Artistic Finance

187: Designer Pay & Transparency - Broadway, Off Broadway, and West End with Isabella Byrd

Discussing designer pay and transparency with Broadway, Off-Broadway, and West End lighting designer Isabella Byrd. 
 
Topics:
⭐️ Dealing with the IRS
⭐️ Union pension, healthcare, and the union ledger
⭐️ Commercial theatre fees (aka Broadway) versus off-Broadway fees (aka non-profit theatre)
⭐️ CDs, as in Certificates of Deposit
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/HJ1wBWuLwKQ
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Isabella Byrd
https://www.isabellabyrd.design/
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/isabella-byrd-527907
 
Drift
https://studiodrift.com/work/drifter/
 
The Shed
https://www.theshed.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwvr--BhB5EiwAd5YbXqw-o1AZJ4K0bhxLrH613ZH2yPapTv6-Lw54hGG-7dZ_7bVzULR3pBoC8hkQAvD_BwE
 
Death Sex And Money - Podcast
https://slate.com/podcasts/death-sex-money
 
Zenith American - USA 829 Benefits Hub
https://www.zenith-american.com/
 
USA 829
https://www.usa829.org/Membership-Info/Benefit-Funds
 
CD Rates - Bask Bank
https://www.baskbank.com/products/certificates-of-deposit
 
Entertainment Community Fund
https://entertainmentcommunity.org/services-and-programs/financial-wellness-0
 
In 1: The Podcast - hosted by Cory Pattak
https://in1podcast.com/
 
Instagram Handles
@isabelllaa
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel

5th Anniversary & Casting Notice - Bonus Episode

Today is the 5th anniversary of Artistic Finance. A quick thank you to mark the occasion and announcing a non-AEA casting notice for NYC!

186: Commercial Theatre Business - Fees, Contracts and Copyright with Beverly Emmons

Broadway lighting designer Beverly Emmons discusses commercial theatre practices for designers.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Adding riders onto your contract
⭐️ Theatre Law which aims to protect investors’ money
⭐️ W2 and 1099 and how that impacts copyright for designers
⭐️ The history of the theatre design union - United Scenic Artists
⭐️ Those union contracts, what they protect, and how they’re helpful for expediting theatre negotiations because so many things are spelled out already, so there isn’t need for a lot of negotiation.
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/t8rVQO00IjE
 
Extended Interviewhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/124372571
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Beverly Emmons
https://performingartslegacy.org/emmonsbeverly/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverly-emmons-57339135/
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/beverly-emmons-25645
 
The Lighting Archive
https://thelightingarchive.org/
 
Don Holder Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXHdU1JVmRE&t=34s
 
Ken Billington Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuojA4i6y5c
 
Jules Fisher
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/jules-fisher-7001
 
Kermit Blumgarden - producer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/kermit-bloomgarden-14214
 
Ted Mann - producer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/theodore-mann-15532
 
Broadway Grosses
https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/grosses-broadway-nyc/
 
Atlantic Theatre joins IATSE
https://deadline.com/2025/03/atlantic-theater-iatse-1236348882/
 
Theatre Lighting in the Age of Gas
https://archive.org/details/theatrelightingi0000rees/page/n9/mode/2up
 
Broadway Theatre Manager - Peter Bogyo
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781621536246
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781621536253
(affiliate link)
 
USA 829
https://www.usa829.org/
 
Instagram Handles
@bemmonsld12gmail
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel

185: There's No Special Formula To Get To Broadway with Alvin Hough Jr

Alvin Hough Jr, who’s currently the associate music director of The Lion King on Broadway, talks about career finances and a few things about musical theatre musicians.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Dollar pizza
⭐️ Being a saver, not a spender
⭐️ Living off per diem while touring
⭐️ Rehearsal call versus a performance call
⭐️ Rates of pay for different numbers of instruments
⭐️ The differences between the piano and the keyboard
⭐️ Working a double, in musician speak, and what that means for your pay scale.
⭐️ The importance of family and Alvin investing early on, on the advice from an aunt
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/J9Gjb5o_h7E
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Alvin Hough Jr
www.alvinhoughjr.com
https://www.instagram.com/alvinhoughpiano/
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/alvin-hough-493607#broadway
 
Believe NYC
https://believe-nyc.com/
 
Arts for Autism
https://www.artsforautism.net/
 
Randy Cohen - Keyboard Programmer
https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/randy-cohen-454486
 
NYMF
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Musical_Theatre_Festival
 
