ABSTRACT
Touring shows have various names but are always touring shows; they just come in different Equity packages with varying pay scales and working agreements. Traveling with a touring show can be like a double-edged sword. On the one side, it can be exciting and adventuresome: on the other, it is difficult and tiring. On the exciting and adventuresome side, people with a touring show may go to cities and countries they might not have otherwise visited on their own. They get to meet and live among the people in different places, see the local landmarks and attractions, and make new friends. On the other hand, traveling with a show can be wearisome, moving from city to city, living out of a suitcase, being away from horne, family, and friends. In addition, while paying the inflated prices of living out on the road, each person often has the continued expense of maintaining a permanent residence. The added expense of being on the road has been taken into consideration when Equity negotiated the touring salary, but the scale is often not enough and lags behind the rate of inflation. While on the road, company members must live sensibly or they will find their paychecks being consumed by expenses.
