Brown Box’s payment system?2021-04-06T16:57:46+00:00

Our tiered stipend policy prevents anyone doing the same amount of work form being paid less than a colleague performing comparable tasks no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, ability or sexual orientation. This applies to all freelance contractors for a production. This is defined for actors specifically as follows:

An actor’s pay consists of two parts, the base pay and the role based bonus. 

Base Pay – ($1000)

This baseline number is equal for all actors in the production. Due to our “cast as crew” policy, Brown Box acknowledges that all actors, no matter their role, have equal responsibility and labor hours during set up and breakdown. As a touring company, we also acknowledge that actors, no matter their role, have the same time requirement away from a day job or other income generating opportunities when away from Boston. The base pay is set for all actor talent to accomodate for the equal work components of the contract. 

Role Based Bonus – ($200-$500)

Actors with the same role based bonus are placed in the same tier marking that Brown Box acknowledges that comparable work will be required (number of lines, scenes, and expected hours at rehearsal). Brown Box is committed to insuring a fair and transparent payment system, paying all individuals the same for like work, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

 

Brown Box guarantees that no actor contracted will receive proportionately more favorable financial compensation than another actor in their same tier. If the stipend provided to one member of a tier increases for any reason, the stipend of all actors under that tier contract will be raised to match. 

 

What is BBTP’s drug and alcohol policy?2021-04-06T21:49:58+00:00

It is Brown Box’s desire to provide a drug-free, healthy, and safe workplace. To promote this goal, employees, interns, artists, volunteers and contractors are required to report to work in appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their jobs in a satisfactory manner, free from drugs and alcohol.

Brown Box’s complete policy can be found here.

Brown Box Drug & Alcohol Policy

What is BBTP’s Communication Policy?2020-01-03T17:10:09+00:00
  • Receipt of all digital communications must be confirmed within 24 hrs
  • Brown Box has an open door policy. All concerns must be brought to the attention of the responsible party. We have listed below who to go to for specific information!
    • All Housing related questions, comments and concerns: Company Manager 
      • Ex: The house is out of coffee! Or My roommate’s alarm goes off every morning and never stops!
    • Any show related, tour related, performance or rehearsal related comments, questions, or concerns: Stage Management
      • Ex: My costume ripped! Or I’m feeling vocally tired today.
What is BBTP’s Anti-discrimination and Harassment Policy?2021-04-06T21:48:11+00:00

Brown Box Theatre Project is proud of its policy of maintaining a work-environment that encourages respect for the dignity of each individual; therefore, we endeavor to maintain a work-environment free from discrimination and we do not permit unlawful harassment. 

Brown Box’s complete policy can be found here.

Brown Box Anti Discrimination, Harassment, and Drug-Alcohol Policies

What if I have no theatre tech experience?2020-01-03T17:26:47+00:00

Brown Box does not expect actors to have any technical experience.

There will be two set up days during the rehearsal process where actors are taught how to put the set together and how to hang/set up the lighting fixtures. We suggest bringing a notebook or writing key notes on your phone, as this will help you remember once we get to tech! Memorizing your tech duties is just as important as memorizing your lines! 

  • Each cast member will learn all aspects of set up and breakdown, and then be assigned a specific role. There may be days on tour where you have finished your task, and will be required to jump in to assist another member of the team.
What if I have conflicts during rehearsal/tour dates?2021-04-06T17:24:20+00:00
  • All members of our production teams and cast are required to submit major conflicts upon signing the contract
  • All other conflicts must be submitted no later than 1 month before first rehearsal
  • Production team members and actors can submit additional conflicts after the 1 month mark for consideration by Management, but not all conflicts at that point will be approved
  • Actors and touring technicians cannot have conflicts during technical rehearsals or tour dates
What happens on days off between shows?2021-04-06T17:34:31+00:00
  • We have two days off each week which can be used for group or individual activities. These times are not dictated by the company. 
  • While in Indiana you can explore Indianapolis.
  • While in Maryland many use the time relaxing by the pool, traveling to cool locations like Assateague Island or Ocean City Beach or catching up on work in the library or media room.
What happens if it rains?2020-01-03T18:39:33+00:00

Many venues at which BBTP performs have indoor rain venues in the case of inclement weather. In the case of rain at venues without an indoor option, the show will be cancelled. Production staff make all calls about cancellation or change of venue no later than 1 hour before call time.

