Your point of contact is Merlijne (programming and production). Email her at merlijne@scala-amsterdam.nl.

Step 1

Dates

• We will contact you and ask about your availability in the months for which we are programming. Share your availability as broadly as possible and let us know if you have preferences. We prefer two performance weeks in a row, but another schedule is also possible. In any case, we will find dates for you.

• Once we have your availability, we will piece together the other performances and put together a good and varied programme for our audience. After that, we will confirm the performance dates to you.

Step 2

Agreement

• You will receive a collaboration agreement by email for the agreed performance dates. Once it has been signed, everything is final.

Step 3

Viewing

• At the latest two weeks before your first performance evening, you perform a viewing for us. More explanation can be found in the question about the viewing.

Step 4

Lighting meeting (optional)

• Do you have specific lighting wishes? Then we will plan a lighting meeting together. More explanation can be found in the question about lighting.

Step 5

Go and perform!

Please keep in mind that you must perform a viewing for us at least two weeks before your first performance evening. Earlier is always possible, but later is unfortunately not. Take this into account in your creative process and your schedule.

The viewing takes place at Scala, on weekdays during office hours. You perform your full 20 minute show, which should in principle be finished by then. It is not the intention that you show a script reading or a work in progress. You may perform under general lighting, and your lighting plan does not have to be finished yet. The viewing is meant to see whether your final show fits Scala, as we pictured it after your pitch. We often give you some feedback as well.

Many theatre makers experience the viewing as a helpful push to finish the show on time, so there is still enough time to really get it under your fingers. It is also good to perform the show once for a small audience in the performance space and notice what is still missing or could be better.

We work with preprogrammed lighting presets. You can choose from 8 or more different full lighting presets in various colours. We do not have special extras such as a spotlight. During your show, you can switch between lighting presets. You control these switches yourself with a simple button. No technician is present during your show.

If the preprogrammed looks don't work for you and you have very specific wishes, we can arrange a separate lighting meeting with our technician to make a lighting plan. Their availability is limited, so we ask you to be a little flexible. This meeting usually takes place in the week of your first performance evening, during office hours. Email merlijne@scala-amsterdam.nl to arrange this.

Once you are programmed at Scala, you can rehearse for free in our spaces. You do need to arrange this in advance. Email our office manager Vera at vera@scala-amsterdam.nl to plan it. If you end up not coming after all, let us know at least 24 hours in advance.

Rehearsals are possible from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 16:00, subject to availability. We have two options for this:

1. It is the week you perform. You have priority on your venue. If you want to rehearse, this is in principle always possible in the venue where you will also perform (exceptions are always possible).

2. It is not yet the week you perform. There is probably space, but you may end up rehearsing in a different venue from the one where you will perform. We try to help, but sometimes that is not possible because of the set, or because another artist is rehearsing and performing that week.

   
   

Are you bringing a set along when rehearsing? With the second option, you take it with you directly after the rehearsal. With the first option, you can set it up and leave it in place, though please do arrange this with us so we know about it.

If we programme you following your pitch, we assume that the concrete material you pitched will also end up in your final show. We chose and programmed you on the basis of that specific material, and that was for a reason. The overall picture of the show, the people involved and the artistic concept must largely remain intact.

If you want to make changes, always discuss them with Scala. The concept may not be changed unilaterally by the maker. You also may not simply change the agreed title.

Would you like to discuss it? Our inbox and phone are always open.

Once you have committed to Scala, you are obliged to perform your show on the agreed dates. We always advise you to consult Scala when such a situation arises. If there is timely and good communication, we may be able to find a suitable solution together.

On an evening, you normally perform three shows, provided there are enough ticket sales. It can also be two or one, but of course we do our utmost to sell three. We also count on you for this, in marketing and PR.

There are four rooms in Scala, each with its own show and matching start time. For example, if you start at 19.30 hours, you also perform at 20.30 and 21.30 hours. Your show lasts 20 minutes, and between each show you have about 40 minutes before the next round starts. During that time you are warmly invited to come to the foodbar and talk with guests. This way you make a bit of a parade for your show. The audience really appreciates this, and such an encounter often leads to return performances, merchandise sales, new followers on social media and more.

PLEASE NOTE, your show may not exceed 20 minutes, not even by a few minutes. If your show runs over, audience members who are in that show may miss the next one. In addition, those few minutes cause an evening full of delays. Keep this in mind during your creative process.

