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Why
are there three Boycott Blue Man graphics included
in your webpage header?
They signify the unity and solidarity of CAEA, AFM-TMA
and IATSE to this campaign.
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What
is Blue Man Group?
Their official website describes it this way: "Blue
Man Group is a creative organization dedicated to
creating exciting and innovative work in a wide variety
of media." Visit their website at: http://www.blueman.com
for additional info.
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Blue Man
Group has successfully operated in the United States
for several years without any major labour disputes.
Why now?
Blue Man Group Productions is an American commercial
producer. The production began off-off-off Broadway
in New York and its phenomenal success was unanticipated
at the production’s inception. In the United
States, the production falls under the auspices of
the American Guild of Variety Artists, not Actors’
Equity Association. In Canada, Equity represents live-performance
in all of the theatre, music, opera and dance disciplines
and the performers in the production fall squarely
into Equity’s jurisdiction.
The
consumer boycott is not an anti-American effort. Many
American tours, administered under the applicable
union contract, tour in Canada every day. Many Canadians
make a living from work generated by such touring
productions. But when any new, ready-made, successful
venture comes to Canada and establishes itself as
a major player and on a level with other big players,
the local community’s professional standards
must apply.
The
core of this issue is an outsider’s lack of respect
for professional artists within a theatre community.
At stake is the livelihood of every professional artist
engaged under a professional contract.
The
Blue Man Group’s producers claim to want to make
Toronto the production’s home for a long time.
If they truly want to be part of the local theatrical
community, they must recognize the professional associations
and unions within that community. It is time for the
Blue Man Group to recognize professional standards
and negotiate fair agreements.
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What is
it you want?
Every major producer in Toronto adheres to agreements
with Canadian Actors' Equity Association, the Toronto
Musicians' Association and IATSE. Blue Man Group has
repeatedly ignored our requests to negotiate contracts
specifying base pay, benefits and defined working
conditions.
We
aim to ensure that professional artists and technicians
working in live theatre have a fair working contract
when the newly renovated Panasonic Theatre (formally
the New Yorker Theatre) opens in May 2005.
By
refusing to negotiate an appropriate contract with
Equity, TMA, and IATSE, Blue Man Group is undercutting
legitimate producers like CanStage (The Overcoat,
Ain't Misbehavin) and Mirvish Productions (Lion King,
Mamma Mia!, Hairspray). These producers provide Toronto
with top quality shows that draw audiences from near
and far. Blue Man Group must work on a level playing
field with other professional producers.
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How can
I show my support for your campaign?
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Where will the Toronto Blue Man Group production be
staged and how much will tickets cost?
The Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge Street, Toronto.
Ticket
prices are as follows:
Tuesday-Thursday
8pm - $53
Friday 7pm - $59
Friday 10pm - $53
Saturday 7 & 10pm- $59
Sunday 2pm - $53
Considering
the theatre has a seating capacity of 701, the potential
gross ticket revenue varies from $37,153.00
to $41,359.00 per show. With eight shows scheduled
per week, this represents a potential gross ticket
revenue ranging from $297,224.00 to $330,872.00
per week.
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