The line

Here is a bit more on working or performing for free/cheap.

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I understand how complex this issue is.  The arts, like many industries, are built on a foundation of young, cheap labor.

If someone offers you $200 total to dance in 8 performances and you say no, there will probably be somebody right behind you to say yes.

Saying no to any opportunity is difficult, especially in an industry where it feels like opportunity comes along so rarely.

I get it.

All I'm saying is that you have to draw the line somewhere.

Because if you don't, then the industry is going to draw the line.

You probably aren't going to like where it lands.

You have to know your limits.  You've got to actively consider each opportunity and start with the assumption that you not getting paid or being underpaid is a BAD THING.

Yes, it's a consequence of the industry. 

But it's still a BAD THING.

So if you work for free/cheap it absolutely, positively, must be worth it you.

Don't make the decision blindly.  Don't assume you have to do it to get "experience" or "exposure".

Make it a deliberate decision that is guided by a clear reason.

Comments

[Melissa]

Adam - you must be reading my mind. Another excellent post. I hope some big theatres and presenting orgs are reading this too!

[Adam]

Mind reading is one of my talents.

I also juggle. :)

You would be surprised at who reads this blog. Or at least I am. So big guys are reading. Whether they are listening is yet to be determined.

Thanks for reading.

[Nancy Kenny]

Thank you for this! I've been including your discussion on working for free in my own: http://nancyjkenny.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/the-value-of-me/

[Russell Weetch]

Interesting post Adam. It is an issue that has been in the press in the UK this week. Not specifically about the arts it was actually about the growth in internships for recent graduates. It seems that these have now replaced graduate starting jobs and even though there is the promise at the end of 3 months it very rarely appears. Just a succession of grads working for free or, in some cases, actually paying for the privelege.

[Adam]

I heard about that Russell, it's a good reminder that this idea of "free" is getting into a lot of sectors now. Not just the arts. A lot of people have to define where their boundaries are.