If you work in live entertainment, odds are you’ve had at least one meal consisting of cold pizza at 2 AM while wondering if sleep is just a myth. Technical director Tab Birt has been there, done that, and has the spreadsheets to prove it. In episode 184 of Artistic Finance, we talked about everything from surviving the grind of backstage life to the joys of a well-funded ROTH IRA.
Value Yourself
Theatre people are notorious for working long hours and then apologizing for needing to sleep. Birt reminds us that not only do we deserve rest, but we also deserve to be paid properly. Don’t work for peanuts. The way Tab decides on taking a gig or not is with the help of spreadsheets and comparing the rate to a cost of living calculator. Birt’s pro tip: multiply your offered rate by .69 to see what’s left after taxes. Want to set aside 10% for retirement? Use .59 to see what you’ll be making after taxes and saving for retirement. The math can be that simple.
Getting on the Union Call List
Union work can be helpful for stagehands—benefits, standard rates and protections, though you may still end up living on Red Bull. Birt shared his experience getting on the list in Tulsa, Oklahoma, emphasizing patience, intentional networking, and persistence. Of course, with great power (aka a full schedule) comes great responsibility—like learning the ins and outs of union calls and the need to continue to hodgepodge gigs into full work depending on which list you’re on.
Retirement
Retirement planning isn’t exactly a hot topic at load-in. But Birt is here to tell you that setting up a ROTH IRA is easier than programming a five second fade on a light cue. The tax benefits are beneficial for the future you. Do what you can to avoid accessing your money going into retirement accounts. If you never see the money before it goes into savings, you’ll never miss it. Taking ten minutes and opening a ROTH IRA today could mean a future where you’re not climbing ladders at 75.
IRS Audits: Always Late For Their Call Time
Birt learned by experience that forgetting to report a 1099 can lead to an unfortunate letter from the IRS. (Not an audit per se, but definitely not a fan letter either.) Two years after he forgot to report a single 1099, the IRS came back to collect the taxes. The takeaway? Keep track of all your gigs and payments so you can report them during tax time, even if the company you worked for doesn’t send you the 1099. Especially important if you’ve changed mailing addresses.
Emergency Funds
Birt shared a heartwarming (and slightly painful) story about dropping $4,000 on emergency surgery for his cat. Whether it’s your pet, your laptop, or your entire lighting rig, unexpected expenses happen. We will all do well to keep 6 months of savings set aside for emergencies.
Hobbies Are a Thing (No, Really!)
Somehow, between load-ins, load-outs and running shows, Birt also makes glass art. He talked about the importance of taking time away from the inside of a theater. As a bonus at the end of the episode, he shared his profit-and-loss spreadsheet for glassblowing, which is best viewed via video (audio-only spreadsheets don’t hit the same). Turns out, theatre folks can have hobbies that don’t involve running shows—who knew?
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Money, Sleep, and Maybe a Snack
Birt’s insights prove that financial literacy is just as important as a good pair of work gloves. His advice is golden—charge what you’re worth, save before you spend, and prepare for rainy days (or surprise cat surgeries). If you want to hear more from Birt, check out the full conversation at artisticfinance.com/184.