I just received this "Entertainer Contract". Do you see anything wrong?

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!

Ruben Mora

DJ/Comdian
Dec 10, 2006
3,375
60
Sacramento, CA
Received my first "Entertainer Contract". It seems to be no problem but does anybody see anything wrong with this. The only thing I don't do is arrive in "professional attire".

 Entertainers must be set up and sound checked 30 minutes prior to guest arrival.

 Access to the facility is given to entertainers two hours prior to the start of the event. If you require
earlier set up, please contact Jenny Giallanza at (916) 774-3870 during regular business hours.
Load in takes place at the west entrance of the facility. It is a short distance from your vehicle to the
ballroom. The majority of the path is smooth, flat and firm with little or no stairs. There is a stage in the
ballroom. You will be setting up to the right of the stage (as you’re facing it) on the floor in an area
designated by the facility. Any tables, stands or other props needed for performance are to be provided by
the entertainment company unless arrangements are made in advance. Access to the service area and
kitchen is near your set-up. Please mind the area and provide ample clearance for catering equipment in
this area.

 When you arrive, please introduce yourself to the Banquet Manager on duty and ask him/her to point out
access for load in and set up area. Equipment is to be unloaded and vehicles moved immediately as the
unloading area is an access point for guests and residents of the facility.

 All cords (cable, electrical, audio, visual etc…) are to be neatly dressed and secured using gaffer’s no stick
residue tape. Cables are to be of a dark or black color and are to be run along baseboards and the
architecture of the facility in a professional manner. Cable runs are prohibited along doorways and high
traffic/access points throughout the facility.

 Two 20A circuits at 120V service, 3 prong Edison connections are provided for power use. Should more
power be needed, contact Jenny Giallanza at (916) 774-3870 during regular business hours.

 Due to the dress code of the facility, entertainers must arrive to event site in professional attire and
perform in professional attire suitable to the event. Jeans, T-shirts, tank tops and open toed
shoes/sandals are prohibited.

 Last song must end at conclusion of contracted time for facility. Adding time is not allowed on the day
of the event. Please confirm with Banquet Manager upon arrival to determine contracted end time.

 Breakdown must be completed within 45 minutes of event conclusion.

 Although you are an independent contractor, you are considered by Sun City Roseville to be a
representative of the overall guest experience we provide to our clients. For this reason, all entertainers
will refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal substances while on property.

 You will be responsible for any damages to the building or grounds incurred by your or your staff while
working at Sun City Roseville.

Please read, sign and return one copy to acknowledge understanding and cooperation of the above requirements.
 
The setting up part in the tux seems awkward and the damages also seem to fall into something Raskykat addressed on his thread but if you have insurance covering any damage to a facility you should be fine.

Load in place is mentioned I don't see the need to ask again where to load in ;)
 
I dont think they mean you have to wear a tux for setup. They mentioned the attire which would not be acceptable. A nice open collared short sleeve dress shirt with Dockers or slacks sounds acceptable and then you can refresh and put on the monkey suit.
 
Is this a venue at which a client has booked you or are you working for the venue? If you are working for the venue, then I would've expected that you had already made an agreement. If this is a venue at which you are booked, then you should not have any cause to sign yourself away as the venue's bitch.

If I were you, I would arrange a face-to-face meeting with Ms. Jenny Giallanza to discuss the reasoning and details for this contract. You have a contract with your client and your client has a contract with the venue. There is no need for you to have a contract with the venue, because no money/services is/are being exchanged between you and the venue. The bottom line is: Who is hiring you, the venue or the client?
 
My only problems are showing up in nice clothes, and 45 minutes for tear down and be gone. That is plenty with a small setup but if you setup many lights or a bunch of uplighting that could be tough.
 
I dont think they mean you have to wear a tux for setup. They mentioned the attire which would not be acceptable. A nice open collared short sleeve dress shirt with Dockers or slacks sounds acceptable and then you can refresh and put on the monkey suit.


I know I was messing with Ruben :D:D:D:D But you never know they might want a dress shirt instead of a Polo ;)
 
I normally show up in a t-shirt and jeans. I will call her and ask her to define "professional attire".
 
