Professional
organizations do not always get the credit they deserve. Employers do not care
for them because they resemble unions. Employees are wary of joining them
because they see little or no advantage of being a member. However, being apart
of these organizations could be beneficial in professional matters that turn into
legal matters. For example, the teacher organization NEA, gives their members
one million dollars of legal coverage.
As an up and coming playwright, I have researched
several professional associations that I have considered joining. The
professional association that I am most interested in being apart of is The
Dramatists Guild. The Dramatists Guild was founded over 80
years ago, and is the only association that advances the interests of playwrights, composers, lyricists, and librettists, writing for the living stage. What is
appealing about the Dramatists Guild, is that they protect both artistic and
economic integrity. I feel confident when making transactions with intellectual
property (plays, movie scripts, etc.) that the Dramatists Guild will help to
guide and protect me through that process.
The Dramatists Guild offers a variety of events and
education such as: Friday Night Footlights and the Director/Dramatists
Exchange.
For a full list and description of the Dramatist
Guilds events and education click here
The Dramatist Guild also has a Bill of Rights, for
its members. Below is a list of the Bill of Rights.
1. Artistic Integrity
2. Approval of Production Elements
3. Right to be Present
4. Royalties
5. Billing Credit
6. Ownership of Intellectual Property
7. Ownership of Incidental
8. Subsidiary Rights
9. Future Options
10. Author's Contract
For a full description of the Bill of Rights,
click here
It is very important for any professional to be
apart of a professional organization. After researching this and other
organizations in my industry, I have concluded that this is a solid professional
organization worth joining.
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