Carnegie Hall Stagehand Moving Props Makes $530,044

Parent Cafe
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<p>Some of you may find this article interesting, especially the parents of music students.</p>

<p>[Carnegie</a> Hall Stagehand Moving Props Makes $530,044 (Update1) - Bloomberg.com](<a href=“Bloomberg Politics - Bloomberg”>Bloomberg Politics - Bloomberg)</p>

<p>"After you practice for years and get to Carnegie Hall, it’s almost better to move music stands than actually play the piano.</p>

<p>Depending on wattage, a star pianist can receive $20,000 a night at the 118-year-old hall, meaning he or she would have to perform at least 27 times to match the income of Dennis O’Connell, who oversees props at the New York concert hall.</p>

<p>O’Connell made $530,044 in salary and benefits during the fiscal year that ended in June 2008. The four other members of the full-time stage crew – two carpenters and two electricians – had an average income of $430,543 during the same period, according to Carnegie Hall’s tax return. …"</p>

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<p>Sent the link to my son! Thanks. Maybe there is life after Juilliard… (although he’d be happier with the $20k one night stands.)</p>

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<p>binx, me too. There’s hope yet. :D</p>

<p>Perhaps that helps to 'splain the price of concert tickets. </p>

<p>Anyone considering a career on stage best check to see if they want to be on before or after the house lights dim.</p>

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<p>Wow! Good to know DD could have a very profitable career being behind the scenes (just as she likes it!!)</p>

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<p>I wish the article had split out what the different parts of the compensation package are–how much was benefits, how much was salary, how much was overtime, etc.</p>

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<p>Right. Healthcare benefits these days can equal salary. And overtime could account for much of the amazing sum.</p>

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<p>Happykid and her theater tech pals need to read this one! Maybe they ought to go the union route instead of the BA in Theater. I wonder how long it takes to work up to this salary range, and whether or not there is anything approaching it through IATSE Local #22 here in the DC area…</p>