EXTRA CRITICUM

Conan vs. Conan

Tonight, November 8th, is a big red-headed letter date for us pop culturists.

Sure, it's a Two and A Half Men night and it's fun watching Charlie Sheen while wondering he's got a  hooker stashed in his trailer.. 

Apprentice Artists, Interns and other moral quandaries

Last night we had a fundraiser for our company and the spouse of a major donor asked the following question. "How much do you pay your apprentice artists? Surely, it's less than minimum wage!"

I have to admit, I was taken aback. First, I looked at her like she was nuts. See, for years opera companies and other theatre companies have depended upon the kindness, commitment and (let's face it) unfettered ambition of young upstarts to fill the ranks of the chorus, the scene shop, the coat check... And they are paid.  (sort of) But they're paid a pittance compared to the amount of time and effort they put in. After tossin' and turnin' in my bed all night, I rose to consult my copy of Webster's to look up the word "apprentice" and here's what I found: