How is the $30 per day benefit contribution split between the Pension and Health Funds?
Annually the SDC Executive Board will determine how the $30 per day is split between the two funds for all work filed under the DWC, just as they do for the weekly contributions in the SDC/Off-Broadway Agreement. For the period of April 15, 2013 to April 14, 2014, $10 will go to the pension fund and $15 will go to the health fund. The $25 contribution shall be increased as of April 15, 2017 by the prevailing rate of increase in the Directors’ and Choreographers’ fees in the successor Agreement(s).
Why is there no minimum compensation?
SDC did not want to inadvertently limit the level of compensation that Members receive for this work by setting a minimum fee below the standards at some theatres. In addition, SDC did not want to inhibit or prevent this kind of work from happening, and many felt that setting minimum rates without a fuller understanding of the activity might adversely impact this programming. Our goal in obtaining this coverage was to gain recognition of this work in the form of contributions to the pension and health funds on your behalf, while developing information that would enable the Union to consider appropriate protections and standards in the future.
Will the 2.5% SDC dues assessment apply to this kind of developmental work?
The SDC Work Rules require that Members shall pay an assessment of 3% on all fee, royalty and other earnings received under all SDC agreements. With specific regard to this activity, SDC will consider payments less than $150 to be a stipend and will therefore not assess those amounts. If total compensation is $150 or more, the 3% SDC dues assessment will apply.   Payments to the health and pension funds do NOT count as earnings for the purpose of calculating dues assessments.
Why do I need to confirm the details of my developmental work with SDC if the theatre is submitting the SDC-LORT Developmental Work Contributions Form?
The SDC-LORT Developmental Work Contributions Form is only signed by the theatre. In order to verify that the correct information and contribution amount has been submitted, we need a confirmation from you, our Member.
Why do I need to file accompanying letters of agreement, riders and/or contracts that I have with the theatre, if any, related to this developmental work?
If no additional paperwork is filed, SDC can only ensure and protect the $25 benefit contribution for each day worked. In order for SDC to protect any above-minimum terms you have negotiated with the theatre in regard to this developmental work, we need to have a copy of your letter of agreement/rider/contract processed and on file at the SDC office.
What happens if the number of days worked on a LORT developmental project exceeds fourteen days?
For developmental work of more than fourteen days, the SDC/LORT Form for Workshops, Experimental Productions, and Readings must be filed by the theatre. This contract has a minimum fee of no less than $500 per week, a 5% pension contribution and a health contribution that is 50% of the LORT Open Contract (LOC) rate. Effective April 15, 2013, the LOC rate will be $689, which results in a $345 health contribution for developmental activity of fifteen days or more.
Do other SDC contracts cover this kind of work? If so, which ones?
Yes, several other SDC agreements cover developmental work of this kind:
a) SDC/Off-Broadway Agreement for Not-for-Profit Theatres
b) SDC/ANTC Agreement
c) SDC/New York Stage & Film
d) SDC/The O’Neill Theater Center
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact a member of our Contract Department:
Randy Anderson, Deputy Director of Contract Affairs, x232
Kristy Cummings, Business Representative, x231
Maegan Morris, Business Representative, x237
Rebecca Li Grady, Business Representative, x.245