What commitments do designers/technicians have before rehearsals?2021-04-06T17:27:54+00:00
  • Designers and Technicians are required to attend all production meetings prior to the first rehearsal 
  • Designers and technicians will uphold all deadlines given by management regarding any pre-production paperwork or designs
What commitments do actors have before rehearsal?2020-01-03T17:12:50+00:00
  • Brown Box directors have character meetings before our first rehearsal. This meeting is your opportunity to meet one on one with the director and discuss any questions you may have regarding the rehearsal process, your specific role, set up break down etc! This usually happens over coffee about two weeks prior to rehearsal beginning. 
  • Brown Box expects all actors to arrive to first rehearsal fully memorized.
What are the challenges of performing outdoors?2020-01-03T18:51:39+00:00

The two main challenges of performing outdoors are weather and bugs.

Weather

  • BBTP does not perform in the rain.
  • BBTP performs mostly in the summer which can be very hot. Water is available at all venues and ice packs are available upon request
  • In May and September, low temperatures, though still well above freezing, can also be a challenge. Brown Box provides blankets, hand/foot warmers
  • In all cases of unideal temperatures, production staff take appropriate measures to keep actors out of the elements for as long as possible

Bugs

  • BBTP performs in urban and rural areas, parks, and along the waterfront. Often as the only source of light, our set up can be an attraction for insects of many varieties. BBTP does not stop shows due to insects unless they are a threat to the cast and crew. In the case that a threat is determined, we take a delay to turn off the lights to then resume once bugs have dispersed.
  • Talent should expect to set-up, breakdown, and perform in the presence of insects
  • BBTP provides bugspray
What are tech teaching days/rehearsals?2021-04-06T17:30:45+00:00

Brown Box does not expect actors to have any technical experience.

There will be two set up days during the rehearsal process where the touring technicians teach the actors how to put the set together and how to hang/set up the lighting fixtures. We suggest bringing a notebook or writing key notes on your phone, as this will help you remember once we get to tech! Memorizing your tech duties is just as important as memorizing your lines! 

  • At this point in time, lighting and sound technicians will already be familiar with their specific set up & breakdown protocols.
  • The Master Electrician is responsible for teaching actors how to hang/set up lighting fixtures
  • The Sound Engineer is responsible for teaching actors how to properly plug-in and run all necessary sound equipment
  • The Scenic Supervisor is responsible for teaching actors how to properly level platforms, build and take down the set
  • Each cast member will learn all aspects of set up and breakdown, and then be assigned a specific role. There may be days on tour where you have finished your task, and will be required to jump in to assist another member of the team.
What are Brown Box’s Values?2021-04-06T21:56:45+00:00

Brown Box Theatre Project is founded on the core value of arts access. Our tenure has focused on delivering free and affordable professional performing arts programming to audiences who are confronted by geographic or financial barriers that prevent them from attending the theatre. As we grow as an organization in this polarized society, Brown Box Theatre Project is committed to expanding our efforts by tackling all barriers, for audiences and artists, thus creating a more inclusive environment for all.

We have the opportunity to expose people to different kinds of theatre by artists of various races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to execute theatre that breaks down the reality that theatre is for and by the elite.

We believe in accessibility and radical inclusivity. Within our model and financial capacity, we strive to achieve this goal. In our efforts to combat systemic exclusion and unconscious biases, Brown Box has implemented:

  • An Anti-Harassment and Discrimination & Drug/Alcohol Policy
  • Stipend Equality Policy– our tiered stipend policy prevents anyone doing the same amount of work from being paid less than a colleague performing comparable tasks no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, ability, or sexual orientation. This applies to all freelance contractors for a production.
  • Direct outreach and invitations to artists – specifically to marginalized artists who have not historically been represented on our stage
  • Interviews with artists – to learn the obstacles faced by artists when contemplating application for a position at Brown Box
  • Flexible and multiple Callback schedules/dates
  • Direct outreach to colleges and universities
  • Large and Dyslexic friendly fonts for sides and scripts
  • Our Intervention & Disruption Protocol outlines the immediate actions to be taken by administrators or leadership of production teams upon witnessing or learning of a harmful moment of any kind. Matters of definitions, general standards, investigation and reporting can be found in our Anti-Harassment and Discrimination policy.

We know we have more work to do. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to see and make theatre; we know that not all our productions reflect this value of our organization, even with these continued efforts. We have taken forward steps and also struggled to achieve inclusivity goals, but we are dedicated to improving. Our current efforts are focused on improving representation of trans and non-binary performers and actors of color in our productions, though we will continue to strive to break down barriers to access for other marginalized communities as well.

