You’d be surprised what the Theater Workers Union (GdBA) has done for you
even if you’re not a member! Especially if you have a long term engagement (Festvertrag). They’ve won some important things in their new contract, which governs most opera houses in Germany and will improve both life and art. for singers Even if you’re Freelance it may be in your interest to join and stay informed if you’re working here regularly.
The big thing they’ve gotten for solo singers is PROTECTION from stage directors and theater administrators who want to use you unmercifully. Grind you up and throw you away like coffee grounds, as one Operndirektor I knew used to say. Too much work and too little rest. Yes, young singers can do some amazing things but in the long run it’ll wear you down. Soloists have to know how to protect themselves, but it’s important to have written regulations. If rehearsals go too long, or you have a show that night, or get back too late from a run-out (Abstecher) you don’t have to rehearse until a stipulated time has passed, and there are penalties for the theater down the line if they break the rules Many theaters are very good about this, but some aren’t unless there’s a price to be paid. And now there is. Stage directors almost always want to go too long—all too often because they talk too much—and bend the rules about coffee breaks as much as they can. Now they can’t, and the theater has to pay the price. You can bet they’ll be better behaved if there are consequences. They, like everybody, behave a lot better when their employer pays a penalty.
Soloists used to have a separate contract but now everyone is on a much more equal footing. Of course freelances sign different contract, but the theaters’ rules will still prevail. If the piainist or stagehands say it’s time for a rehearsal break there’s not a lot a director can do.
The GdBA-Union-has also gotten some weekends for theater people. The rules are complicated and as is so often the case in Germany, take a lot of figuring out, but the end effect is that everyone will get some weekends off. This will be a godsend for family time or just unwinding. My heart, however, goes out to the people in the KBB, who have to take all this into account when putting together rehearsal and performance schedules. Even with good software it has to be tricky and takes a special talent. These people are worth treasuring! Get to know them.