The Lion King on Broadway
https://lionking.com/
 
Avioms - In Ear Mixing
https://www.aviom.com/AviomProducts/
 
ALVIN HOUGH, JR. Alvin is a pianist, conductor and arranger in New York City. He is currently the Associate Music Director of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway and was the Associate Music Supervisor of Merrily We Roll Along, featuring Daniel Radcliffe, which closed this past July aEer winning the Tony for Best Revival. Alvin is the Music Supervisor of the current 2nd NaHonal Tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, and he has also worked on numerous films and TV series, from “Schmigadoon 2” and “Spirited” to “Annie Live!” and the South Park 25th anniversary commercials. Classically trained by a private teacher from the age of 5, Alvin has had the privilege of performing at the Kennedy Center, the Capitol and the White House while growing up in Washington, DC. One of the more important things Alvin likes to share is that there is no special formula to end up on Broadway. As proof, even though he's currently not using them, Alvin has a Bachelor’s from Harvard College in Earth and Planetary Sciences and a Master’s in Meteorology from the Georgia InsHtute of Technology. He sends love to his wife, Rebecca, and their two young children, Samuel (7) and Camille (6). www.alvinhoughjr.com
 
Instagram Handles
@alvinhoughpiano
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel

184: Load-In, Load-Out, Cash In: A Technical Director's Thoughts On Finance

Technical director Tab Birt discusses his journey through live entertainment, financial lessons learned along the way, and his dream of trading the stage for a glass artist’s studio in Norway.
 
Topics
⭐️ Glass blowing
⭐️ Not selling yourself short
⭐️ Getting on a stagehands union call list
⭐️ Burning out, being cynical, and the joy of theatre
⭐️ The secret investment vehicle called a ROTH IRA
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/Kh9TP0Gls0s
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Tab Birt
https://www.tbirtdesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tbirtdesign/
 
Saints Peter & Paul - Homeless Shelter
https://www.stspeterandpaulstl.org/homeless-shelter
 
Third Degree Glass Factory
https://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoonESXmz4AvOFvGWqiziSPkJy_kBTC66ol4q9J4rvcuYxhm7cfN
 
Here’s What I Don’t Get
https://hereswhatidontget.com/podcast
 
Bullsh*t Jobs - David Graeber
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781501143335
 
Debt: The First 5,000 Years - David Graeber
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9781612194196
 
David Graeber Lecture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kikzjTfos0s
 
ROTH IRA
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rothira.asp
 
Design Action - Minimum Rate Calculator
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1KpsHWVKvc0FYfDftayTh1Dh2befS-oPM6_rwQ6waoVk/edit?gid=691329339#gid=691329339
 
The Lighting Archive
https://thelightingarchive.org/
 
 
Tab Birt hails from the Land of Praying Hands, Tulsa Oklahoma. He received his BFA in Lighting and Sound Design from the University of Oklahoma, and currently resides in in St Louis as the Technical Director for Edison Theatre. He’s worked in live entertainment for 17 years around the country, and when not in production you can find him in the hot shop pursuing his interest in glass, or at home sipping a fine whiskey, grilling steaks, or smoking a rich cigar. He dreams of one day retiring from theatre and becoming a glass artist in Norway.
 
Instagram Handles
@tbirtdesign
@thirddegreeglass
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel
 

183: How To File Taxes As A Freelance Artist

Today’s show is an “ordinary and necessary” episode in which we learn about prepping and filing taxes for freelancer 1099 income.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Documentation matters!
⭐️ Personal expenses versus business expenses
⭐️ Tracking your expenses as you go
⭐️ Missing expenses are the number one way to pay more in taxes.
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/EJBHsud0Iis
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Aja M Jackson
https://www.ajajacksonlighting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ajamjackson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aja-m-jackson
 
Farrell Parker
https://www.artisttaxprep.com/
https://www.instagram.com/artisttaxprep/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrell-parker-7a0aa3119/
 
Jared R Rogers, CPA
https://www.wilsonrogers.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredrrogerscpa/
https://www.instagram.com/wilsonrogersco/?hl=en
 
Artist Tax Prep Freelancer Spreadsheet
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kDb48wLKWWnkGigyu52tYYGWRHDV2h-Ai7AizNCrtb8/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZh7dkkg9Htl1oE4M46Emo-Cw8yEahk7n90sRBCDy5R32W5D1xbTHSjvYI_aem_adKVVnGYaIN_xPS6bS21wQ&gid=343072668#gid=343072668
 
IRS Website
https://www.irs.gov/
 
Social Security Website
https://www.ssa.gov/
 
Accountants for Creatives
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YG1sgP4LqJa6Rk5CBdnvlQ2ByEvzFNKSS6uI61QkMlY/edit?usp=sharing
 
