To Accompany a Polite No download as: .docx | .doc | .pdf
Request for Transparency in Hiring download as: .docx | .doc | .pdf
Full text of both Tools follows. More on using the tools here.
To Accompany a Polite No download as: .docx | .doc | .pdf
I reject the job you have offered because I do not:
- Work for sub-minimal wages
- Work in dangerous conditions (including extreme temperature and other potentially damaging environments, i.e. jumping barefoot on concrete; exposure to audiences or public in ways that lack safeguards against abuse)
- Accept rehearsal/performance times exceeding what the body can reasonably handle
As a professional, I choose not to accept jobs that do not meet minimum conditions for safety and fairness.
WHY NOT?
- For my own safety, health and survival as an artist who works, primarily, with my body as my medium
- For the sake of my cohort:
- As long as there is someone to take a job in unacceptable conditions, there will be jobs offered with unacceptable conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: I and other like-minded artists may sometimes work in situations that are non-ideal on one or more of these points if we feel that the exchange, even if not monetarily, of the job makes it valuable for the development of our careers and the field as a whole. This only pertains, though, to hiring organizations or choreographers that do not have the proper funding to meet criteria.
This text was developed by members of the Performers’ Rights Initiative (https://performersrightsinitiative.wordpress.com/) working in countries including the US, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, to encourage powerful communication about fair compensation and safety standards for dance work.
We seek to change the worldwide culture of how dance and performance work gets done, building a performance industry in which all participants are treated with respect and professionalism. As cultural workers, we seek to be recognized for the role we play in society, and valued and remunerated accordingly.
download as: .docx | .doc | .pdf
Request for Transparency in Hiring download as: .docx | .doc | .pdf
Thank you for your invitation to audition. In order to audition for the job in question, I need more information about the position you are offering.
I do not audition for jobs without clear information in advance regarding:
- the style of the choreography/performance
- the dates and total hours of rehearsals and performances
- a general statement of the payment and other compensation involved
- any special requirements of the work, such as nudity, audience contact, or dangerous or unusual performance conditions
As a professional, I need this information to assess for myself whether the proposed project would be suitable for me and whether I consider myself a good candidate for the role, before I plan to attend.
This text was developed by members of the Performers’ Rights Initiative (https://performersrightsinitiative.wordpress.com/) working in countries including the US, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, to encourage transparent and honest communication, and to establish a precedent that all dancers have the right to this information up front.
We seek to change the worldwide culture of how dance and performance work gets done, building a performance industry in which all participants are treated with respect and professionalism. As cultural workers, we seek to be recognized for the role we play in society, and valued and remunerated accordingly.
Performers' Rights Initiative 
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