Over the last 5 years:

  • 25% of roles in Brown Box contemporary productions have been filled by performers who are POC, trans, and/or non-binary artists
  • 15% roles in Brown Box Shakespeare productions have been filled by performers who are POC, trans, and/or non-binary artists – only 3% in leading roles

Over the next 5 years, we commit to the following:

  • Increasing the hiring of BIPOC designers on our production teams with the goal of exceeding our historical hiring percentages of BIPOC designers each year
  • Build relationships with BIPOC designers and technicians in order to increase representation of BIPOC on our creative teams
  • We commit to holding interviews with available artists to hire for an additional 2021 project. This project will be written, directed, performed and designed by BIPOC artists. We hope to use a model of work that has been successful in the past to share new voices, meet new artists, and build working relationships with many new people with whom we have not previously worked.

Our outreach efforts have resulted in awareness of the obstacles under our control that our model disproportionately present to artists from marginalized communities, and we will strive to overcome those obstacles in the following ways:

  • Play Selection – while Brown Box will continue to produce Shakespeare plays each year, we will uphold strict standards in our pillars to select plays that share the unheard voice. These plays should achieve this goal by offering more opportunity for actors of color and/or be plays written by and starring artists of color. For our Shakespeare productions education or experience with classical text training is not required. Actors auditioning for our Shakespeare productions should prepare one 2-minute Shakespearean monologue of their choice, or they may request sides.
  • Touring – Brown Box will continue its efforts to increase stipends for all touring talent so as to decrease the financial strain caused by leaving a day job for an extended period of time

We are working to make all changes which are immediately possible while planning for those improvements which are currently beyond our means. In every way and at every opportunity, we will implement policies and practices that directly combat the obstacles that our model disproportionately present to artists of color and marginalized communities.

We are proud of our efforts and the benefits we provide to communities; we are eager to increase those efforts and benefits as we progress to serve our mission in its fullest capacity.

The Brown Box is open.

For more information about our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, or with any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact our Associate Managing Director, Angela Harrington, at Angela@brownboxtheatre.org

What are BBTP’s Anti-Racism and Intervention & Disruption protocols?2021-04-06T21:45:53+00:00

Brown Box’s Anti-Racism Statement, Intervention & Disruption Protocols, and action plans to create a more equitable diverse, and inclusive organization and processes can be found HERE.

How long does set up & break down typically take?2020-01-03T18:56:43+00:00

Set up and break down typically take 90 mins depending on the production!

How does BBTP prevent discrimination surrounding payment?2021-04-06T17:22:03+00:00

Our tiered stipend policy prevents anyone doing the same amount of work from being paid less than a colleague performing comparable tasks no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, ability or sexual orientation. This applies to all freelance contractors for a production. This is defined for actors specifically as follows:

An actor’s pay consists of two parts, the base pay and the role based bonus. 

Base Pay – ($1000)

This baseline number is equal for all actors in the production. Due to our “cast as crew” policy, Brown Box acknowledges that all actors, no matter their role, have equal responsibility and labor hours during set up and breakdown. As a touring company, we also acknowledge that actors, no matter their role, have the same time requirement away from a day job or other income generating opportunities when away from Boston. The base pay is set for all actor talent to accomodate for the equal work components of the contract. 

Role Based Bonus – ($200-$500)

Actors with the same role based bonus are placed in the same tier marking that Brown Box acknowledges that comparable work will be required (number of lines, scenes, and expected hours at rehearsal). Brown Box is committed to insuring a fair and transparent payment system, paying all individuals the same for like work, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

 

 

 

How are rehearsals run?2020-01-03T18:33:07+00:00

Rehearsals are run under Equity standards. Rehearsals are 5 days a week, and no longer than 4 hours (except for one longer tech day) with breaks being held regularly. A daily call will be sent 24 hours prior to every rehearsal and a schedule will be sent two weeks in advance to allow for other commitments. Actors will not be called unless they are being used!

Can I have a day job during rehearsals and the tour?2020-01-03T18:47:21+00:00

Rehearsals: Yes! Rehearsals are typically from 6-10pm, 5 days a week. Tech week calls are earlier due to set up and break down of the set/lighting. This schedule will be given two weeks in advance to allow for work accommodations.

Boston Run: Yes! Once in the Boston run, the performance call time will be determined based on the necessary travel time to each venue. This schedule will be given two weeks in advance to allow for work accommodations.

Delmarva Run: If your job allows you to work remotely, that is possible on a BBTP tour! There are plenty of hours in the day prior to shows to do work and even a day or two off during the week. A typical Delmarva show schedule takes place between 3:00pm-11pm, allowing work to be done in the morning. 

Are housing and transportation provided?2021-04-06T17:35:28+00:00
  • For the Boston leg of the tour, housing is not provided, but transportation to venues outside of the city are provided. On days where transport is provided, we will all meet and depart together from a designated location. 
  • Housing and transportation are provided on tour. We will have 2 rented Airbnbs for our stay in Indiana, and travel to our locations each day. In Maryland, we live on a farm and travel to our locations each day. 

 

Go to Top