 
AJA M JACKSON is an interdisciplinary Lighting Designer with a focus on the stage. Some credits include Off-Broadway: A Commercial Jingle for Regina Comet, and Rock and Roll Man. Broadway: Fat Ham (associate). Regional (selected): Hear Word (American Repertory Theatre / The Public Theater Under the Radar Festival).  Lost In Yonkers, The Art of Burning, Pride and Prejudice, Simona’s Search (Hartford Stage). The Art of Burning, The Band's Visit (Huntington Theatre Company); Associate: Goddess (Berkeley Rep). Assistant: Real Women Have Curves and Queen Of Versailles.  Dance: Hubbard Street Dance, Modern Connections; Resident Lighting Designer for movement company, HoldTight. Awards: OEAA Outstanding Lighting Design - Kinky Boots (2022). Teaching: Boston University, National Theatre Institute. Proud member of USA 829. www.ajajacksonlighting.com | IG: @ajamjackson
Farrell Parker is a DC-based performing artist and owner of Artist Tax Prep - an income tax preparation firm (by artists, for artists) founded in 2018, now serving hundreds of clients nationwide. A proud New Jersey native, Farrell holds a BS in Business Administration from Boston University, a graduate certificate in Digital Media from American University, and an MFA in Classical Acting from the Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy at George Washington University. As a performer, she has been seen at the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Co, Olney Theatre, the Huntington Theatre, and on stage with The Second City - among others. Over the course of her career, Farrell has originated roles in 12 world premiere productions and produced a plethora of live comedy and musical events. Her voice and likeness can be heard and seen in a bunch of commercials and she is a 2025 DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Fellowship grantee. 
 
 
Jared R. Rogers is an Illinois-licensed Certified Public Accountant and CEO of the Chicago-based financial services firm Wilson Rogers & Company. Prior to his current role, he spent 13 years in the finance function of several major companies including Hyatt Hotels, PepsiCo, Robert Bosch and KPMG LLP. In addition to the above, Jared is also the published author of three books: 
The Real Estate Brokers Little Black Tax Book (CreateSpace Independent Publishing 2020)
How to Slash Your Taxes Legally & Ethically (CreateSpace Independent Publishing 2018)
Pathways to Wealth - A Common Sense Guide to Personal Money Management & Lifestyle Techniques (Authorhouse 2003)
In his role at Wilson Rogers & Company, Jared is responsible for advising clients on matters including income taxes, tax debt resolution and personal financial planning. Through his business dealings over the years, he has reviewed thousands of personal and business income tax returns to ensure not only their accuracy, but that the taxpayer is paying the minimal amount of tax that they are legally obligated to.
Philanthropically, Jared has served as Financial Secretary and Treasurer for the IDeaL Education Foundation. He also has previously volunteered as a tax preparer for the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Over the years, Jared has blogged about numerous tax matters, many of which can be found at www.wilsonrogers.net.
 
Instagram Handles
@ajamjackson
@artisttaxprep
@wilsonrogersco
@unitedscenicartists
@ethansteimel
@nicolevsteimel

182: Freelancer Finances | Essential Resources for Theatre Workers

A guide of financial resources, and where to find them, for freelancers working in theatre or other facets of the entertainment industry.
 
⭐️ Unions
⭐️ Job boards
⭐️ Scholarships
⭐️ Financial Planning
⭐️ Taxes / Accountants
⭐️ Financial Communities
⭐️ Educational Worksheets & Supplements
⭐️ Community Resources - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
⭐️ Episodes of Artistic Finance - separated out by career focuses
 
Video Version:
https://youtu.be/lOlmkn7Obi4
 
Artistic Finance Website - click on "resources +"
https://www.artisticfinance.com/
 
Dads - Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7clwrlPI64U
 

181: Career Finances in Entertainment - LIVE @ LDI

A panel of live event lighting and media professionals having a Q&A about career finances.
 
⭐️ Theatre Lighting Designer Christina Watanabe
⭐️ TV Lighting Designer Mike Grabowski
⭐️  Media Designer Zak Borovay
⭐️ TV Gaffer Seán Linehan
 
Topics:
⭐️ Taxes
⭐️ Agents
⭐️ Contracts
⭐️ USA 829 / LORT Contracts
 
Youtube Version
https://youtu.be/ojmSqEkGqi8
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
LDI
https://www.ldishow.com/
 
Christina Watanabe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-watanabe/
http://www.starryeyedlighting.com/
 
Mike Grabowski
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegrabowski/
https://www.mtgdesigns.net/
 
Sean Linehan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanlights/
 
Zak Borovay
https://www.linkedin.com/in/borovayz/
https://borovaydesign.com/
 
USA 829 Design Membership Candidate - LORT Program
https://www.usa829.org/Portals/0/Document%20Library/LORT/2024%20Docs/Final%20Docs/USA%20829%20DMC%20Program%20for%20LORT%20Theatres%208-21-2024.pdf?ver=9uPaXqxM9aNe1IYejocFfg%3d%3d
 
