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

[John McAfee]

Thanks for all of the input and allowing me to examine my own assumptions about “practicing.”

$1,500 is low, and I have referenced the USA829 rates in trying to raise our fees.  My school is in the midst of examining its pay rates across the board (I believe we are one of the lowest paying for adjuncts in the area), and my goal is to offer higher design rates by fall ’26.

I’ll talk with IT about whether there is a laptop that can be loaned out, because that seems the easiest solution, but barring that, I’ll set up a cash advance for the designer to subscribe for 2 months.

Thanks all,
John

> On Feb 11, 2025, at 8:28 AM, Scott Parker via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net> wrote:
> 
> 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.
> 
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