I am on a contract for a stage play production which pays me every two weeks. Am I obligated to fulfill the contract?

Question: I’ve been appearing as an actress in a country playhouse production for the last two months. My artist contract (or talent agreement) guaranteed that I would be paid every two weeks. Since I have yet to receive a paycheck, even though I’ve asked for one several times, am I still bound by the terms of the contract or can I leave anytime I choose?

Response: Based on the information you’ve shared, you should definitely have received several paychecks by now. However, if you like your current acting job and are not just looking for an excuse to leave, consider sitting down with the director and the group’s accountant and try to settle this problem in a friendly manner. It’s entirely possible that no one else is even aware that you haven’t been paid. Accounting errors are quite common.

Give some thought to contacting a local entertainment law specialist to see if you should proceed in a different manner. Maybe you’ll be told that it’s fine to take advantage of this situation to obtain minor changes in your entertainment talent agreement that will be more favorable to you. Whatever you do, keep your long-range goals in mind when making your decision.

Answered by Elizabeth Smith

Additional Resources

• Entertainment Talent Agreements
• Entertainment Lawyers

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