Page Type:
CRLT Players
Course Type:
All
The Players’ Company Manager handles travel arrangements for the company for all performances occurring outside of the University of Michigan’s (U-M’s) Ann Arbor campus. We understand that travel and lodging are significant expenses, and we will work with you to find the best deals and most efficient itinerary!
Planning Travel
- Please note because of the regulations put forth by the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union for stage performers, the company’s working day is capped at 10 hours, inclusive of travel. This daily maximum often dictates when and if we can travel on any given day.
- The Company Manager is in charge of making all travel arrangements for the company. For all performances off-campus or non-U-M related, this will mean a contract will be required for the session.
- This process begins with an estimate that is approved by both parties, which will then be used for the top page of the official contract.
- The Company Manager will work with the client, the client’s legal representative, and U-M’s legal department in obtaining signatures from everyone involved. This process can take anywhere from hours to months. Note that costs can fluctuate during this time.
- The Players will not begin to book travel (e.g. tickets, rentals, etc.) until the contract is fully signed.
Flights
- Players staff and company members will fly to all locations that are further than a five-hour drive from Ann Arbor, MI. Please see the section on Ground Transportation for information regarding trips less than a five-hour drive from U-M.
- If there is more than one option in your area, we ask that you identify your preferred airport. In determining your recommendation, please consider the convenience of ground transportation and frequency of delays/closings associated with each airport.
- In order to find the best flight prices, we book plane tickets no later than 6 weeks in advance of a performance date whenever possible. We choose the most affordable but logistically reasonable options available to us at the time of booking. Because flight prices fluctuate, the actual price of tickets may vary from the estimate provided earlier in the planning process. Clients are responsible for the actual ticket cost. If the total flight cost has increased by $500 from the estimate, we will inform you before booking.
- Due to the possibility of unpredictable travel, we will book direct flights whenever possible.
Lodging
- AEA requires that we provide performers with single occupancy rooms in a 3-star hotel.
- Hotels in close proximity to the performance space often allow for fewer on-site transportation costs.
- Many universities are offered discounts by local hotels. If this is the case for your institution, please keep in touch with the Company Manager to discuss the details of reserving rooms for the company.
Ground Transportation
- If we are traveling to a destination less than a five-hour drive from U-M’s Ann Arbor campus, we will rent a vehicle from U-M’s Fleet Services. In these instances, clients are responsible for the costs of the rental and all associated fuel costs.
- If we are flying to a destination, the client is responsible for all ground transportation costs, including shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as all necessary travel costs at the destination. If you are aware of reliable services that can reduce transportation costs, please share that information with the Company Manager.
- In the case of inclement weather, ground transportation between the hotel and the performance space will likely be necessary.
- It is imperative that we have clear information about the location of the performance venue and available parking locations, if applicable. Campus maps with important locations clearly labeled are much appreciated.
Cancellations
- In the event that travel or weather-related challenges outside of The Players’ control necessitate the cancellation of a planned performance, please know that our contracts stipulate that your organization will be responsible for a portion of the estimated fees.
- If a performance is canceled prior to the company's departure from Michigan, your organization will be responsible for all rehearsal time, 8 hours of additional time per actor, and any nonrefundable travel costs.
- If a performance is canceled after the company's departure from Michigan, your organization will be responsible for all of the above costs and half of the estimated day of performance fees.
