If I've already cast the show and you are in it, then I expect you to be there unless there is an emergency.
Emergencies are that you get sick, or your job called you in at the last minute, or you had a car wreck and are okay but you have to deal with the police and paper work etc.
Emergencies are not that you wanted to play with Alfonso, but Alfonso did not get cast so now you don't want to play. Nor is it that your friends decided to go to a really cool movie and now you want to go to that instead.
If I decided that you did NOT have an emergency then your penalty will be that you don't get to play for a month. Please don't ask during that time. This will be subjective and probably based on my mood and my understanding of your situation. I've tried to think of something fairer, but at the end of the day Maestro is my responsibility and I'm a human. Sorry.
Please also don't jump in with out asking me first. Directors please don't let folks jump in with out texting me. I spend a fair amount of time making sure we have a nice balance and mix of levels and guests. When you jump in at the last minute you might be messing that up. Also, if you want to jump in please ask me. I often sign up just to even out numbers. If you come in as #13 then it is somewhat likely that I will have left something I wanted to do more to show up and see that I'm not really needed. I mean that is not a hugely bad problem as I love playing, but just know that it is easier for me if you let me know earlier rather than playing the cute game of just showing up and asking. Even when it works it pisses me off.
Some of you will be tempted to think this is specifically about you - please refrain. I've been thinking about this for awhile and I don't care about what you've done before. These are rules going forward, not me punishing you for the past.
If you have any questions or thoughts on any of this my standard offer applies, I'd love to talk to you...over a beer.
Jessica
