OUT OF WORK?

This winter, three Broadway shows will close. If you are a Broadway musician and your show closes, can you apply for unemployment? Yes. While you are collecting unemployment, can you sub on other Broadway shows, teach lessons, and play other freelance gigs? Yes, but your unemployment check may be reduced.

For more information, see the article “Lose Your Gig? File for Unemployment, If You Can…” that Local 802 lawyer Harvey Mars wrote last year for Allegro.

For help with filing an unemployment claim, Local 802 recommends that you first call the Workers Defense League at (212) 627-1931. If you still need help, call Local 802 counsel Harvey Mars at (212) 765-4300 or JurMars566@aol.com

CORRECTIONS

We need to clarify a story printed on this page in last month’s issue. In the box AFM SETS NON-BROADWAY CAST RECORDING SCALES, the first sentence reads: “It’s official: in late September, the AFM’s International 

Executive Board voted to allow Off Broadway shows and regional musical theatres (called LORT) to utilize the AFM’s national Limited Pressing Agreement to record cast albums.” 

While some LORT theatres in other parts of the country may use this new schedule of the Limited Pressing Agreement, LORT theatres in New York, which produce musicals and plays that are Tony eligible, are not able to use the new schedule provision in the Limited Pressing Agreement after the expiration of the current agreement in January 2009.

Also, in last month’s article on the Lighthouse Music School, we misspelled the name of Anthony Falaro, assistant director and teacher at the school.

SUPPORT FELLOW MUSICIANS

Musicians help musicians. Many Local 802 members run their own businesses and offer all kinds of services. These members purchase ads in Allegro. Check out what they have to offer — and support fellow musicians during the recession! If you want to buy an ad yourself, you can reach thousands of professional musicians for as little as $34. Contact Allegro editor Mikael Elsila at Melsila@Local802afm.org or (212) 245-4802, ext. 179.

GOTHAM RENEWS

Gotham Chamber Opera recently renewed its three year contract with Local 802. The wages, benefits, and conditions in effect at the time of service will be paid according to Local 802 Single Engagement Concert Scale (Appendix A). This contract will be in effect through Sept. 11, 2011.

FREE FLU SHOTS

The Actors Fund will offer free flu shots for musicians, actors and other artists at the Aurora building, 475 West 57th Street. The shots will be administered on Dec. 17 from 9:30 to noon, Dec. 30 from 1:30 to 4, and Jan. 7 from 1:30 to 4. No appointment or reservation is necessary: just show up. For more information, call (212) 489-1939, option 3.

PROTECT THOSE EARS!

Local 802 offers a free hearing test on Tuesday, Dec. 16. To make a reservation call Tara Donach at (212) 245-4802, ext. 101.

FREE EAR PLUGS!

If you are on the union’s health plan, you are entitled to free, specifically-designed musicians’ ear plugs every two years, from Radio Partner. Call the Health Department at (212) 245-4802 for details. Radio Partner also offers a $100 discount on hearing aids for Local 802 members. Call (212) 967-7628 for details.

TEACHING CAREERS

Would you like to know more about making a living as a teacher? The Actors Fund presents a seminar for artists. No reservation is necessary. It’s Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Actors’ Equity Building, 165 West 46th Street, 14th Floor Council Room. For more info, call (212) 354-5480 or e-mail Blevinson@ActorsFund.org.