Start times depend on the room you perform in:

• Room 1 | 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00

• Room 2 | 19:25, 20:25 and 21:25

• Room 3 | 19:30, 20:30 and 21:30

• Room 4 | 18:55, 19:55 and 20:55

Are you wondering why the times are so odd? This is because we try to minimise noise disturbance between the rooms, for both performers and audience. Rooms that lie diagonally across from each other start at almost the same time, so you are bothered as little as possible by sound from neighbouring rooms.

Be present at least 30 minutes before the start time of your first performance. On your first performance evening, this is 60 minutes before the start of your first performance, because of your setup in the room and the technical check.

On your first performance evening, you must be present 60 minutes before your first performance. That gives you enough time to set up and check that everything works.

Preferably, you build up earlier, for example earlier that day or on one of the days before. Contact us for this, so someone will certainly be present when you arrive. Building up is only possible on weekdays during office hours.

Do you have technical wishes beyond the standard? Then make sure you are fully set up in your room by 17.30 hours at the latest. After that, we are no longer available to support you technically. So check your set, sound and technology in good time (preferably earlier), so you are sure that everything works and is ready for the evening.

You leave your room tidy and empty, apart from Scala's belongings. So take all your set and props with you. Leave nothing behind in your room or elsewhere in Scala, including Room 4. Unfortunately, Scala has no storage facilities.

If you cannot take your things with you on your last evening, you can collect your set and props on the Monday or Tuesday after your last performance weekend, by arrangement. Arrange this with Vera at vera@scala-amsterdam.nl. If you have not arranged anything, you are expected to take everything with you on your last evening.

In principe gaan voorstellingen altijd door. Scala spant zich in om zoveel mogelijk kaartverkoop te genereren en zoekt daarbij altijd naar mogelijkheden om bezoekers van twee tijdstippen samen te voegen tot een voorstelling, zodat er een vollere zaal ontstaat.

Let op: soms lijkt het online alsof een voorstelling niet in de verkoop is. Trek daar zelf niet de conclusie uit dat de voorstelling niet doorgaat. Een voorstelling is soms uit de verkoop omdat die al volgeboekt is. Gaat je eerste voorstelling niet door, dan word je altijd door Scala geïnformeerd. Gaat je middelste of laatste voorstelling niet door, dan hoor je dat op de avond zelf in Scala.

• Performers can order free coffee and tea at the bar. It is not permitted to get these for visitors. In addition, you receive 1 drink per performance evening, of your choice from the entire range except strong spirits and cocktails.

• Until your last performance, drinking alcohol is not allowed, on the orders of the fire department. After that, it is of course allowed.

• Performers may eat snacks from the vending machine (€5.50) and flammkuchen (€6.50) at this reduced rate.

• Heating your own food in the microwave can be arranged with the shift leader of the evening. If you eat something other than Scala's dishes, please do so before opening time (18:00).

• To avoid discussions at the end of your performance period, you settle your drinks with the bar staff every evening.

• Eating in your room is not allowed, because of smells and vermin.

The size of your playing area depends on the room you perform in:

• Room 1 | 3.5 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep

• Room 2 | 3.5 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep

• Room 3 | 2.45 metres wide and 2.30 metres deep

• Room 4 | 1.90 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep

Your contact person for technology is Vera (vera@scala-amsterdam.nl). Please let her know your technical wishes in good time.

Do you need a sound system, a piano or a microphone? And what are you bringing yourself? An amplifier is only needed if you use electric instruments, loop stations or effects units. Our rooms are small, and amplifying your voice is in principle not necessary.

Technology that Scala has in house:

• Digital piano (Roland FP30), 3 pieces

• Mono speaker with mini jack connection, 2 pieces

• Small JBL portable speaker, 1 piece

• JBL EON208 stereo set with mixing panel, 2 pieces. The inputs are jack, XLR and RCA, and connecting via Bluetooth is possible.

• Adapters from mini jack to USB-C or Lightning

• Mini jack extension cable

• Microphone, including microphone stand and XLR cables, 2 pieces

• Projector, 1 piece

• Large projector screen, 1 piece

• Clicker (Flic or mini remote control) for controlling music, slides, presentation or QLab

• QLab subscription that you can make use of

  
  

Want to come by beforehand to discuss the technology? Come by on a Monday or Wednesday to look at your room and talk through the technology. Email Vera to make an appointment.

It is a plus if you have a set! The audience really appreciates it, and it lifts your show to a higher level. It does not have to be much, but think about how you can give your space a real upgrade. Need inspiration? Click here for examples from previous performers. Let us know in advance what set and props you are bringing.

