Top Tips for Agreement Contracts

Our tips for getting started with contracts to protect your rights as a working performer

Past Christina Care

They're not exactly a sexy topic, merely contracts are super important when you're working jobs here and there as a performer, and don't have an agent to negotiate on your behalf. Work can come and get, and new contracts are being fatigued up for jobs daily. If you don't have someone to help you navigate the terms of your employment, information technology'southward really important to know what you're signing your name to! Here's how yous can get started...

Don't accept a verbal agreement

While this can be common in an industry where lots of people merchandise work for a pint, if you're doing a paid job for any extended period there should really be a contract. Of course, betwixt friends and small struggling theatre companies, this can be tough, just it really isn't a good thought to have any paid piece of work that doesn't besides come with a contract. Of course, we all want to come across as friendly and easy to work with, simply it'southward important to protect your rights where payment between you and an employer is concerned. First affair is first: become that contract in writing!

Read the whole matter

Yep, it can be a bit dull, but it's really important to read the unabridged contract. Set aside a placidity afternoon with your red pen in hand and make certain information technology all gets covered, even if it'due south quite dry. Intermission it up with your latest Netflix obsession if you must – simply brand sure it all gets read!

Read it more once

Okay y'all got through it once – now it'due south time to read it again. It has to be crystal articulate to y'all, as this is a bounden legal document and if anything happens that you aren't happy with, you demand to make sure yous're protected by this agreement. Brand notes of anything you don't understand along the mode.

Ask questions

Don't exist worried near looking silly – information technology's more than of import that the terms are articulate to you. Become back to whoever has given you the contract to check that y'all are in fact agreement everything that is being asked of y'all, and that is beingness given in return. If you need aid understanding a contract or getting some bones legal advice, Equity is a bully identify to start - they too have some useful information here.

Understand what should exist included, and what's missing

Generally, any terms in a contract volition exist defined – and if a term isn't defined, that can be a trouble! But this is a common omission in contracts, when important terms aren't divers properly. It should exist clear between yous and whoever has given yous the contract what each element actually means. So, for instance, the "Extent of Services", "Benefits", "Notice" etc. are all important terms outlining aspects essential to the work you lot will do, how you'll be compensated for that work, and how long you're expected to be working. If there are holes, yous need to speak upwards!

Remember that you can negotiate

If you find something you disagree with or want to negotiate, that is totally inside your rights. Don't just accept something because it'due south in writing – you're allowed to make changes, and inquire for things to exist added or removed, every bit yous meet fit. A contract is negotiable until it's signed, and even and so information technology tin can be re-negotiated just it takes a lot more than attempt to change (and if y'all're asking for more, there will be little incentive for the other political party to negotiate with you!). Performing piece of work is generally fixed term, so there probably isn't a chance to go dorsum and re-negotiate halfway through if it'due south a brusque term gig. So ask for what you want up front – there'southward no harm in asking!

Be reasonable – research what you can expect

Of course, you have to be reasonable about what you ask for, simply at that place's no harm in at least asking the question. Information technology helps to do your enquiry first, talk to your young man performers who have negotiated their own contracts, or seek out manufacture advice about what is legal and fair. While yous'd be best advised not to ask for too much, don't simply agree to something that makes y'all uncomfortable without consulting someone or requesting a change. Noesis is power, and then make sure yous're informed before you sign!

Remember, if you're ever confused, stuck or just need some advice, Equity provide legal back up and advice to all members for free. If there's a problem, Citizens Advice provide costless communication across the UK, or you can check out a listing of helpful resources here. Be informed, exist assertive and protect your rights every bit a performing creative person.