It's a job and a living

Interesting coupla days in terms of interpersonal relationships and the art of compromise. At work, I'm a couple techs down. Like any good td I have a plan b and c ready to go but, it's always a bit stressful getting things organized. Especially when faced with possible last minute cancelations. My crew is not full time. They are a fantastic group of folks to work with but, it's impossible to tie them down. They work free lance for a reason. They like the 'free' part of it. For the most part, I have had no problems. A few times a tech might blow me off for the bigger money offered by a sweet union post but, overall, the people who are working with me accept the 'first call gets the service' mentality. Loyalty is important in this industry. It's not a big enough job pool to start blowing off gigs. It'll get around. That said, however, there are times when I'll get that phone call the night before a gig that goes something like this:
'ummm nk? I just got offered a really cool gig'
'oh yeah? That's really great.'
'Thing is...it's tomorrow night. The night I booked with you.'
'I see. Well, I guess you have a decision to make eh?'
'Well, I don't want to put you out but...well, can you find anyone else?'
Now depending on my mood/level of desparation I will answer in any number of ways.
1) 'Well, you were the last possible choice I had left when I booked you. I'm outta options.'
2) 'I really would rather not put someone else on this. I trust you and know you'll do a great job.'
3) 'I'll call around and see but, the situation doesn't look hopeful.
4) 'Fine' and then hang up the phone muttering profanities and swearing never to call them again.
There are other options but, I guess you can get the idea.


Thing is, as I mentioned above, I always have a plan b. One of my claims to fame is that if any of my crew for some reason or another cannot make it to a gig, I can step in. Lights, sound, front of house, carps you name it and I'll manage. I don't really want my crew to think that as an option though. I kinda like going home when the show starts. And, since I've been here in this position, I've only had to fill in 3 times. Not a bad record and, it shows I have some pretty good crew loyalty. (and it's not entirely the money either...I can't afford to compete with union wages...I do offer more responsibility and...here's that word again 'freedom.')

It's hard to do the dance though. I need people to work but, I can't say 'you have to or else.' Worse thing I can do to them is not hire them. But, if I'm short a tech, I'll need to hire them. So, I have to tread carefully with the end goal always in mind. Get the show on!

In a nutshell, the tech decided to do the gig. All is well in theatre for another short while.