Patrick we are talking about California I have had venues such as this for many years in the past. Ruben if you have insurance I would send them a copy of your policy. It isnt as uncommon in California. I spent several yrs in So Cal and had this presented to me on occasion. Compliance isnt really that much of a issue for me. You might gain favor in a venue like this. You get alot more serving honey versus vinegar.
 
I didn't read everyone elses responses to this... since you pointed out "Entertainer must arrive in professional attire"

I would take that to mean you should be dressed appropriately in say a polo style shirt and probably a pair of kakhis would be appropriate atire.... I don't think their intent is for you to setup in your tuxedo or other formal wear.... nor do they want you to be dressed like some street eurchant either.
 
I am sorry, but I would never accept a job at a venue like this.

What I where when I am setting up and tearing down is my business and my business only. Would I personally where jeans and a T-shirt setting up? Absolutely! I have done events at some of the most high end places on the east coast (The Greenbrier, Ogleby) and never once had someone complain about what I was wearing while setting up.

The contract is all about the venue making it about themselves and not focusing on the client.
 
apparently you didnt play in a venue which has a strict dress code. Research on a new venue prior to signing a contract with a client is food for though for just this type of situation. The venue should be more adamant and proactive with these rules when signing with a client letting them know up front all vendors will be required to follow the dress code. This is where it wasnt addressed properly however Ruben is already contracted and rather than cause a stink may have to comply or negate his contract now.
 
Yeah Jon you are right, most of the venues I played in were happy I wore shoes, I mean this was West Virginia after all :)
 
When it was a real fancy wedding, I would actually break out the ones that had laces and not just Velcro!!! :sqlaugh:
 
There is not one venue in my area that requires you to have this to play at it.


And in my area, many do.... this is why, I always mention to clients that I have insurance. This way, they know that one issue is already resolved. Hell, the catering hall I had my reception in 10 years ago was requiring insurance THEN.

Philadelphia and its suburbs is highly litigious.
 
Received my first "Entertainer Contract". It seems to be no problem but does anybody see anything wrong with this. The only thing I don't do is arrive in "professional attire".

Entertainers must be set up and sound checked 30 minutes prior to guest arrival.


At least this is clear with next statement

Access to the facility is given to entertainers two hours prior to the start of the event. If you require
earlier set up, please contact Jenny Giallanza at (916) 774-3870 during regular business hours.

OK...gotcha...but there is a problem later down the line....


Load in takes place at the west entrance of the facility. It is a short distance from your vehicle to the
ballroom. The majority of the path is smooth, flat and firm with little or no stairs. There is a stage in the
ballroom. You will be setting up to the right of the stage (as you’re facing it) on the floor in an area
designated by the facility. Any tables, stands or other props needed for performance are to be provided by
the entertainment company unless arrangements are made in advance.

Alright good to know....straight up information.


Access to the service area and
kitchen is near your set-up. Please mind the area and provide ample clearance for catering equipment in
this area.

Yea, are you saying you lay out is kinda crappy? Do I have to waste extra time to ensure I'm not in their way.

When you arrive, please introduce yourself to the Banquet Manager on duty and ask him/her to point out
access for load in and set up area. Equipment is to be unloaded and vehicles moved immediately as the
unloading area is an access point for guests and residents of the facility.

I understand getting out of the unloading area as soon as possible. However, what if I am early, and this unloading area is busy? Then what if I end up setting up my equipment last minute, and what if I am not set up in time..per your half hour for the event? Is this my fault, are you going to "bad mouth" me for taking so long??

All cords (cable, electrical, audio, visual etc…) are to be neatly dressed and secured using gaffer’s no stick
residue tape. Cables are to be of a dark or black color and are to be run along baseboards and the
architecture of the facility in a professional manner. Cable runs are prohibited along doorways and high
traffic/access points throughout the facility.

I'm glad you take this hiding "sloppy" setups, but who are you to "judge" a sloppy setup?? But yes I am glad you worry about trip hazards and such.....but the color of cords should be my choice..not yours. I use yellow cords if there is any chance I need to worry about a hazard...and you will not tell me different. Yellow means safety in most necks of my woods...dark is sometimes just asking for trouble. Anyways..I guess it your rules..not mine..you are the one who knows it all.

