Just had to write a long and strong e-mail. On Monday, I'd called the Colony Theatre to see about booking our CD release party for The Brain there, just in case LACC wasn't going to work out. We did the release party for Simply Sondheim there, and it was very reasonable - $25 per hour for use of the lobby area. The whole deal with setup and breakdown was $150. I spoke to the same gal I've always spoken to and was greeted with enough attitude to choke several cats - she snapped that she'd undercharged us and that there were lots more people than she thought there'd be. Then she fumfered about the date and said she'd get back to me, which, of course, she hasn't.
So, I had to illuminate in a strong way how I didn't appreciate her tone, and, more importantly, how wrong she was. The Colony Theatre has a rate sheet and she charged me the going rate for events in the lobby. At no time was a limit on people discussed, and she actually never even asked, which she should have. But, I told her from the first that we'd probably invite about 150 people, which we did. However, only half that number actually showed up, so I'm not sure why she feels there were more than expected when, in fact, there were less - and much less. She, of course, should know that with a certainty since we catered for 150 people and there was a ton of leftover food, which we graciously gave to her and her staff gratis.
I also brought her the kids show, which provided a nice healthy chunk of revenue. I told her I thought her attitude was not professional and that I didn't appreciate being spoken to like I was a troublesome child. I told her I expected to hear from her via telephone in a timely fashion, and I reiterated what the date was and what my needs were. I also told her that if the rates had changed all she needed to do was tell me, or, if she's making the rates up as she goes along, she can tell me that, as well. What she can't do is throw attitude in my direction.
If I haven't heard from her by end of day, she'll get one more e-mail, and that e-mail will state that I'll be talking to the owner of the theatre (who I know) and apprising her of the attitude of the person who is representing her theater.