Please note, your set and/or props must be taken with you on your last performance evening, even if you perform with us again a few weeks later. Scala has no storage facilities. If you cannot take your things with you on your last evening, you can collect them on the Monday or Tuesday after your last performance weekend, by arrangement. If you have not arranged anything, you take everything with you on your last evening.

Not permitted:

• Smoke machines, confetti and glitter

• Candles and open flames

• Liquids and food (unless you cover the floor covering)

Flammable set and flammable props (think of textiles, wood, cardboard or paper, and (Christmas) decorations) must be made fire resistant beforehand. We have fire retardant liquid available.

What Scala has in house to lend:

• Wooden casing for a digital piano, grand or upright

• Wooden bench

• TV screen

• Various bar stools and chairs

• Bed (in between a single and a double) with mattress and bedding

• Plastic plants and flowers

• Small wooden bridge

• Antique round wooden side table

  
  

Want to come by beforehand? Come by on a Monday or Wednesday to look at your room and talk through the technology. We are there on most days between 10.15 and 17.00. Email us to make an appointment.

Scala pays you 35% of the ticket income. The ticket price is €12.50 per show, including VAT. How much you earn therefore depends on the number of tickets sold. Scala does its best to sell as many tickets as possible and expects theatre makers to put in the same effort. We support you with a PR plan, and our email is always open for questions.

We pay one fee per show. You are therefore responsible for dividing it among everyone involved in your show. The fewer people you perform or create the show with, the more income you keep per person.

At Scala you work as a freelancer. You do sign a collaboration agreement. If you are not registered as self employed (zzp), you can have your pay processed through a payroll agency. Any additional costs are for your own account.

Besides the financial fee, we offer you free rehearsal space, you reach a new audience that is largely generated by Scala, and you expand your network. You may also sell merchandise and/or poetry collections, songbooks, LPs, and so on.

Payment

We aim to send you a ticket sales overview of your performance period within 30 days after your last performance evening. It will include the amount to be invoiced from ticket income. Based on this overview, you send us a VAT invoice (9% VAT, or exempt if you use the KOR small business scheme). Payment is made after we receive a correct invoice. We aim to pay the invoice within 14 days of receipt.

Your point of contact is Fabiola (marketing). Email her at fabiola@scala-amsterdam.nl. You will find all tips and materials in the marketing toolkit.

As a theatre maker at Scala, you are also partly an ambassador for our concept. Scala aims to create a safe and professional environment in which we want to help theatre makers further with their show and their career. In return, we expect positive promotion of Scala and a helpful attitude. Publicity is always important, but at Scala it is even more so. More PR leads to more ticket sales and therefore a higher income for you.

PR photos, stage photos and video recordings:

• You are responsible for supplying a royalty free promotional photo in high resolution. This may also be an existing photo. Scala is happy to think along about which photo communicates and sells best.

• The promotional text is written by Scala, based on input from the makers themselves.

• Stage photography is not included by default. Each month Scala decides whether and for which show photos are taken. If photos are taken of your show, you may also use them (with the name of the photographer credited) to promote your show at Scala. We will inform you in advance about the presence of a photographer. You may hire your own stage photographer with Scala's permission.

• We encourage you to record your show. You never know which venues you may want to send your show to. Do you need extra space during one of your performances for a tripod or a camera operator? Let us know, and we will adjust the venue capacity accordingly. Please note that you may never show identifiable audience members on camera.

Two production tickets per performing artist per performance week are available for performance periods at Scala, provided they are requested in advance. Request them by email at info@scala-amsterdam.nl. The bar staff cannot issue them on the evening itself. In principle, production tickets can only be used on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Good to know, Scala works together with PodiumPas. If the person for whom you want to request a production ticket has a PodiumPas, they can also book a ticket at Scala for free. That way you still keep the compensation.

Scala reserves the right to issue complimentary tickets for the show at its own discretion, for example to programmers, visitors who make paid promotion for Scala and Scala's staff, provided the show is not sold out.

Merlijne | production and programming merlijne@scala-amsterdam.nl Programming, collaboration agreement, planning of the viewing and lighting meeting.

Present on Monday and Thursday.

Vera | office manager

vera@scala-amsterdam.nl

Planning of rehearsals, all questions about technology, set and other practical needs.

Present on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Fabiola | marketing fabiola@scala-amsterdam.nl Questions about PR and marketing.

Present on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Tessa | director & programming tessa@scala-amsterdam.nl Questions about website texts, finances and invoices.

Production tickets can only be requested via info@scala-amsterdam.nl.