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SSDC Frequently Asked Questions
For Members and Associates
For Non-Member Directors and Choreographers
For Employers
For Members and Associates
Q.
I’ve forgotten my username and password for the Online Directory Member Directory, what do I do?
A.
Unless you’ve changed it, your username is your first initial and last name and your password is your Social Security Number with NO dashes and NO spaces. If you’re still having trouble logging on, call or email Membership Coordinator, Gretchen Michelfeld (Gmichelfeld@ssdc.org) and she’ll figure it out with you.
Q.
I have a dues invoice I don’t understand. Who can help me?
A.
Contact Senior Business Associate Michele Holmes (Mholmes@ssdc.org) and she’ll be glad to explain it to you.
Q.
What’s the best way to let you know I’ve moved or changed my contact information?
A.
Whenever you edit your online profile, the web site sends us an email and we make the change in our main database. Changing your address or contact information in your profile is the most efficient way to ensure that your information is consistently up-to-date.
Q.
My membership has been suspended and I need to make an online payment so I can be reinstated, but I can’t log onto the web site!
A.
Simply click on “Continue without logging in.” Once we’ve registered your payment, you’re Online Directory status will be reinstated along with your Membership status.
Q.
If I direct a Showcase or a 99-seat Equity Waiver show, do I still have to file a contract?
A.
Yes! If you are a Full Member of SSDC you must file a contract every time you work-- even if it’s for no fee at all! You can download the Special Contract from our web site and give it to your producer to fill out. If you are working with your own theatre company, you must get another producer or member of your Board of Directors to sign the Employer side of the contract. We do not accept contracts that are signed on both sides by the same person. Contact Contract Administrator, Evan Shoemake (Eshoemake@ssdc.org) for more information.
Q.
How do I know if I’m eligible for Health Insurance?
A.
You are eligible to participate in the Health plan if you are employed under an SSDC contract and sufficient employer contributions are made to the SSDC-League Health Fund on your behalf. Check out the Health and Pension Funds page of the web site to learn more about eligibility, and contact Funds Administrator, John Everson (Jeverson@ssdc.org) for further explanation.
Q.
I’ve lost my membership card!
A.
Call or email Gretchen (Gmichelfeld@ssdc.org) and she’ll replace it for you.
Q.
Is it true that Full Members may be granted permission to videotape a rehearsal?
A.
Yes. According to the SSDC agreement with AEA, subject to approval from both unions, a Director or Choreographer may videotape a final run-through in the rehearsal room with no costumes or props. This tape may be used for notation purposes only and may only be viewed by members of the creative team. Please contact Gretchen (Gmichelfeld@ssdc.org) for the full terms of the agreement and the permission forms. Videotaping requests MUST be made at least TWO WEEKS prior to requested taping date.
For Non-Member Directors and Choreographers
Q.
I’m interested in joining SSDC. What is the difference between Full and Associate Membership?
A.
The most fundamental difference is that Associates do not file contracts and Full Members must file each and every time they work. For more information click on the “Membership” section of the web site. And you can always call or email Gretchen (Gmichelfeld@ssdc.org) if you’d like to talk things over.
Q.
If I join SSDC, will I have to turn down Assistant and Associate gigs?
A.
No! SSDC has no jurisdiction over Assistants and Associates. You can be a member and still take these jobs. There are no SSDC contracts involved.
Q.
Do I have to be an SSDC Member or Associate to participate in the SDCFoundation programs?
A.
No! With the exception of one of our Fellowships (the Denham), all Foundation programming is open to the public and either free or available for a nominal fee. Click on the Foundation page on the web site for more information and get yourself on the Foundation mailing list. If you have questions about SDCFoundation events and programs, please send an email to foundation@ssdc.org.
Q.
Will SSDC help me get work?
A.
We are not an employment agency. We are a union. However, we do have an electronic community board in our Online Directory where Members and Associates can check out job listings. We also encourage everyone to take advantage of the SDCFoundation’s unique networking opportunities.
For Employers
Q.
I need an SSDC Logo for our program.
A.
You can find downloadable Logos by clicking on the “Contracts and Rates” link on the SSDC homepage.
Q.
I would like to contact a particular director or choreographer. Can you give me his/her phone number or email address?
A.
SSDC staff is only authorized to release agent or manager information. If you are trying to hire a member who is un-represented, we will do our best to forward your inquiry to that person. Please consider subscribing to the Online Member Directory. The cost is $10 for six months or $15 for a year. (Attention Actors: you are welcome to subscribe to the Directory, and even to call the office for agent information, but please do not ask the staff to get in touch with a director or choreographer for you.)
Q.
I work for a small theatre and we are using the SSDC Special Contract. I don’t understand what the “Employee Registration Number” is.
A.
The Employee Registration Number is that number given Employers by the government which determines that an Employer is liable under Unemployment Insurance Law.
Q.
I’m hiring a foreign Director and/or Choreographer this season and I need an INS Consult letter for his/her Visa application.
A.
Please send a cover letter along with your Visa application and a check for $250 (per letter requested) made payable to the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, to the attention of Gretchen M. Michelfeld. Requests MUST be made at least TWO WEEKS in advance in order to give our INS Committee time to evaluate each application.
Please note: There is no charge if the foreign artist is a member of SSDC.
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