[SML] [EXTERNAL] Re: Vectorworks for guest designers in schools

[Scott Parker]

Yes, VW wants students to use VW for all learning activities.

I agree that $1,500 is low, but I know people who donate their time to
support school theater activities, etc.
We churn out so many young designers searching for these introductory
(low-paid) opportunities; I feel we owe it to them to get out of the
way. I don't take them anymore and suggest finding newly minted
designers who need experience building projects.

I agree with Kristi and her list of great examples of multifaceted,
active professionals. The only thing I'd like to pick on is that they
all likely maintain access to the tools they need to do the job
they're committing to.

Which brings us back to the original question. How to get the guest
designer access to VW? EDU licenses are offered to educators and
students on a yearly basis. Month-to-month is not an option. So,
either an extra license on a school-owned computer or a monthly
subscription on the designer's computer for a fee. Many designers who
work a show or two a year turn their monthly subscription on and off
as needed. This has been received well by many who have complained
about the high cost of VW when they only do a show a year. Think
Nutcracker. They pass the cost on to the producer as a "studio fee."

Thanks,
Scott
Cell 718-757-6661


On Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 11:02 PM Kristi R-C via Stagecraft
<stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
>
> Agreed.
>
> Vectorworks WANTS us to use their software for teaching because students who learn it in school go on to prefer it professionally. As Scott showed, they’re willing to give a license so long as it’s used for educational purposes and putting on a school show certainly qualifies.

snip
>
> As for the $1500 fee - that’s about half the going rate, but it depends on a host of factors, mostly related to the size, length, complexity, and scope of the show. A simple play with one set and few cues using a rep plot - sure, but I’ve seen as much as $5K for a HS musical. The USA829 rates are publicly available - use those as a guide.
>
> Also, I’ll posit that the fact someone isn’t doing their craft 24/7/365 does not automatically negate the quality of their work.

 snip
>
> I can’t think of a single person here who does only one thing. We’re too intelligent and too stubborn to sit and watch the clock tick by. We make things happen.

snip
>
> If you want to see my session on that, I’ll be at Mesa Community College for KCACTF Region 8 on Friday.
>
> Kristi RC

snip
>
> "1.6 TERMS COMMON TO ALL LICENSES"
> "The Licensee may not:"
> "d. Use the software for any commercial or for-hire purpose, except for
> use of the software by enrolled students as part of a bona fide
> internship or apprenticeship program approved by Licensee."
>
> Meaning, you can't use it for outside projects that aren't a part of the
> school, *and* make a paycheck from it.
>
> I don't see how the school's charging money for tickets would break that
> portion of the license.