WHY NO MORE?

Why NO MORE 10 Out Of 12s? Upholds White Supremacy - A 12+ hour work day, back to back on multiple days, with only one day to recover is a severe impediment for anyone trying to live and make a living. It is a racist practice disproportionately impacting BIPOC folx who do not have the privilege of other family support (social, financial or otherwise) or built-in network, nor the benefit of being the most represented voice in the room. For indigenous communities who are trying to rebuild their population after generations of genocide and mistreatment, the choice of picking between family, work/life balance and a career takes on an entirely different meaning. Any discussion of equity, diversity and inclusion is built on a false premise if the work conditions preclude certain races from ever being able to get in the door. We encourage you to read more about dismantling these oppressive practices at www.weseeyouwat.com. Anti-Safety - Studies have repeatedly shown that sleep deprivation and mental exhaustion can cause physical deterioration over the long term, but even more importantly, it can immediately cause people to be less aware and less adept in crucial moments. In our current theatre climate, where stagecraft is increasingly complex and imposing, mistakes can cost money, time, and even people’s lives. Continues Ableism – Extended hours create a barrier for those who struggle with disabilities, forcing them to either hide their symptoms or push themselves to keep up. Many times, these people are left with a choice to either worsen their conditions or leave theatre behind altogether. Anti-Caregiver – Long work hours and six day workweeks are particularly difficult for parents and caregivers who frequently have to choose between their dependents and their careers. Please visit PAAL.com to learn more about caregiver impact and support. Negative Impact On Quality Of Life – A 10 out of 12 day is not just a twelve hour day for most theatre workers. For designers, technicians, stage managers and other theatre workers, it can easily be a 16 hour day or longer. Most theatre workers are freelance, are not paid hourly, but work until the job is “done”. In some cases, the additional hours that they work reduce their wages to a minimum wage levels or worse. Furthermore, a six day work-week creates a situation where there’s not enough time to rest and recover from those long hours, and provides less opportunities for theatre workers to build personal lives of their own. If you know someone who works in theatre, then you know someone who has had to miss a wedding, a funeral, a birthday or some important personal engagement because they had to work a six day work week.

Have you experienced any of these challenges? Please go here to record your testimony anonymously.

*Please click here to learn more about We See You, White American Theatre.

^Please click here to learn more about Parent Artist Advocacy League.