USA 829 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Page
https://www.usa829.org/Contracts/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements-CBAs-Public-View/Theatre-Opera-Dance
 
Accountants for Creatives
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YG1sgP4LqJa6Rk5CBdnvlQ2ByEvzFNKSS6uI61QkMlY/edit?usp=sharing
 
IRS Website
https://www.irs.gov/
 
Social Security Website
https://www.ssa.gov/
 
Frank Zappa Autobiography - (affiliate link)
https://bookshop.org/a/86693/9780671705725
 
Luna Lux
https://lunalux.us/
 
The Lighting Design Group
https://ldg.com/
 
Instagram Handles
@ldg_lightingdesigngroup 
@starryeyedlighting 
@ldg.entertainment 
@front_projection 
@wandering_lush
@ethansteimel
@mtgdesigns 
@lunaluxllc
@ldishow 
 

180: No One Talks About Finances In The Entertainment Industry with Josh Hutchings - Lighting Designer - LIVE at LDI

An interview with television lighting designer Josh Hutchings about how intimate and taboo it is to discuss finances.
 
Topics:
⭐️ Compound interest
⭐️ Not having a financial plan
⭐️ Investing early and consistently
⭐️ It’s an industry based on relationships
⭐️ How intimate and taboo discussing finances is
⭐️ Making a financial life plan with the help of professionals
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/6hFYG8HHQ0Y
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Illumination Advocates
https://www.illuminationadvocates.com/
https://www.instagram.com/illumination_advocates/
 
Joshua Hutchings
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-hutchings-55439a38/
 
LDI
https://www.ldishow.com/
 
Oscar Dominguez - Lighting Designer
https://dfld.com/the-team/oscar-dominguez/
 
IATSE 600
https://www.icg600.com/
 
IATSE 728
https://www.iatse728.org/
 
IATSE 33
https://www.ia33.org/
 
Radford Studios Stagehand Death
https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/marvel-crew-member-dies-wonder-man-1235899835/
 
Midnight Mission
https://www.midnightmission.org/
 
Travis McHale & Compound Interested
https://www.youtube.xn--5ca/watch?v=7psS_ebQEyc
 
Compound Interest with Paddy Hirsch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmhmR_tn-Qo
 
Bill Klages Remembered on Light Talk
https://lighttalk.libsyn.com/light-talk-episode-380-ocean-views-our-tribute-to-bill-klages
 
Instagram Handles
@illumination_advocates
@nicolevsteimel
@ethansteimel
@live.design
@ldishow
 
Interview by Ethan Steimel

179: Financial Independence for Creatives - LIVE at LDI

A discussion of various financial independence topics for people working in the creative industry. 
 
Topics:
⭐️ Improving Financial IQ
⭐️ The “starving artist” narrative
⭐️ Empowering confidence in personal financial decisions
 
A live episode recorded at LDI in collaboration with Amy D Lux / Lobolux Design's Financial Independence Club.
 
Video Version
https://youtu.be/Nqo4Z7UREKE
 
Artistic Finance
https://linktr.ee/artisticfinance
 
Kinetic Lighting
https://kineticlighting.com/
 
LDI
https://www.ldishow.com/
 
How to Set Up an HSA
https://www.healthcare.gov/high-deductible-health-plan/setting-up-hsa/
 
What Is An IRA?
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-an-ira
 
Rocket Money
https://www.rocketmoney.com/
 
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
https://bookshop.org/p/books/rich-dad-poor-dad-what-the-rich-teach-their-kids-about-money-that-the-poor-and-middle-class-do-not-robert-t-kiyosaki/17533307?aid=86693&ean=9781612681139&listref=artistic-finance-books
(my affiliate link)
 
IATSE 728
https://www.iatse728.org/
 
Gusto
https://gusto.com/
 
Intuit
https://www.intuit.com/
 
Matt Mills
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-mills-0556026/
https://www.lightingprogrammer.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/mattmills407/
 
Matt Guminski
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-guminski-bba32816/
https://www.mglightingdesign.com/portfolio
https://www.instagram.com/mattygld/
 
Erica D Hayes
https://www.ericadhayes.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericadhayes/
https://www.instagram.com/ericadhayes/
 
Amy D Lux:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-d-lux-953a7318a/
https://utopiadreamscape.com/author/luvlogica/
 
Instagram Handles
@ericadhayes
@mattmills407
@mattygld
@lobolux
@nicolevsteimel
@ethansteimel
@live.design
@ldishow
 
Hosted by Ethan Steimel