Two 20A circuits at 120V service, 3 prong Edison connections are provided for power use. Should more
power be needed, contact Jenny Giallanza at (916) 774-3870 during regular business hours.

Cool, at least this is taken seriously. I highly applaud you for this...nothing but pure awesome.

Due to the dress code of the facility, entertainers must arrive to event site in professional attire and
perform in professional attire suitable to the event. Jeans, T-shirts, tank tops and open toed
shoes/sandals are prohibited.

Ok..so you say Jeans...when did you become fashion experts. Did you know that some dress shirts look great with jeans? I understand you want people to dress nice, but you being the fashion police is not going to work. Take me to court, let's play. I think telling people how to dress is discriminatory, and quite frankly wrong. Maybe I should tell you what to wear??

Last song must end at conclusion of contracted time for facility. Adding time is not allowed on the day
of the event. Please confirm with Banquet Manager upon arrival to determine contracted end time.

I agree 100%!!!

Breakdown must be completed within 45 minutes of event conclusion.

KMA=Kiss My Apples!! If my clients have paid for extra service and it takes me an hour and 15 minutes to tear down, you will not hassle me and make me bust my balls to get tore down. I will go my fastest and try to be done within 45 minutes....but don't just assume I will be done in that time. Also you friggen deusches.....what if the unloading ramp is occupied and I cannot get into the loading ramp in a reasonable time? Your venue it being ridiculous....I have had to wait 45 min before just waiting for an alcohol cater to finally move from a bigger event center, so don't put no fricken time limit on me.

Although you are an independent contractor, you are considered by Sun City Roseville to be a
representative of the overall guest experience we provide to our clients. For this reason, all entertainers
will refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal substances while on property.

KMA=Kiss My Apples Bulls**t!! There is absolutely no way you will refrain me from my rights as a citizen. Not only am I an entertainer, more times than not I am their personal friends. I don't get hammered at my events, but sometimes I enjoy a few beers throughout the course of a night. Tell me you cannot serve me, and I will get on the mic, and let everyone know that I cannot have a drink, and watch your POS venue go to heck. Some guests like to see the entertainer enjoying themselves as well. Ok as far as the illegal substances...thats awesome, I hate that crap..if you catch me with drugs..let me get arrested. Who and in what legal book said that you cannot represent your facility with a drink in my hand?? Absurd...again let's go to court, and let's play. Once again, you think you can have people do whatever you want.

You will be responsible for any damages to the building or grounds incurred by your or your staff while
working at Sun City Roseville.

If I am negligent in any way, take my ass to court and get your damn money. If we bump your walls with our equipment and your way to and from the stage is difficult, I will refuse to pay one dime.

Please read, sign and return one copy to acknowledge understanding and cooperation of the above requirements.

Screw you....while I agree you want to protect yourself, some of your cooperation agreements are illegal and unconstitutional. If you don't let me play because of my responses, I will see you in court, and I will seek restitution. I would highly advise taking a better look at your cooperation agreement, and have an attorney review and fix the things I have noted above.

On a side note, most of this list is common practices for all entertainers, and I normally do those things. But when you remove my personal rights to entertain you are infringing on my basic rights, and you know that is wrong.

Please contact me as soon as possible so that we may get a more relevant cooperation agreement between your venue and my business that I can agree to. Thank you for your patience.





BTW....I am usually not a whiny sucker...but this COOPERATION AGREEMENT is just ridiculous. I know the intent of the venue, but it screams foul within the first few statements.

But one more side note. If this was written more professionally and didn't challenge my rights in some ways/shapes or forms..I am 100% game for it.






 
Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with what they are asking, they aren't asking for money or your credit card number LOL!

As backwoods as the area I live in is there are venues that require you to wear "professional attire" Which means slacks, dockers and polo or button up shirt with collar! There certainly isn't anything wrong with this, the Omni hotel has that policy and i don't have a problem with it.

For the rest it is common sense and common practice to do your setup so there are no trip hazzards and the system looks neat, be that taping the wires down around the baseboard or running them under the stage etc. it should always be done.

As for drinking on the job, it should never happen my DJs don't have a job if they get caught drinking while they are working PERIOD and I no longer drink, when I did it was never while i was being paid as a professional (it just doesn't look good).